Blogmaster updates

Yesterday I finally was able to correct issues with our domain which at one point was through BlueHost and they are better for doing more than as a registrar for domains. BlueHost is more for websites and web storage than it might be for any domains.

Besides The Sixth Ward blog is a website or a blog that seeks a registrar for a domain. So as a result of the episode of the past few days where the blog was redirected to its original url http://thesixthward.blogspot.com it was necessary to change registrars to that of GoDaddy. It seems fairly common for websites to utilize that service.

As a result of this change, guess what? Now the comments widget is back. How long has it been since we saw the latest comments in the sidebar to the right on this blog?

 This blog has always been about dialogue - especially since we respect and observe the 1st amendment. Regardless always bear in mind we do have a moderation policy. We DO NOT discourage anoymous comments although we will ask you to give yourself a handle or name so that we can easily identify you if we choose to reply. Of course always be respectful and refrain from using any profanity!

Again apologies for any inconvenience these changes may have caused. And now you can always visit this blog at www.sixthward.us.

Personal attacks are greatly discouraged!

Recently a comment was posted to this blog that could be interpreted as a personal attack. I understand that in some closeknit communities feuds can run deep. Personal attacks are not expressly prohibited but whether they are published or remain published are up to the discretion of the moderators.

We do not seek to be a hub for speculating on anyone's personal affairs whether they be a citizen who just have a leadership role in the community or even a politician. In future if anyone's personal business is posted to this blog expect that comment to be deleted.

AGAIN we are not a hub for speculating on anyone's personal affairs whether they be a citizen who just have a leadership role in the community or even a politicians. We seek to stay above that fray and I hope that you would consider other venues to post negative comments such as the one that had been posted to this blog over the weekend. For that activity this is NOT the place.

Thanks in advance.

2011 Curbed Cup: Name Chicago's Best Neighborhood!!

Last year at Curbed Chicago, the Uptown neighborhood took the prize. In 2011 Curbed Chicago starts anew looking for a winner for the city's best neighborhood. Uptown could repeat this year, but what would it take for some of our 6th Ward neighborhoods to take the prize this year? Would any of you go there and offer your two cents on your neighborhood?

More alley clean ups needs

Well this comment was posted for an interesting change on the "Blotter". The only refer to themselves as trapped:

trapped said...

Ald. Lyle! Streets and San! Help!

The 7600 alley between Vernon and Eberhart has not been flattened. Was it skipped from some reason? I'm in the middle of the block and need to get several children to and from school.
February 6, 2011 4:17 PM

Today on the FB page another man vents about not being able to get through his alley

All I want to know is why haven't the city been down my alley with a truck to make track's. I am at 75th and Perry. My car is stuck in the garage and I can't get 100 feet without getting stuck. We have atleast an average of 3ft. with a high of atleast 5ft. I need to get supplies for my family not to mention take my... children to daycare and get to work on monday.

In addition I have posted additional pictures of an alley in the Blizzard pics album. Check out the comments there. Ald. Lyle even chimed in on alley clean-up:

Yesterday the City cleared 150 alleys, pulled garbage from 32 alleys, opened streets and intersections. They continue to work today to clear more alleys. The ward extends from 67th & Green to 99 & Cottage, so there are a lot of alleys to clear.

It appears help is on the way, but it may well take some time.

BTW, the alley of which I have been taking pics well it was halfway cleared thanks to a private contractor. A nice family on that block paid $500 for their services. Of course thanks to a van that has been parking back there more work needs to be done to clear that alley, yet.

Feel free to continue to let us know about what's going on in your area as far as your streets and alleys. Send an e-mail to thesixthward @ 1chicago.net. Or just write on the FB page. If you use Twitter send a tweet to us @thesixthward. You can always write a comment here on the blog as well.

Also if you have pictures to share send them to blog+web@thesixthward.us. We'll just add them to the blizzard album with proper attribution.

The Stew: Army & Lou's 'on hold,' its future dubious

 

I had intended to post this earlier but there was the blizzard and then there were addition comments in JP's post about Army & Lou's that was published this past weekend. This post links to the Tribune blog, The Stew , took a look at the news that JP posted here over the weekend regarding Army & Lou's located @ 422 E. 75th St closing at least for the time being:

The growth of restaurants in Hyde Park, Bronzeville and the South Loop has not been good news for restaurants located farther south such as Army and Lou's. The current owners (there have been several in Army & Lou's 65-year history) reportedly are hoping to attract new investors, perhaps an outright buyer, to keep the South Side institution alive.

Let's hope for good news. A permanently closed Army & Lou's would be a terrible loss.

BTW, the owner managing partner of Army & Lou's, Harry Fleming, responded to Worlee's comment made in JP's post:

Hi, my name is Harry Fleming and I am the managing partner for Army & Lou's. There seems to be a misconception that I would like to clear up. We have no connection with Pearl's Place. The previous owenr, Ms. Reynolds managed Pearl's Place back in the 90's for a few years. Again, we have no connection at all with Pearl's Place.

Thank you for your time. 

Pearl's Place is located at 3901 South Michigan Avenue

Also Mr. Fleming had an additional comment:

Our issue is not the general operations of the business but mainly economics. I love Gordon Ramsey and in the past he has approched Ms. Reynolds to do his show, but she declined. I'm of the same mind set because I've seen his show and it wouldn't at the end of the day be the "best" move for us.

We have an excellent business plan that several banks and the SBA have looked at and like very much. The issue seems to be leading money in the restaurant industry. Banks are extremely hesitant to put investment dollars into the industry. At least that what the banks tell me. We are currently searching for privet investors and partnerships with different universities like KKC, CSU, and Depaul. 

If you have any information or can point me in a particular direction please feel free to contact me at armyandlous (at) yahoo.com

Let's hope that Mr. Fleming and his other partners are able to re-open this restaurant so that I can pay that establishment a visit. Let it be soon!

No Endorsement from RHCA

Got an e-mail response from Clevan Tucker of the Roseland Heights association regarding Worlee's statements at Concerned Citizens of Chatham and our Facebook page where he believed that RHCA had effectively endorsed 6th Ward Aldermanic candidate Richard Wooten. It was advertised with a flyer announcing the meeting stapled to a Wooten campaign flyer:

No Endorsement from RHCA

The RHCA meeting Oct. 26, 2010. As you may or may not know Richard Wooten (candidate for 6th Ward Alderman) was the guess speaker, along with appearances from Alderman Lyle and campaign Workers from Rod Sawyer also running for 6th Ward Alderman. *Note: Alderman Lyle , currently serving as elected official, came to speak solely in a capacity other than as a candidate.

Facts:

6th Ward Facebook posting

It seems that a 6th Ward Blog stated that RHCA might loss their 501c status for endorsement of a political candidate. The blog implied that RHCA was jeopardizing city services, for Roseland Heights, by doing so.

No Endorsement from RHCA

Among many other restrictions, Section 501(c)(3) prohibits tax-exempt non-profits from explicitly or implicitly endorsing or opposing any candidate or political party. This means neither the organization nor someone (that would be officers) in a capacity of representing the organization may do so. RHCA nor any officers have endorsed or made implicit endorsements of any candidates. Nor have we trained volunteers to work on a particular campaigns, accepted financing from campaigns or political parties, sponsored events or allowed our facility to be used for a campaign event.

NO sponsored events for any Candidate

Candidate Wooten appeared at RHCA regular monthly meeting. Just as Alderman Lyle appeared last month! There was a statement in the newsletter saying he would be there and there would have been a statement in last months news letter for Alderman Lyle had we known she was coming! Any flyers (flyer shown in blog was NOT printed by RHCA) or post cards telling members of his appearance were paid for and delivered by Wooten's campaign.

RHCA did not invite candidate Wooten to our meeting. He asked if he could come and was approved for this month's agenda. He found us. Just as any other candidate could have found us and asked! It is reported that there are 7 candidates for 6th Ward Alderman. The only ones we knew of was Sean Washington and Rod Sawyer. That was the only criteria for an appearance at a meeting.

*Note: When Rod Sawyer's "Circulate Petition" worker appeared at RHCA Vice Presisent's door Oct. 23, she was told of Oct. 26 meeting and told to contact us if he would like to come. How's that for impartial treatment of candidates?

This was NOT an endorsment, forum or debate. It was a monthly meeting!

Any and "all legally-qualified candidates" may ask to participate. However, such all-inclusive participation is not an absolute requirement. Under certain circumstances, a 501(c)(3) may exclude particular candidates from a meeting if they fail to meet reasonable, objective criteria established by the 501(c)(3) organization for participation in the event.

This message is not affiliated with RHCA or from a person representing that organization in a capacity there of. ** This is my answer!

Clevan Tucker Jr.

Feel free to get in touch with the blog at anytime thesixthward @ 1chicago.net. Just remember to remove the spaces around the @ before you send your message.

Long-term solution: Attracting a new generation of middle class

When I posted a link to the FB page regarding JP's post on Captain Hardtime's suffering through difficult times in this economy this comment from one of our commenters was posted there:

I have always been adament about supporting people I know in business or buying locally whenever possible. Unfortunately many do not. Captain Hard Times is a nice establishment. I visited Yonnis after the Pancake House moved to 183rd and ...the service and food were not good. The first thing most restaurants do in difficult times is to cut quality to save. Quality Food is the last thing which should be cut at a restaurant. I spoke with someone there who explained the financial woes. Some solutions - Long term residents have to realize the community is changing, The population is aging, their children moved to the South Suburbs, my generation of the black middle class who have chosen urban living will not stay if our homes continue to be burglarized and do not have to deal with the elitism at some community groups, the subsidized housing holders moving to Chatham will become the new Chatham and may be the only market if an influx of middle class does not move in. Attracting more middle class residents is a long term solution. Perhaps delivering and broadening the customer base will help.

She sees a neighborhood in transition and she still wasn't done:

Another possible solution for the transitioning neighborhood dilema - Our Seniors have a wealth of experience and humility due to more humbled beginnings - they are the group troubled youth - many of whom have been raised by Grandparents ...and behind all of the devilment have a core instilled by those Grandparents. Those of the Civil Rights era who are now Grandparents are a generation who were called for many things, but we need you once again for our troubled youth. I believe they will listen. Sometimes the teacher needs to appear as the student - Something as simple as a tech day - youth teaching seniors facebook will create an opportunity to bond.

JP likes to mention that at Mather's on 83rd Street they will have computer literacy classes there. In fact in the two times that I have been there right next to the dining room there is a computer lab where we have seen classes commence during the day. Perhaps we can supplement that in our neighborhood schools as well, perhaps for community service credits our students can conduct them. Even if they're not intending to go into the technology fields.

A lot of our young people know how to use the various tools that we find on the internet these days. Whether we're talking about Twitter, YouTube, Blogger, or even Facebook.

As for the neighborhood in transition, well we have lot of work to do on that. Wait for post on one idea to do this. It's only an idea, but something that would give Chatham a certain vitality. At that one idea to bring in younger residents and hopefully they won't consider the suburbs an option.

Signs defacing the community

Not entirely sure how we came across this individual's e-mail. This e-mail was forwarded to me and I have no clue as to whether or not we were an intended recipient of this e-mail. Before I posted anything I wanted to know Stan's issues with the signage on 75th Street. After we read his letter you will see the pictures along 75th after the jump.

Greetings,

In response to your request, these signs are a public nuisance. I would ask, who would welcome this conduct where they live? I suppose that is the key, I live here - in Chatham. The majority of the community sees this blight and wonders why this condition is tolerated. In addition, they think that someone should do something. This time was my turn to act, whereas next time it may be your turn.

In photographing the offensive advertising practices, what became apparent was that the merchants using this system of advertisement were members of an ethic group who do not live in the community. As the photos illustrate, the African American merchants on this strip operate with a higher standard.

After taking the photos, I attempted to speak with the responsible parties at Big Sam’s Market and Marathon Gas. One merchant stated the signs did not translate into a profit and that the reason he did not remove the signs was that his competitor would not remove his signs. The competitor responded with irate and insult to my questioning of his practices and my request to see his business license.

When did the residents of Chatham relinquish the right to self-governance? This right is inalienable and guaranteed through city ordinance, as well as, state and federal constitution. We, ourselves, relinquish our rights whenever we fail to act in our own best interest. I submit to you, that the times dictate that we not rely on our neighbor, the church, or an elected official to solve the problems in our community. The right and the duty are ours alone. The irony of freedom – is it is not free.

Stan

The pictures are below. If you are reading this from the blog homepage just click here!

We Need Your Help!!!

This was a comment left for a post on the board several months ago concerning the young lady killed on 87th King drive. This young lady needs some help to get closure on this event. Can any of our readers help her?

Trishaun has left a new comment on your post "15 year old girl dies in Chatham hit-and-run":

Shayla Raymond was my bestfriend( Still is).. She didnt deserve this.. She was just trying to get home.. Her birthday is coming up and we've been planning this year since we were in 4th grade.. Now what are we (me and our other two bestfriends) going to do?? We have to mourn this day because shes gone.. I dont want to sound selfish because it was her time but it just dont add up and its still no working out.. I want the truth... , Trishaun Coleman

Fresh ideas via e-mail

What do you think about all these ideas

I could go for a nice place to eat with healthy food. Corner Bakery, Panera Bread, a Thai restaurant, another Starbucks with WiFi. And we need that Wal-Mart. A job is a job. How about a Pete's Fresh Food Market? Stop by new store on 95th Street (in Evergreen Park). Wow!

A yoga studio, too. I'd like the existing businesses to clean up the litter around their establishments. Make customers want to visit your stores. Maybe even put out a few flower pots. Woo us. Show us that you're trying to upgrade the neighborhood.

The observer

Any other fresh ideas that may be worthwhile for the 6th Ward community?

Comment regarding the May 6th Ward meeting

Submitted to us via e-mail and was posted by Worlee in a post advertising the special May monthly ward meeting:

The 6th Ward's crime meeting Wednesday night left me cold. I came to meet my neighbors and to listen to their suggestions and warnings about crime in our lovely community but, unfortunately, there wasn't a spot in the program for community members to express their concerns. Huge hole as far as I'm concerned. I want to have as much information as possible at my disposal. Is Cole Park safe? Why not? Are there streets I should avoid? What about the shooting at 95th and King Drive? Gang-related or just another nitwit with a gun who can't aim for nothing? We need to talk to each other a whole lot more. I wish we could have started the conversation last night.

the observer

The Alderman responded in a later post:

I appreciate the desire of the commentator to have a dialogue and encourage him/her to do so at a block club meeting, community association meeting; a CAPs meeting or our monthly Ward meeting. I also highly recommend that he/she meet his/her neighbors, first beginning on his/her block and then branching out as mentioned above. We set up our monthly ward meeting to discuss crime, before the surge in violence. As it became clear that we would have a huge crowd (and every seat was taken including the overflow room where the meeting was being televised)a decision was made to present as much information as time allowed and to do the breakout where residents could talk to their Police officers.

With any large group the motivations of those in attendance range from people seeking information (provided by the speakers and ex-burglars); those wishing to address specific issues (the break out room) those wishing to make speeches & grandstand; to those wishing to disrupt. Many of the attendees were most grateful that the meeting was not consumed by the final two categories of attendees as they had been to too many meetings where that happened.

As to your questions: with the exception of the temporary locking/removal of the nets, Cole Park is operating as normal. The South Side Little League Pee Wees are practicing and playing in the Park. Seniors and others continue to walk around the Park and to the extent the 6th Dist. can provide extra officers they patrol the Park. We are continuing to push for the assignment of an off duty Chicago Police Officer. I would answer the safety question with a yes. I know of no streets that any person should avoid. The shooting at 95th & King is believed to be relational meaning there was some type of relationship between the shooter and the victim.

Also we will be converging en mass in Cole Park during the next hot spell. We have commitments from neighbors, Churches, community associations, CAPs and others to meet us there for an informal, impromptu community get together. This will be an excellent opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other.

Again I invite the "observer" to our next meeting so that he/she can meet his/her neighbors. I know some people left the meeting 'cold' because it did not meet their expectations and others because they didn't get a chance to perform in public. It is however impossible to anticipate the expectations of hundreds of people that are not required to RSVP and state their expectations in advance. While we would have loved for everyone to leave happy, on the whole, most of the feedback we received has been very favorable.

OK does anyone have any thoughts to share about that meeting if you were there Wednesday night. I want to remind you that we want a serious discourse and please avoid negative comments. If you don't like the tone of this place there's really no reason for you to be here. You are more than free to start your OWN blog at Blogger!

BTW, we are grateful for this comment regarding JP Paulus' brief write-up about what happened at the ward meeting:

Thanks for the updates, I share them with some of the elderly in neighborhood who can't get to meetings.

This is one main reason for this blog to disseminate information. :)

Thanks for your comments

We at the Sixth Ward wanted to thank everyone who has stepped up and commented on our blog. We're sorry that we have to report on the many issues of crime that have been affecting us.

But your thoughts are helping us come together as a community, and we look forward to working on real solutions to help improve our community.

Just a reminder: if you don't have a Google or Open ID account, please leave your name or consistent identifier with your comment (at the end of it, if necessary)

Thanks again!

Man found shot to death after vehicle crashes into Popeyes

Southtown:

Curtis Settles, 21, was inside a car at a gas station on the east side King Drive near 95th Street when he was shot in the chest, a Gresham District police lieutenant said.

After he was shot he drove across the street, where he plowed into the front door of a Popeye's fast-food restaurant. Popeye's was closed.

When police arrived, the man was found shot outside of the car and he has died, the lieutenant said.

Settles, of the 21100 block of Kildare Avenue [Matteson, IL], was dead on the scene at 400 E. 95th St., the Cook County medical examiner's office said. He suffered a gunshot wound.

The building did not sustain severe damage.

Police officer Ronald Gaines said no one else was inside the car and no other injuries were reported.

Check out the comments at Chicago Breaking News:

Ah, just about every stereotype is covered by this story.

Hmmm, this story has nothing to do with stereotypes. A man is dead and they bring up stereotypes!

Popeyes near 400 E 95th is NOT the Roseland Community! I guess the news didn't want to state that Popeyes is across the street from Chicago State University.

Well ummm technically 400 E. 95th is within the Roseland community area, but another reader addresses that and has other comments as well:

On the official maps the area south of the train tracks is Roseland, while north is Chatham. So it was in Roseland. (East of King Drive would be Burnside.) On other maps the area is West Chesterfield.

I walked past there this morning and didn't even notice anything unusual. Frighteningly enough, we are getting accustomed to this violence.

A few weeks ago a 17 year old was shot at 91st Place and King Drive and pulled into the BP station across the street from Popeyes. Rumor has it that the bullet wasn't even intended for him.

Don't forget that Mom, Grandma, or Auntie are providing room and board for these killers. They need to put them out.

Well how about we start some comments about this violence here. Why wait for that ward meeting next month? We should start talking publicly now about what we want to do about it!

What about a Chatham Golf Club

A comment in Worlee's post about the hotel at 76th and State:

Hey, anyone interested in starting a Chatham Golf Club. Holler back!

So how about that? Let's get that golfing club started. Holler back!

I think someone wrote this comment about the proposed hotel in the wrong post

I was recently notified of this comment in moderation. They posted this in another post with regards to the responsiveness of city alderman instead of the post about the proposed hotel near 76th and State:

Can anyone attending that meeting honestly say they felt comfortable with the answers (or lack of) the two of them were expressing? They both have shady business backgrounds and one is a convicted felon. Do you honestly think they have this community's best interest at heart Mr. President of CAPCC???

That comment was too golden not to post although unfortunately I don't know why this wasn't posted in the hotel posts. Especially the video recap produced by Zack Isaacs.

You know I just want to remind everyone of our moderating policy and the tutorial on posting with a nickname. We would prefer there NOT be any anonymous comments here, although we won't delete them as long as they're in the proper posts. In addition, before you comment please be sure you're commenting in the appropriate post that addresses the issue you want to speak on!

Other than that any more comments on the CAPCC and this proposed hotel? You can talk about that here!

A less than positive review of Deneen

You can also find this in the 6th's EveryBlock feed:

Deneen and it's staff and Principals are horrible!! They have 2yrs. of low academic performance and they allow students to be bullied. They are up for a turn-around. I hope the B.O.E. decides wisely. Our children's futures are at stake. Out with the old and in with the new. Change needs to happen quickly at this school.

Anyone else want to chime in?

OPEN BLOG: Constructive criticism

I've been sluggish about posting lately, especially since I didn't post at all on Wednesday.

QUESTION: What would you like to see covered here or what do you think shouldn't be covered here?

Let us know, leave a comment or if you'd like send an e-mail.

UPDATED: CTA Red Line Extension Meeting

UPDATE 5:16 PM I got some more information about these public scoping meetings regarding the CTA Red Line extension into Chicago's far south side. To be posted is this flyer that I got in the e-mail and I would like to refer you to this link regarding the proposed extension from 95th to 130th Street. Also two meetings are set for this month at Woodson Library and in the Pullman Neighborhood.

Red Line Extension Public Meeting Flyer

I got this in an e-mail from the Roseland Heights Community Council, but there isn't much details on when this meeting might be held all I know is where which is at the Woodson Library on 95th & Halsted.

Event Description.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is proposing to make transportation improvements by extending the Red Line from 95th Street Station to the vicinity of 130th Street.

They want to hear from you. This public scoping meeting will help you learn more about the project and provide feedback on the proposed alternative,the need for the project and the environmental / community impacts.

You can evaluate the Project

Your input will help define the environmental studies.In addition to comments received at the meeting (cards for comments will be passed out at meeting), written comments will be accepted until October 27, 2009. Comment by e-mail to:

Jeffrey Busby, General Manager, Strategic Planning Chicago Transit Authority
E-mail: RedExtension [AT] transitchicago [DOT] com

Do you want a park & ride area at 95?

What do you want in the new station? How do you want new station to look?

What about new bus routes?

They want to hear from you- so be there!

A Response to the CONCERNS REGARDING WAL-MART

A letter from John Bisio, Wal-Mart spokesman, forwarded to us by Worlee Glover:

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to supply the information requested by the list of distinguished ministers on the flyer entitled “Concerns Regarding Wal-Mart.”

Our quest for a store at 83rd & Stewart is not something developed because of the current economic climate, this has been ongoing for over five years. Wal-Mart provides significant cost savings to its customers, and that is why the residents of the 3 zip codes in the 21st Ward spend over $80 MILLION at Walmart stores outside the City of Chicago.

In 2004 when Wal-Mart received approval from the Chicago City Council to build a West Side store, we asked that Wal-Mart be judged by our actions and not our words. I believe we have fulfilled our pledge to Ald. Mitts and the community leaders by building and operating a true store of the community. In addition to providing over 400 jobs, supporting local businesses and community organizations and creating new tax revenues, the store has helped to stimulate an economic revitalization of North Austin that has created over 1,000 additional jobs with the opening of a Food4Less, Bank of America, Harris Bank, CVS, and Menard’s with more to come.

Wal-Mart creates an opportunity for a meaningful career. Anyone dedicated to working hard and willing to learning new skills is eligible for advancement – even though they may not have prior experience or any higher education. Over 75% of Illinois store managers began as hourly associates stocking shelves, pushing carts and cashiering! Walmart’s wages and benefits are very competitive and considered one of the best in the retail industry. The average hourly wage in Chicagoland is $12.00 and hour (does NOT include any management salaries). In addition:

• All associates are eligible for up to $1800 annually for bonus incentives – over $1 Billion in bonuses were awarded to HOURLY associates for 2008.
• All associates receive store merchandise discounts.
• 401(k) contributions – historically about 4% of salary. In 2008, nearly $800 Million was contributed to HOURLY associates’ 401(k) plans.
• In year 1, Walmart Associates earn up to 6 days of sick time and 2 personal days a year.

Over 92% of Walmart associates have health coverage with 50.2% through Wal-Mart’s plan. ALL full-time associates and their dependent children are eligible after 6 months of employment (some after 3 months) and part-time associates and their dependent children are eligible after one year. Wal-Mart associates can choose from more than 50 different health care plan options with premium costs as low as $7.41 per month for single coverage or $20.70 per month for family coverage. Wal-Mart health plans have NO annual or lifetime maximum coverage limits and all catastrophic injuries or illnesses are fully covered.

Unlike most of our retail competitors including those operating under collective bargaining agreements, a majority -- over 60% -- of Walmart’s store associates are full-time employees. As the largest employer in the US of seniors, it should be noted that many of our associates choose to work part-time.

Walmart’s dedication to diversity extends from our board of directors, to our associates; from our suppliers, to our customers; and to every aspect of our business. We have long maintained diversity initiatives, including personnel practices and supplier programs, to help build and retain a diverse workforce and supplier base along with varied community outreach programs. We have worked diligently for the past 5 years to identify and reach out to qualified minority-owned businesses in Chicago who want to sell their products in our stores. Walmart’s locally grown program is a cornerstone of our sustainability mission; and we have excellent working relationships with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the University of Illinois’ Agriculture Extension Program to identify new local suppliers. We would welcome the opportunity to work with new Illinois African-American farmers.

It is true that the Walton Foundation, a private foundation of the Walton family and not a part of Wal-Mart, is very supportive of school vouchers as they are passionate that every child should have the same opportunity for quality education. That said, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the Walmart Foundation have a long history of supporting education initiatives and in 2008 contributed more than $67 million to support local schools and universities, student scholarships, educational organizations and more.

Our associates have chosen not to have third party representation. In fact, workers at a Canadian store recently organized and when a mediator reviewed the wage and benefits package offered by Wal-Mart, the only wage increase recommended for the collective bargaining agreement was a small increase … to cover union dues so that the associates would not be penalized financially for the unionization of the store!

I encourage you to seek the answers to your questions from EVERY Chicago retailer AND the UFCW -- I believe that you will see for yourself that Wal-Mart wages and benefits compare very favorably to other retailers and collective bargaining agreements.

From our leadership role in sustainability and access to affordable prescription drugs; from raising tax revenues to boosting customer traffic at surrounding stores and creating new jobs, Wal-Mart takes every opportunity to be a good neighbor and to provide economic advancements in communities it serves. Please feel free to call me directly at (312) 943-1955 if I can provide any additional information. I would welcome the opportunity to meet you personally.

Sincerely,


B. John Bisio
cc: Chicago City Council

You can also find a printable copy of this letter here!

Concerned Citizens of Chatham on CAPCC blog's "Just like Detroit"

A comment on that recent post:

As a former officer of CAPCC I'm appalled and angry at the bloggers comments. Yes we have problems but getting negative and stereotyping is not going to solve the problem. Roland Burris nor State Supreme court justice William Cousinss who are also former officers of CAPCC would acknowledge their past affiliation with this organization based on the comments of the blogger.

Yes 79th street is a problem but pointing fingers where they need to be pointed. Where are the new lights that were promised? What happened to the state grant money for a conservation program?

Giving the "riff raff" a stake in our community can go a long way. That's why we gave links on CCC Facebook page to several programs that give our young people a sense of ownership in their community.

No one is reading your blog now and at the rate you are going its going to get worse.

I get the sense of the negativity from them as well. It's very unfortunate somewhat understandable given the crime issues that we have been seeing in Chatham as of late. The tone however needs to change because it may not be very helpful to the discussion of what's going on in Chatham.

I've posted links to some of CAPCC's posts since I found them a few months ago. Do any of you have any comments on what they have said?