Alderman Sawyer votes no on re-map, but it passes anyway

From Alderman Sawyer's Facebook page (sent via Twitter) on January 19, 2012 @ ~ 11am

I voted No on the map 41-8 #ChiCouncil

So though our alderman voted against it,  it passed anyway (40 alderman were needed to make it happen).

Did any non-aldrmanic citizens get a chance to see the map before it passed?

What are your thoughts, and how does it affect us?  Any way to appeal it?

Edit -- Here are some comment updates on the Facebook post . In addition, Chief of Staff Brian Sleet will send us an official statement in the near future to the blog, and we will post it as soon as psossible.

JP Paulus Thank you for taking the courageous stance. i wish just 2 other alderman had the guts to do so. Was the new map even available to the public to view before the vote???
about an hour ago · Like.


Kenny Williams Why did you vote no?
about an hour ago · Like.


JP Paulus Another question -- how does it affect the ward now?
about an hour ago · Like.


Darlene Perkins Tribue ‎18African American Wards, 13Hispanic, 2Asian,17White. Fioretti voted out out of his ward. It passed.41 to 8 according to ABC news. Is this correct?
about an hour ago · Like.

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer ‎Kenny Williams I voted no because the process was completely disrespectful to me and to our residents.
10 minutes ago · Like.

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer ‎@Darlene yes that is correct... JP we still were not given a full picture of the ward but a part of chatham was removed at the last second.
8 minutes ago · Like

Alderman Sawyer added these tweets ~ 2pm today

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer  I have been, and remain, a public servant and if you need service, I am still available to you.
Like · · @RoderickTSawyer on Twitt · 6 minutes ago via Twitter · .


Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer  I want to be clear, despite the vote on this map, I still represent the traditional communities of the 6th Ward and welcome my new residents

Also, Joe Lake on Facebook (of the Chicago Chatham Connection group) provided a link to the City Clerk's office regarding the legislation. There is a pdf attachment that includes a wordy description of the borders, and a vague map that gives you a general feel, but it is difficult to see exact streets, and how this affects ward block-by-block

Ward Remapping: The Return of the Independent 6th Ward

The 19th Ward is getting a lot of press attention about the ward remap hearings. In a recent Southtown article it stated that the residents of the 19th ward packed the City of Chicago remapping hearings held at Morgan Park Career Academy. 

The 6th Ward, which also has been a longtime stable community did not get press attention on this matter. At the Remapping hearings held at South Shore International Academy, the residents of the 6th ward came out and voiced their opinion and let Alderman Dick Mell know they did not want to be remapped into the 9th ward. Several African American Alderman looked perplexed as the residents responded to Alderman Mell's question. The question was "were they willing to sacrifice an African American ward versus accepting the Black Caucus proposed remap?". The residents in attendance resoundingly stated YES. This response has brought on responses calling residents of the 6th ward " bougie Negros", selfish and other nasty names.

 Also, at the monthly Park Manor Neighbors Community Council (PMNCC) meeting they made their feelings clear that they would not support any changes to the 6th ward's north and west boundaries.

 The communities of Chesterfield, West Chesterfield, and Roseland Heights might get remapped out of the Sixth Ward under the Black Caucus remap proposal. The residents of West Chesterfield, Chesterfield, and Roseland Heights are not going to stand for this. West Chesterfield and Roseland Heights have joined forces so far to begin a petition drive, with massive community support. On November 15, the Roseland Heights Community Association (RHCA) is going to have a remap forum at Temple of Glory International Church on 311 E. 95th St at 7 p.m. The RHCA president is Clevan Tucker Jr. The respective boundaries for these groups include everything south of 87th to 99th and King Drive from State to Cottage Grove.

 The key points to remember is that if Chesterfield, West Chesterfield, and Roseland Heights are remapped out of the 6th Ward that means that there will be a possibility of losing a tremendous key voter base that was instrumental in the election of Sixth Ward Ald. Roderick T. Sawyer along with key institutions such as Chicago State University, Illinois Service Federal Bank, McDade Classical School, Gillespie Elementary School, Tuley Park, Abbott Park (named after Chicago Defender founder Robert S. Abbott); Harlan High School, Shedd Elementary School, Burnside Elementary School, Seaway National Bank, and also Garrett Popcorn (which will be coming soon to the 6th Ward).

 It appears that residents of the 6th ward have revived the "Independent" title again and are not going to go along to get along. This means that Alderman Beale and State Senator Meeks political careers will hinge on the success of the mall at 115th street. It also appears the Black Caucus is going to have to go back to the drawing board and make some drastic decisions that do not include the 19th and the 6th wards, if they want any version of their map approved.