As a rule there are no other aldermen who prepare questions for every department and follow-up on the answers to those questions. It is not far fetched to imagine that if I were not there to participate in budget hearings, a good 50 hours of public discussion City department heads about their goals and objectives for the following year would not happen.

The City Council exists for a reason. We should not be a rubber stamp but a willing and contributing partner. Disagreements should not be feared but considered a starting point for improving the city and finding solutions.

In the last 4 years I have voted with the mayor 94% of the time. I have disagreed 6%. Debate and discussion and hearing different voices, especially in a city as diverse as ours, is healthy and should be encouraged.

If you want to get involved in keeping this independent voice in the City Council, call 773-871-4625.

Thank you. And don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, April 13th.