His vote YES lakefront protection referendum stinks of politics and has nothing to do with saving the lakefront!
Rogers Park residents, along with aldermanic candidate Don Gordon and his family, collected nearly 1,000 signatures this summer to put a lakefront protection referendum on the November 7th ballot - for the entire 49th Ward. This advisory measure is intended to guide our elected officials in their decisions on issues and policy about the lakefront.
We need improved lakefront facilities, new bike and walking paths, and other improvements, not massive construction on or in the lake! Vote YES to protect the lakefront on November 7. A series of community forums is planned for October to discuss the referendum. We will let you know when dates and locations are confirmed.
The November 2006 Lakefront Protection Referendum: Should the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and Federal Government prohibit any lakefront development from Hollywood Avenue to Evanston which includes extension of Lake Shore Drive or establishment of any other roadways, marinas or harbors, housing, major landfill, commercial development?
In November of 2004 residents placed a similar referendum on the ballot in the 10 lakefront precincts of the 49th Ward. An overwhelming 88.3% of voters said no to an extension of Lake Shore Drive and Broadways, marinas, housing or commercial structures as part of any lakefront expansion from Hollywood Avenue to Evanston.
Still, the next day, Alderman Moore was quoted in the Chicago Tribune saying he would keep his mind open to marina or commercial building proposals. "I would want to see if it would benefit my community," he said, apparently not believing that we know what is best for ourselves! In public meetings he derided the vote saying that it was only 10 precincts.
In 2005, the Chicago Park District proposed a harbor near Loyola University. Moore initially denied any knowledge of it. Over 400 residents packed a community meeting where State Rep. Harry Osterman spoke for voters. He told park officials, It's a stupid plan. Yet, even as the crowd jeered, Moore said, We should hear them out.
We know from our petition efforts that voters all across this ward love the lakefront as dearly as those who live right on it. This is NOT a NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) issue. On November 7th we will all have a chance to be heard.
Blognotes: First off I want to say Gordon must be asleep at the wheel. Last year, Gordon was no-where to be found when it came to the possible marina in Loyola Park. It was Jim Ginderske who went down to South Shore and asked the officials for a meeting up north. Even James will tell you that. Where was Rogers Park Conservancy leadership?
Afterwards, Jim reported back to the community here on the 'Broken Heart,' as you noticed in the above link.
After the meeting Gordon and Alderman Moore sent out the fancy - take credit press releases. Both men sent me a copy. In Gordons press release, he said, "I'm glad to tell everyone that both Rob Rejman and Chris Gent have agreed to work with the Conservancy in our effort next February to sponsor a series of forums in our community." But February passed, and the community didn't see any forums. Another empty promise by Gordon. Another commitment left by the wayside, Gordon style. Now Gordon wants to pimp the lakefront again, this time for his own political gain.
Blognotes #2: I forgot to mention, Fran Tobin had his view on the matter a month after the dust settled. Later Fran and Anne (Sullivan) had a little dispute over the "save our lakefront" name. No word on the name fight out-come.
6 comments:
Craig,
Have you forgot what happend in the last presidential election and why bush won? It was basically the same concept here. People are starting to despite James because of what you are doing. Bashing canidates is not a way to gain political support. It actually works the other way around. Westgard and yourself have pushed me to vote for Gordon. You portray James as the perfect, can do no wrong canidate. I do not want that guy (now an A-hole in my mind because of his surroundings). I WANT GORDON....
Craig,
Seems to me your not the only one that contadicts themselves. Why would you be sending out thanks to Don..... Paradise you might find this one interesting.
I want to also thank James and "The James Report" for his top notch coverage of this community issue.
It started small on this little old "Broken Heart", although the Alderman will tell you a different story.
Big props James! Also, thanks to Don, Michael, Hugh, Charlie Tom, Nico's mom, JeffO' Toni, Jocelyn, RPthis, RPthat and all others who added comments.
Hell Hole credit to Alderman Moore for actually sending me the "official press release", taking credit for everything.
This post is underneath the comment section. Way to shoot yourself in the foot.
http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2005/10/loyolaedgewater-marina-idea-sunk.html
I do not know how to link.. Sorry
The referendum has nothing to do with saing the lakefront?
That's your analysis of the news?
> Joe shook my hand
wash thoroughly
money is filthy
I'm baffled by the Ginderske lovefest/all others evil, particularly since JG seems to be playing the game same way as JoMO did nearly 16 years ago. "I am here to fight city hall for you; I am not the in crowd; I pick up trash and do these wonderful progressive things; etc." That's all well and fine but it's kinda what we've had that's not really helped so much. And then there are James' friends, such as Westie, who is every bit as petty and vicious as JoMo. That's not really worked so well for the 'hood either. And, then, of course, there is his view that all large business should include unions which would have the effect of raising wages (though, of course, the union would get their cut of that raise) while putting small business out of business. He also states on his site that non-union workers = unskilled labor. That's a pretty offensive comment to a lot of carpenters I know who don't belong to the union. Union membership does not confer skill or expertise in one's job, it only confers union jobs. Then, James promises to poll RP residents every time a national issue comes before City Council. A nice sentiment but does no one see the impracticality of such, and the time drain? How about just promising to abstain since the vote, whichever way it goes, will be meaningless?
I'm not saying the other candidates are perfect. I could write a list of shortcomings for them as well. My point is that James, for all his good intentions (just like Adams and Gordon are well-intentioned) is not exactly the bees knees either. Yet Craigy, you're pumping him up? Will the joke be that you pump him up only to knock him down when you decide to toss your hat in the ring? If that's the case, you'd better hope that Westie has had his rabies shot because surely he'll try to bite you big time.
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