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Last week, the Reader followed up on its original investigation into the Parking Meter Privatization mess. Then, lo and behold, yesterday the City Council expressed outrage, dammit, at the deal, claiming that the city was "gypped" and "short-changed." Ohbytheway - the Council passed the original deal by a vote of 40-5. While those like License Committee Chairman Eugene Schulter (47th) lashed out - "I have never, ever seen such a rushed deal go through the City Council and ... hurt the taxpayers. ... Not to have a plan of action that was well thought-out was absolutely disgusting," - it should be kept int mind that the five who originally opposed the deal were: Alds. Toni Preckwinkle (4th), Leslie Hairston (5th), Billy Ocasio (26th), Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Rey Colon (35th).
The deal was infamous for the Daley Administration's short notice, handing the plan to the Council just a few days ahead of the vote, which prompted the classic response from Ald. Dick Mell (33rd), "How many of us read the stuff we do get, OK?. I try to. I try to. I try to. But being realistic, being realistic, it's like getting your insurance policy. It's small print, OK?" So while the Council seemingly has a gripe, at what point are they absolved of responsibility? In this case, sorry, no. That's why you're there, ladies and gentlemen, to hold the mayor accountable, not do his bidding and hope your outrage a few months down the line sways us. Not like this ever happens, but we're just sayin'.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters today, Daley accepted responsibility for the mess, saying, "I'll take the responsibility." We're sure he was completely genuine.
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Sigh. How about we privatize the City Council?
"How many of us read the stuff we do get, OK?. I try to. I try to. I try to. But being realistic, being realistic, it's like getting your insurance policy. It's small print, OK?"
Yeah, it's just the people's money. I got my own problems, I ain't got time to worry about what we do with their money. I mean, sure my job, my ONLY job, is to take care of the concerns of the people of this city and in particular my ward, but, damn, who takes that stuff seriously? C'mon we're busy people...
I truly hope that Laz has some how violated the contract which would negate it. I know the city has already spent some of the money from the deal but to have this blow up in Daley's face, and the faces of all his cohorts...between that and the Toddler shooting himself in the foot...well it would be a great day for all Chicagoans.
The aldermen will not spend time reading ordinances or actually thinking about them until they are held accountable by the voters. This is all lip service.
Chicago Parking Meter Contract - Not Yet Challenged in Court?
Whoops.
Go to ChicagoNLA2011 at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChicagoNLA2011/message/494
Bummer.
Joe Lake, Chicago (Bucktown)
see avatar
Last week I emailed my alderman (Mary Ann Smith) and asked why she voted for this and why she recently voted in favor of taxing the dumpsters of people who pay for private waste hauling (the city only picks up your trash if you live in a building with four or fewer units. I copied a bunch of my friends and neighbors. She ignored my inquiry. These are the people we have representing us. They see us as revenue generators, not constituents. My condo association has seen our income decline significantly due to the economy because of lowered interest rates. We used to easily bank $7,000 a year in reserves and that has disappeared. As a result, we have cut back on going forward with nonessential projects and instead are only budgeting for routine maintenance and other essentials. God forbid we expect the jackasses running this city to do the same. They have a magic checkbook and, up until recently, there have been no consequences. I hope this ire reaches a crescendo and what we saw in the last election with Matlak and Natarus is only the beginning. We need to get rid of these bastards.
You inspired me to email my alderman (Vi Daley) and ask her some similar questions. And I too CC'd all of my friends that live in our ward. I await her response with bated breath.
VOTE OUT SMITH, DALEY & MELL !!!!!!!!!
Here's to hoping this just keeps festering and does some kind of real damage to the mayor and offending alder-creatures. We can only hope anyway. I'm so glad my alderman was one of the five that voted against.
If I had a nickel for every time an issue has popped up to which someone has said "I hope this sticks and hurts the mayor," I'd have enough to run against the mayor. I've long since given up on the Chicago electorate connecting anything to Daley.
Still ... I hope this sticks and hurts the mayor.
Sorry, I thought my skepticism was clearer. "Hope", but expect the worse. As usual.
Check out Alderman Scott Waguespack's (32nd Ward) analysis.
http://www.scottforchicago.com/pdf/32ndWardParkingMeterPrivatizationAssessment.pdf
Thanks for listing the five alderfolks who not only CAN read, but do so. And then vote for the greater good.
I'm adding this to the list of reasons I like Ald. Preckwinkle. By the way, she's running for Board President... wouldn't having a Board President who gives a shit be a nice change around here?