Beavers says feds indicted him on tax charges when he wouldn't wear wire

Our local Cook County Commissioner, Bill Beavers, according to the Chicago Tribune, "was indicted Thursday on charges he failed to pay taxes on tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funds that he used to pay off personal expenses."


The Tribune further states:

Between 2006 and 2008, Beavers paid himself more than $225,000 from three separate campaign accounts and used at least a portion of that money for personal purposes, including gambling, the indictment alleges.

In 2010, current 34th State Representative District candidate Elgie Sims ran against him, and barely lost, 55% to 45%. However, in the  general election, Beavers won 90% of the vote --and this was against a Green Party member, NOT EVEN a Republican.

Anyone have any voter remorse?

Here's the Chicago tribune news link :
Beavers says feds indicted him on tax charges when he wouldn't wear wire

If you have thought about running for office, it looks like a position is opening up.  You better get your organization together now, as that spot may open up in the near future. (Certainly any candidates NOT winning the primary -- you might consider keeping up your organization and website!)

Chicago's Black Population Dwindles, Census Numbers Show

While the city council decides where the new ward boundary maps should look like, Huffington Post continues the discussion over the decline of the Black population in Chicago. Most of this we already know how many have left the Chicago-area, where are they going, and why:

Many African Americans are simply finding Chicago a less attractive place to live.

Unemployment among the city's black population is a staggering 21.4 percent. Horrific tragedies like the beating death of Derrion Albert, a 16-year-old, in front of a high school, are only the most visible failings of a city where the promise offered during the Great Migration has long since waned.

Andrea Zopp, the president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, said she believes the city has much more work to do to reinvest in its black community. Despite the population drop, which affected the Bronzeville neighborhood (where the Urban League has its headquarters), classes for job training there are always full, just as they always have been.
...

In an article on Chicago's "Census shellacking," Aaron Renn, an urban affairs analyst who runs the blog The Urbanophile, teased through IRS data on migration from city to city and found that many of the people who are leaving greater Chicago altogether -- which includes many African Americans -- are heading to places like Atlanta.

Renn said he's still waiting for a thorough analysis of the dramatic loss of public housing in Chicago -- the elephant in the room of discussions about the city's black population loss. In 1999, the city Housing Authority announced a "Plan for Transformation" that would replace or rehabilitate 25,000 housing units. That included notorious high-rises like the Cabrini-Green projects, the setting of 1992 horror flick "Candyman."

Determining how many of the people who were kicked out of their homes under that plan have stayed in Chicago is not an easy task. Many of those residents were given vouchers that might allow them to leave the city for anywhere they chose, leading to speculation that the city-driven plan might be behind the drop in the African American population. Many of the predominantly African-American neighborhoods where populations have dwindled the most since 2000 were targeted under the plan.

According to an analysis by reporter Megan Cottrell in the blog Chicago Muckrakers, about a third of the black people who left the city between 2000 and 2009 "were from public housing areas."

2010 Census population change map

Click pic for a larger resolution

This graphic provided by the Chicago Tribune and found via Curbed Chicago. What you see is the approximate location of the 6th Ward. It seems the only neighborhood to gain population that last two years was Roseland heights. At that it was only a little over 1% gain. Other census tracts in our community either had less than 10% or greater population change or between less that -5% to -9.9% population change.

Talking more about Emanuel and the Red Line extension...

Since it appears that Rahm Emanuel will be on the ballot for now per a state Supreme Court ruling, we can further discuss his plans for extending the Red Line from 95th to 130th Street:

First on Emanuel's to-do list, which totals billions of dollars, is overhauling 10 miles of deteriorated Red Line track on the South Side from 18th to 95th streets, where slow zones cause long travel times.

Emanuel also seeks to extend the Red Line from its current south terminus at 95th Street by another 5½ miles, to 130th Street. Finally, he proposes to renovate Red Line stations and track north of Belmont Avenue. Some of the stations north of Belmont are in deplorable condition.

These aren't new ideas. Daley and CTA officials have wanted to get the job done for years. But with almost $7 billion in CTA capital needs that are not funded, talk is cheap.
...
But Emanuel, who holds 44 percent in the latest Tribune poll, pledged he will have all three phases of the Red Line project under way in his first year as mayor.

He will rely mostly on federal funding, a commitment that typically takes years to line up by completing the applications and studies required by the Federal Transit Administration. State funding and public-private partnerships to support reconstruction of rail stations are also envisioned by the Emanuel campaign.

"It's a heads-up to Washington, D.C., and Springfield that this will be a priority if I'm elected mayor," Emanuel said last week.
...
But Emanuel, who holds 44 percent in the latest Tribune poll, pledged he will have all three phases of the Red Line project under way in his first year as mayor.

He will rely mostly on federal funding, a commitment that typically takes years to line up by completing the applications and studies required by the Federal Transit Administration. State funding and public-private partnerships to support reconstruction of rail stations are also envisioned by the Emanuel campaign.

"It's a heads-up to Washington, D.C., and Springfield that this will be a priority if I'm elected mayor," Emanuel said last week.

Please note that this column from John Hilkevitch, the Tribune's transportation columnist was written on January 23rd a day before Emanuel was originally kicked off the ballot per a State Appellate Court ruling. We know that Emanuel is on board on transit issues, but what about the other Mayoral candidates? At that what about our Aldermanic candidates? Especially on the issue of the Red Line extension and how it might or might not benefit the residents of the 6th.

Via Edgewater Community Buzz!

6th Ward election results...

According to the Chicgao Board of elections, 19,018 in our ward voted, which is excellent!

Our voting rate (ballots cast over registered voters) was 55.68%,  above the city rate of 51.94%. We ranked #13 out of 50 wards percentage wise , but # 10 in terms of numbers.

However, looking at the results, some interesting findings...
St. Representative Connie Howard (34th) only received 11394 votes.

That means less than 60% who did vote in our ward actually voted for her. Does that mean that 40% of this year's voters not happy with her?


Bill Beavers received 11585 (more than Connie Howard!), winning 91%, with Green Party Candidate Joseph Barton picking up only 728 votes Did most of our ward REALLY think Bill Beavers is doing his job for us on the County Board?

18131 votes were cast for Cook County Assesor. Joe Berrios received 15416 votes of 85% of them.  Do we REALLY trust him more than Forrest Claypool?

For Cook County President , 17746 , or 96% of us voted for Toni Preckwinkle. In her own ward, she only received 15,150 votes or 92% of her own ward's vote!

Why did 94% of our vote go to Democrats, even though they rejected our very own Kari Steele, who was just as qualified as any other candidate?

One last question to ask -- why did less than 1% of us (175) vote for Rich Whitney of the green party but more than 4% (752) voted for Scott Lee Cohen, whose past was exposed AFTER he was elected for the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor?


Some interesting political results...

Election Report from Harlan

It was around 8:30 AM by the time I submitted by ballot before I put in my ballot 80 people had already voted. It looked like school was in session as students were still filing into the school. It was quite cold outside and there were workers outside working on resurfacing Michigan Avenue.

Before I got in a volunteer was handing out leaflets with a palm card with a list of candidates to consider from Ald. Lyle who's also our Democratic committeewoman.

It was almost empty in Harlan's small gym there were only two others who already had the booth and two others had come in before I left.

When I left there was another volunteer seeking petition signatures for the Alderman.

Ald. Lyle on Mark Kirk's comments

You can always watch the embedded video above, but at the same time here's what she is responding to:

The Kirk campaign confirms the congressman was secretly taped this week while telling state Republican leaders about his hiring of a voter integrity squad to concentrate on four regions that happen to be areas populated by large numbers of African-Americans who vote heavily Democratic.

"These are lawyers and other people that will be deployed in key, vulnerable precincts, for example, South and West sides of Chicago, Rockford, Metro East, where the other side might be tempted to jigger the numbers somewhat".

"For him to insinuate that there is some vote fraud going on in these communities is just an insult to the hundreds and hundreds of people who serve as election judges on elections. I find it disgraceful and insulting," said Ald. Freddrenna Lyle.

Lyle, a Democratic Committee member and an Alexi Giannoulias supporter, and others were offended by Kirk's use of the verb "jigger" when talking about regions heavily populated by black voters.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary says "jigger" does mean "to alter, re-arrange, or manipulate" and has been used by many politicians to describe election fraud.

"The problem I had is that it sounds so much like another word," Rev. Albert Tyson said.

Well this fits. Ald. Lyle believes this election for US Senate between Congressman Mark Kirk (R) and state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) is important if for no other reason than the morale aspects. If the Democratic Party can't keep his old Senate seat in the D camp then it may make the President look weak and the Republicans wouldn't let the President and the Democrats hear the last of it. I believe that!

Candidates' Forum - Wednesday October 6, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Notice of this event is courtesy of Kari Steele who not only was a candidate for commissioner of the Water Reclamation District, but also Chairwoman of the 6th Ward Young Democrats

• On Wednesday, October 6, 2010, the Chicago Alumnae and Lambda Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the Chicago Urban League will host a Candidates Forum to hear from those running for the office of Governor, United States Senate, Treasurer and Comptroller. It will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Chicago Urban League, 4510 South Michigan, Chicago. We recognize the importance of the upcoming election and are committed to increasing political involvement and awareness throughout metropolitan Chicago . 
  
  Please plan to attend the forum and invite your family, friends and neighbors to attend as well.

Remember, the mayoral election isn't until next February. We vote on November 2nd for various offices such as Cook County Board President, County Assessor, Sheriff, Governor and of course US Senate.

You can still register to vote for this election up until Oct. 26th. Refer to this post for more info!

Deadline for voter registration in the 2010 general election

According to the Edgewater Community Buzz blog. There is a grace period that ends on Oct. 26th. for those who fail to register by Oct. 5th.

Early voting (complete listing of early voting locations at link) will actually start on Oct. 11th at select locations, but other locations around the city start Oct 12th. This includes the 6th Ward location at Whitney Young Library at 79th & King Drive. You can also early vote at Chicago State University near 95th & King Drive at the Cordell Reed Student Union Bldg. Refer Early voting ends on Oct. 28th.

Whatever your reason for not being able to go to your physical polling site on Nov. 2nd, there is "no excuse needed" absentee voting. To get your absentee ballot you can print off this form (requires Adobe Reader) and then return the completed form to the Chicago Board of Elections.

More information check out www.chicagoelections.com!

Quinn campaign video

Ald. Lyle is in this video featuring Pat Quinn signing a new gun bill into law right at Cole Park on Monday.

Mayor Richard Daley, Gov. Pat Quinn and a host of other Democratic politicians gathered Monday at a South Side park to boast of a new law mandating prison time for gun-toting thugs -- but ended up facing a barrage of questions about whether they are doing enough to combat crime.

The setting, Cole Park in the Chatham neighborhood, was chosen because Chicago police Officer Thomas Wortham IV recently was gunned down outside his parents' nearby home. The suspects are young men, including one who Daley said was recently paroled on the kind of gun charge targeted by the new law.

The Daley-backed law, signed by Quinn at the park, sets a minimum sentence of one year in prison for someone convicted of carrying a loaded handgun without a state firearm owner's identification card. Previously, probation was possible.

The event was planned in part to honor Wortham, but it took on even more significance after Sunday's fatal shooting of uniformed off-duty Officer Michael Bailey two miles away in another middle-class, 6th Ward neighborhood battling violence.

So the 2010 gubernatorial contest has reached the Chatham neighborhood. This time with Pat Quinn taking on the issue of crime. Bill Brady last fall was on the issue of jobs when he visited Chatham Market, the site of the proposed Chatham Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart on the gubernatorial campaign trail

Bill Brady, the Republican nominee for governor, was in Pullman today with his state Senate colleague Rev. James Meeks in support of building a Wal-Mart in that neighborhood. Back in October, Brady also made a campaign appearance at the Wal-Mart site at 83rd and Steward to discuss his thoughts regarding this issue. This quote is via a press release from Brady's campaign:

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady today stood with Reverend Senator James Meeks (D-Chicago) and Pastor Larry Roberts, Sr. to support an agreement to build a new Wal-Mart in the Pullman neighborhood.  Brady said the agreement would result in thousands of new jobs, more consumer choices, and boost much needed tax revenues for Illinois.

Brady last year introduced legislation that would prevent municipalities from blocking the construction of such stores, and previously visited with local officials in the Chatham neighborhood in support for a new Wal-Mart there.

“I’ve supported this proposal from day one because it means thousands of both union and non-union jobs for communities that desperately need them – and for consumers who deserve them,” Brady said.

“Estimates show this proposal could result in almost 10,000 new jobs, and $500 million in sales and property tax revenues for Illinois.  I was encouraged to hear Mayor Daley yesterday voice his strong support for this proposal, and join everyone here today in urging the zoning board to approve it,” Brady said.

“With record high unemployment, state government should be doing every single thing it can to promote job growth. I don’t believe our Governor is fighting hard enough for this community, and for other food deserts.”

“That’s one of the greatest differences between myself and Governor Quinn – I believe Illinois needs real and permanent jobs – not just temporary jobs that go away when federal funds dry up.  If it weren’t for the Mayor, and for leaders like those here today, this proposal would never have gotten off the ground.”

I really got wind of this visit by Brady via Capitol Fax which posted an earlier press release and Rich Miller also found an article that expresses Gov. Pat Quinn's feelings on the deal to bring more Wal-Marts to the city:

Quinn said Tuesday that he is happy to see so many jobs potentially coming to Chicago. He tried to downplay the politically sticky issue that many of those jobs will not be union jobs, and will pay less than the demanded "living wage."

Quinn instead focused his comments on the need Wal-Mart could fill in providing supermarkets to Chicago-area residents.

"It's a municipal issue for the city of Chicago…It puts people to work, gets grocery stores where they need to be located in every neighborhood, and at the same time helps our economy go forward."
...
"I've said all along that I believe…[in getting] a good wage for employees who work in the stores and for those who build the store," said Quinn.

And the governor hopes that point can smooth over any election year bitterness from labor groups who may be unhappy with a final Wal-Mart deal.

"The person I'm running against, Sen. Brady, he had a home building business that didn't hire union labor that didn't have union contractors. I believe that when we build something in Chicago we build it the right way."

But Quinn said he has not actively taken part in any negotiations. He instead will leave the deal-making to the Chicago City council.

Wait, only union labor and union contractors is the right way to build anything?

Anyway yesterday there was a rally outside of the Daley Center with protestors playing their vuvuzelas (horns that have been made famous by the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa). You can read this write-up or watch the video below.

Finally there is another rally scheduled outside of the Thompson Center tomorrow morning:

Jobs Rally

Aldermen and Community to Rally Before Zoning Vote

WHAT: Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), Ald. Howard Brookins (21st), Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), City Council colleagues, Community & Ministerial leaders, Rhymefest

WHEN: 8 AM
Thursday, June 24

WHERE: State of Illinois Plaza

BTW, if you would like to know more about this rally which I have recieved via e-mail there is some contact information in the e-mail. If you would like to see that information I would be happy to e-mail it to you.

UPDATE 4:45 PM I've got one more link for you to read from Clout Street regarding today's appearance of State Sen. Bill Brady with Rev. James Meeks outside of a vacant Pullman building:

But Meeks, who in the past threatened to run for governor only to be bluffed out by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, stopped short of endorsing Brady, a Senate colleague from Bloomington, or Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. Asked by reporters if a Brady endorsement was possible, Meeks, who also is pastor of Salem Baptist Church, responded: “All things are possible. That’s what the scriptures teach us.”

Though Brady and Meeks sought to promote job growth ahead of a critical City Council Zoning Committee vote on Wal-Mart’s future that could take place as early as Thursday, the political picture was one of a prominent city African-American lawmaker standing side-by-side with a downstate white Republican who is vehemently opposed to the Democrats’ fiscal and social agendas.

Brady and Meeks differ vastly on tax policy. Meeks has long championed higher income taxes for schools while Brady is campaigning on a theme of opposing and cutting taxes. Still, both men have worked together on efforts to launch a school voucher program for disadvantaged children.

“I’m not making a commitment or an endorsement at this time of either candidate,” Meeks said. “I support many of the initiatives of Gov. Quinn. Gov. Quinn and I both support a tax increase. Sen. Brady does not. Gov. Quinn and I both support many initiatives. So we’re together on many things.”

Bill Brady on big boxes and inner-city violence

This post is not an endorsement of Bill Brady, I just want to present his comments on those issues that are affecting us currently. As always you have the ability and the right to address his comments. As a matter of fact it is definitely welcomed!

Over the weekend the GOP nominee for Governor state Sen. Bill Brady (from downstate Bloomington) had invited some bloggers to discuss some issues. I got wind of this event courtesy of Bill Baar's West Side. But most of the comments I have blockquoted are from Illinois Review.

To be fair, if Pat Quinn has any thoughts to share on these issues whether or not it's uttered in the press or any other means it will be posted on this blog as well.

Let's start with the big boxes as this is the hot story right now and there are proposals to place a Wal-Mart (well that's the main box for whom many have expressed opposition) in either Pullman or Chatham. I will excerpt from Illinois Review:

Placing union leaders' demands over community welfare is one issue that soundly resonates against Democrats in communities hit hard by unemployment and business closings, he said. “A clear defining difference between us and the Democrats is if you just take business, and look at the 'big boxes' that want to be built in Chicago,” Brady said, “They’re willing to put the livelihood and the quality of their citizens at bay for their political interests because they want to win favor with union leaders.”

"Big boxes" has become a term commonly used to describe retail chain stores such as WalMart, who often hire non-union workers.
...
“It helps us with minority communities, it’s truth, it’s real,” Brady said. “It points to the dynamic differences between the political fiefdoms and the continuation of power for a few against the people they represent,” Brady said. “It really bothered me when – to counteract this -- they actually put $10 million into last year’s budget to help alleviate the “food desert” problem. We could have made hundreds of millions in tax revenue by letting the private sector alleviate the food desert problem.”

And ironically, those “food deserts” – the term used to describe economically-depressed areas major fresh produce retailers avoid because they drain major grocers’ financial resources – are a key element of First Lady Michelle Obama’s emphasis in fighting childhood obesity.

Allowing corporate entities like WalMart or Target doesn’t just bring in discount sales items, big box supporters argue, they most often serve as the center of a productive economic resource that can change a community. Discount providers like WalMart or Target hire non-union personnel.

“By the way, you won’t find too many free-standing big boxes. Generally, we developers are willing to give land to a big box just to make the land sales of the surrounding properties. Because once you get an anchor like that, dry cleaners, fast food and all the other benefits come in,” he said. “Construction, revenue and all the permanent jobs are a fraction big boxes will have on the area.”

Bill Barr on his blog discusses Brady's comments with regards to the recent wave of violence during the course of the past week:

I asked Brady on how we go about growing Illinois when we have nine shot dead and another eighteen wounded within 12 hours. He responded with schools and economy on the fundamental solution to reducing violence but also mentioned the need for collective police work among city, suburbs, and State. Also letting violent offenders out early doesn't help much.

Here's more on his take on what to do with the schools over at Illinois Review:

Brady said school choice and term limits are also topics about which Chicago and Cook County voters are interested in hearing more. Minority communities understand firsthand the failure of schools, how it affects their children’s lives and their neighborhoods. They know how frustrating it is to have overbearing political personalities bully away campaign challengers. Folks in those communities are now understanding the need for term limits.

But it’s not the issues that’s the challenge, Brady said. It’s that the Republicans have historically failed in presentation of the message.

“Our message has to resonate and be inviting to minority communities. We have to collectively reach out and invite them to join our cause,” Brady said. “I think Rev. Meeks is helping us with his voucher legislation. It’s helping us on the big box issue. We’ll pick a couple of key issues that speak to specifics, but more so to general philosophy. We have to tell them what’s in it for them – fresh food, affordable food, jobs, a say in your child’s education. “

BTW, Rich Miller at the CapFax writes about this event as well. Of course what he writes about is more less about the political aspects. This is what he says about Brady talking the issues that affect our community:

Having a Republican candidate talking about issues impacting minority areas is a positive thing. But this isn’t about winning that vote. It’s about winning.

I wrote about Brady on a few occasions about one proposal to ban "big-box ordinances" and his visit to Chatham Market during the course of his campaign. While I don't think Rich Miller is incorrect in his analysis, I do hope that during the course of this campaign both Brady and Gov. Quinn can pay a visit to our community and address the issues of economic development, violence and schools.

The main thing here, however, is that there must be a solid plan to address those issues. It's especially important when either of these gentlemen start their terms in January 2011.

BTW, if you were invited to this event either as a blogger or as a citizen, are there any other questions you would like to ask Bill Brady or Pat Quinn? Be as tough as you'd like!

Lt. Governor's race

Most of you may be aware that the Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen had recently withdrawn from the race because of a media storm regarding domestic abuse allegations. As a result state Democratic Party officials are attempting to find someone to replace Cohen on the ballot to run with Gov. Pat Quinn. Also there is a move by State House Speaker Michael Madigan to abolish the Lt. Governor office.

Well there are attempts by two of our local Democratic party officials Constance Howard and Jesse Jackson Jr. who both serve on the party's state central committee to stake out their own choices for the new Lt. Governor nominee:

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd), of Chicago, won the Feb. 2 primary for central committeeman over Emil Jones Jr. Jackson will represent 2nd Congressional District voters at a proposed March 15 meeting to slate the lieutenant governor candidate. His female counterpart representing the district is Chicago Ald. Carrie Austin (34th).

While Jackson said he didn't favor one person, his description of the ideal candidate seemed to match a certain Chicago alderman. His wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th), considered running for lieutenant governor last year.

"The ticket needs some excitement," Jackson said. "It needs someone to capture the imagination of the electorate by selecting someone who knows how to run a campaign, who knows how to respond quickly to prisoner release ads and to Harold Washington ads and to the state's deficit woes. That candidate has to bring resources nationally, and it's hard to imagine the existing candidates, who couldn't beat a pawnbroker in the primary process, are capable of beating a lumberjack in the general election."

The "pawnbroker" reference was aimed at Cohen, a pawn shop owner. The "lumberjack" is Jason Plummer, the Republican lieutenant governor candidate who manages a family lumber business.

Other Southland members of the central committee include Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings; U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-11th), of Crete; U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st), of Chicago, and state Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago) whose district includes the Southeast Side of Chicago and southeast suburbs.

"If Miss America made some not-so-wholesome decisions and she was moved out of the way, No. 2 would be the person," Howard said in explaining her support so far for Turner. "When the No. 1 person can't do it, No. 2 moves up. (Turner) is very qualified. He's well respected by all members of the caucus and by members on the other side of the aisle."

This is a good article! A lot can be said here about the current scramble to replace Cohen. Surely there are many who probably said this scramble shouldn't have been necessary.

BTW, if you're concerned about the race issue remember that there are blacks who are nominees for both state Comptroller and Treasurer. Also I think geography is an issue since most of the Democratic nominees are from the Chicagoland area.

If there are those who believe that the state's Lt. Gov. should be black. Let's not forget about downstaters who are concerned about the state being run by people from Chicago.

Either way, the Democratic nominee for Lt. Gov. is uncertain. The future of the Lt. Gov. spot is uncertain as already stated there are proposals to abolish the office. In fact there are those who believe no one should bother appointing a replacement nominee for Cohen. I do have my feelings on that.

Also the Republican nominee for Governor is uncertain. For now State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) is leading State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) but not by much currently. It'll be by at least Feb. 23rd before we'll even know the conclusion of that race.

Just left the polls...

At Harlan! The scene was interesting with a police wagon right out front and a couple of squad cars. As I walked up attempting to figure out where I was supposed to go a young man was being escorted out of the school by police.

There was an American flag planted into the ground, in addition to many campaign signs for Kari Steele, Todd Stroger, Elgie Sims or the many judicial candidates running in this primary. The scene inside of Harlan's small gym wasn't crowded at all. If I read the numbers right, roughly 600 people have voted already. How many people in a precinct?

I may go out later and take more pics of the scene outside. As for inside well I blew that!

What's your story today, where ever you are?

Reaction to the elections

UPDATE 2/4/2010 I would also like to hear about your experiences at the polls today please write a comment in this post or send us an e-mail to the address you see in this post. Remember to post an @ with no spaces in place of the (at). Thanks! - Levois

Just a quick post for now...asking for YOUR feedback on the 2010 primary elections.  We don't want libel, but we ARE interested in differing community opinions.

Please take just a minute to respond to this or other posts with views on the election.  We would be happy to post guest columns as well. Please let us know by e-mailing us at thesixthward (at) 1chicago.net

Campaign posters and flyers

I got this flyer in the mail a few weeks ago. Don't have a feel for this race as Bill Beavers face off to retain his seat on the county board against Elgie Sims. All I can say about this race is that Rich Miller @ The Capitol Fax hopes Sims will pull this one out. Unfortunately this race may well be a low priority amongst other races that get more press!

This next flyer was found in the Target parking lot on 87th and Cottage Grove. It reeks of a certain amount of desperation for Todd Stroger.

For Todd Stroger a lot of people will say that the county is in better shape than both city and state governments.  This is a sign for him posted near Michigan and 98th Place.

 This house is located between Wabash and Michigan on 95th Street. This home is almost run down and I'm uncertain that anyone lives there anymore, but it sure became a bulletin board of sorts for campaign signs.

You see a poster in the above pic for Slyvester Baker. He hopes to unseat Sheriff Tom Dart. Unfortunately that's very unlikely and you'll see a Cook County Style squash-match for Baker. Below is a flyer I have around the house for him. But you do see posters for him around the community in neighborhood businesses. Just go to Izola's on 79th Street or walk up and down 87th Street in certain commercial properties!

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday Feb. 2nd. If you don't know where you polling place is then look here!

BTW, it hits me that I saw a couple of people with a stack of signs for an appellate court candidate Friday afternoon near 95th and Michigan. They had a significant stack of them and they may not have been through for the day. Unfortunately I couldn't tell you who this judicial candidate was.

Election day is Tuesday!!!

First off Worlee at Concerned Citizens of Chatham offers a link to help you determine who will be on your ballot in your precinct!

You can also go directly to the Chicago Board of Elections website to check out a sample ballot for your precinct!

BTW, I want to share this article with you. The Defender reports that Ald. Lyle supports Pat Quinn for re-election as Governor.

Lyle, who organized the endorsing group, said they began meeting in September about which candidate to back. They looked at each candidate’s track record in addition to conducting interviews with each.

“We recommend Pat Quinn,” the alderman said.
...
Lyle also chimed in on Hynes’ ad.

“Friends fall out then they make up,” Lyle said, adding that Quinn and Washington remained friends.

Ah the Hynes ad. It made him a contender almost overnight and Quinn is very much playing defense with robobcalls from prominent Chicago blacks from former Harold Washington aide Jacky Grimshaw (she sits on the CTA board currently thanks to Gov. Quinn), Congressmen Luis Gutierrez, Danny Davis, and Bobby Rush. If you haven't seen it, it's old news, but here it is! We're still seeing the consequences of it!

In another post I want to show some campaign flyers. To be done today!

Campaign season on 87th Street

You may have seen Shelter Deli on this blog already. It currently sits vacant but amazingly enough there is a campaign sign for Kari Steele in the windows for both the lounge and the deli.

This is the picture of one of them. The sign is in the window for the lounge.

A poster on a tree is fitting since being a commissioner at the Water Reclamation District is considered something of an environmental position. This is on 87th & St. Lawrence.

Look who has a poster up on 87th. A certain west side state senator is seeking his party's nomination for Lt. Governor in this year's February primary.

These next posters are of people running for judge

This is on the block on 87th between Rhodes & St. Lawrence looking East.

This is on the corner of 87th & Vernon.

This is on the northeast corner of 87th & King Drive

These signs of judicial candidates, Lt. Governor, and Water Reclamation Districts are on the northwest corner of 87th & King Drive.

Campaign season is here in the 6th Ward, Chatham neighborhood!

1st Congressional District candidates

There are 4 candidates running for the 1st Congressional District, US Representative, including the incumbent.

Harold Bailey
Friends of Harold Bailey
645 E. 87th Street
Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: (708) 268-4900
email: info@haroldbailey4congress.com
http://www.haroldbailey4congress.com/


JoAnne Guillemette
4541 S. Vincennes Ave.
Chicago IL 60653

Bobby Rush
PO Box 7292
Chicago, IL 60680-7292
http://www.myspace.com/137914382

Fred Smith
Fred Smith for Congress
PO BOX 428543
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
http://fredsmithforcongress.com/

Candidate Profile: Kari Steele

Kari Steele is running for Chicago Metropolitan Water District Commissioner.

Ms. Steele is the first to answer our call for information from candidates for the 2010 election.

here is her information

· Slogan/Tagline :
“BEFORE YOU’RE THRU, PUNCH 92”

· Website:
http://www.electkaristeele.com/

· E-mail address:
friendsofkaristeele@hotmail.com

· "Traditional" contact info :
P.O. Box 198878 Chicago, IL 60619

· Other contact info:
“Friends of Kari Steele” on Face Book, Twitter, LinkedIn, ; Flicker

· Your top 3 issues:

1. To increase educational efforts to residents about water conservation, the role of MWRD and what MWRD has to offer residents of Cook County to assist in improving the quality of their lives.
2. To increase public awareness, and citizen and municipality participation in minimizing flooding.
3. Develop ways to reduce the amount of energy used at the water treatment plants. The district needs to utilize updated methods and greener technologies at all facilities across the county.

· Employment (past & present):
L’Oreal USA, Formulating Chemist, 10/2004 – present;
City of Chicago Department of Water, Water Chemist II, 12/1998 – 10/2004;
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Temporary Chemist, 9/1998 – 12/1998.

· Community affiliations (past & present; includes church/religious):
The Sierra Club, Society of Cosmetic Chemist, Chatham Avalon Park CommunityCouncil, Trinity United Church of Christ

· Political affiliations:
YoungDemocrats of Cook County (Chairman), Young Democrats of America, The 6th Ward Young Democrats (Chairman), Illinois Women’s Institute of Leadership (IWIL), The 6th Ward New Democrats,

· Endorsements:
Endorsed by Alds. Pat Dowell, Leslie Hairston, Freddrenna Lyle, Sandi Jackson, Michelle Harris, Anthony Beale, Howard Brookins, Helen Shiller, and Joe Moore; Mayors Elizabeth Tisdahl of Evanston and Ronnie Lewis of Dolton. I also have the support of State Sens. Rickey Hendon, Mattie Hunter and Donne Trotter; State Reps. Marlow Colvin and Connie Howard; Bremen Township School Trustees President Joseph Bertrand, Jr., Riverdale Village Library Trustee Maurice Roberts, Jr.; State Committeeman Carol Ronen; Committeemen David Fagus, Tom Sharpe and Tim Bradford. The Teamsters Joint Council #25, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the Sierra Club also endorse Kari Steele.

· General Comments:
I have a Chemistry Pre-Med degree, and more than 11 years of experience working as a Chemist. I have experience working at both the Jardine Water Purification Plant (as a water chemist) and The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (as a water sampler & lab tech). My actual experience working in both departments makes me uniquely qualified to discuss and analyze proposed operational changes and operational efficiencies. Further, my scientific background would be an asset to the board, because laboratory testing plays a major part in monitoring and regulating waste discharge. As the ecological demands upon the agency increase, a scientific background would be of great value in informing and guiding policy decisions of the Board. Currently the board of Commissioners at MWRD has no representation from the south side or south suburbs. I’m a Chemist, an Environmentalist, and a community leader.

“Kari Steele is a chemist and committed environmentalist, and she would bring needed scientific expertise to the MWRD Board of Commissioners,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. “We all win when decisions about our water supply are informed by sound science, and that’s exactly what Kari Steele would do on the MWRD Board.”

· Other candidates:
There are a total of 8 candidates in this race. Note: voters will choose 3 out of the 8 candidates.

Kari K. Steele
Chairman, 6th Ward Young Democrats
Chairman, Young Democrats of Cook County