* Adams A No-Show @ SSA 24 Meeting

First off, I'd like to thank DevCorp North for bringing most all the documents to the Special Service Area Tax #24 levy meeting at the No-Exit Cafe as requested.

As the host (Matthew Bowker -SSA 24 Chairman and Morseland Nightclub owner) of the meeting said, "they were waiting for me." And believe me, they were.

There were plenty of materials available for consumption last night. Along with some tasty treats from 'Big Bun and Pita.'

Make no mistake, this was a very important meeting and I'll be covering some of the budget facts and figures over the next month or so. This is just the introduction.

Nearly 30 people showed up last night. Three of the four aldermanic candidates, along with a handful of handlers were in attendance. One was most noticeably absent. The headlines gave away that one, didn't it?

This was a chance to see what the future lies for them, by chance they inherit this special tax mess Alderman Moore has made.

The overpaid SSA manger Rene Carmego said he mailed out 700 notices for the meeting to all effected by the special service tax . He said he even flyered the neighborhood. But the next door business, DCI at 6954 North Glenwood said he heard nothing about it and didn't get a notice. To be honest, only the political types and the businesses that get kick-backs from the SSA were present last night. Plus little ole me and Dog-Tired dog walking service and Paws4Peace cofounder, Margot Hackett.

I'd also like to address the concern DevCorp North and some of the rubber stamp commissioners have of the 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park website. I can't go to a meeting without 2 or 3 subliminal hints in the conversation that goes something like this...

"I'm not a rubber stamp"....

"We know who's on the team and who isn't"....

"We're not obligated to do this"....

"It's the perception of certain people out there"....

The time and money they spend trying to put a spin on whatever stories I post would be better served if they actually did what the Special Service Area Tax was intended to do. I listened to the pre-SSA goals at a two meetings in 2003. Which is to bring a safe and secure business environment to Morse/Glenwood and Clark area. In the three years I've been covering the SSA, that has yet to happen.

An example of how DevCorp North quickly moves on issues posted here. Parking now has become what looks like a high priority. They moved the subject to it's own category. Parking now is so much an issue, they've hired a $400 lawyer to draft legal agreements to enable negotiations for parking.

One tidbit of the meeting tonight 'put a spotlight' on why I keep a eye on DevCorp North and their promises.

In 2005 DevCorp North held a community meeting touting a cure all private security to clean up the crime problem on Morse and Clark Street. The program was a bust from the start and DevCorp North blew $25,000 of the taxpayers money in the process. They still are having a hard time admitting they made an error. They're hoping as time goes by, John Q. Public just forgets about the $25,000 waste of taxpayer money.

They did admit that the private security wasn't a popular program and the local businesses saw no difference at the cash register.

Now, in 2007, DevCorp North is going a different route when it comes to security. They're spending your taxpayer money for security cameras now. Excuse me for asking, but didn't the city of Chicago install one of those blue light security on Morse Avenue in 2005? And how effective are these cameras? According to the Foot Doctor's office across the street from the blue light camera at 1406 West Morse, a employee thinks they're fake. What do you think? Do cameras work?

Actual studies show, the more cameras you put on Morse Avenue, the more the crime will move to Lunt and Farwell. I say forget all the costly studies, forget all the lawyers, forget all the accountants, consultants and paper pushers. Forget them all and invest the $300,000 a year in actual on duty, foot patrol, police officers to walk the beats like the old days.

DevCorp North can keep the earn-fare workers to continue to sweep the sidewalks. After-all, according to Matthew Bowker, DevCorp North gets them workers for free anyhow.

Blognotes: To the candidates who were present. Here's a chance to reach out and give your take on the SSA meeting. Review the budget, program and service provider fees. Then let us know what you think. Or not. You guys got my e-mail address.