Last evening, on WTTW's 'Chicago Tonight' program, I watched the debate between the incumbent, 50th Ward Alderman, Bernard Stone, and his opponent, Debra Silverstein.
At one point during the discussion, Stone pulled out a thick, manila ,folder that he claimed contained documents proved the questionable nature of contributions Silverstein had received from various organizations and individual. Including, contributions from mayer - elect, Rahm Emanuel.
Alderman Stone spent most of his airtime patting himself on the back for never being absent at a council meeting. And when host, Phil Ponce, questioned him about accusations that he has been caught sleeping during council meetings, Stone scoffed and claimed that his eyes were closed because of the long and boring council activities. But he denied that he was asleep.
Debra Silverstein (wife of State Representative, Ira Silverstein) said that residents told her that they wanted trash picked up, the streets cleaned, street lightbulbs changed and other basic services. Silverstein also acknowledged the diverse cultures living in the 50th Ward, which I can echo with conviction! You need only to stroll along Devon Avenue, between North Damen and North Kedzie, to see the rich cultures represented inside the several ethnic restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. It was a sad day for me when "Rosenblum's," (a Jewish gift and book shop) closed and moved to the suburbs. The parking meters threaten to unravel the delicate threads that make up this ward, and make West Rogers Park and West Ridge unique and vibrant.
At its conclusion, if I were a voter in the 50th Ward (I live in the 40th Ward of Patrick "Useless" O'Connor), I would give my support to Silverstein. It's time for a new approach and new ideas. It is time to usher in a new era in city government.
Jackie
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