...And That's My Opinion©
By Sandy Goldman
The Rogers Park Community Curmudgeon
Ten years ago as
editor-in-chief of the fledgling RP 2000 I wrote the first “…And That’s My Opinion”
column. That first column was about the feeble attempt by the Chicago
Historical Society to present their sociological concepts/studies of five
segments of Chicago including Rogers Park. (In some circles after that it was
called the Hysterical Society). Since then, and this year in particular, the
CHS recognizing their ineptitude has reinvented their concept, changing their
name to the Chicago History Museum and become truly a museum chronicling
Chicago history.
One of the
columns, which I wrote for RP2000 “The Couple At The
Bar” was/is probably my favorite, although it did bring the political ire
of many upon my head. My next two favorites, written as an independent, were
the “Morse Avenue Card Players” and “Howard Street—A Helluva Street”. Accolades and critiques about these two
stories have come from all over the county and even a few from overseas. It
never ceases to amaze me where Rogers Parkers seem to end up.
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Making History
Carol is one of
the members of the Rogers Park Builders Group, and so, I was her guest to hear
3 of the 4 Aldermanic candidates appear together. To the best of my knowledge
this was the first time they had been together. In alphabetical order they were
Chris Adams, Jim Ginderske and Don Gordon. The incumbent, Joe Moore, declined
to attend. It was rumored that he indicated that this group knew his positions from
previous appearances. His representative was in the audience.
The three who did
appear did very well. Each presented themselves as involved and with an
understanding of the problems of the community particularly in relation to CAPS
and DevCorp North. There were however certain nuances between them. Chris Adams’ focus was on retail development
and planning; Don Gordon concentrated on protection of the lakefront; Jim
Ginderske concentrated on the lack of adequate health care in our community. I
hasten to add, once again, that in the main all three shared many of the same
important points, but it is still early in the campaign. I hope that there will
more candidates meetings so that we can flesh out the differences. Maybe even
one where the incumbent will deign to appear so that we might hear Moore of
what we already know. You can run but you can’t hide.
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Learning from
History
Speaking of four
candidates, many people have expressed the opinion that there should be only
one opponent challenging the incumbent if there is to be a change. Many think
that multiple challengers will “water down the vote” That is not true!! Chicago
municipal election law states that the winner must get 50 % of the votes cast
plus one. If no one does then there will be a run-off between the top two vote
getters at a later date. The common belief among political pundits is that in a
run-off the incumbent is at a disadvantage (precisely because he did not
achieve a majority in the first place).
Some citizens
confuse the municipal concept of majority with the federal concept of
plurality. In the latter case a winner is determined by whoever gets the most
votes but not necessarily a majority of the votes cast—only the largest number,
a plurality. In the case of the 49th Ward Aldermanic election, the
presence of four candidates could very well prevent anyone from achieving a
majority.
One on one, Joe
Moore is probably unbeatable because of his money, slick mailings, DNC
cooperation, help from Senator Schakowsky and his and her politically trained
workers and bell ringers. It will take a huge groundswell of previous
non-voters new voters. In the last election there were only 6,666 votes cast
(is that the devil’s number to the fourth power?). The opposing candidates
while maintaining their individuality will have to work together (make that
must) to get out the vote. Their opponent will and should use every means at
his disposal and they are many including the tactics, which we are witnessing
on the federal level. The opponents must do the same. If they do, then I predict a run-off in April 17th and then let’s
watch what hits the fan.
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Thursday Carol and
I were invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies in Evanston Alderman Ann
Rainey’s 8th Ward. What a great testimony to a municipal government
that works—witness all of Evanston—and to an Alderman who walks the walk and
talks the talk. Carol and I must take
her for dinner one day at an Evanston restaurant with foie gras for an
appetizer
The following is
an account of the project from:
City Manager Julia Carroll and Alderman Ann Rainey, 8th Ward, were
among the city officials who joined executives from Bristol Chicago Development
for the groundbreaking ceremonies at the site of Bristol's planned 17-story
apartment building Thursday afternoon.
The site, at 413-421 Howard St., is just west of the Howard CTA
station, which is in the midst of a major renovation project.
The new high-rise building was approved by the City Council on
March 8, 2004, but the start of construction was delayed by financing issues
and the need to work out agreements with the CTA, whose yards are just north of
the site.
Plans call for 221 apartments on the upper 13 floors with 245
parking spaces on the lower four floors.
Bill Patrun of Bristol told neighbors at a community meeting earlier this year that the
developers will be seeking monthly rents of $1.80 to $2 per square foot, so an
800 square foot one-bedroom apartment might rent for $1,450 per month.
“We're going to be competitive with downtown Evanston, where rents
are a little higher,” Mr. Patrun said, adding that the tax increment financing
district the project is part of makes the lower rents possible.
“Our market will be single professionals, empty nesters and
'double income, no kids' couples,” he said.
Maybe some of this
can float over Howard Street into Gateway Center and beyond! Can a Wal-Mart be
far behind? Is this the beginning of
the end for Howard Street as we have known it for the last few years? Just asking..?
...And that's my opinion.
And I'm Sandy Goldman
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me your e-mail address or those of others who would be interested and I'll add
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Sandy: smgoldman@ameritech.net
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