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Many of the aldermanic races are getting nastier, and none more so than that in the 35th Ward. Among the latest dirty tricks is an anonymous full-color mailing apparently sent to every registered voter in the ward that accuses incumbent alderman Rey Colon of a long court and criminal history, ranging from a legal dispute over payment of a gas bill to drug possession charges.
My quick check of court records confirms that people named Rey and Reynaldo Colon were involved in some of the cases cited, but it’s not clear they were the same person in each instance. Alderman Colon says they weren’t and condemns the mailing as a libelous attack on his character and reputation.
He acknowledges that he owed some money in the early 90s to cover a fee for automatic child support deductions from his paycheck. And he says that for a few months in 1995 he was involved in a legal tangle over payment of a gas bill for an apartment he shared with a couple of other roommates. He says when he was a YMCA and Boys and Girls Club leader before becoming alderman he went through repeated background checks and drug testing.
Whoever is behind the mailing spent some time and money getting it out—Colon estimates that the first-class mail fees alone would have cost $9,000.
But Colon says since it started landing in mailboxes earlier this week his campaign has received dozens of calls from voters pledging support and offering to help the campaign. Still, going door to door he's explain the allegations repeatedly, and he sounds frustrated: “It’s kind of like covering your face and taking a beating.”
of course, here is the catch:
"Mr. Burgoa (the write-in candidate) had admitted to a couple of our upstanding community members that he was responsible for this flier. When I heard this I asked him myself and he would not out right admit it (of course he had no idea who I was), but left the impression he knew who did and that a lawyer had done a lot of research to come up w/ the data provided in the flier."
So, I do wonder if a write-in candidate really had this $9K to spend on this mailing. Still stinks of Dick Mell to me.
Carter
All is fair in love, war and politics.
Any man that has to be dragged into child support court to provide money for his own flesh and blood is beneath contempt.
The lawyer is Frank Avila Jr.
The piece was made by Jesse Juarez Jr.
The mailhouse was Iowa or Wisconsin.
Gloria Chevere oversaw it.
It violates Election law.
It is defamation.
Esteban Burgoa was the dupe.
VILMA COLOM WILL LOSE.
Another 4 years for REY COLON.
this whole stupid thing is just a sad replay of the old trick of asking someone over and over "hey, so when did you stop beating your wife?" so that you can get them associated with that image in the public's mind.
there are some questions that you do not dignify with a response.
No, no, no, Vilma, once in my lifetime is enough.
so, Vilma benefits from having Rey smeared, and the community is left not knowing exactly who did it, as Burgoa has not admitted this to anyone willing to step forward (at least, so far).
--Kristiana Colón
University of Chicago
English Language and Literature, '07
If you were really at the debate, you heard Vilma repeatedly say things like "ediment domain," and you heard someone who was alderperson for 8 years and didn't seem to know a single city department by name.
Rey on the other hand rattled off departments and projects underway, he is clearly more competent, and is a better representative for us than Vilma "I wuz over by the Jewels" Colom, who appears to have morphed into a Sout'Sidah while working for the Sheriff.
Rey will win, and this will be one more nail in the coffin of the old-school dirty politics practiced by the Machine.
Only a few of you bring up real issues and specifics about what Mr. Colon has done or not for the 35th ward. What did Ms. Colom do or not do for the 35th ward? What is the record of the specific actions that has benefited or hurt the safety, economy, development and/or well being of the 35th ward? BE SPECIFIC!
I mean really, who cares if his (oh my god) "live in" girlfriend works for him. The question should be, does she do her job at the office? Has there been a problem or benefit regarding her responsibilities to the office, and the 35th ward?
But all I hear, from you and everyone, (some of whom I doubt actually vote), is that our current alderman may not have a godlike personal history, and when he was confronted with this crap mailed out, may have actually denied, downplayed, or lied in defending himself or his record...YIKES! The sky is falling!!! Oh fear! How human of him.
Chicago political crap like this is just a local version of the Carl Rove school of campaign strategy. I hope Mr. Colon committed all the crimes he's being accussed of, and still wins.
Not because he's some creature from hell come to rampage our ward, but because, lies or not, he's no different a person than any of us.
How many of you can claim that if the public had a look at your backgrounds, your history, your records, your family, that you'd be any better a person to be judged? And if you really think you are a better person...then get off your asses, stop typing, and prepare to run for office...
It's time we focus on issues, specific responsibilities, and the job performance. Let's get real, and find a way to stop focusing the crap.
This is not American Idol, and I think it's time we start looking at ourselves, when we pick up those stones.
Do you want to live in a ward which is independent of the machine, or not?
I do not want to live in a vassal-state of Dick Mell's, that's what Vilma's "leadership" produced for 8 years.
Rey will win the run off handily, Vilma would need to pick up almost all of the Sotomayor vote, and that just isn't gonna happen.
Do I agree with everything he does? good lord no, but that's a pretty unreasonable expectation, especially in a ward as diverse as the 35th, where there are so many different viewpoints and visions, I think he's done pretty well.
I do wonder, has there ever been a ward where it came down to the same 2 candidates 3 elections in a row?
There is documentation to prove all I have said here in case anyone wants to read the literature.
Remember vote for Vilma on April 17th!
For starters, the "new" library is actually just replaces the old one, which was shut down.
The new one isn't any bigger, and is on Fullerton, which at a large neighborhood meeting people jeered wildly.
I'm sure Vilma is a nice person to her friends, but as far as a provider of community service, she's awful.
let's not forget:
She left her office after being defeated in 2003, leaving our ward without representation until Rey's term started.
She allowed us to get punked with the Open Space Plan. Why on earth did she ever go along with a plan that provided almost ZERO new green space for a neighborhood identified as the most lacking on the north side?
Tot-lots in the boulevards don't cut it, we need more parks, but since Vilma went along with the plan, Rey has been stuck as the implementer.
And don't even get me started on what she did for Avondale, because in a word it is NOTHING.
There seems to be some confusion regaridng what an alderman's job is - they don't run the schools. they don't run the police. they are legislators in City Hall, and they direct development, such as the abysmal Kimball Dawson fiasco that Vilma let happen on her watch -
oh, so she got rid of prostitutes on Armitage? well, they apparently all just went and moved north a little bit, as they were living in the basements of those buildings after they were condemned, along with smack dealers, watching TV from power hijacked off of the alley lines.
nice try.
We're in for quite a runoff. The mean female Tweedledee and the pompous self-absorbed Tweedledum. I'll wager in the southern end of the ward some precincts won't even get double digit turnout on 4/17. (Due in part to the great job our committeeman is doing purging the pollsheets)
Rey's supporters/apologists are doing a good spin job. They seem to believe there are few serious ethical questions because he is "independent" or "progressive." They overlook the nepotism in his office. They ignore the his trying to use eminent domain to enrich a campaign contributor. They dismiss the deal he got on his twoflat from another developer. The only question in that is if he paid taxes on it, or did the developer. You don't need that pathetic mailing to make the point. Sadly.
At least Vilma's internet supporters (are any unpaid?) owe up to the fact she is flawed. They can't avoid it. If they promise to keep her locked up in her office most of the time and let her deal with the public only when she's had enough valium, it would be easier to vote for her.
I'll hold my nose and vote. I always vote though. My first memories of television were watching some of the brave people of Selma getting beaten up just so they could vote. I'm voting because of those people and not because of the two running.
People do not HATE Vilma! If so, please explain the 2,218 votes she received?
Thirdly, if you know anything about Vilma Colom, you would know that her first husband is one of her biggest supporters. Omar is not heartbroken nor is he married to Vilma!
Lastly, you're very very foolish to think that Rey Colon does not take handouts.
I absolutely agree with you... we do need more green space. Nevertheless, I ask what has Rey done in terms of achieving "green space" for the 35th ward since 2003?
Where has Rey been when there is a CAPs meeting? Where has Rey been on ward night? Seeing one person and sneaking out the back door is not acceptable. Yes people, Rey has done this. Vilma was always available on ward night or any other night for that matter. Yes, she was aggressive, but she got a lot of things done for the 35th ward.
You’re also right… an alderman is a legislator in City Hall, however, that’s the only thing you are right about. Being an Alderman means you work with all city services and since CPD and CPS is a city service you work together with them in achieving for what's best for the community, Carter.
If we want to see an alderman who will work endless hours for its constituents, vote for Vilma on April 17th.
Nice try!
"I absolutely agree with you... we do need more green space. Nevertheless, I ask what has Rey done in terms of achieving "green space" for the 35th ward since 2003?"
Like I said, Vilma screwed us for decades. By signing on to the "Open Space" plan, Logan Square is now SOL, we're never going to get more green space now, as the City is just going to say "Hey, we all agreed on this plan."
Don't confuse me with some sort of over-the-top Rey apologist.
I'm not thrilled with the nepotism. I'm not thrilled with the relationships with some developers.
however, at the end of the day he is still an independent alderman, unlike Vilma, who will always be a product of Mell.
So it's simple - do we lower ourselves to the status of a vassal-state of the 33rd ward and Dick Mell, or do we have someone who puts our ward first?
yes, I expect Sotomayor will be back, and yes, I will have much higher expectations for Rey during his second term.
This may not be the proper forum for this, but I will state my 'idea'/'proposal' anyway, and see if anyone is intrigued by my reasoning.
I hold the opinion that it has been a very, very long time since we, the citizens of these United States, have truly and honestly been represented by our so-called 'public servants'.
While it can be said that a certain small percentage of any given area's population is well and generously served by their elected officials,(at the financial and social expense of the area's 'common', politically unconnected citizens),for the most part, our elected officials are motivated by three basic principles: get power, keep power and use that power to gain wealth, for themselves and for those of like mind.
I assert that the vast majority of voters are poorly served by the 'powers that be', in all areas of their daily lives. It is obvious that many 'public servants' define themselves as being those individuals who are served BY the public.
This sad state of affairs is the result of simple mathematics. If one determines, in any given area,(ie. city, county, state and federal),the total number of citizens who are qualified to cast a vote, one finds that perhaps 50%, more or less, of that number are actually registered to vote; further,in any given election, one finds that typically between 50% - 60% of those registered don't even bother to make the effort to actually cast their vote(s).
Thus, all that is required to win a 2 person race is 51% of the votes actually cast, effectively meaning that a mere 26% of the total number of citizens qualified to vote are determining who is elected.
In a race of more than 2 contestants, the percentage needed to win becomes even lower than 26%.
It is a puzzling mystery why the 2 major political parties, the Dumbocrats and the Retardicans, continue to strongly resist
the establishment of additional political parties, though one sees occasional use of 'shill' candidates by both major parties.
So, I propose a little experiment, to be conducted in both the smallest, local level elections, (ie. town, city, county, township, village,etc.), as well as in the larger level elections, (ie. state and federal), an experiment which is designed to accomplish several goals and answer several questions,(besides the obvious one, of seeing if enough people/voters will get off their butts and choose to participate in this experiment!).
Basically, my question is this: what would happen if enough voters choose, in every election, both primary and general, to cast their votes by adhering to the following rules, completely disregarding all factors commonly used by voters to make their decisions on who to vote for, and simply casting their vote(s) by applying these rules/formula:
* 1) Determine which candidates are the INCUMBENTS and DO NOT vote for any of them.
* 2) If there are only two candidates running for any given office, all that the voter MUST
know is which one is the INCUMBENT, then vote for the CHALLENGER candidate.
* 3) If there are MORE than two candidates vying for a given office, determine if the incumbent is listed FIRST, and
IF THIS IS SO, then vote for the challenger candidate who is listed LAST.
* 4) If the incumbent is NOT listed FIRST, then vote for the challenger candidate who IS listed FIRST.
* 5) If no incumbent is running for office, always vote for the LAST candidate listed.
Remember to COMPLETELY DISREGARD all impulses to concern yourself with the specific persons who you are voting for and/or the specific persons you are not voting for and/or the specific incumbents who will, should enough voters in any given election
participate in this experiment, be losing their jobs. Remember,also,that the issues don't matter, policies don't matter, individual candidates' personal charm/attractiveness does not matter..................... nothing matters other than adhering to the 5 rules stated above.
If enough voters in any given election participate in this experiment, the result should be that a whole lot of incumbents will be voted out of office. What reaction(s), on the part of politicians and their cronies, will this stimulate?
If enough voters CONTINUE to participate in this experiment during the next several election cycles, thus keeping any specific person from holding office for more than a single term, will those non-politically connected individuals who would like to
sincerely serve their fellow citizens by holding public office, but have determined that their chances of being elected are slim-to-none, now find that they have a reasonably decent chance of succeeding in holding public office?
Will the 'professional politicians' eventually find other lines of work and abandon trying to gain and hold power over their fellow citizens, (since it's difficult to establish power,influence and control in just a single term in office)?
Will the majority of those citizens who do gain public office now be honest, ethical, hard-working and intelligent individuals, who seek office to actually serve the electorate, (since the traditional motivations of power, influence and wealth will effectively no longer be available)?
Will these new, honest candidates, now encouraged to run for office, alter the usual dynamics of 'campaigning'? And in what ways?
As the reader may surmise, this experiment is designed to disrupt the decades-old flow of bullshit, which has passed for so long as democracy; bullshit both by the politicians and bullshit by the voting public's failure to effectively participate in their own governing.
The above experiment should be conducted in all political contests; Administrative, Executive, Legislative and Judicial.
The rule to remember is: WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT.
The 5 rules above are designed to mathematically ensure that the maximum number of votes are cast in such a way as to be effective in denying all elected officials more than one term in office; to prove, by the only means those smugly in power
ever understand, that the voters actually determine who holds public office, and that those presently holding said office(s) have, for way too long, held the vast majority of their constituents in contempt, evidenced not by their words, but by
their deeds.
Keep in mind that this experiment I am proposing is not meant to be a solution to our present social, economic and political disparities, but more as a catalyst for positive change in the attitudes of those who claim to represent ALL citizens' best interests, instead of the present predominance of their representing only the interests of the chosen few.
To paraphrase one of our past presidents, who once said:
* You may fool SOME of the people ALL of the time
* You may fool ALL of the people SOME of the time
* But you cannot fool ALL of the people, ALL of the time
The sad reality is that you need only to fool just the right number of people, at
just the right time, to attain power and control over the many.
Rich Whitney did so well that the Greens will have a much easier time running candidates in future elections, we really do need a legitimate 3rd party, and they seem to be poised to continue growing.
Whatever you do please do not let a
liar ( Rey Colon)divide our community. What a shame that some people are blaming innocent people that do not have nothing to do with the letter but with Rey Colon only. He is the liar who lied to the media. Colon would not give me the opportunity to prove
his lies in public. As a matter of fact he did everything he could to
stop me from coming into the Logan Square Auditorium a public forum. He ordered security all around to stop me from coming in..I was assaulted and told that I did not belong in there at all...I am glad there were witnesses...Rey Colon
is not the upstanding man he claim's to be and the proof is that 54% of the people voted against him. The man has abused the community in ways you can not imagine..Please do not speculate or blame innocent people just ask Rey Colon to share with you the papers that I dropped off to him in the public Forum that he refuse to share with the public..If the man was innocent he should have shared the letter but instead he hid it and did not share it with the public..The burden of proof was on him...he choose to hide it..bad move Rey Colon..you are a liar.. Esteban Burgoa
You don't seem like the kind of person who would choose such a tactic, so I'd appreciate hearing you actually confirm or deny this, thanks.
Carter
But to answer your question, those allegations are from an arrest database, not a conviction one.
In America we believe in this concept called innocent until proven guilty - why don't you prove the alderman was convicted of these charges? He has already stated his innocence, the burden is on the *accuser.* Additionally, I could name you dozens of Latino friends of mine who growing got arrested left and right for all sorts of things they were completely innocent of, but that never crossed your mind, now did it?
In America we also believe in this tradition called being able to face your accuser - so if Mr. Burgoa would like to conclusively answer the question of authorship, perhaps we can all learn more.
after all, I see you do know how to do a google search on someone's name -why not use those skills and answer your own question?
btw, my guitar and bicycle are quite functional in their current locations, but thank you justy ever so much for your thoughtful, if completely juvenile, suggestion.
Colon paced nervously at his Logan Square campaign headquarters as
election results came in over the Internet on Tuesday night.
"I'm winning but I don't want to win like this," he said. "I want to
win tonight. Sotomayor is turning out to be the spoiler. I've got this
guy cutting into 20 percent of my vote."
Did Rey actually think he was going to win outright !?! There was no doubt there would be a runoff. Rey might have his "Internet Keyboard Commandos" and, supporters who "blindly follow him around like groupies at a rock concert", but he has alienated many people in the 35th Ward way before the allegations of a criminal record. Although, I doubt Vilma can beat him, I would not bet on this race as an easy victory for Rey. All has been quiet in the 35th ward since Election Night (February 27).As I look out my window at the light snow softly falling on N.Mozart Street I simply wonder is this how quiet Baghdad was before the attack by the United States ? Because...War is coming. Rey and Vilma for the third time against each other. Obviously, the last time. So, it will be war.
(God, I wish I was Rey !!! Vilma can tortue me anyday !!!)
and Esteban supporters they voted against colon by a 54% margin..
This race is not about who you like
but about who has more brains to serve our community..Ask yourself this question why did four candidates from different areas in our community came out to stand for a better way of life in our 35th Ward? because Rey Colon has failed all the way...This race is not about them but us...we are the community..lets make it a better place not a nightmare. The hate that was brought into our community
by some individuals trying to cash on hard working families will be replaced with kindness and goodness to serve our community and not their pockets..Carter your question will be answered soon but please be real..no matter what people say to you..you do not listen...please open up..this is about our community..and not those who want to fill their pockets with money..Esteban Burgoa
There's less crime now than there was when she was in office, no matter how hard she tries to deny it, but it honestly it has nothing to do with either her or Rey, but the fact that lower income people are getting squeezed out of the neighborhood - upper middle income folks don't tend to commit street crime.
And are you telling us that Vilma has never acted with the interests of her campaign donors at heart? Are you serious?
And what exactly do allegations about Rey smoking dope years ago have to do with his job as an alderman?
my mind is plenty open, but right now we have two choices - choose wisely.
Rey's criminal records speaks volumes!
"There's less crime now than there was when she was in office, no matter how hard she tries to deny it, but it honestly it has nothing to do with either her or Rey"
and again, an arrest record is not a criminal record. please do revisit my quaint comment regarding the right to face one's accuser.
before this is all done I guarantee you somebody is going to have a criminal record, but it's going to be the somebody (or bodies) who committed mail fraud.
We Like Rey. He Is Cool, Friendly, Down To Earth and a Person Of The People.
We DO NOT Like Vilma. She Is Uncool, Unfriendly, Arrogant and surrounds herself with Rude, Incompetent Staff.
2 Votes For Rey Colon On April 17th
"REGARDLESS OF ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN BETWEEN. I WOULD RATHER VOTE FOR A RABID PITBULL THEN VILMA.(perhaps she is one)."
Whether or not he may have smoked weed 20 years ago, well, quite frankly that's none of my damn business.
And the "is Rey cool" take you have isn't quite accurate - it boils down to representation.
do you want someone who can get along with people representing you in City Hall or not?
if you think rudeness gets the job done, I guess you should vote for Vilma.
if you believe politics and the work of an alderman are complicated, you might want to vote for the kind of person who can broker compromises and can work through red tape.
I listened to Vilma repeatedly say "ediment domain" at the last debate and just shuddered at the idea that she might be the one who puts a face on our ward.
yesterday I had a group of Vilma supporters show up at my house telling some of the most ridiculous lies I've ever heard, that Rey "shut down the Dominick's and is going to put highrises there" that Rey "let buildings with gangbangers off scot free," oh lord, it's just too sad.
Hector, Vilma will lose because of eight years of aloofness, poor service through her ward office, and the fact that the people who go out and stump for her resort to lies and pushiness.
you can continue to assume people voting for Rey are country bumpkins swayed by a smooth talker in a natty suit, but the reality is we all see through the looking glass, and she just flips her positions based on which way she thinks the wind is blowing.
Vilma was the queen of massive development in her term - and now she's anti-development? gimme a break! This is the woman who scolded community groups and sneered "You all better get used to progress!"
and I'd like to know where this "bull" was in her 8 years in City Hall.
did she ever cross Hizzoner? did she ever cross Dick Mell, her patron saint? did she ever cross Burke?
Like I said if you are inside the 14 and 25 district you should be concerned for your safety. Colon gave you a break down per district of crime to make it look like there is no crime in our Ward. When you add the three precincts the end result is more than 15,000 crimes. Rey is a liar.
We should be concern about our community and try to make it a better place for our children not a war zone where gangs, drugs and shootings are destroying innocent people. It breaks my heart to see children gun down and woman being raped within a block distance of the alderman office, and no one is caught. These unsolved crimes will come back to hunt us. We need these criminals behind bars where they can not do any harm to anyone.
Just 2 weeks ago Jose Vazquez was gun down outside his home. He was a Policeman and the shooter at large.
I wouldn't vote for an alderman who is ripping off businesses and homeowners to fill his pockets with money.
Why four candidates did come out to run for office in the 35th ward
because 54% of the people is not happy with the present Alderman.
We need to do better on April 17Th
We need to bring the community together and out to vote. We have 26,000 registered
Voters and only 6,500 came out to vote. Please exercise your constitutional right and come out to vote.
but even assuming the alderman is where the buck stops for crime (and I do not, I would lay that at the Mayor and the police) Vilma had eight years to solve these problems - and what did she do? what will she do differently?
the truth is that if you want these problems to go away, you need to legalize drugs and end this second version of prohibition.
do some reading on the original Prohibition, you'll find some startling parallels, most noteworthy the increased amount of funding gangs have, and the fact they then can spend more money on weapons then the police.
so the question really is, should someone's personal distaste for drugs outweigh safety on the streets?
along with Walgreens it is a fact.
Carter why are you putting down people who is telling the truth?
Why don't you go back and ask rey if he has ever met with any gang members in his office?
Carter just listen to your words
yesterday I had a group of Vilma supporters show up at my house telling some of the most ridiculous lies I've ever heard, that Rey "shut down the Dominick's and is going to put highrises there" that Rey "let buildings with gangbangers off scot free," oh lord, it's just too sad.
and are you saying someone in a gang is no longer allowed to walk into a public office? Are you a fascist or something? Are you familiar with the Constitution? I'm not thrilled with gang problems, but they are people, ignoring them doesn't help anything.
my point was Rey is not a cop. he is not the mayor, who decides on the police budget. problems about crime should be directed to the police.
and on tha Wood, I wasn't aware Dick Mell was Latino, fascinating.
either way, Vilma is toast. see you at the polls.
that's exactly the point... you'll get it some day.
I'm outta here folks, see you on the 17th.
yesterday I had a group of Vilma supporters show up at my house telling some of the most ridiculous lies I've ever heard, that Rey "shut down the Dominick's and is going to put highrises there" that Rey "let buildings with gangbangers off scot free," oh lord, it's just too sad.
now listen to your reply
Esteban, the Walgreens is moving into a brand new stand alone location where the old plating factory is just west of Kimball on Belmont. Again, Rey doesn't own the Dominick's, if they want to close, that's their right.
and are you saying someone in a gang is no longer allowed to walk into a public office? Are you a fascist or something? Are you familiar with the Constitution? I'm not thrilled with gang problems, but they are people, ignoring them doesn't help anything.
my point was Rey is not a cop. he is not the mayor, who decides on the police budget. problems about crime should be directed to the police.
you hear that folks from now on do not complain to the alderman about safety.
Carter why don't you tell the community why those gang members met with colon and show some respect to the constitution by telling the truth. One more thing
you keep bringing Richard Mell like he is running for office in the 35th Ward. The two candidates are the liar Rey Colon and Vilma Colom. So what is your beef with Richard Mell? I know the man and he build my students a brand new school and park back in 1994. He will listen to anyone that has a problem in his community. Perhaps if Rey would had listen to the community and being honest none of this things be happening to him.
Carter you need to grow up and be real to the community bringing in hatred is not a healthy way to help a community.
Say Esteban, I'm still waiting for you to either confirm or deny your role in the negative mailing. How about you try telling the TRUTH instead of lecturing me on what I can and can't voice an opinion on?
Logan Boulevard belongs to all of us, btw. Living on the Boulevard doesn't entitle you to any ownership of the streets or parkways.
And what is with all of you people unable or unwilling to post under your names? Afraid of something?
It's pretty clear that a vote for Vilma is a vote for elitism and fascism based on the comments here.
personally, I welcome dialogue brought by men with cajones such as Mark, who are able to discuss issues and stand behind their words.
I find it pretty funny that hanging out on a month-old Reader blog is all some of you are willing to do - and you claim to be the folks that will stop crime? by what, flapping your gums about it here?
there are 700 of your neighbors on the yahoo listserv, so by all means come & join the conversation & share your ideas, if you have a solution to gang violence we'd all love to hear it.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/
but don't be surprised when people want to know who you are...
http://www.chicagocrime.org/wards/35/
Carter do you really want to know about the letter who send it? or do you really want to know about Rey Colon criminal record? why would you be more interested of the sender than the criminal record of Rey Colon? Carter you had blame innocent people about this letter and that is wrong!
Why don't you go out there and find out who killed a kid on Wellington and kedzie, or on Avers and diversey. Oh yes the aggressor that rape a lady accross from the Logan Station. Those are the people we want behind bars but then again how can we ask a criminal to catch a criminal when he is a criminal.
And you are not accurately describing it's contents - those are arrest records, not convictions, and none of the arrests have to do with his job, there are no arrest for bribery, corruption, etc. It is not my place to judge anyone for their individual behavior unless it affects others.
Honestly, I have a pretty high opinion of you, my neighbor across the street supports you strongly, and I understand your concerns.
But I've lived in Chicago (Lake View & Logan Square) here my whole life - and never have I seen any alderman actually stop crime.
The only time crime goes down is when lower income people leave the neighborhood, and in that case all that is happening is the crime is getting pushed into someone else's neighborhood.
Because you make less money would that makes you a criminal.
Listen to your remarks.
The only time crime goes down is when lower income people leave the neighborhood.
If you can not enjoy your next store neighbor because of their income you do not belong in the kingdom of God. I stand firm and strong for every America and my country. I will never betray anyone for money or riches. I will never step on or look down on any children of God. I will treat every America with equality, respect and honor. Regardless of color, sex or origin. However this does not protect corrupted politicians. They belong in jail.
I have an answer to your remarks
Most of the people in my community
Who are homeowners, have equity in their homes. They can buy a second home at their wish. Some of them are opening businesses that create jobs for our community. But they are not thieves that abuse their powers to push people out of the community on purpose.
Is this the kind of politicians you want in your community. Take a closer look. The same people you protect are the ones trying to fill their pockects by ripping off the community
The thieves are among you Cater so please read on.
Re: Good Government
Zina,
As regards your statements about me, they are simply not true. It
was the Alderman who wanted to challenge George Zavalas' petition
(for Democratic committeeman). I argued strenuously with him on the
issue and took no part in his effort. Challenges based on
technicalities are an affront to fairness. That is obvious from
Carter's post and Peter Zelchenko's blog. And now it is obvious
from your success at driving James Villapando from the ballot.
As regards to your actions, they give evidence to what I was
saying. Manny Flores moved into the 1st Ward only months before the
2003 election. The Board of Elections removed him from the ballot
based on a residency challenge like yours. He was on the ballot, and
won, only because he had the money to finance a legal challenge to
the residency requirement. As a result of challenges like yours and
the Alderman's, only the rich survive in Chicago politics (i.e.
James Villapando).
Regarding your comments about my previous support of the Alderman, I
might point out that there were approximately 8 of us on the
steering committee of his campaign. To my knowledge, only 1 of
them, his domestic partner and chief of staff, is working for his
candidacy this time. Most of the others are supporting Miguel
Sotomayor. One of the many, many reasons for these defections was
the Alderman's alliance with HDO which began around the time of the
Zavalas challenge. It is a slippery slope once you start
rationalizing undemocratic practices, which is how, I believe, the
alderman ended up where he is today.
Bruce Anderson
--- In LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, "Zina Murray"
wrote:
>
> Bruce, I'm really surprised at your post. When we both worked on
Alderman
> Colon last campaign, you worked to challenge petitions of opposing
> candidates...
Re: [LoganSquare] Good Government
Bruce,
I would like to add that verifying the validity of
nominating petitions must be considered fundamental to
our democracy.
To reiterate the wisdom of another post, what is the
worry if the signatures are legitimate?
--Erik Glass
--- DBA wrote:
> Zina Murray, who has worked for Alderman Colon and
> who submitted a
> development proposal to the City for the MegaMall
> has challenged the
> nominating petitions of Esteban Burgoa and James
> Villalpando.
>
>
>
> Campaigns and free speech are a fundamental of our
> democracy, why is
> Alderman Colon afraid of letting these 2 citizens
> campaign?
In the ETHICS section is the question:
Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to
your campaign?
Rey Colon's answer:
1. Armitage Produce $2,500
2. Zina Murray $2,500
3. Debit Connections $2,500
4. Balcor $2,500
5. Star Auto Group $2,500
Well Rey, that's a flat out lie.
Developer Mark Fishman and his directly controlled property LLC's are
Rey Colon's biggest recent contributions. On Nov 4, 2006, Colon
received almost $7,000 in that single day from Mr. Fishman and his
LLC's. Indisputable fact on IL Board of Election website D-2's.
Mark Fishman and Fishman LLC contributions in 2006
1530 Kedzie LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
1832 N. Humboldt L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2114 Spaulding LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
2118 N. Whipple L.L.C. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2134 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2142 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
2319 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2330 N. Spaulding Ltd. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2418 N. Sawyer L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2515 Milwaukee LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
2516 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2700 N. Spaulding 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
3000 N. Whipple LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
3240 W. Fullerton Condo Association 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
3500 Green Bay LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
4715 N. Sheridan Rd 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
7500 SSD LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
E K W LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00
11/4/2006
-----
Stoofy's Doo LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
Westgate Acquisitions LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
-----
M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00
11/4/2006
M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00
7/27/2006
Rey, care to amend your IVI-IPO filing, or do you stick to this
significant misrepresentation to public?
Next- Rey's campaign manager is officially listed as Martha Ramos, his
fiance since before the last election. Ms. Ramos is also the 35th Ward
Chief of Staff, a full time City of Chicago position. Ms. Ramos is
also realtor and President of Realty World Teemar, Inc in LSq on W.
Fullerton. A person can indeed wear several hats at once. However,
the potential for at least appearance of possible conflicts is obvious.
Last- the flyer of allegations mailed regarding Alderman Colon's past
was first attributed to challenger Vilma Colom and then to Mr. Burgoa.
Since it exists, and so many have vented about accountability and candor
recently and in the past, including inference of the crime of
corruption against one of the current candidates expressed in 2005 by
the current nonpartisan director of IVI-IPO
I did not say lower income people are criminals.
however, lower income people are more likely to join gangs, which appears to be your hot button topic.
have you been to Lincoln Park or Lake View in the past 5 years? Noticed any gang graffiti? There was plenty of it when I was a kid, believe me.
Higher income folks are not any more or less moral, they simply do not support the gang infrastructure, which as I explained (and you of course cannot refute) is based on the economics of dealing drugs, the prices of which are astronomical thanks to the drug war.
I am 100% conscious of, and not happy with, the fact that in the pro-gentrification "let's clean up these neighborhoods" discussion I hear that no distinction is made between people who are good folk but just aren't wealthy, and people who are dangers on the street.
So for about the 40th time, what is your plan to stop street crime? Or Vilma's, for that matter?
There was way, way more crime here during Vilma's reign, I remember being at a NYE party on the square in the late 90s and hearing automatic weapons fire for a good half hour at the stroke of midnight! I had a good friend who committed suicide because he couldn't stand that every time he walked in his neighborhood he got crap for not being in the gang, and they called him a sellout, a loser, a traitor to his race.
Quite frankly, one of the reasons why people like myself will vote for Rey is that it is safer on the streets, I walk around my neighborhood every day, I know the difference.
Why don't you quit lying to yourself and all of us that the alderman is some sort of Sheriff that is going to run around at night corralling up criminals, aldermen are legislators, and in charge of development.
Since you clearly know how to cut and paste selectively from the yahoo listserv, you obviously know how to post there, so why don't you come on over and finally answer the question - what did you know about and do, regarding the mailing?
I know why you don't want to answer- because you know that you, or someone else you know, clearly broke the law.
As for the people like Lillian above, you are falling for the bait, playing the ditry politics just like the dirty politicians want you to.
do I think it was a smart idea for Rey to hire his fiance as Chief of Staff? Not really, but is it illegal? No. Exactly what sort of qualifications do you think she is lacking? I have had very good success working with the ward office, far better than under Vilma's office.
you're also intentionally staying ignorant of the difference between arrests and convictions.
and then to say Vilma is the one who will bring responsible development?
ludicrous. go to Kimball and Dawson, stand there for 5 minutes, and there's your Vilma-style development. a developer who built without any building permits, who violated the fire codes and dug his foundations too close to the CTA tunnel.
"integrity, honor and decency"
you know, the last time I heard someone campaigning on this platform, it was George Bush and Dick Cheney. And look what we got from that, a war based on lies and manipulation.
You all need to find something better than this "law and order" trip you're on, it's a loser.
I know why you don't want to answer- because you know that you, or someone else you know, clearly broke the law... IT'S NOT BREAKING THE LAW IDIOT!
"Gentrification Today, Gentrification Tomorrow, Gentrification Forever !!!"
Tony, you ever heard of mail fraud? But wait, forget I said that, you're right, the letter is totally legit!
so which clever guy or gal gets the credit? For the record I loved the little cartoons, those were just genius. It's odd, usually real artistes like to sign their work...
"Make it a "Mini" park. Green Space. Where is that Mark Heller when you need him ?"
I'll go you one further and say take out that ridiculous little excuse for a street that connects Kimball and Milwaukee, add Kimball Dawson and that property to the TIF and then you have the space to do something seriously beneficial and useful for the community.
"At least on here everyone gets to say what they want without fear."
Fear? You gotta be kidding me, there are Ray-bashers a-plenty on the listserv, as far as I'm aware as long as you don't use profanity anything goes, Mark Heller (who on many issues I fully agree with) has been calling Rey Colon "Alderman Caca" for 4 years on there!
and mole is yet to come. Grab some tortillas and be ready to bite with some chile on the go..four weeks to election and things are warming up..This is the real people
from my community and not a bunch
of puppets like Carter. The man just keep blaming a poor woman name Vilma Colon and Richard Mell who is not running for office)
as you can see the facts are on the table. We have a corrupted and liar Alderman. Esteban Burgoa
Bottom Line For The 2 Voters In My House (Husband and I)
We Like Rey. He Is Cool, Friendly, Down To Earth and a Person Of The People.
We DO NOT Like Vilma. She Is Uncool, Unfriendly, Arrogant and surrounds herself with Rude, Incompetent Staff.
2 Votes For Rey Colon On April 17th
"REGARDLESS OF ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN BETWEEN. I WOULD RATHER VOTE FOR A RABID PITBULL THEN VILMA.(perhaps she is one)."
and the church to the people, but the boulevard and church belongs to God. In Gods eye his people comes first...Esteban Burgoa
March 15th - 11:09 a.m.
Carter is you telling the world
Because you make less money would that makes you a criminal.
Listen to your remarks.
The only time crime goes down is when lower income people leave the neighborhood.
If you can not enjoy your next store neighbor because of their income you do not belong in the kingdom of God. I stand firm and strong for every America and my country. I will never betray anyone for money or riches. I will never step on or look down on any children of God. I will treat every America with equality, respect and honor. Regardless of color, sex or origin. However this does not protect corrupted politicians. They belong in jail.
I have an answer to your remarks
Most of the people in my community
Who are homeowners, have equity in their homes. They can buy a second home at their wish. Some of them are opening businesses that create jobs for our community. But they are not thieves that abuse their powers to push people out of the community on purpose.
Is this the kind of politicians you want in your community. Take a closer look. The same people you protect are the ones trying to fill their pockects by ripping off the community
The thieves are among you Cater so please read on.
Re: Good Government
Zina,
As regards your statements about me, they are simply not true. It
was the Alderman who wanted to challenge George Zavalas' petition
(for Democratic committeeman). I argued strenuously with him on the
issue and took no part in his effort. Challenges based on
technicalities are an affront to fairness. That is obvious from
Carter's post and Peter Zelchenko's blog. And now it is obvious
from your success at driving James Villapando from the ballot.
As regards to your actions, they give evidence to what I was
saying. Manny Flores moved into the 1st Ward only months before the
2003 election. The Board of Elections removed him from the ballot
based on a residency challenge like yours. He was on the ballot, and
won, only because he had the money to finance a legal challenge to
the residency requirement. As a result of challenges like yours and
the Alderman's, only the rich survive in Chicago politics (i.e.
James Villapando).
Regarding your comments about my previous support of the Alderman, I
might point out that there were approximately 8 of us on the
steering committee of his campaign. To my knowledge, only 1 of
them, his domestic partner and chief of staff, is working for his
candidacy this time. Most of the others are supporting Miguel
Sotomayor. One of the many, many reasons for these defections was
the Alderman's alliance with HDO which began around the time of the
Zavalas challenge. It is a slippery slope once you start
rationalizing undemocratic practices, which is how, I believe, the
alderman ended up where he is today.
Bruce Anderson
--- In LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, "Zina Murray"
wrote:
>
> Bruce, I'm really surprised at your post. When we both worked on
Alderman
> Colon last campaign, you worked to challenge petitions of opposing
> candidates...
Re: [LoganSquare] Good Government
Bruce,
I would like to add that verifying the validity of
nominating petitions must be considered fundamental to
our democracy.
To reiterate the wisdom of another post, what is the
worry if the signatures are legitimate?
--Erik Glass
--- DBA wrote:
> Zina Murray, who has worked for Alderman Colon and
> who submitted a
> development proposal to the City for the MegaMall
> has challenged the
> nominating petitions of Esteban Burgoa and James
> Villalpando.
>
>
>
> Campaigns and free speech are a fundamental of our
> democracy, why is
> Alderman Colon afraid of letting these 2 citizens
> campaign?
In the ETHICS section is the question:
Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to
your campaign?
Rey Colon's answer:
1. Armitage Produce $2,500
2. Zina Murray $2,500
3. Debit Connections $2,500
4. Balcor $2,500
5. Star Auto Group $2,500
Well Rey, that's a flat out lie.
Developer Mark Fishman and his directly controlled property LLC's are
Rey Colon's biggest recent contributions. On Nov 4, 2006, Colon
received almost $7,000 in that single day from Mr. Fishman and his
LLC's. Indisputable fact on IL Board of Election website D-2's.
Mark Fishman and Fishman LLC contributions in 2006
1530 Kedzie LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
1832 N. Humboldt L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2114 Spaulding LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
2118 N. Whipple L.L.C. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2134 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2142 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00
11/4/2006
2319 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2330 N. Spaulding Ltd. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00
11/4/2006
2418 N. Sawyer L.L.C. 3240 W Full