6th Ward runoff pits incumbent against late mayor’s son

This Chicago Defender article talks about the 6th Ward run-off race:

The 6th Ward on the South Side is up for grabs with incumbent Ald. Freddrenna Lyle on the defense after two high profile murders took place there last year.

The murders of two Chicago police officers last year left voters in the ward undecided about who to support, forcing Lyle into an April 5 runoff to keep her post, she said.

“These two high-profile murders and a series of other incidents has put safety at the forefront of this election and now residents are worried if it is safe to live in the 6th Ward,” Lyle explained. “There were also too many candidates running for one person to win. And for these reasons I fell short of winning re-election last month.”

Lyle squared off against five challengers and received 44 percent of the 15,045 votes cast in the ward followed by her opponent, Chicago attorney Roderick Sawyer, who received 25 percent. She needed fifty percent plus one to avoid a runoff.

But the alderman said she is confident that voters will side with her in part because she has a vision to improve the area.

What about the help from the Mayor-elect:

Her campaign donations are largely in-kind services where instead of receiving cash services are paid for by others. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel is among those providing in-kind support.

“I have a young lady working with my campaign and Emanuel’s camp is paying her salary,” Lyle said.

We also heard from Roderick Sawyer in this article:

“I have nothing against Ald. Lyle and this race is not about her but change needed in the 6th Ward,” Sawyer said. “I have known Ald. Lyle for years and I consider her a friend but I also think it is time to let someone else lead the 6th Ward in the City Council.”

Sawyer said voters have been receiving calls from an out-of-state pollster company attacking the credibility of his late father.

“First of all, let me say that I do not believe Ald. Lyle is behind this. I think someone who supports her is the culprit here,” he said. “Whoever is behind this smear campaign thinking they are helping Ald. Lyle in reality is hurting her and I urge them to stop.”

Lyle has denied having anything to do with the allege pollster and said she has nothing but respect for Mayor Sawyer and his legacy.

As alderman, Sawyer said he would help cut what he calls “red tape” that is keeping new businesses from opening in the ward. Particularly, he wants to see more economic development along the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line stops from 69th Street to 95th Street, which are all located in the ward.

Something that was noted when Sawyer appeared on Garrard McClendon's Off 63rd program last week. Especially noted that it's bad news that he was at 69th Street campaigning and there was no where he could buy a newspaper.

Now here's an answer regarding nurturing the younger generation to be future leaders:

The 47-year-old added that fresh ideas come with fresh leadership and it is important to always allow the next generation of leaders the opportunity to take the helm.

“If elected I do not plan on being alderman forever because that would prevent new leaders from growing,” Sawyer, a husband and father of two, said. “But if I do not win I plan to continue practicing law and working with other elected officials behind the scenes.”

Now is the time to talk about allowing for future leadership.