32nd Ward Newsletter: March 15, 2024

Dear Scott,

The Department of Streets and Sanitation is prepped for the official start of the City's annual street sweeping season, which runs each year from April 1st through mid-November. Watch for the orange signs and we will be posting the season schedule as soon as we receive it.

Election Day is Tuesday! The next three days are still open for early voting (See times and locations below) so try to avoid the lines and don't forget to vote!

Also in the newsletter, a Civic Federation study on the real estate transfer tax on the ballot. Read the independent analysis and make an informed decision.

Also a quick update on CPD issues; 18th District Commander Hein being promoted, and a statement condemning the hate incidents on the rise in the City.

Finally, set your calendars for upcoming events, like the Easter specials in the neighborhoods and for Women's History Month...a Women Leaders of the North Branch Panel next week.

Have a nice weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Street Sweeping Begins April 1st

2024 Voting Information

Election Day is March 19th

Early Voting is now going on at 191 N. Clark and 69 W. Washington as well as the ward specific early voting places. In the 32nd Ward, the early voting location is at the Bucktown Wicker Park Library at 1701 N. Milwaukee, but people may vote at any early voting location in the city. Learn more via the Chicago Election Board at Election FAQs.

Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. Voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them, including on Election Day - click here to enter your voter information and find the closest Early Voting sites next to you!

HOURS OF OPERATION: March 4 through March 19, 2024 (Election Day)

Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Election Day: 6:00am - 7:00pm (March 19)

Civic Federation Data and Policy Study on the Real Estate Transfer Tax on March 19 Ballot

Excerpt from the Civic Federation study on the RETT proposed by the Johnson Administration:

Implementing a graduated real estate transfer tax as a source of new revenue has some advantages, but it is also extremely volatile. There has not been sufficient evaluation of the proposed graduated tax’s potential impact on the City’s real estate market and economy or a public explanation as to how the changes to the tax would impact tax burden by location and property use type. The CF analysis of Illinois Dept. of Revenue transfer tax data reached several findings that can be read in the full report. The Suntimes summed up the RETT study- "Civic Federation questions volatility, structure, fairness" of the real estate transfer tax.

This is a good read and the first important study about the potential impact of the RETT on property tax assessments.

March Beat Meetings

19th Police District-

1921- March 20, 6:30pm

Police Auditorium- 2452 W. Belmont

1931- March 26, 6:30pm

Gantz Boys and Girls Club- 2915 N. Leavitt

caps.019district@chicagopolice.org

19th District Twitter

19th District CAPS- 312-744-0064

11-year-old was murdered while trying to save his mom from a knife attack at the hands of a violent parolee: prosecutors

Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents on the Rise in Chicago

Many people have asked if we have any updates on the spate of hate incidents related to placards and posters being plaed around Bucktown and Lincoln Park. We can only say that Chicago Police are still investigating the hate incidents observed in the community over the last few weeks and will continue their work. In another hateful incident, earlier this week a man trying to attend a movie about October 7th at the Logan Square Theater was attacked by an angry crowd. He say that it was simply for being Jewish. 

During the recent rise in acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate, the silence of leadership at City Hall cannto continue as people intimidate, harass, and even attack innocent Chicagoans for their religious or ethnic identity.

We as elected representatives of the people, have a special responsibility not to stay silent in the face of hate violence and discrimination against any of our constituents. I support the staff at the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and police officers in our districts who, in the face of this violence, are actively working to solve and prevent these hate crimes and incidents. 

I condemn this mob-like violence we saw this week and hope that leadership recognizes the need to condemn and take action as well.

New Chief of Patrol for CPD - CPD announced the promotion of former 18th District Commander Jon Hein and deputy, to Chief of Patrol. Chief Hein was a great asset for the community in the 18th District and has always been proactive in his work and with his team of officers. We look forward to his efforts fighting crime as Chief of Patrol for the City of Chicago.

Full Statement from CPD: Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Larry Snelling today announced the promotion of Deputy Chief Jon Hein to Chief of Patrol. As Chief of Patrol, he will oversee the direction of CPD's largest bureau which includes all 22 police districts across the city.

"I have seen firsthand Chief Hein's leadership in responding to public safety concerns, major events and critical incidents and it's why I know he is the right person for this position," said Superintendent Snelling. "He will draw from his extensive experience within the Bureau of Patrol throughout his career to guide our patrol operations."

Chief of Patrol – Jon Hein is a 28-year member of the Department, most recently served as the Deputy Chief of the Central Control Group. As Deputy Chief of the Central Control Group, he was responsible for overseeing public safety operations in the city's downtown area. He also coordinated security for many major large-scale events in the area.

Before his promotion to Deputy Chief, he was Commander of the 18th (Near North) District within the Central Control Group. Prior to that, Chief Hein was the Executive Officer in the 15th (Austin) District. As a Lieutenant, he served on the 24th (Rogers Park) District, Area North Saturation Team and Area North Gun Teams. Chief Hein has worked in many district operations positions throughout his career, including as the Business Liaison Sergeant in the 009th (Deering) District and a Tactical Team Sergeant in the 001st (Central) District. He was also a Sergeant for the Area North Saturation Team, Mobile Strike Force, Targeted Response, the 15th District and the 3rd (Grand Crossing) District. Chief Hein holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University.

Teens are invited to a resource expo from 12-2PM to connect to summer jobs and opportunities; the main event will be 1-4PM in the Grand Ballroom.

ALL TEENS: REGISTER HERE FOR THE BASH! TICKETS ARE LIMITED.

Spring Forward Teen Bash is here! Join us on March 30th, 2024, from 12-4pm at the Aon Ballroom in Navy Pier.

The event will feature:

• Special musical performances, including DJs
• Free pizza and snacks
• Skateboarding and BMX
• Arcade games
• A graffiti wall
• Airbrush tattoos
• Video games
• Mini golf
• A mechanical bull
• Raffles
• A resource expo
• And much much more

Don't miss out on the ultimate Teen Bash! This event is for Chicago residents ages 13-19 - Register Today!

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is happy to announce that the City’s Tax Prep Chicago free income tax preparation and assistance program is back!

DFSS is offering expanded in-person and digital services at 7 locations across Chicago. Please note all sites are first come, first served.

This program is more important than ever with opportunity to claim the federal and Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as well as federal Child Tax Credit (CTC).

This year, additional populations over 18 and who have an ITIN are eligible for the Illinois EITC!

Eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $7,430 from the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, in addition to other credits. But many people may not claim all the credits they deserve without the help of knowledgeable preparers.

We ask for your help in informing your friends, family and others about this valuable service.

For more information about how to access the free tax assistance program, Chicagoans can:

• Call or text the City’s 2-1-1 helpline
• Visit the City’s tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org.

Families earning up to $64,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at eleven sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns.

Most sites will be open between end of January and mid-April 2024. Please refer to the flyers and links below for specific information on site locations and hours.

Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and type “free tax help” in the search box or call (800) 829-1040. 

Pappas Study: How a Few Voters Control the Fate of More Than a Billion Dollars in New Spending

This election season, voters throughout Cook County will decide whether to repair aging schools, improve a lakefront beach, shut down a fire department, and give local politicians new powers to tax.

If history is any guide, only a sliver of the electorate will decide the outcomes of those key ballot questions known as referendums.

An average of less than one out of every three registered voters determined the fate of 75 property tax-related referendums from 2020 to 2023 in Cook County, an analysis by the office of Treasurer Maria Pappas found.

In fact, turnout has been so poor that the fate of nearly half of those referendums was decided by less than 25% of all voters.

“Voters are given the power to make these key decisions, but most don’t bother to vote,” Pappas said. “And when their taxes go up, they are the first to complain.”

When voters stay home, they allow a small group of motivated voters to hold sway over decisions that impact their wallets.

The analysis, titled “The Few Decide for the Many,” found that seven out of 10 referendums were approved, with majorities voting on less than 10% of those that did pass. Those referendums allowed government to create $1.16 billion in new debt and increase property tax caps by more than $59 million.

The analysis also shows how one or two votes, amid poor turnout, determine outcomes of critical ballot questions:

• In south suburban Hometown, the decision to give officials home rule authority, which includes additional taxing powers, passed by two votes, 381-379. Just 27% of the city’s electorate voted in June 2022.
•  In University Park, a referendum to create a park district failed on a tie vote of 815 – 815, with less than 22% of registered voters deciding the outcome in November 2022.
•  In Stone Park, the fire department was eliminated by a vote of 182-145. Only 21% of the village’s registered voters participated in the March 2020 election.

“I urge voters to get out and vote, and also to not skip the referendum questions lower on the ballot so these issues can truly be determined by a majority and not by a few,” Pappas said. 

Local on Lincoln!

Women Leaders of the North Branch Panel !

Get ready to indulge in a delicious adventure at Savor Lincoln Park! From fine dining to fast casual, there’s something to please every palate. This exciting event invites food lovers to experience the best of Lincoln Park's culinary scene all under one roof. 

Tickets include: a bite from each participating vendor, beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus access to one-of-a-kind silent auction packages. Buy a ticket today!

Wednesday, March 20

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Theater on the Lake

2401 N. Lake Shore Drive

CityArts Program

Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts general operating grants. Applicants must have a primary mission to create, produce, present, provide, or support arts and culture activities or services. The deadline to submit an application is March 25, 2024 at 5:00pm CT.

To learn more and apply, visit chicagoculturalgrants.org.

Save the Date!

City of Chicago Announces Lineup for 2024 Chicago Blues Festival, June 6 – 9, Featuring One of Buddy Guy’s Final Chicago Performances

The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the full lineup and programming highlights for the 2024 edition of the beloved Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 6 – 9 as part of Millennium Park’s milestone 20th anniversary season.

Established in 1984, the largest free Blues festival in the world returns to Chicago with four days of top tier talent performing in Chicago’s Millennium Park, plus a special opening night performance at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Throughout the weekend, three stages set up across Millennium Park will welcome more than 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating the city’s renowned Blues legacy, including a special Sunday evening performance by Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago performances.

Visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us for the complete lineup.

City News Links

• Mayor Brandon Johnson wants city to borrow $1.25 billion
• Jewish Man Attacked by Anti-Israel Protesters at October 7 Documentary Screening in Logan Square
• Editorial: Chicagoans should vote down 'Bring Chicago Home'
• Migrants at Chicago’s largest shelter call food ‘horrible’, rather buy their own meals as city spends millions
• Civic Federation questions volatility, structure, fairness of ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum
• Chicago’s Ukrainian Community Can’t Get Enough of This New Lincoln Park Cafe
• Chicago Spent $524M on Overtime in 2023, Including $293M for Police, Setting New Records