We continue the discussion with Molly Phelan, who (among others) wants to be the Alderman of the 46th ward. In the first part of our conversation, we covered her background, public safety (this conversation took place before the so-called "trick-or-treat shootings") and public housing; today we get into more about TIF reform and transparency, why Chicago could stand to be a little more like Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and listen to find the tongue-in-cheek reason of how and why Tina Fey comes into the conversation. more ›

Our ongoing fascination with the race for the 46th continues - just who will take their seat being vacated by Helen Shiller? This week, we're taking a chunk out of a couple of your days this week to talk with Molly Phelan. A lawyer and community activist who fought for TIF reform, Phelan was part of the Fix Wilson Yard project and has been in the race since July. more ›

Don Nowotny wants to be the alderman for the 46th ward. Why exactly does he think he's the one to vote for? Yesterday we left off the conversation talking about public housing in Uptown - today we pick it up from there. more ›

The political process in Chicago's 46th ward can be both fascinating and frustrating, but it's always worth watching. It's especially interesting when the field is incumbent-free and the gloves come off. That's the case this election cycle, and we're documenting this years race to take over Helen Schiller's office. We kick off this week with the first half of our conversation with Don Nowotny: community activist, Ward Superintendent and candidate for alderman. more ›

When Helen Schiller announced that she wouldn't be seeking another term as the 46th Ward's alderman, after the cheering died down from the Uptown Update offices, the question was: Who's next? The field is beginning to clear somewhat, with a handful of candidates tossing their hats into the ring, and Michael Carroll's hat has been among them for months. more ›

When Helen Schiller announced that she wouldn't be seeking another term as the 46th Ward's alderman, after the cheering died down from the Uptown Update offices, the question was: Who's next? The field is beginning to clear somewhat, with a handful of candidates tossing their hats into the ring, and Michael Carroll's hat has been among them for months. more ›

Lots of press releases grace our inbox at the Chicagoist offices. Every once in a while we get one that makes us do a double-take. Gerald Farinas's announcement that he's running for 46th Ward Alderman is one of those press releases. Farinas officially announced his candidacy Sunday at Chicago Solidarity Rally in Daley Plaza, held in support of the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. Farinas notes that, if elected he will "be the Council’s second openly gay member," after noting that "Farinas is expected to garner much of his support from reform minded Democrats and, as a former inner circle advisor to Keyes 2004, city Republicans wanting a seat at the table to have their voices heard." Besides Shiller, Farinas will face James Cappleman, who lost in 2007. more ›