Hi Ann,

the meeting was "different," the bottom line was that residents (1) want a way to identify students at Sullivan High School (the scene of a lot of fights) from out-of-area troublemakers (uniforms are the option being pursued), (2) more after school activites of students, (3) greater involvement of parents and (4) more attention to drug dealers, as well as drunks on Morse Ave. State Sen. Steans was inspired to have this community meeting, based on her success with a similar meeting in Uptown. The focus of this meeting was billed as seeking comments on safety in "Rogers Park" but based on attendee comments shifted to safety on Morse Avenue and the seemingly never-ending battle over a "boys and girls" club on Howard.

The idea of getting state and local officials together to hear from resident re: their safety concerns, allowing them to work on a multi-faceted approach to solving problems strikes me as a good idea. I'm guessing State Rep Lou Lang would be open to the idea here along with State Sen. Silverstein in our (Chicago & Evanston) area. I know that Police Commander Caluris would welcome the opportunity.

My only caveat is that the meeting should either be moderated by a non-elected official or held with the understanding that elected officials will listen and express summary comments at the end. The anger of some community speakers who "demanded" an on the spot answer distracted and took up too much time.

Regarding the light at Howard & Custer.

During our Halloween walk we noticed that the cover to the meter on the light control box was broken (it's the large green unit in front of the convenience store at Custer, meter is on west side of box). When we called Evanston non-emergency, they said that Chicago was responsible for maintaining that; they told me they'd notify Chicago officials. I'm wondering if that was ever fixed. If not, it might be the source of periodic problems with that light. I'll stop by tomorrow and see if the meter cover is still broken.

I remember seeing that - I will report to John Burke.

TO THOSE WHO TAKE THE CENSES JOB. HAVING DONE THE LAST TIME IN CHICAGO. LOTS OF LEG WORK AND TIME.
LOWELL

It is my understanding the city is spending all this money on the south branch to bring it up to code to meet the ADA. Rather than repeat my blog comments here, about the city messing this project up - go to Evanstonnow.com - my comments refer to the North branch. ( may be apply to the south branch also )

I went to APW on monday - this is were you tax dollars are being spent. The city newest screw up is the "Evanston Employment program" - Ann was the only one to question it - the rest think its great - actually it is going to waste millions of dollors of tax payer money over time. I suspect the city will face a legal suit at some point over this program. A new patronage program in the making.

Also youre water bills may go up 33% soon - I questioned the so called emeergency connection to Wilmette - even the staff member did not want to state it was a high priority. given the $ issue but several council members guestioned him - asking him to make a decesion. One council member even admitted they have no idea about what goes on at the water plant.

/m15010
Alderman Rainey - Tom Twigg reports that the meter referred to in the e-mail is the Com Ed electric meter. Traffic signals do not have electric meters. I have asked Tom to check it out and contact Com Ed if it is damaged. Will let you know.

Bernard - thanks for the update. I would think it helpful for an Alderman to participate. Curious as to what kind of assistance residents want from state reps.

Also, I have archived many thousands of posts but noticed Jim posted message /m15000. Regretfully, the trip to the Bahamas for the 15,000th poster has been cancelled due to the economy.

Good news, the purchase of the cameras for Howard St have been approved. One will be on Howard St in the 400 block and the other will be on Howard at Elmwood.

Ann,

Again thanks for speaking up in the Council about spending. It appears that you are one of the few who actually has familiarity with something known as a "budget" and living within its constraints.

While walking through the Chute playfields, I saw my first genuine murder of crows since the West Nile virus decimated the population. I counted at least 23 on the ground, in the trees and swooping (looked a bit like the flying monkeys scene from The Wizard of Oz). They were fat as turkeys, sleek as minks and loud as a freight train. I've missed the old critters - nice to see they're coming back to the hood. Made me grin. Caws and effect, I suppose.

Thanks, Vito. You don't have to be a financial wizard - you just have to read the documents. I thought the director of the township's defense of her financials was inadequate.

Tad, I'll show you some caws and effect! Good one!

Ann,

What is required to eliminate the Township? It is Evanston's version of Todd the Toddler's Cook County fiefdom.

Edited by author 11-26-2008 10:16 PM
a binding referendum is required to change the form of government and then I am certain lots of hand wringing. I have no issue servicing the 60 or so individuals receiving assistance but do we need a VERY high paid executive director and then around 8 other well paid people to assist?

Don't even get me started on the assessor. Hopefully, no one will sue her this year, although law suits/legal fees was one of the excuses the exec director gave for over levying.

I agree with both Tad and Vito. Crows good. Township, not so good.

Perhaps the genuine threat of such a referendum would be enough to even whip the Assessor and her office into shape? Or am I just showing too much good will on Thanksgiving?

Speaking of which: with all the problems we have, we all have so much to be thankful for, and one of my greatest blessings is living in the 8th Ward.

Two young elders of the LDS church decided that Thanksgiving Day would be a good time to knock on my front door while I was deep into intensive holiday cooking. I was not amused, but I was polite. I can't believe that any thoughtful authority would have given permission to go door to door on a family holiday. Anyone else get a visit?

Just as the state of Illinois has been passing some laws to encourage the consolidation of school districts, hasn't there already been some statewide studies on the irrevelence of townships these days? They are an unnecesary level of government that could easily be done without. It would be a chore, though. And a constituency would feel threatened. The current economic situation, however, gives us a chance to strip our entire governmental structure of layers of fat. It's what President-Elect Barack Obama would want us to do!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone (I'm a bit late because we're celebrating tomorrow!) I am very, very grateful to live in the City of Evanston, 8th Ward, Brummel Park. I love this place.