Sunday, January 27, 2013
Community Meetings about Chicago Public School Utilization
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The Next 41st Ward Alderman
Everyone,
I have received a number of requests to discuss who 41st Ward constituents would like to see run for Alderman in 2015. So, this is an open post. Start the discussion
I have received a number of requests to discuss who 41st Ward constituents would like to see run for Alderman in 2015. So, this is an open post. Start the discussion
Monday, November 26, 2012
Public Safety Town Hall Meeting
A Brief Summary of Tonight's Public Safety Town Hall Meeting
Tonight's meeting was attended by about 175-200 ward constituents who had an array of concerns, from burglaries, traffic concerns around Taft HS, underage drinking and teen rowdiness at Wildwood Park, scrap trucks driving through the alleys, very long response times to 911 calls etc...
The recurring theme to almost every concern voiced:
NOT ENOUGH POLICE OFFICERS
The Commander states that he has requested more police officers from CPD administration. The alderman said she is frustrated and concerned. When asked what specifically has been done: not much of a response. All we were told is that there is going to be a new system as to how police officers will be dispatched to calls in the future and no one is aware of the details.
In the meantime, the alderman and the commander want everyone calling 911 for everything to boost our numbers of calls for service.
I specifically asked the alderman how she could have voted for the mayor's budget knowing we have so few police, and not enough new police officer positions were written into the budget (only 500 new positions were allocated, and it is estimated the city needs about 2000 new officers to replace officers retired in the last five years as well as for the next fiscal year).
No specifics...only some vague responses about sitting in council meetings listening to the needs of the entire city. The alderman said she lobbies for us. To that, I say to the alderman - one of the most effective ways to lobby for us is to not vote for budgets that do not meet our needs. A few officers/41st ward residents at the meeting said the new officers are all slated to go to the south and west sides. Where does that leave us?
Post your thoughts...
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Air Port Jobs on the Line... Some but not all local Alderman concerned.
Press Release for Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Members of Aviation Committee lead forum and City Hall action to press city leaders to lock in job protections for all Chicago airport workers
(CHICAGO) – Today, members of the Chicago Aviation Committee are convening a community forum with religious leaders and hundreds of airport workers to press the City to adopt measures to protect hundreds of jobs in Chicago’s airports. In the next six months, more than 1,500 airport workers in Chicago could be thrown out of work or see their wages cut as the City undertakes a massive redevelopment of O’Hare and Midway Airports. Following the forum, workers and city leaders are marching to City Hall for an action to press leaders to protect airport jobs.
Community leaders from across the city and of many faiths are participating in today’s event, including Bishop Alberto Rojas (Archdiocese of Chicago), Alderman Jason Ervin (28th Ward, the sponsor of the“Stable Jobs, Stable Airports” ordinance), Aviation Committee members John Arena (45th Ward), Tim Cullerton (38th Ward), Pat Dowell (3rd Ward), Willie Cochran (20th Ward), JoAnn Thompson (16th Ward), and Danny Solis (25th Ward). The forum is being led by William McNary, Citizen Action Illinois co-Director, and supporters are discussing the future of stable jobs for Chicago airport workers.
“I support the ordinance for stable jobs out at the airport because employees of the airport work hard, travel a long way, and they have families to feed,” said Alderman Willie Cochran (20th Ward). “We all need stability in our lives. It means strong families, and it means strong outcomes.”
Today’s event is part of broader multi-year effort to secure a living wage and job protections for workers in Chicago’s airports. More than a year ago, city leaders introduced the “Stable Jobs, Stable Communities” ordinance which would ensure a smooth transition and a living wage for airport workers. Such measures have been adopted in other major cities nationwide, but Chicago, thus far, has failed to implement such measures.
“I am a single mom with three boys: an eight year-old who has Downs syndrome, a five year-old, and three year-old who is a sickle cell carrier,” said O’Hare worker Tameka Shivers. “My job allows me to be independent and to take care of my boys, which is why I hope city leaders will put in place the protections we need to make sure my job is here to stay.”
Chicago’s hospitality workers live in every corner of the city – supporting local business, religious institutions, and communities. The job crisis in Chicago affects workers deeply, especially as Chicago communities confront challenges such as safety, foreclosures, and education.
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UNITE HERE Local 1 represents approximately 15,000 hospitality workers and casino workers in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
41st Ward City Budget Town Hall Meeting - When?
Why are some alderman hosting their own Town Hall meetings to discuss the city budget and the 41st Ward is not?
The mayor is hosting two closed door meetings and just one closely controlled all city budget hearing.
Some alderman are upset there will be so little input from constituents. (Ald. Pawar from the 46th is holding his own town hall meeting, and the six progressive aldermen on the city council are hosting three question & answer sessions around the city). The Northside meeting will be held at the Copernicus Center.
Since we aren't having a city budget town hall meeting here...I am left to assume our alderman doesn't care what we think.
CHICAGO (CBS) – Members of the Chicago City Council’s self-described “progressive caucus” said the mayor’s office isn’t giving residents enough of a chance to discuss the city budget, so they’ll hold more budget hearings of their own.
The mayor is hosting two closed door meetings and just one closely controlled all city budget hearing.
Some alderman are upset there will be so little input from constituents. (Ald. Pawar from the 46th is holding his own town hall meeting, and the six progressive aldermen on the city council are hosting three question & answer sessions around the city). The Northside meeting will be held at the Copernicus Center.
Since we aren't having a city budget town hall meeting here...I am left to assume our alderman doesn't care what we think.
Council ‘Progressive Caucus’ To Host 3 Public Hearings On Budget
October 12, 2012 1:09 PM
Chicago City Council Chambers (CBS)
CHICAGO (CBS) – Members of the Chicago City Council’s self-described “progressive caucus” said the mayor’s office isn’t giving residents enough of a chance to discuss the city budget, so they’ll hold more budget hearings of their own.
WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports a coalition of aldermen said Friday that the mayor’s two limited roundtables to discuss specific budget issues – business and education – and one day of public comment at City Hall just aren’t enough for taxpayers to have their say on the proposed $8 billion budget.
Ald. John Arena (45th) criticized the decision not to have the two roundtable discussions open to the public.
“They’re closed-door. I don’t know who was represented in those meetings. I know that – talking to the community leaders in the 45th Ward – I don’t have one instance of a representation from the Northwest Side being in those meetings,” Arena said.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody Reports
Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) said there needs to be more than the one scheduled budget hearing open to public comment, tentatively scheduled for Nov. 2.
“All I know is that not giving the public an opportunity is not being transparent. It’s not being open,” Sawyer said.
He acknowledged there are typically only a few diamonds in the rough amid the suggestions from the public at such budget hearings, but he said taxpayers deserve more input on a budget plan they’ll have to pay for.
“A constituent’s idea may not be the best idea, that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with that. There’s no bad idea. The worst thing about it is having no input,” he said.
Arena and Sawyer joined Alds. Robert Fioretti (2nd), Ricardo Munoz (22nd), Scott Waguespack (32nd), and Nicholas Sposato (36th) in scheduling three public comment sessions on the budget. They will be held Monday at 6 p.m. at South Shore International College Prep High School on the South Side, Wells High School on the West Side, and the Copernicus Center on the Northwest Side.
Asked why the city is having only one public comment session on the budget, when former Mayor Richard M. Daley used to sit through at least three – two in the neighborhoods, and one at City Hall – Sawyer said he had no idea
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
41st Ward and the Teachers Strike
Hello Everyone,
Have been at a few of the picket lines around the 41st and have seen HUGE community & parent support for the teachers. Taft has had a large parent and student presence each day. I spoke to a few community members and teachers who reported a brief Alderman O'Connor sighting at Taft. I was told the Alderman didn't say much (what else is new), and the teachers couldn't quite figure out why she was there - she never came out and said she supported them. There is nothing in writing, either, about the alderman's stance on the strike.
Nevertheless, call the alderman's office and let her know you support the teachers, our childrens' educators, our neighbors and our friends. Insist she formally support the teachers and tell the mayor we want the teachers' concerns addressed immediately. If you have a few minutes, stop by and let the teachers know you support them and all of their efforts advocating for a better learning environment for our children.
State Senator Mulroe was with Alderman O'Connor at Taft. And yes, everyone was wondering why he voted FOR Rahm's Senate Bill 7. Rahm tried to sell this bill as "education reform", but it was really an anti-collective bargaining measure, setting up a 75 percent vote threshold for union members to authorize a strike. I'm disappointed in Sen. Mulroe for a number of reasons. He completely supported the mayor, thus disregarding the union teacher's (in his district) right to strike. Additionally, Sen. Mulroe's family has a union background, and he benefited greatly from the collective bargaining process and all of the other protections union membership offers. He should know better.
Have been at a few of the picket lines around the 41st and have seen HUGE community & parent support for the teachers. Taft has had a large parent and student presence each day. I spoke to a few community members and teachers who reported a brief Alderman O'Connor sighting at Taft. I was told the Alderman didn't say much (what else is new), and the teachers couldn't quite figure out why she was there - she never came out and said she supported them. There is nothing in writing, either, about the alderman's stance on the strike.
Nevertheless, call the alderman's office and let her know you support the teachers, our childrens' educators, our neighbors and our friends. Insist she formally support the teachers and tell the mayor we want the teachers' concerns addressed immediately. If you have a few minutes, stop by and let the teachers know you support them and all of their efforts advocating for a better learning environment for our children.
State Senator Mulroe was with Alderman O'Connor at Taft. And yes, everyone was wondering why he voted FOR Rahm's Senate Bill 7. Rahm tried to sell this bill as "education reform", but it was really an anti-collective bargaining measure, setting up a 75 percent vote threshold for union members to authorize a strike. I'm disappointed in Sen. Mulroe for a number of reasons. He completely supported the mayor, thus disregarding the union teacher's (in his district) right to strike. Additionally, Sen. Mulroe's family has a union background, and he benefited greatly from the collective bargaining process and all of the other protections union membership offers. He should know better.
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| Garvy Teachers Hear Broadcast of the Pledge of Allegiance and Pause |
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| Teachers, Parents, Students and Community Members |
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| Taft High School |
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| Nagle Overpass - Taft High School |
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| Garvy School |
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Taft High School in the Background - Sign on Bryn mawr |
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
CTA Serive Cuts in the 41st Ward - A Reader's Message
Readers,
I received this via email. Let's hear what you have to say.
Hello,
I read in the Tribune that included in the CTA's proposed "improvement" plan, they are going to eliminate the 90N and 56A bus lines. This would certainly not be an improvement for the Edison Park, Norwood Park, and Gladstone Park neighborhoods. Many people use the 90N and the 56A during the morning and evening rush hour. Elderly residents use the 90N to get to mass at St. Juliana and IC. They also use the 90N to go to Walgreens to pick up medication.
The 56A is packed during the morning rush; it is a very convenient alternative to get to the Blue line for people heading downtown.
I am not sure that 41st ward residents are aware of this proposed change. I hope that you will put this information on the blog to get the word out so that people can call the CTA Board of Directors and the Alderman's office.
Thanks,
I received this via email. Let's hear what you have to say.
Hello,
I read in the Tribune that included in the CTA's proposed "improvement" plan, they are going to eliminate the 90N and 56A bus lines. This would certainly not be an improvement for the Edison Park, Norwood Park, and Gladstone Park neighborhoods. Many people use the 90N and the 56A during the morning and evening rush hour. Elderly residents use the 90N to get to mass at St. Juliana and IC. They also use the 90N to go to Walgreens to pick up medication.
The 56A is packed during the morning rush; it is a very convenient alternative to get to the Blue line for people heading downtown.
I am not sure that 41st ward residents are aware of this proposed change. I hope that you will put this information on the blog to get the word out so that people can call the CTA Board of Directors and the Alderman's office.
Thanks,
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Alderman Answers a Few Questions
Better Know An Alderman: Mary O'Connor, 41st Ward
Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Better-Know-An-Alderman-Mary-OConnor-41st-Ward-167039665.html#ixzz24IVNIwM0
The 41st Ward, which includes
the Far Northwest Side neighborhoods of Edison Park, Oriole Park and
Norwood Park, as well as O’Hare Airport, has been described as
“quasi-suburban.” It’s a popular residence for cops, firefighters and
other municipal employees who have to live in the city, but don’t desire
an urban lifestyle. Until the election of Ald. Mary O’Connor, in 2011,
it was the only ward represented by a Republican on the City Council.
The ward’s attractions include the city’s oldest building, the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House, which dates back to 1833, Taft High School, the inspiration for the musical Grease, and a great strip of French and Italian restaurants along Northwest Highway, including Café Touche, Zia’s Trattoria, Nonno Pino's, and Moretti’s Ristorante.
1. What has been your most significant achievement as alderman?
I’m very pleased that the 41st Ward has seen a series of important infrastructure improvements over the last year. We are addressing water and sewer issues, utilities, roads, bridges, transit stations and an increasing number of street resurfacing projects. We have a lot more work to get done, but I’m confident we are headed in the right direction.
2. Why and when did you decide to run for the City Council?
I made my decision to run for alderman of the 41st Ward in the summer of 2009. I have a great amount of respect for the generations of residents before me that worked so hard on making our ward the best place in Chicago to call home and I wanted to build on that legacy. I grew up in the area and I just felt that our corner of the city wasn’t living up to its full potential. As a small business owner and president of my local business chamber, I felt I had a unique perspective on how best to implement a real revitalization.
3. Do you have a political mentor? Why do you admire this person, and how did he or she influence you?
Alderman Patrick O’Connor and Alderman Tom Tunney have both served as political mentors to me. Alderman O’Connor has served in the council for over thirty years and has been a reliable sounding board throughout my first year in office. Alderman Tunney and I have similar professional backgrounds in the hospitality industry, which is helpful when it comes to working on making Chicago more business-friendly.
4. What project is your ward most in need of?
The 41st Ward is home to some of the best neighborhood schools in the City of Chicago, but many are overcrowded and in need of important capital improvements. Much of my first year in office has been spent advocating for the needs of these schools with CPS, the Board of Education and the Mayor’s office. They know that I will not rest until each and every one of our schools get what they rightfully deserve. There is no issue more important to me.
5. Has crime increased in your ward this year? What do you think are the causes of, and the solutions for, the citywide increase in violence?
Crime in my ward has essentially remained flat over the last year. Some police beats have seen a slight uptick in property crimes like garage burglaries and motor vehicle thefts, while others have seen a drop. As for the horrific acts of gang violence that have impacted so many other communities, I think more needs to be done to provide these individuals with alternatives to a life of violence. We need more after school programs for young adults, more gang awareness programs in schools and more faith-based efforts to take back these communities. Most importantly, we need to turn around this economy and put people back to work.
6. Has the installation of parking meters affected traffic or commerce in your ward? What could Chicago Parking LLC do to make things easier for businesses in your ward?
Constituents and local businesses are becoming more and more frustrated with the parking meter deal that was negotiated during the previous administration. Back when the city owned these meters there was a mutual understanding that residents wouldn’t get tickets on Sunday mornings, holidays and certain community events. The situation today is quite the opposite. In fact, it seems like this new company purposefully sets out to target motorists. That kind of aggressive enforcement discourages people from supporting our local businesses here in the 41st Ward and hurts our ability to compete with the neighboring suburbs along our borders. There are some things that the parking meter company could do to generate goodwill. This corporation makes a fortune off my constituents I would like to see them give back to the community like many of our local merchants. It would also be helpful if each ward was granted a waiver from parking fees for special events.
7. What feature is your ward best known for?
The 41st Ward is known for its beautiful, suburban-like character. We have great schools, friendly residents and a very tight-knit collection of communities.
8. How do you feel about transferring street sweeping and garbage pickup to a grid system, rather than leaving them under the control of the alderman?
The decision to switch to a grid system is one that I supported because of the clear cost savings for the city by establishing a more efficient system. I did so knowing fully well that I would have to give up some control over garbage control in the ward but unfortunately, our city is in bad financial shape and we have a responsibility to make sure tax dollars are being spent wisely. Reducing sanitation costs over the long term was the right decision.
9. How would you spend an ideal Saturday afternoon in your ward?
My ideal Saturday afternoon is spent getting some exercise by walking a neighborhood street in my ward. It allows me the opportunity to clear my head, meet constituents and follow up on requests that come through my office.
10. What is your favorite book, television show and meal?
The Devil in the White City, The Good Wife & Pizza
11. Do you have a tattoo?
I have no tattoos.
12. What are your thoughts on social media?
I have mixed feelings about social media. I can certainly appreciate it as a tool for communicating with constituents. It is a great way to keep people informed of events, share photos, or discuss important projects taking place in the community. However, it can also be a place for people to make some fairly wild assumptions or claims that often mislead the public about some very important issues or projects. Often times these individuals are anonymous so you have no idea what their motivations are. Vicious personal attacks also pop up and that can be difficult to stomach. I’ve had to develop a pretty thick skin since being elected. I guess that comes with the territory.
13. How do you feel about food trucks?
I ultimately voted to support the Food Truck Ordinance because I think it’s important for our city to encourage new enterprises. The final version contained more protections for public health and did less to hurt the brick and mortar establishments that employ so many throughout the city.
14. Will you vote Obama or Romney?
I support the reelection of President Obama.
15. Have you ever bought a Groupon, and what was it?
I have never purchased a Groupon.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Edison Park Fest 2012
Hi Everyone,
Below are some pictures from Edison Park Fest. Had a great time. This was the first year dogs couldn't attend, for some reason... Does anyone know why? Sure did miss them.
Below are some pictures from Edison Park Fest. Had a great time. This was the first year dogs couldn't attend, for some reason... Does anyone know why? Sure did miss them.
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| Band - "Sons of Mary" |
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Family Stage - Magic Show     |
Sunday, August 5, 2012
National Night Out- Tuesday, August 7, 2012
YOU ARE INVITED
TO JOIN
COMMANDER JAMES ODONNELL
THE 16TH DISTRICT POLICE
AND
THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
FOR
“NATIONAL NIGHT OUT”
When: Tuesday, August 7th, 2012
Where: NorwoodPark
5801 N. Natoma
Time: 5:00pm -9:00pm
Join concerned citizens everywhere to celebrate the idea of police and community working together to make our homes, streets, schools and parks safe an enjoyable day for all! This evening has been planned under the stars of family fun at NORWOOD PARK with anAntique Car Show, Giveaways, Food for Purchase, Children’s Balloon Artist,Family Swim, and Music.
Community Blood Drive
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Norwood Park
5801 N. Natoma
LifeSource Donor Coach/Lot
All donors will receive a $5.00 Subway Gift Card!
To schedule your appointment, or for more information, please contact LifeSource at 877-543-3768.
Appointments Recommended. Walk-ins Welcome!
SECURE ECOSHRED WILL BE ON HAND FROM 5:00P.M. – 7:00P.M
4455 N. ELSTON, CHICAGO, IL 60630 (773) 685-0100
*BRING YOUR DOCUMENTS THAT NEED SHREDDING-ECO SHRED WILL HAVE A TRUCK AVAILABLE TO SHRED YOUR DOCUMENTS.
CHICAGO POLICE CANINE UNIT, MOUNTED UNIT, CRIME LAB
AND POLICE HELICOPTER ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
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