Rogers Park Talks

Field Trip

Today we drove south to Promontory Point. It's past the loop in that far away land known as the "south side." Great news, the skyline is just as beautiful from the south as it is from the north. I can see why the community there wants to keep Promontory Point the way it is. In a way it reminds me of Rogers Park with the diversity and all the regular folks I saw strolling with children or jogging. I did see more joggers than around here though. . . . . More

Posted by Jocelyn


Hyde Park and South Shore are wonderful communities. Many people feel that South Shore is very similar to Rogers Park and if you were to drive around and look at the architecture of the community you would see many of the same courtyard buildings and other similas such buildings. Hyde Park is a gem. A quick ride in the right places and you will see the incredable homes/mansions that remind you of Hyde Parks place in Chicago's wealthy society.

As for Bibs and Ribs, as someone who has been going there for years I have to agree that it is good. The downside has always been that it is really slow. I sure would like to see Rogers Park get a genuine south side style or branch of an existing place. Great BBQ is hard to find on the northside.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Bibs and Ribs, Hyde Park, Rogers Park, South Shore

Posted by RPT at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

HEARTLAND CAFE VIOLATES LIQUOR LAW

Kudos to Craig at Broken Heart for digging into this story. When RPB first hinted at this story last week, it set off a small firestorm of whispers and gossip. The rumors are true. The accusations are true. The Heartland Cafe, a vile institution with a door open to vermin and rats, whose sister bar the Red Line Tap maintained a broken window for six months, whose partner
Michael James rents five garage spaces to unlicensed food vendors, is in serious breach of the conditions of it liquor license.

Oh, but folks, this is just the beginning. Wait until you what's next. Scandal, scandal, scandal. Just wait. . . . More

Posted by Tom Mannis

If there were any doubt that Mr. Bench has no objectivity on the Heartland Cafe this should be enough to erase that idea.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Heartland Cafe, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

* Heartland Cafe Violates Liquor Law

On August 20th, a City of Chicago inspector visited the Heartland Cafe at 7000 North Glenwood after receiving a citizen complaint. On that day, the Heartland Cafe was cited for a liquor license violation. The Michael James/Katy Hogan owned establishment did not have a license that include their patio area. Yet they were serving liquor on the patio anyhow. . . . . More

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


I rarely comment on the comments people make on the posts because they are often so far out that it is scary. This post about the Heartland is amazing. But as is so often the case, the comments are rediculous. The basic assumptions are 1.) those that except everything written as true, 2.) those who may be willing to entertain it could be false, but it is still okay because Mr. Hole is holding the line on a local business, and 3.) those who want some facts to document it is true which ranges from people who don't believe it to people who are cautious about believing it.

One thing that I will say is that the city doesn't have jurisdiction to investigate labor complaints so that part already sounds like it has problems. The problem with the patio may or may not be true, but given that Mr. Bench and Mr. Hole have problems with the owners of the Heartland you would be wise to take anything they say about the Heartland with a healthy degree of skepticism. I don't think it is impossible that the Heartland could be wrong about something. I think there is plenty of evidence that Bench and Hole don't have any respect for the truth. Without any actual evidence this type of posting is grossly irresponsible and could make both of the subject to being sued if it isn't true.

The claims of political corruption are also baseless. Their isn't a single shred of evidence presented and if there were the slightest bit of evidence that some political influence was determining the outcome I think it is perfectly clear that the political and legal environment we live in today would respond immediately.

Finally, the Helen Schiller connection to all of this is intended to mean what? Who knows.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Heartland Cafe, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, September 02, 2007
Huberman Speaketh
More doom and gloom from Huber-the-man.

Save your money on a Chicago Card. That is if you have any extra money laying around. If you can afford a Chicago Card, save the change for yourself.

When living elsewhere in Chicago, I’d take the spare change that had accumulated in the change jar, pockets, and purse and fill my CTA card on Sunday morning. It was almost like being in Vegas. Please don’t do this at rush hour – there are enough people doing that already. . . . . More

Posted by Toni


The crisis at the CTA, PACE and Metra is very real and very important. The problem these agencies face is that every time they go to those who fund them asking for more money they never get a real solution. What they actually get is a new band-aid. Covering things over for one more year compounds the problems that will come down the road. A real funding solution is needed and one of our local officials, Rep. Julie Hamos, seems to have worked out the best plan. Raising local taxes to find permanent fund should help to stabilize the RTA rather than patch it up until next year.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, CTA, Rogers Park, RTA

Posted by RPT at 11:31 PM | Permalink | Comments

September 2, 2007

* Suffredin Seeks New Office

Breaking Political News from the 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park:

Although nothing is listed on his website, 13th district Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin has decided to run for Cook County States Attorney now that Dick Devine has announced his retirement.

Joining on as Suffredin's powerhouse team are - Abner Mikva, Thomas Moore, Debra Shore and Anthony Young.

Although he claims to be a independent, Suffredin has been growing political tentacles to the corrupt Stroger/Fagus Machine. . . . . More

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


Just a few thoughts about this post. I think Suffredin has done a good job of keeping the website referred to as a government website about county government. It doesn't go into strictly political issues. Secondly, it is widely accepted by everyone accept a few in the 49th Ward that Moore and Fagus are political independents and have a long track record to support that. There are many political people who would quickly agree. The constant use of the idea that corruption is wide spread is unfounded and unfair. Corruption clear is intended to imply illegal activity. What exactly is it? If someone doesn't agree with you they are not criminals or corrupt.

In general, Suffredin has done a good job as a Cook County Commissioner and is well respected for his knowledge and leadership on the County Board. He has made good decisions and has refused to fall into the cycle of us v. them politics. I hope he takes a chance and runs.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Rogers Park, Suffredin

Posted by RPT at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

* Bank Robber on the Loose (Updated)

As of 2:00 PM, the main branch of the First Commercial Bank in Rogers Park is secure - but the bank robber is still on the loose. The little weasel slipped through the fingers of the FBI, the Chicago Police and Joe Moore. . . . More

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


Hostage Situation in Rogers Park Bank

A group of hostages got out of a Far North Side bank where an armed robber was barricaded early today, and authorities were trying to determine whether more employees or customers were still inside. . . . More

Posted by Toni


Moore's Leadership Foils Bank Robbery

An attempted robbery of the First Commercial Bank was foiled today, when Joe Moore's leadership created a context in which the robber left all employees and customers unharmed, and the assets of the bank safe and secure. . . . . More

Posted by Thomas Westgard



Obviously the big news today on all of the various media outlets in Chicago is the attempted bank robbery. The best thing about it is that while many were frightened, nobody was injured. Lets hope that justice is served and the robber is captured before he robs again.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Bank Robbery, First Commercial Bank, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

More Street Cleaning


Now the folks over at that unbiased pro Joe blog aren't going to take note of this but NOH neighbors will. After all, some have been living with the NOH horrors for years now. Who knows the hood better then those who live in it!

Yesterday was a busy day again for dealers? and the police. I wasn't home to witness the events but others were. . . . . Post


Posted by Toni



Apparently there is a misconception on the part of some that if you support Joe Moore you support crime. That sounds like rather simplistic and non-nonsensical, the kind of campaign propaganda that flew heavily only a few months ago. I believe that other than those who directly benefit from the crime, no one else in the neighborhood thinks that crime is a good thing, should be supported or should be ignored as unimportant. I think that perhaps some of the Moore people are more sensitive to civil rights than some other might be, but everyone wants to see crime reduced. Crime is destructive, in different ways, to everyone involved.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Crime, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments

* Joe Moore Lies About TIF Project and Funds

Last night Joe Moore made a big deal about no section 8 vouchers were being issued on the 6610 N. Sheridan $2 million dollar TIF hand-out. I recorded his lie on video.

Later in the meeting a neighbor asked the developer if section 8 vouchers would be accepted. He said Yes. So that means, this property will be locked into a 30 year section 8 agreement. This property is basically going to be transformed into another Broadmoor. . . . . More and Video


Posted by Craig Gernhardt


If you listened closely, you should have noticed the difference, but if not, there was a clear distinction drawn between a "Section 8 Project" and a "Section 8 Voucher". The Northpoint Buildings are Section 8 Projects. The rental payment stays with the building when a tenant moves and the new tenant moving in receives the benefit. This type of project based voucher cannot be started today as I understand it. A Section 8 Voucher which is what Mr. Hole refers to belongs to the tenant and that voucher moves with the tenant wherever the tenant moves to provided they follow the rules.

Moore went on further to explain that landlords in Cook County must accept a tenant with a Section 8 Voucher, provided that the voucher holder meets the same screening requirements that anyone else would have to meet. It is an ordinance that protects the tenant with the voucher from discrimination for financial reasons. Again though, it does not protect them from any other standards that are legal and applied equally to all applicants.

Moore didn't lie. Mr. Hole didn't listen, and by the way, the building is under the same requirements now regarding Section 8 Voucher holders. They have to take them today too.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Affordable Housing, Rental Housing, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Shameless: Fagus and Moore


While the Glenwood Arts Festival was in full swing, an event to promote the local business community, some locally important Democrats were shamelessly engaged in self-promotion just a few blocks away. Hundreds of folks who might otherwise have been mingling with more productive members of the community were instead lined up for free food and handouts from the Moore and Fagus mini-machine. . . . More


Posted by Tom Mannis

The most important school day of the year is the first day of school. The Board of Education, Mayor Daley and many other groups across the city do their very best to make sure that parents send their kids to school on the first day. Why is that day so important? The first day attendance is the basis for the schools funding for the entire year. If you care about better public schools then you should be concerned about this first day and you should be supportive of every effort to get the kids to school on the first day.

Mr. Bench seems to have a great big problem with a 4 hour picnic and a 2 day, 16 hour street fair being held for 4 overlapping hours. He complains that Fagus and Moore have no concern for the business community because they didn't change the event to some other day. It was the Glenwood Art Fest that moved its date to August last year from September if I remember right, but that isn't important because even Mr. Bench says it doesn't matter after ripping Fagus for it.

As he so crudely puts it in the end of his post, the picnic serves the "LINK card crowd" and the Glenwood Art Fest serves the "yuppies". While that summary is unkind to the people at either fest, it provides his own words to contradict his own premises.

His terminology is insulting and ignorant, but it does touch on the fact that the events have different crowds as their targets. The Back to School Picnic is obviously a child driven event that has activities focused on kids. The Glenwood Art Festival may have some child oriented activity, but it is not a kids event and it isn't trying to be one.

Is there a point to this story other than to rip politicians Mr. Bench doesn't like? I don't see it if there is.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Back to School Picnic, David Fagus, Glenwood Ave. Arts Fest, Joe Moore, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments

New Stop Lights going in at Clark & Greenleaf

Some folks were wondering why the city had decided to place No Parking signs on all the meters on Greenleaf at Clark. Nothing was going on so why the parking nightmare?

Two days later after a call to Joe Moore's office, the excessive signage was removed. I have to say that as one who campaigned for Don Gordon, I appreciate the Alderman's office not holding that against me and blacklisting me from getting any help. . . . . More & Photo

posted by Jocelyn


In two posts today Ms.Neighbor has touched on something that she correctly sees in most of us, the fascination with things that are big, make loud noises, and make neighborhoods change. Infrastructure and construction are things that always get attention. Optimistic people love change, they see improvement in whatever is next. Pessimistic people fear change and are concerned about how it will make things worse somehow. I am one of those who welcomes change.

The corner at Greenleaf and Clark has been a problem for a long time. If they are installing lights it will make Clark St. more user friendly and will stop some of the many accidents that seem to happen at that corner. It can be very difficult to drive or walk across Clark at either Greenleaf or Estes. This will help. Good job in picking this location.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Construction, Infastructure, Rogers Park, Traffic Lights

Posted by RPT at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

* Glenwood Art Fair Notes - Day One

From my stat number count and guesstimating the crowds at the Glenwood Art Fair today, I'd say Mr. 'Broken Heart' outdrew the fest in numbers 2 to 1. Who knew the Morse Hell Hole was more popular than a street fair. Thanks readers. I'd also like to thank the band who dedicated a song to Mr. 'Broken Heart' today. Thanks for that too. Seeing Kevin O'Neil dance to that song made my day. . . . . More

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


Thousands Attend GAAF

If you missed the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest today, you... didn't miss out, because it's happening tomorrow as well, and the weather is projected to be even better than today. What happened today was that the streets were filled with thousands of people of every description the world has to offer (that famous diversity most of us are proud of), all of whom were shopping at the little stalls and in the shops, listening to music, eating and drinking. There are three stages with live music all afternoon. If you didn't like it, you don't like street festivals. . . . . More & Picture

Posted by Thomas Westgard


Two very different reports of what happened today unless you believe that Mr. Hole has 4,000 or more unique readers per day. I don't. From my own observations I would call the Fest another well done event that is growing each year and becoming more and more a real draw to the community. I am happy to see the re-configuration and the use of Morse as part of the Fest. It makes the Fest flow better and the wide open space of Morse helps to make it a little more open and inviting. Go G.A.A.F.! Thank you to those who have worked so hard to build this event into the big success that it is.

P.S. By all accounts people felt the song about Mr. Hole was funny but not complimentary. Sorry Hole.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Glenwood Ave. Arts Fest, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 12:42 AM | Permalink | Comments

* Homeless in Rogers Park


As the rain falls, a homeless person sleeps on a park bench along the crumbling concrete path between Morse Avenue and Lunt in CAPS beat 2431. Word has it, by tomorrow afternoon, Joe Moore will have sanitized Loyola Park by running all the homeless people out of the park while he holds his annual political picnic. Monday things will be back to normal. . . . . Picture and More

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


The problem of homelessness is truly a profoundly complex and perplexing problem. Given the choice to be homeless or not be homeless almost everybody would take shelter. The problem isn't that easy though. Most people who are chronically homeless have problems beyond lack of financial resources. There are often addiction problems. There are often mental health issues. And their are also those who suffer from one as a result of the other and therefore have both mental health and addiction problems. Two things that are in very short supply these days would make a significant difference in reducing the homeless population; more capacity for the treatment of the mentally ill in our health system and more substance abuse treatment programing.

Neither of these problems are really City Council problems, but they are city problems nevertheless. This is an instance where the local level sees a problem and should work with higher levels of government to address the problem. I don't see this happening today. It is much more popular to provide health care to kids and seniors, which isn't to say that isn't important. They are all important and all need attention. Considering the governor cannot even work with his own party to get a budget together it doesn't seem like it will happen anytime soon.

As to Mr. Hole's point that the police will run the homeless out of the park for the big party tomorrow, I don't know. My sense is that while he seems to have some concern for them, he would like them run out every night. The truth of the matter is that without a solution, the problem simply moves to another location. I would like to see our Alderman, State Legislators and Congress people work on a program to increase the treatment for these to illnesses. Even that will not eliminate the problem, but it will help to provide options for those who want them or need them.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Homeless, Loyola Park, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 12:27 AM | Permalink | Comments

Attempted Hijacking
This flyer was posted on 24/7 August 2 after the creator made a few edits and corrections and received approval from North of Howard Parks Advisory Council. It was also distributed to certain entities to serve as notice of upcoming elections for officers per protocol/procedure directives from a park district employee. . . . See Flyer and More

Posted by Toni


* Joe Moore Plays Bully
Joe Moore, you piece of crap. You, of all people, pulling a stunt like this. Pure bullshit. This is what you are teaching Nathan? You are a poor example of a parent. This is as lying, cheating and underhanded as it gets. You're the main reason this ward is so divided right now. You encourage this type of divisive behavior. And everytime you pull a stunt like this, this is what your teaching your boys to do. You should be ashamed of yourself - but of course, you're not. . . . . See Post

Posted by Craig Gernhardt



So the people of the community came to a meeting that is by all accounts open to the public and wanted to have some say about what is going on in the park. That sounds like community partnership to me. I think the constant call heard across this and every other neighborhood is to increase community participation. If a small group of people who live North of Howard are not interested in public participation in the management of public facilities then those parks, (private property as I understand they once were), should have kept themselves private.

This was a clear case of the Alderman, working on a local, local, local issue trying to make sure that everyone in the community would have input in a very important new projects operation. I applaud the effort and I am very troubled by the closed door way that this group appears to operate. If organizing the participation of the people who have children in the area to come to a meeting to talk about the brand new facility going up in the neighborhood that will serve them is being a "bully" than I am all for it.

The question burning in my mind is if this council was interested in increasing participation, operating transparently and being fair, why did they try to sneak in their own re-election prior to having the meeting that they know would bring in the broader community. The logical answer is . . . sorry to say this but . . . to exclude the rest of the community from the process is the most logical answer, but perhaps there is something else that makes more sense. I am hoping so.

In any case, since nothing happened last night and it seems that things are more in order for next time maybe the old-hands and some of the young-bucks can work together to make the Gale Community Center a gem we can all be proud of in Rogers Park.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Gale Community Center, Joe Moore, North of Howard, Park Advisory Council, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 3:36 PM | Permalink | Comments

V.O.T.E.R. To Work For Honest Elections

I support the work of Rogers Park's new V.O.T.E.R. organization which today released a Message to 49th Ward Voters and Our Community.

Working For Honest Elections

Voters Organized For Truthful Election Results (V.O.T.E.R.), a Rogers Park-based organization, announced today that its mission will be to support government accountability and work for honest elections. . . . More


I guess this means that the election is over, even for those who didn't want it to end. The deadline for any more legal action has now passed, but have the bad feelings? One hopes that the community continues to move forward and continues to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Rogers Park home. And for those still not ready to throw in the towel, 2011 is a long way away. It cannot be healthy for anyone to stay angry that long. Just get mad again in 2010.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Alderman, Gordon, Joe Moore, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 2:48 AM | Permalink | Comments

49th Ward Zoning & Land Use Meeting

ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 7:00 PM

NEW BUSINESS: TIF Assistance Request, 6610-28 North Sheridan Road

Ayman Khalil and Kareem Musawwir of Inverbrass Funds, LLC, will present their proposal to rehabilitate a “four-plus-one” apartment building at 6610-28 N. Sheridan Rd. and preserve 116 units of rental housing.

The proposal calls for approximately $2 million in assistance from the Sheridan/Devon Tax Increment Financing District.

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


Accepting this project at face value, this is the kind of project we need to see to maintain the kind of diversity we have all said we want. I hope these guys are genuine and that they do good work. Using TIF dollars isn't the greatest thing in the world. TIF's are used for both good things and not so good things, but in this case it appears to be for a community good. One can only hope these guys will be able to find more projects and will swing the financing piece without tax payer support.

Overall, the pendulum is swing back in favor of rental housing again and since we all know the condo boom is over maybe this next period of time will be when the rental stock, still much more than half of all housing in RP, will see a renaissance. There was a first condo conversion oh so long ago. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Rental Housing, Rogers Park, TIF Money

Posted by RPT at 2:31 AM | Permalink | Comments

* 49th Ward Chief of Staff Too Busy for Ward Issues

A loyal reader writes . . . YIKES! This is what Joe assigned his new chief of staff, Betsy Vandercook, to do on Thursday, August 16, a working/business day in the city of Chicago!

DAMN! Is this what we pay them salaries for? No wonder the 49th Ward List of Thorny Problems and Easily Resolved Issues is so damn long. Joe doesn't have the interest, time, or patience to lead his staff in taking care of business at home first.

BLOGNOTES: More on Betsy. . . . More

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


TARGET BETSY: The Attacks Begin

Chronic blogwhiners have begun their attacks on the new 49th Ward Chief of Staff, Betsy Vandercook. Golly, it took a couple of weeks! There's something about her name that makes even more apparent how petty it is. "Let's all gang up on Betsy." It just sounds like the junior high school attitude that it is. . . . . More

Posted by Thomas J. Westgard


If it is true that the Alderman has staff that don't even work 40 hours a week on City of Chicago business it would be surprising. People have a lot of expectations of an Alderman, and what people expect is different from one person to the next. There are a lot of people in the neighborhood who go to the Back to School Picnic every year. Others have no interest at all. Some people want the Alderman and/or his staff to be at their meeting and other people question why they aren't out fighting crime instead. In general, only 49 + .something percent supported the neighborhood only approach.

Being an Alderman or an Aldermanic staffer is hardly a traditional 9 to 5 job. Meetings at night, many weekend activities, early morning breakfast meetings and long work days, well over 8 hours, are the normal course of activity in most legislative offices. Many people don't think that an Alderman is a legislator and there are some here in Rogers Park that think that any trip to city hall is a waste of Aldermanic time so of course if Betsy isn't patroling somewhere she is wasting time. Back to the basic premise though, I'll ask this question, How does the writer know if she was paid to be their at all?

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Betsy, Iraq War, Joe Moore, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 2:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

* Loyola Park Looks Better

Hi Craig, I don't know if you've been in Loyola Park and seen the dead branches have finally been removed. Thanks for keeping the 'pressure on'. Your blog is the best! Keep up the good work.
Signed, The Loyola Park Watcher . . . . More

Posted by Craig Gernhardt


These kind of stories always amaze me. Any regular reader knows that Mr. Hole has a relationship with the PR person from Streets and Sanitation, Matt Smith. I don't know how it started, but it probably was from him calling about huge stories that were going to get the Mayor voted out of office.

Now, anytime Mr. Hole writes about something being wrong the moment it changes it is because he is a miracle worker. Readers seem to actually believe City Hall employees are monitoring the HellHole for posts on the blog and send workers right out. All of the prior calls to 311, the Mayor's Office, the 49th Ward Streets and San. Office and the Alderman did nothing and had no impact. It was Hell Hole.

I think people should get a little more realistic about the impact any blog has on city government providing city services. The fact is that everything the city does takes longer than it used too. Even if Mayor Daley doesn't like to say it, it is true. I am going to suggest this, call 311 yourself next time, write down the case number, and call back every few days until it is done. Then you can take the credit. It takes a little more effort but you get the glory!

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, City Services, Loyola Park, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

Another Late Announcement by Joe Moore

"We want your input tomorrow night," starts the email that was sent out TODAY by Chicago's 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore. Does this guy not have a clue that most of us need a little more than a day's notice to plan to attend a meeting "tomorrow night?" Most recipients of the email will not have seen it until this evening (Monday, August 20). That's short notice. Now consider the thousands of 49ers who will not get that email, and will not know about the meeting. (Details below!)

What's that, you say? You think Joe Moore wants it that way? That he wants as few people to know about this as possible because it's just a sham anyway? You say that by sending out this last minute email he can "honestly" say that he notified the community? Hmmm. You may have a point.... More

Posted by Tom Mannis

I wonder why these things cannot go out twice myself. People often only think about things from their own perspective and don't see others until it becomes more important to them. I used to be friends with someone long ago that didn't start work until 11 am. She always wanted to go out for dinner at 9:00 or 10:00 at night and couldn't ever make it earlier. I would have to be at work at 8:00 so eating dinner and going to bed on a full stomach did nothing to promote being healthy, something important to me.

But back to the post, it isn't enough to make a decent point here, it then becomes a conspiracy plot that is intended to deny people the right to participate. I cannot imagine why Moore would want a meeting like this and have little or no turnout. He has to know the NOH regulars are going to be there no matter what. Extra people means they will not be exerting undue influence based on poor turnout.

I also remember Mr. Hole always finding a group of fliers bunched in a good location for a picture with footprints all going in the same direction complaining about fliers being litter. I would like a good solution to this notification issue, but I said solution, not blame.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Joe Moore, Mannis, Meeting Notices, Rogers Park

Posted by RPT at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments

Ms. Howard and Ms. Neighbor were dark tonight. No post at all today.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Howard Watchers, Rogers Park, Rogers Park Neighbors

Posted by RPT at 9:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

Gordon Lawsuit Deadline Today


I've gotten a few questions in the last month asking why I'm still talking about the Gordon lawsuit. The answer is, of course, that ol' Don has been threatening to continue to batter the collapsed remains of the windmill. Specifically, he sent out an email blast to the effect that he was going to file a motion to amend the complaint. The other option would have been to file an appeal. Either document may be filed, as is his right under Illinois court rules, though whether or not he gets (or deserves) the relief is a different matter. . . . . More


Posted by Thomas Westgard

Whatever people might say about Westgard he has been on top of this and covered it well. Maybe the expectation that something is presented factually and then has reasoned opinions injected about the subject is so rare it is difficult to believe. That isn't the case with Mr. Hole and Mr. Bench. Ms. Neighbor seems to have that talent (Jocelyn at Rogers Park Neighbor) and on rare instances Ms. Howard shows it. It would be nice to see more of it, more logical conversations and less in your face, bitter, nasty, angry, and ugly. Ugly is certainly more sensational and draws more readers, but it contributes almost nothing positive.

Labels: 49th Ward, 60626, Gordon, Joe Moore, Lawsuit, Rogers Park, Rogers Park Rake, Tom Westgard, Westgard

Posted by RPT at 9:13 PM | Permalink | Comments