The 46th Ward, much like Uptown, is a bizarre place. Laid out in a strange shape on the northern lake front, the 46th Ward is made up of a lot of different people. One of those groups, however, has a bone to pick with the current alderman, Helen Shiller.
If you've read Chicagoist for any period of time, you've seen our posts on the nonsense that passes for political activism there: strange videos appearing on the internet, and blogging parties of three re-writing Wikipedia to better reflect their own twisted fantasy of what reality is. Last week, however, the reality of election season set in in the 46th Ward, as the two candidates for alderman debated each other. Present were Shiller, and her opponent, James Cappleman.
The debate was, as you might imagine, a full house. The candidates had their questions in advance, and both came well-prepared to answer. While Shiller ran over her time a lot, answering complex questions about development and how the ward works, Cappleman came off as sounding "angry and embittered, frequently making comparisons to other wards," reported people present at the debate. Pointing to some of the surrounding wards, he expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of development in the 46th Ward, claiming that surrounding areas were so livable that everyone could walk to a grocery store, or enjoy vibrant shopping. Safety was another issue he touched on. Obviously he's never visited Roger's Park, half of Eugene Schulter's ward, the east side of Edgewater, or the west part of Lakeview. One major theme, not only in the debate, but among Shiller's detractors, is development in the ward. Cappleman is proposing a master plan to guide development in the ward, and is promising to include all residents in that plan. Shiller responded that she wasn't sure Cappleman understood that the alderman can only negotiate with developers if they need a zoning change. Without that, her hands are tied.
When asked if he would preserve and expand the number of shelter beds in the area, Cappleman announced that he supported Mayor Daley's Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, which moves the homeless out of temporary shelters. More than half way through this program, there hasn't been a significant level of permanent housing creation, funding from the city, or a plan to generate the kind of jobs that are critical to lifting that population out the cycle of transience that is the foundation of homelessness. Calling programs such as Jump Up ineffectual (which requires developers that receive TIF funding on their projects to train and hire local people into union jobs, and then help place them elsewhere when the initial job is through), he criticized it for not reaching enough people. If he believes this statement, then why hasn't he proposed expanding this program, and working to make it a model for positive development around the city?
The Wilson Yard project has been an issue that has hounded Shiller for years now. Her opponents have attacked her for not including them in the planning process. Our own observations, as well as those of our source, indicate that Shiller has worked to make the project open and inclusive, inviting opposing groups to the task force meetings. According to our source, Shiller pointed out that Cappleman hasn't attended any of those meetings.
For all her faults - and there are many - we think Helen Shiller has done a pretty good job making Uptown a livable area for a community of people that might not otherwise have access to public transportation, low rent, social services, and the lake front. She hasn't always done a good job communicating with her constituents, but she's a great negotiator, and cares more about getting things done than talking about it, which is to her disadvantage. Taking into account the level of abuse and waste that many in this city use TIFs for, we think it's commendable to try and use some of those funds to channel money back into the neighborhood.
We have some deep issues with what Cappleman and his supporters are proposing for Uptown and the 46th Ward. We can't see him standing up to developers and city department heads (nor are we convinced that he wants to). Cappleman makes much of his credentials as a social worker, yet the human component of managing a population that is coping with both mental illness and poverty is strikingly missing from his proposals. For all his talk of architecture and green spaces, the people that make Uptown what it is are sadly missing from that equation. We fear that the solution imposed on Uptown will be a mass exodus of the most vulnerable, sent away from social services, to be someone else's problem. It seems to us that there is a small group of angry condo owners that are frustrated that Uptown hasn't become the next hot North Side neighborhood. Without a comprehensive plan to do more than simply move the poor out of the ward, we're skeptical of Cappleman and and those who support him.
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Wow, this is the biggest load of crap I have read on this site - and that is saying a lot!
Half of Schulter's ward? I live in Schulter's ward - what half are you talking about? The only problem with Schulter's ward is that it's next to Helen's ward.
Cappleman came off as sounding "angry and embittered, frequently making comparisons to other wards," reported people present at the debate. --- wtf? You have got to be kidding. I WAS AT THE DEBATE!
All I know is that if I get one more g-damn friggin' robocall from Shiller asking me to vote for her, I'm going to write in Michael Bloody Friggin' Jackson. The machine (real machine, not "the Machine") has called me about four times already.
All I know is that if I get one more g-damn friggin' robocall from Shiller asking me to vote for her, I'm going to write in Michael Bloody Friggin' Jackson. The machine (real machine, not "the Machine") has called me about four times already.
WTF? Nice "reporting" - this is a shill piece editorial, and nothing else. And, Kevin, perhaps if you were a homeowner with something invested in the neighborhood, rather than a starving student, you'd have a better appreciation of the issues that Cappleman supporters are concerned about.
Thanks for offering this perspective on the 46th ward debate. I know a lot of both newer and long-term residents in the ward who agree. Shiller has a great track record (considering that she's a Chicago alderman) and Cappleman has made a lot of promises that sound good (plus a few that sound bad), but no real experience. I look forward to seeing Shiller win, and to seeing the Wilson Yard project completed!
joj: I actually have a lot invested in Uptown, both personally and emotionally. Besides being a resident myself, I have some deep connections with many of the people that live there. Also, just because I am getting my master's degree (part-time, and at night) doesn't mean that I am a starving student. Quite the contrary. I have a white-collar job, and make close to what most condo onwers in the 46th Ward are making, if a little less. If I were a homeowner, however, my opinon of Cappleman wouldn't be any different.
I heard a rumor that Kevin eats babies and puppies for fun.
This blog entry brought to you by Citizens for Shiller!
Pathetic, uninformed and completely baseless - that sums up all of your comments, Kevin. Have you even attempted to understand the issues in this campaign and what residents of Uptown deal with? Ask yourself how bad things must be that many, many people with families and full-time jobs (not paid political workers or full-time "social service" employees who hide behind that mask to work for the incumbent who secures their job future) take their unpaid, free time to post videos and blogs to try and change things in the ward?
Instead, you are a mouthpiece for Shiller without digging into the issues. You might as well have posted a link to her website - it would be the equivalent.
I await the day you try to raise a child in the 46th ward and have them exposed (literally) to what I have seen.
I guess we would have a different view of the debate if we were allowed to view it online. Oh wait, Shiller totally posted videos on her site and could care less about the rules set forth by the League of Women Voters. Why dont you report that Kevin? She was told before the debate that no part of it could be recorded or used for political purposes. Guess what...she did it anyway.
She is not allowed to have links to her campaign site on her city site....guess what! She did it anyway!
She is beyond unethical and your reporting shows how misguided and in bed with Shiller you actually are.
This is NOT reporting.
As is is obvious your paper amounts to nothing more than political litature for single viewpoint, I will no longer be reading your paper.
Please keep you dayjob, so I do not wish to bump into one of your fictional stories in a real publication.
Cut him loose, Rachelle.
This is even more insipid than his earlier posts.
Can you add this link, or even portions of this message thread from BuenaParkNeighbors.org?
p197.ezboard.com/fbuenaparkneighborsfrm2.showMessage?topicID=1806.topic
It's some good observations on the debate that seem more objective.
I have to admit, I went in to that debate leaning towards Cappleman, just 'cause I'm the kind of gal who likes a little change, but ended up firmly in Shiller's camp. I didn't think Cappleman expressed one firm idea, instead making gross generalizations and empty promises with no substance.
It seemed like the reason Shiller kept going over time was because she knew what she was talking about. You can hardly get an alderman to go to a budget hearing, let alone study the proposal enough to be able to ask 450+ questions. I may not agree with everything she's doing, but her office has always gotten everything done that I've needed done and she obviously works her tail off and knows what she's doing.
i propose that uptown designate the dragons as a community mascot. this will help provide a more unified community identity, possibly even giving everyone the inspiration to truly achieve a neighborhood identity. UPTOWN DRAGONS UNITE!
"We have some deep issues with what Cappleman and his supporters are proposing for Uptown and the 46th Ward."
Which of his proposals do you disagree with, specifically?
I'm really surprised anyone could say that Cappleman sounded "angry and embittered" at the debate. Frankly, I think those words better describe how Helen Shiller came across.
It's so insulting to say that "angry condo owners are frustrated that Uptown hasn't become the next hot North Side neighborhood." I'm one of those condo owners, and I didn't move to Uptown because I wanted it to be "hot" or like Lincoln Park. I love many things about my neighborhood, and I'm committed to working for change where it's needed--safer, cleaner streets and more retail options. Having these things won't make Uptown another Lincoln Park, nor do Uptown residents want it to be. All residents of Uptown deserve those things, no matter how much money they make.
Oh, two more things- Sean, I totally thought Cappleman came off seriously angry, very different from how he usually presents himself. And I'm a little curious - Why are you so passionate about this debate if you don't even live in the ward?
To be fair, I think most people will admit that both Cappleman and Shiller got a little testy at times during the debate, and neither of them will win any awards for eloquence any time soon. Large portions of the crowd were a little testy, too, of course!
My frustration with this piece is that it can't decide what it wants to be. If it's an attempt at straight reporting, then it fails because of obvious Shiller bias. If it's an endorsement of Shiller, then it fails because it comes off as weak due to a half-hearted attempt to be fair to Cappleman (perhaps trying to be reporting). I don't see the point. There's no value to the piece. Make a decision Chicagoist: report (the facts ma'am, just the facts) or put your money where your mouth (keyboard) is by making a strong endorsement of Shiller rather than being "skeptical" of Capplemen.
Shiller is a dirt bag piece of crap. Cappleman might not be the answer but she sure as hell needs to go. She has done nothing for the people she so tries to help either.
Did you even attend the same debate?
Shiller went over her allotted time virtually every question. Cappleman seemed more annoyed than angry.
As for Shiller she was unprepared and the few times she gave answers they were lies.
Speaking of lies here is the press release the League of Women Voters put out regarding the debate:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debbie Kirman
February 7, 2007
847-224-0109 or 312-939-5935 x33
dkirman@lwvil.org
ALDERMANIC CAMPAIGN VIOLATES LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DEBATE RULES (Chicago, IL)
The League of Women Voters of Chicago co-sponsored a 46 th Ward Candidate’s forum on January 31, 2007. The League’s moderator made the following announcement to the candidates and 400 audience members:
"The candidates have agreed to ground rules which include that no voice, image, or other duplication of this forum may be used by a candidate's representative or campaign in any campaign advertising.”
Yesterday, the League’s leadership was informed that Alderman Helen Shiller’s campaign website (www.aldermanshiller.com) is featuring video segments of the debate. Displaying this video is a direct violation of the League’s debate rules. The League has made repeated calls to the Shiller campaign headquarters to request the video be removed from their site.
The League has also received dozens of calls, emails, and faxes from 46 th Ward residents expressing their anger that the Shiller campaign site is displaying this video. The League is disappointed that our forum rules were disregarded by the Shiller Campaign and is requesting that the debate video be removed from their website immediately.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization whose purpose is to encourage informed citizen participation in government. The Chicago League is cosponsoring aldermanic candidate debates throughout the city. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidates. ###
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. To learn more about the League of Women Voters, visit www.lwvchicago.org.
uptown_girl,
I am mainly upset at the tone of the article. Quoting anonymous sources to bolster your own point of view is complete crap.
I live very close to Uptown and what happens in Uptown affects me in a very real way. Crime, for example, does not stop at the ward boundary.
I have to disagree with you on how Cappleman came off. I would certainly not call his performance angry.
here's what pissed me off about the debate, and nobody seems to be addressing this at all...
there was only one question that dealt with the fact that the 46th ward encompasses any other neighborhoods than Uptown, when in fact there's a fairly large swath of Lakeview and Andersonville within its boundaries. Does Cappleman even realize that there's a whole world beyond the Wilson Yard TIF area?
I'm a Lakeview resident, and I was livid at the response both of them gave to the question of how they would deal with the problems the GLTBQ homeless youth community was having with the police in my neighborhood.
At least Helen's was fairly benign - working on the contract and whatnot, but Cappleman's was insulting. He stated that everyone needed to stop playing "the blame game" and take an equal amount of responsibility. There is no sharing the blame when cops are harassing - mentally, physically, and SEXUALLY, children that are already at risk.
To me, that was not the response of a former franciscan monk and current social worker. That was the response of someone who just didn't have a clue, and yes, I'm using that phrase quite intentionally.
It still makes me angry, just thinking of what he said. I'll be surprised if he gets much of the organized Lakeview community's support after that comment.
No worries, people of the 46th
Cappleman will get rid of those savages and give you a nice white peoples neighborhood. The America Nazi Party is alive and well folks
Are you all aware Target has not signed a letter of intent to build there. Shiller is a liar. Do you realize how bad the crime is in Uptown and she looks the other way. Do you realize she hates condos and condo owners. Do you realize she requires all developers to donate to her cause in order to approve new development. How many of you have actually had a meeting with her one on one.
And people like Kevin make a joke of The Chicagoist. You can't take this site seriously. A bunch of socialists. Move to Chavez's country he's your type of guy.
I have to disagree with a couple of comments here:
First, Shiller was not well-prepared, that is whay she continually ran over the time limit. Anybody (uptown girl), who says they were leaning towards Cappleman and changed to Shiller after the debate is full of crap. She rarely made any sense because she ran over the time. She had a lot to say about what she did in 1987, but rarely had examples of anything she has recently brought to the ward. Shiller is no longer an independent voice, she is part of the Daley machine, ready to say "how high" when Daley says "jump".
Also, the comment about Cappleman not being able to stand up to developers. What a load, look at Shiller and who contributes to her campaign. It is an overwhelming amount of developers who live outside the ward. So if your idea of standing up to developers is taking kick backs from them so they can build in the ward, then I guess you are right. The people of the ward don't contribute to her capmpaign. I find it highly unethical.
All of Cappleman's contributions have come from residents of the 46th ward, around $40,000. I thnk the people have spoken.
That map up top in not the 46th ward.
Do some research. That map is Uptown.....they are not one and the same.
Cappleman kept talking about how Ald. Shiller polarizes the ward, but the only people I ever see resorting to personal attacks are Cappleman's supporters. (See comments above.)
Cappleman said in his interview in the Windy City Times that there isn't much difference between him and Shiller when it comes down to social issues. If that's true, then I'm voting for Shiller. At least she has some friends in powerful places who might listen to what she has to say.
Cappleman's website touts the fact that most of his campaign donations came from people in the ward whereas Shiller gets donations from people all over the city. I'm worried that Cappleman doesn't have the relationships with people citywide that he'd need in order to get anything accomplished if he were elected.
Max9913,
personal attacks? How about I call you a moron!
Much of Shillers donations come from real estate types. Here is something you may be able to do with your "wittle brain".
Google the following: Illinois campaign
Go to the state site and search for Shillers donations.
Was that easy enough?
"Calling programs such as Jump Up ineffectual (which requires developers that receive TIF funding on their projects to train and hire local people into union jobs, and then help place them elsewhere when the initial job is through), he criticized it for not reaching enough people. If he believes this statement, then why hasn't he
proposed expanding this program, and working to make it a model for positive development around the city?"
Kevin - I think you misunderstood. James was not "calling programs such as Jump Up ineffectual." James was calling Jump Up itself ineffectual. This was in direct response to the question asking about his support of that specific program.
Jump Up has an incredibly, shamefully low success rate. Over 200 applicants entered the program last year. Only 7 people graduated from the program, none of whom have full-time jobs in the construction trade. James advocates for well-managed job training programs with supportive social services to ensure success. Jump Up doesn't meet that standard and obviously fails in their stated mission.
Thanks for proving my point, irishpirate.
Hey Kevin,
how come it took you over a week to write this insipid piece of crap?
Did you wait to read the Pioneer Press piece on the debate first?
It seems funny to me that you publish this pro Shiller drivel a few days after she's outed for using her campaign office for partisan activity and the League of Women Voters condemn her for not adhering to the agreed upon debate rules.
The "Jesus People" are also outed for their support of her and suddenly you publish.
Makes me wonder?
You are welcome Max.
I'll see you on election day. Crying probably. All balled up in front of the Jesus People building. Screaming at the sky, "Why, oh Why"?
"I'm worried that Cappleman doesn't have the relationships with people citywide that he'd need in order to get anything accomplished if he were elected."
Did Helen Shiller have these relationships when she was first elected? A politically experienced candidate isn't automatically the best choice.
I made a boo boo.
Above I said Shiller used her campaign office for partisan activity. It was her city office, taxpayer paid, that was used for partisan activity.
See What THE Helen dot you know what for the relevant details.
I regret the error. I also regret the quality of Kevin's writing.
ARRRRRRRRRRRRGH
seine Zeit für die Änderung im 46. Bezirk
Amy,
i think you have some good questions...
i think what helps fuel Kevin's stereotype is looking at WhatTheHelen or even the BPN message board....how many messages are simply about how bad SHiller and her supporters are? When EllenSusie posts some of the good things BPN does (like BPN Bunnies or Christmas or Halloween), then is virtually NO response (the most they got was about how one person thought BPN Bunnies had to do with Playboy Bunnies). It makes me wonder why they moved there in the first place, and would they be happy even WITH Shiller gone?
Also, for many in Uptown, Housing is their primary issue. They have been able to live with the safety issue, and would do more if they owned their home. WHy would someone work hard to make Uptown safe if they had to move out the next month?
Sure, (other than CPAN) Helen Shiller hasn't done any affordable homeownership since the early 90's (Habitat for Humanity). But James Cappleman (liek Sandra Reed before him) did not have that as an issue on his web site (where presumably all of his main issues are posted).
Amy, i believe you can be a bridge to communicate some of these issues and bring people on board who normally have distanced themselves from the Uptown Chicgao Commission crowd. Just don't give up, and focus on the positive and disavow the negative.
For Geoff:
Who says Chicagoist is a journalistic publication?
[quote]Chicagoist is a website about the Chicago area and everything that happens there. That means news and events, restaurants and nightlife, happenings, goings-on and observations.
Chicagoist was launched in May 2004 and was the second website by Gothamist LLC It is authored by a growing group of hard-working bloggers.
[/quote]
It's a blog, like WhatTheHelen is a blog. That blog includes news, but also [b]observations[/b].
So i wouldn't expect it to have well researched stuff.
I would like him to elaborate on some things (such as specific disagreements he has, and where he gets his info). But i wouldn't spend much time fretting over what he says. There are plenty of other blogs to choose from, or start your own!
I never comment anywhere, mostly because I feel like these conversations become so vituperative that they are rarely productive. This string is playing into that belief.
But I'm breaking my own rule because I feel it's important state my observations on a few things.
1. As a sometimes attendee of the Wilson Yard Task Force meetings, I feel like I can say that while the members *are* presented with a plan, they are given ample opportunity to ask questions and even to question the decisions that have been made. While a change might not be made on the spot, the recommendations are taken under advisement and have often been implemented in the next meeting. This has included concerns about parking, lighting, driveways, where buses for the school can go, what the street lighting will look like, etc.
2. I have seen every community group with a representative at the Wilson Yard Task Force meetings, including those that are typically Shiller-unfriendly, and including the UCC. They have a spot at the table, and an equal voice in the process.
3.Jump Up is not a failed program. Every new work program has a shaky start, and indeed every program that works with troubled populations - ex-offenders, dual diagnosis, homeless, etc., will have very low success rates, period. That is to be expected. As a social worker, I would think James would know those statistical success rates. Jump Up is on track, and is actually being modeled around the city.
4. Unlike what Cappleman said in the debate, Truman College is involved in Jump Up and has been from the beginning. They are highly supportive of the program.
5. James is a regular attendee of CAPS, and is very unhappy that Helen does not attend CAPS meetings anymore, and does not send her staff anymore. She used to a few years ago, but everytime they did attend they were attacked in the most vicious manner I have ever seen. I was shocked to see that kind of behavior stemming from my neighbors, who were so nice in other situations. Nobody deserved to be treated the way they were treated, and I suspect they were pulled out because being viciously yelled at for 40 minutes was not in their job description.
6. I think people are pissed at this article because they are looking at it from the point of view of only their ward, and hey, that's cool. Most people only care about where they live and that's understandable. But I'm giving Kevin the benefit of the doubt in that he's a Chicago political reporter, and therefore looking at this with a long-lens.
with that in mind:
7. Helen has developed more affordable OWNERSHIP units than 48 other alderman since the CPAN program has been created, (114 units) second only to Ald. Burnett, who has an amazing amount of growth in his ward. She's been able to do that because she negotiates the hell out of anything that comes in here, and forces community benefit agreements. Ergo, she does not just do low-income rental housing, but all types of housing.
8. Kevin was right on in saying that she's one of the only alderman using TIF funds correctly, and THANK YOU for saying it because misuse of TIFs is going to screw us all (and we should all give a shout-out to Ben Joravsky here), and at least she's making sure that money is getting funneled back into the schools and parks, where it's being taken out of.
9. She's done more for honesty in city government than any other alderman (well, she might tie with Munoz, but i think she's got the edge).
I'm an unabashed Helen supporter, that's obvious, so I'm ready to be torn apart here. But I do recognize she has her faults. Yet, my job requires that I work with a lot of alderman, and she has in my experience been by far one of the most hardworking and dedicated and HONEST alderman I have ever come across. I'm glad I live in her ward. I can trust I'm not being sold out to the highest bidder.
Rian,
if Shiller is so HONEST how do you explain the League of Women Voters issue?
Curious what part of the 46th ward Kevin lives in. Is it the area south of Montrose or the area by the Wilson stop. I wonder if he's been in Sheridan and Wilson at night. Cappelman lives around there..Shiller lives around Andersonville.
This is great and accurate reporting.
It is heartening to see something on the internet that accurately reflects what is going on in our neighborhood politics. All of these agry posts seem to help make the point of the author.
What is most telling is that many wealthy condo owners, who are the base of cappleman and common posters in online chatting, make themselves out to be VICTIMS. What is that about? To me it is very disrepectful to feign oppression writing from a heated $300,000 condo when there is real suffering in Chicago.
Then Shiller is maligned (because she talks to all community members in processes like the Wilson Yard charettes) for not being like Mary Ann Smith who only talks to Block clubs (read mostly white home owners) when she seeks community input.
Oh, and one other thing, if cappleman's supporters love the neighborhood so much, why have they been seen pooring trash around the nieghborhood and tipping public trash cans to make the ward look bad?
irishpirate: After Rian's thoughtful and thorough response, that's the best you can do? No wonder I doubt you and your ilk. You really aren't giving us much to vote for, are you?
Brian: I live off Wilson and Broadway, north of Montrose. And yes, I have been around Wilson and Sheridan at night.
With you use of the word "charettes" and language it is clear what your beliefs are. Which is fine. You have the right to be wrong.
Now as to Capplemans people "pooring" trash around.......I think you meant "pouring".
There was trash blowing up and down are streets pre election hoopla and there will be trash blowing up and down post hoopla.
The main issue is certain businesses on Broadway that use the "public" trash cans on the street for their own trash.
Any more stupid rumors you want to start?
If you support Shiller, you aren't doing her any favors by acting like those you think are bad examples of Capleman supporters.
Let the public read the negative comments and make their own decisions.
If we're going to argue, we should be talking about why we had move dinto the neighborhood in the first place...Uptown has had the reputation of being a really bad neighborhood for over 40 years. Why would someone move there if they knew Uptown was bad (and the more it gets posted on the internet, the more potential buyers will see it and possibly avoid the neighborhood!).
IrishPirate is right -- that is a map of Uptown, NOT the 46th ward (though a lot of intersection).
i don't know if he did that because Cappleman focuses almost exclusively on Uptown in talking about how bad the "ward" is.
Focusing on Uptown i think has been a handicap for those who live in Lakeview. That's why Sandra Reed and Bob KUZAS! ran for alderman after being "encouraged by the community" to run for COmmitteeman.
If Shiller does a fine job with the Wilson Yard Task Force, why is there never posting of the minutes with the decisions made by the task force, who attended the meetings, and who they represented?
I would hope that Cappleman would only want to fund organizations that can effectively demonstrate what they set out to do. Would anyone really expect an elected official to do otherwise?
Cappleman's response about a commitment to working with the police, social services, the GLBT community, etc sounded like the best way to handle such a problem. The LAC admitted that their approach of blaming didn't work. Why would it work if Cappleman used it? Where was Shiller in all of this, anyway?
"What is most telling is that many wealthy condo owners, who are the base of cappleman and common posters in online chatting, make themselves out to be VICTIMS. What is that about? To me it is very disrepectful to feign oppression writing from a heated $300,000 condo when there is real suffering in Chicago."
How exactly are "wealthy condo owners" acting as victims? What are they saying that they're victims of? I own a condo in Uptown; I don't consider myself a victim of anything. (Also, my condo was way less than $300,000... don't think I could afford that.)
Of course you'll find this "reporting" to be accurate, Cory, since you support Alderman Shiller. The article is an opinion piece.
Kevin you didn't even attend the debate did you?
It was "reported"......I would call your writing a joke but that would not do it justice.
Did you see a video of the debate? You know the edited one Shiller is posting after agreeing not to.
There is lots of good stuff posted at What the Helen which is serious. Also lots of amusing crap. Some just crap
"ILK"? What is my "ilk" Kevin?
White guy who owns property. Cuts his lawn, shovels the snow. I guess in your worldview I am trying to "whitewash" Uptown. Didn't you use the term "whitewash" in your recent posting on Pilsen?
Here we go: "my larger point was how the east side of Pilsen has been whitewashed". From Kevin Robinson.
When you use terms like "whitewashed" and "ilk" you say something about your worldview.
You are not self aware enough to realize that.
You "lefties" are just as wrong as the right wing.
Corruption and "hackery" are wrong no matter who does it and no matter the "greater" cause.
I find it fascinating that Helen Shiller's supporters accuse James Cappleman's supporters as polarizing when they are very quick to stereotype his supporters as "rich, white condo owners." As someone who knows James and some of his supporters, I can tell you that this stereotype is NOT true. His supporters includes people from all ranges of economic backgrounds, people who rent and own in the ward, and people of all ages and race. Most importantly, his supporters (and people donating to his campaign) live in the ward and want to see the ward improve.
James wants to represent and help all people of the 46th ward - all of economic backgrounds, race, age and sexual orientation. He has a vision of Uptown being a safe place to raise a family and to truly live in Uptown as a place to shop, eat, and live.
One of the reasons I am a strong supporter of James is that I want an Alderman that is open and honest and wants to hear the voices of all people in the ward. Frequently holding ward meetings during weekday mornings is not a way to hear all voices. Calling CAPS an elitist organization is not a away to show you support lowering crime in the ward, either.
I also find it morally reprehensible that a United Way agency such as Organization of the North East and a tax-exempt religious organization like Jesus People USA are actively campaigning for Helen Shiller.