Indictment of Speaker Mike Madigan
Run for Local School Council
Work for the City
Congrats to Artist Richard Hunt
|
|
Dear Neighbors,
The crimes laid out in the federal indictment against former Speaker of the Illinois House Mike Madigan demonstrate abuse for personal and political gain by an elected official with too much power. Madigan's role as Democratic state chair as well as Speaker of the House gave him complete control over political campaigns of and the staff of members of the Illinois House of Representatives, allowing him the ability to pass legislation for the benefit of his allies and to demand money and business from those who wanted legislation passed.
The indictment details two major schemes: one in which Madigan and his associates worked with Commonwealth Edison to steer payments and jobs to Madigan favorites in exchange for Madigan's support of major legislation favoring ComEd. The indictment alleges that ComEd paid a lobbying firm more than $30,000 a month for years, which in turn, funneled payments to various individuals including retired 13th Ward Alderman Frank Olivo, and several other 13th Ward individuals, including a former Cook County Recorder of Deeds. ComEd also guaranteed 850 hours a year of work to a favored law firm, and set aside summer jobs for 13th Ward picks. It is alleged that these bribes cost Illinois ratepayers at least $124 million in excessive rates.
The other scheme involved several instances in which then-Alderman Danny Solis worked with Madigan to steer legal business for tax assessment work in exchange for a potential appointment of Solis to a paid State board, and for approval of a zoning decision, and the sale of State-owned land to the City so it could be developed. As far as we know, none of those transactions ultimately occurred, but it is unknown whether Madigan's firm was ever retained.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of $2.8 million from Madigan and his top aide, Michael McClain.
I believe that diffuse power is better for democracy and good decision-making. Here in City Council, we faced a similar issue when Ed Burke controlled the Finance Committee. At one point Burke had a huge committee staff, many of which were placed by then-Chairman Burke into other departments of the city so he could have direct information and influence over city departments.
As Chair of the Ethics and Government Oversight Committee, we have successfully made reforms to fight these abuses;
- We banned lobbying by any elected official advocating for private interests.
- Aldermen are prohibited from doing tax appeals work in Cook County.
- Our Inspector General has full power over every employee in City Government, including City Council.
- Some permits now allow aldermanic input rather than a veto, like public right of way permits.
We intend to continue to introduce legislation to make government more ethical and transparent.
|
|
Run for Local School Council
Applications Due Friday, March 4
Seats are up for election at all of our Local School Councils on April 20, 2022 (elementary schools) and April 21, 2022 (high schools). Parents can apply at their children's school, and community members can run for the schools where they live.
Help our public schools be as good as they can be. To find out everything you need to know about becoming an LSC candidate, participating as a voter, or serving as a paid judge click here. Election paperwork can also be picked up at the CPS school where a candidate plans to run.
Please note: All paperwork must be returned to the school in which you intend to seek a seat on the LSC.
|
|
Work for the City of Chicago!
The City has ramped up hiring to fill vacant positions in a variety of departments. Examples includes supporting the Chicago Police by working as a Principal Operations Analyst in the Crime and Data Analytics division. If you're interested in helping local businesses and focusing on economic development then you can apply to be an Economic Development Coordinator in the Department of Planning and Development.
On top of providing a huge variety of career paths, The City offers competitive benefits in pay, a comprehensive insurance plan, and a pension plan that encourages long-term employment.
Take a look at the City job board here.
|
|
CTA Unveils First-Ever Roadmap for Conversion to an All-Electric Bus System by 2040
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced details of a multi-year analysis for the full-electrification of one of the nation’s largest bus systems by the year 2040.
CTA’s existing fleet of 1,800 buses is housed at seven bus garages across the service region and serviced at a heavy maintenance facility on Chicago’s Far South Side—all of which will need to be substantially upgraded and retrofitted with the charging infrastructure required to operate electric buses.
For more information, or to view the Charging Forward: CTA Bus Electrification Planning Report, please click here. |
|
Sidewalk Signs Now Allowable
with Proper Permit
Effective March 1, 2022, sidewalk signs (e.g. A-frame, T-frame, or other temporary self-supporting type signs, placed on the public way) will be allowed in the City of Chicago by obtaining the proper City permit. Street-front businesses will now be able to use sidewalk signs to advertise their business safely and effectively from the sidewalk. This was passed in the legislative package in June 2021 that provided countless reforms for businesses to streamline various permits and save businesses money.
The City permit application for sidewalk signs is available now, by visiting the City of Chicago’s Inspections, Permitting & Licensing web portal. A sidewalk sign permit will be valid for five years from the date of issuance and the permit fee will be $100 per year. You can find various rules and restrictions here that will provide further clarifications on the size, placement, and content of sidewalk signs. |
|
Mask Requirement for Ward Office
Although rates of COVID are much lower right now, The Chicago Department of Public Health allows that individual offices can continue to require masks. Because we serve the general public and some of our staff are more at risk, we will continue to require masks when visiting out Ward office.
Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to serving you every day.
|
|
City of Chicago 2022 Tree Plantings
Request A Tree
Our City 2022 budget commits extra funding to planting nearly 15,000 new trees this year (about 300 per ward). In the 43rd Ward, we currently have 240 open tree planting requests.
You can view the requests here, if you don't see your location on this list but you would a tree to be planted, please email Maggie Sullivan at maggies@ward43.org.
You can request a specific tree from the city's approved list. Most available are Bur Oak, Shumard Oak, North American Hybrid Elm, Ginkgo, and American Linden Tree. The City can't guarantee any particular tree, but will work to try to get your preference if available. The goal is to diversify the tree stock in the city to avoid dangers from disease.
|
|
Office Closed for Casimir Pulaski Day, Monday, March 7th, 2022
In honor of Casimir Pulaski Day, our office will be closed on Monday, March 7th. We will return to normal hours and operations at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022.
|
|
Community Alert
Robberies
18th District, 19th District, 20th District, 24th District
About the crimes:
According to police, two individuals are allegedly involved in a pattern of crime across several police districts. One of these robberies took place in our Ward. The two individuals approach unsuspecting victims on the public way and take victims' property by use of force. In two of the incidents, the victims resisted, at which time they were pepper-sprayed. Additionally, a victim was bit on the arm in the most recent occurrence. Following each robbery, the offenders then escape in a nearby vehicle.
Incident times and locations:
- 6200 block of N. Kenmore Ave on February 23 at 9:16 am
- 3000 block of N. Pine Grove Ave on February 23 at 9:34 am
- 700 block of N. Kingsbury St on February 23 between 10:15-10:30 am
- 1300 block of W. Thorndale Ave on February 24 at 11 am
- 1200 block of N. State Pkwy on February 25 at 12:39 pm
About the offenders:
The offenders are described as an African American female, 20-25 years old, 4'10”-5'2”, 150-180 lbs., and an African American male, 20-30 years old, 5'10”-6'2”, 160-180 lbs., with dreadlocks hairstyle.
If you have any information, contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area 3 at (312) 744-8263.
|
|
Safety Walk on 1200-1300 N State
Wednesday, March 9
12:30 p.m.
As part of our commitment to public safety, I'll be walking on N. State Parkway in response to the street robbery reported in the community alert. Please meet me at the corner of N. State Parkway and Goethe on Wednesday, March 9 at 12:30 p.m.
|
|
Juvenile Arrested for 2021 Old Town Carjacking
The Chicago Police and the Vehicular Hijacking Task Force have made another arrest and this time in a local carjacking. A 15-year-old juvenile boy has been charged with carjacking a woman last year in the 1400 block of N. Wells.
The woman was getting out of her car when someone took her keys and got in her car and drove away. This was around 2:30 p.m. on December 2nd, 2021. The woman then reported the incident and the police have been investigating since.
He is being charged with 1 count felony for Vehicular Hijacking.
|
|
018 District Police Shred Event
Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
1160 N Larrabee St.
Join our 018 District Police and R4 Services for a paper shredding, electronic recycling event, and prescription drug drop-off at the 018 District Police Headquarters at 1160 N. Larrabee.
This event is only for 018 District Residents, which in our Ward is people south of Fullerton Ave. Any questions can be directed at 312-742-5778.
|
|
Write to Our Public Officials
Pick Up Some Postcards!
We are having an impact! All of our neighborhood organizations are joining together with our office to mount a postcard writing campaign to seek accountability. You can pick up postcards now at:
- 43rd Ward Office, 2523 N Halsted
- Old Town Triangle Association Office, 1763 N. North Park
Postcards are pre-addressed. Please write about your personal experience with crime and why the city needs the support of our State's Attorney and judicial system with appropriate prosecutions, sentences, and bail. Click here for sample postcard language, and more information about the campaign.
|
|
Interfaith Climate Summit
Sunday, March 13th, 2022
3 p.m.
600 W Fullerton Parkway
Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church is hosting an interfaith climate summit to discuss climate change and the impact it has on both eastern and western religions.
Representatives from Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Baha'i, Buddhist and Sikh faiths will be present joining the conversation that hopes to be an informative and inclusive space. This is an in-person event that can also be watched online on their YouTube channel. |
|
Savor Lincoln Park 2022
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
2401 N Lake Shore Drive
(Theater on the Lake)
Buy your "early bird" tickets here!
The one-of-a-kind indoor neighborhood food festival takes place at the iconic Theater on the Lake, where you can enjoy bites and sips from over a dozen of Lincoln Park’s favorite restaurants and bars. Celebrate our resilient hospitality businesses and meet up with your friends, colleagues, and neighbors for the return of Savor Lincoln Park on Tuesday, March 22, 2022!
Guests will also enjoy unique silent auction packages from Chicago’s best destinations and beautiful skyline views.
Stay tuned for participating restaurants, breweries, and eateries!
Tickets are currently on sale and Early Bird Admission is only $32 through February 20th, 2022. All tickets include a sample bite from each participating restaurant, beer tastings from local breweries, as well as complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks at the bar. You will also have exclusive access to the event’s silent auction, which will include packages and experiences from some of Chicago’s top destinations.
|
|
Support Local Restaurants |
|
Artist Richard Hunt Work Commissioned for Obama Foundation
Longtime Ward Resident Richard Hunt has been commissioned by the Obama Foundation to produce a sculpture that will be featured at President Obama's Presidential Library on the South Side of Chicago. The piece is called “Book Bird” in which a bird emerges with upright wings out of a book. The golden sculpture will be installed in the reading garden outside of a Chicago Public Library branch that’s part of the presidential center, which is currently under construction in Jackson Park. The video below from the Obama Foundation shows the highlights of Mr. Hunt's career, art, and life.
Congrats Richard!
|
|
See you in the neighborhood, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
