Alderman Joe Moore reached out yesterday to the online community seeking approval to rename Jarvis Beach to honor an Australian, Marion Mahony Griffin. As for this posting the results are not in favor of this action. Even his staunchest supporters question this action.
The online community overwhelmingly seem to think this is a issue that doesn't even deserve the time a day, much lass wasting tax-payer money and Aldermanic time.
In the comments section of DNAinfo story Michael Harrington said, "Is this REALLY a priority issue in my Rogers Park neighborhood right now? Um, didn't someone get shot to death in broad daylight on Devon Avenue a week ago, and didn't someone else get shot on Winthrop Avenue over the weekend? Are neighbors enjoying nightlife on Morse Avenue but still dodging bullets? Isn't there yet another charter school being proposed to steal public funds and student talent from our local public schools? The potholes to-be-filled list still has potholes-to-be filled, right? For this beach renaming idea..."
1. Do not devote one millisecond of aldermanic or city staff time.
2. Do not waste one drop of city ink or piece of city paper.
3. Do not spark up one electron on city phone calling or email messaging.
Please, demand our government officials only pursue this project AFTER, AFTER, and AFTER they've tackled the real needs and problems that plague our community.Seems this is nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors election year campaign issue that the Alderman wants the online community to talk about - instead of the rash of other real issues Mr. Harrington raised in his comment.
So far, the public isn't buying his act. We'll just have to wait and see if the Alderman is listening to his constituents, or will overrule them and go ahead with his plan anyway.
UPDATE #1: The Alderman seems to be backtracking a bit with all the negative responses to his renaming request. Here's his most recent response to his ill-fated attempt at derailing conversations of greater proportions.
"Keep in mind the ultimate decision making authority rests with the Park District Board of Directors, not me. They simply asked for my opinion and I reserved offering that opinion until I took the pulse of the neighborhood, something I'm not required to do, but is part of my practice and philosophy of governing..."Now it's all the Park Districts decision. Talk about passing the buck.
UPDATE #2: Loyal internet followers of Alderman Moore are revolting to the name change in massive numbers. 169 comments on Everyblock in less than 30 hours. The Alderman has gone on the attack with sarcasm about conspiracies.
Neighbor Drew responds:
"Alderman Moore, if most people, some of your strongest supporters here on EveryBlock, oppose the name change, then your question has been answered. Big NO. Thank you."
9 comments:
"Ask not what your country can do for you," but what Australian Consul-General in Chicago, Roger Price can do for you. Joe Lake
Before the online neighborhood uproar, Alderman Moore was babbling online endlessly on the virtues of this renaming.
Since the tide has turn against him he's shut down conversation talking points.
The broken heart is back!
Nice summation of the Everyblock post.
I think it just boggles the mind as to why would we rename a nice beach into someone's really long name who was an important though minor historical figure who spent some time in Rogers Park.
We could also name is Harold Ramis Beach and put ghostbusters insignias all over. Would make about as much sense.
How about we name something in Australia after an important Chicagoan who was born and died there?
Breaking News: As more and more neighbors continue to voice their disapproval, Alderman Moore gets a little support.
49th Ward Committeemen David Fagus supports the name-change.
Joe told me that I was, "out of step with the prevailing opinion of the community," not him. What a joke. I'd like to know how the Park District plans to show its appreciation for his pushing the name change.
I'm glad to see the Broken Heart back. Do you think you could revisit Joe Moore's hand in blocking the referendum promoting election of the Chicago School Board? His suck up relationship to Rahm Emanuel infuriates me.
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/moore-and-emanuel-block-elected-school-board/Content?oid=7095690
As a 40 year resident of Rogers Park, I'm absolutely against renaming Jarvis Beach.
BTW Joe, your 'lakefront protection legacy' is established with the Pritzker Car Tower on Sheridan Road. Please leave our Rogers Park lakefront ALONE!
BTW, the Rogers Park resident community could very likely put a stop to this by protesting directly to the Chicago Park District, starting with the Board and the CEO as well as the Mayor's office. You know "....the squeaky wheel gets the...."....especially in Chicago in an election year, like the one shaping up.
The way the Alderman is pounding the drum in defense of the name-change, it sounds like the residents don't have a choice in the matter.
It sounds like our ruler has this as a "done deal."
"Notification, NOT consultation"....the Joe Moore way!
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