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An alderman who says one thing in private and something else in public? Considered us floored. Ald. Tom Tunney is the latest political figure to come under a bit of scrutiny over perception versus reality. To hear him talk about his proposal of shutting down vendors within a certain radius of Wrigley Field, it's all about safety. Last month, Tunney told the Trib, "It's a public safety issue. You can't walk to the park." Behind closed doors is another matter though.
Last night, Tunney welcomed many of the vendors to a closed-door meeting, away from the prying ears of journalists, but several of the attendees related what Tunney said. According to a recording of the meeting obtained by the Tribune, Tunney admitted that he had complaints from area businesses which also spurred him into action.
"We don't necessarily need people coming in ... and then doing whatever they want to do in the community and then leaving the community," Tunney said, according to the recording. "There are other businesses here that have vested interests 365 days a year that have worked hard and they want to protect their business."In one example, Tunney referred to a business complaining about competition.
" 'What if a vendor was selling cinnamon rolls outside of Ann Sather? How happy would you be about that?' " Tunney, owner of the Ann Sather restaurants, quoted the other business owner as saying.
Well, Ann Sather cinnamon rolls are pretty damn delicious. Either way, whether the ordinance is approved or not, it seems unlikely anything will go into effect before the end of this baseball season. [Tribune, NBC 5]
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self-avowed democratic socialist here -- i LOVE it when people are for the free market UNLESS it interferes with their business ... then, get government in there to regulate it right quick!!
i mean, i assume these people pay for permits and whatnot, right? you can't do anything like that without the city getting their cut. so, it was fine up until now.
what about letting the free market regulate where people want to shop?? that's how that all works, right?
I think that the people who have an actual structure, like the one that's on Clark and Waveland, probably have a permit. In fact I'm guessing they have some affiliation with whoever owns that little parking lot on that corner.
The people they should really look at are the idiots selling the Horry Kow, Green Bay Fudge Packer and Ozzie Mows My Lawn shirts. Those people are leeches, like a lot of the other people in the Wrigley area. They're selling t-shirts with MLB logos on them that they most likely don't have the rights for and they're also selling t-shirts that are offensive and stupid.
Most of those are parody shirts (most in bad taste too) which are not copyright violation unless they have the full, unmodified logo on them. And offensive and stupid speech isn't illegal.
And if what is being sold is the issue, then make that the issue. It obviously has a lot of support. God knows that it's easy to mail someone for copyright violations these days (download an MP3 lately?). This whole "it blocks the sidewalks" thing is total nonsense.
Provided you are not poisioning anyone, why shouldn't you be able to sell cinnamon rolls outside Ann Sathers?
Why don't the store owners just enjoy the fact that they get to have a better selection of licensed merch that doesn't look like a 3 year old made it?
Stupidity isn't against the law! I'd make a lame free speech argument here but it seems pretty obvious.
I hate those stupid shirts but if people didn't buy those stupid shirts then people wouldn't sell em. Why should I care if some idiot wants to announce to the world that they are racist?
I gotta wonder though, where else could they possibly wear those shirts? Strolling along Navy Pier? Shopping at Wal-Mart? They look stupid enough at the ballpark with those shirts, they probably looks 12X as stupid in any other setting.
Yeah, those are HORRIBLE. But again ... if people buy them, they're the ones who get to look like the idiots. ICK. What are you going to do, kick out the semi-legit vendors (the big guys with the shelving/boards) for these trolls? Or just give those guys tickets? Honestly, I'd rather have the cops watching the vomiters and the fighters and the gropers and all those people.
Despite all that, I really do love the Cubs and Wrigley and the electricity in that scene. And I still haven't gone to a game. Anyone got a ticket they want to give to me?! :)
And get rid of those stupid ballhawks outside the outfield too while you're at it! C'mon, you're 45...do something meaningful! Let the kids have a chance for a few decades.
What? Too soon?
you guys are all focusing on the t-shirt vendors--and personally I would love to see the racist/homophobic shirt guys at least get busted for copyright infringement--but I suspect this is also directed at the peanut guys who compete with the Cubs and sell their peanuts for less. To say nothing of the fan-produced scorecard guys.
As a believer in the free market this is pretty disgusting. Many a legit business started with one guy on a street corner.
For better or worse, banning these vendors is just a small step in re-vamping the area to attract real estate developers and business franchises. Wrigley Field is an increasingly reliable tourist cash cow.
Don't forget what else is going on in that area.
Umm ... "to attract real estate developers and business franchises?" Are you being facetious? Is this area having a hard time attracting business? Chain bars/restaurants? People who want to own some cheesy Irish bar? Rip down a few buildings and put up some very similar looking condos? Am I missing something here? How is this area lacking for re-vamping or a desire to put in a business? I don't think the peanut guys are killing business here.
And just because I'm curious ... does anyone know what's happening to the hole-that-was-Sports Corner?