I sent members of the Rogers Park in 1,000 Words mailing list this survey:
I would like to know what you feel about the current candidates for 49th Ward Alderman. Thank you, - Bill Morton
Here are the responses:
Good Morning Bill, Hope you had a good Thanksgiving and that you've been well. As for the candidates, I know Blane and Brian personally and know nothing about Ben. Both Blane and Brian are passionate about improving the community, understand the issues and could provide much better leadership than Joe. That said, I committed to supporting Brian many months ago when he first considered running. I also believe Brian has a good base of support that can give Joe a run for his money.
I don't know the candidates at all. I used to be against him, but I really like the participatory budgeting. So not sure what input to give, but tell me more?
Hey Bill, I believe Blane Roberts and Brian White, both of whom are good friends of mine, would both provide a welcome blast of fresh air in local political leadership. Neither is perfect, but considering the status quo, it’s a no brainer.
Moore will win handily in 2011; no run-off this time.
Bill, I haven't given them much attention so far. Who all is running? I know of Roberts, Meyers and White but they're not getting big press. One I can speak of is Brian White. Active and outspoken, he's someone you'll run into in the neighborhood. He targets Joe Moore and I've seen them at a meeting, bickering. Hah. Let's hope the other candidates similar mix it up...
I'm afraid I don't actually know who the candidates are.
I'd rather not comment on the crop running.
Bill, Other than despising Joe Moore, I have no opinion. Haven't seen enough coverage. Isn't at least one a stalking horse for Joe?
Hi Bill. Still learning about them. I have trouble believing that any of these guys can beat Joe Moore. I should know quite a bit more in the next week or two.
Haven't had time lately to follow races I can't vote in. Tell me about them.
Hi Bill: I think brian white is best. brianwhite2011.org.
There is your unedited word on the street.
- Unbiased reporting by Bill Morton
2 comments:
Thank you to everyone who responded.
Joe Moore has had 20 years to make an impact on this community. Unfortunately, it seems that every initiative for which he is taking credit either had very little to do with actual efforts by Joe or required at least a decade to make happen. He boasts about things like his ban on foie gras and participtatory budgeting to create murals and dog parks while our streets are still run by gangs and drug dealers, our housing stock is declining and we have yet to attract the kind of businesses we need.
In my opinion, he hasn't actually achieved much of anything that has really made a real difference in our ward.
In truth, Rogers Park is still floundering instead of thriving. After 20 years, that should not be the case.
Just like it was time for Mayor Daley to step aside and make room for new dedication and new thinking, I believe it is time for us to let someone else succeed where Joe has consistently failed.
I believe we have all had enough of Joe's old school Chicago politics of trading favors, making a living off of developer money, bullying those who see through his B.S. and not delivering the meaningful ward services our residents deserve.
I've been very impressed by Brian White's career dedication to public service. He seems educated, committed to our ward and capable of making the kind of difference that Old School Joe frankly cannot.
After 20 years, Joe has done little more than coast through the job, only showing up every 4 years to keep his pay check.
I'm thinking most of us in Rogers Park are ready for new thinking and an alderman who will take the job more seriously.
Post a Comment