Good Evening.

I first became alderman in 1987. Since then I have been committed to a balanced approach to development, the creation of a full-time and effective service office and an independent voice in the city council.

On all 3 counts I have been successful.

I believe in one set of rules for everyone and eliminated the old boys club of rewarding political favors with special, exclusive attention.

I think it’s important to hear all the voices of concerns that we have in our very diverse ward.

And I search for the truth of the matter, seeking solutions that go beyond the surface so they can be effective, rather than seek the superficial response to a popular demand that can at times do as much or more harm than good.

Every day I, myself, and my staff struggle with and find solutions, pay attention and work very hard at the small things that directly impact the lives of people  living in every corner of our ward from Lake Shore Drive to Uptown, from Wrigleyville to Andersonville.

In the ward our work on infrastructure is unequaled in the city and 90% of the vacant lots here when I became alderman have been developed for many uses including: the Uptown Library, the People’s Music School. Christopher House’s day care complex, Howard Brown Clinic, Challenger Park and other play lots, over 300,000 square feet of new or rehabbed commercial and retail space, low income and market rate housing.