Double Play

My goodness! A double play in the wacky world of politics. First, The Guv, beloved of Dave Fagus, is facing a difficult moment. Seems a top rainmaker is in deep hot water with the feds over his alleged influence over Illinois politicoes. The Tribune thinks The Guv owes us answers, particularly because;

Tony Rezko has long had a relationship with Blagojevich. Rezko and the governor's wife, Patti, shared a business relationship that started in 1997 and endured until it came to light in 2005. That's when the Tribune reported that Patti Blagojevich had earned more than $38,000 in 2004 from real-estate transactions involving Rezko.

The headline on this morning's Sun-Times was "I Pray It's Not True" with a pic of Roddy. Well buddy, I'd say you have got some fast talking to do. Wonder if Dave will add this to his list of issues for The Guv? Naaaah.

Then JoMo comes out swinging at The Tribune for bashing him over the foie gras and Big Box ordinance. JoMo is feeling oh so unappreciated for all his efforts to improve life in the 49th Ward. Really?

I moved to RP in March because I do believe it is an improving area. I talked with the other owners in my building. Everyone of them agrees things are better, depending upon what neighborhood you live in. That is a key distinction. I have been cautioned to be very careful because where I walk in RP determines whether I walk safely or not. That's not acceptable. JoMo says crime is down 50%. Is that real crime or reported crime? Just what is behind that statistic?

JoMo claims that;

You should also be aware that we already have half the Howard St. vacancies in the process of retail and residential redevelopment.

Really? Care to explain that building at the corner of Gateway on Clark and Howard? It looks pretty much the same to me today, as it did when I first moved in. Is that an example of "in process?"

JoMo brought up the Gale Fieldhouse:

Your editorial should have noted the construction underway for the new Howard El Station and the Gale Park Community Center, projects which I shepherded, and which will secure jobs for community residents on those projects.

Big mistake Joe. Others have indicated the El work was CTA's idea. And Toni writes in May just what the deal was on the jobs. I'd love for Joe to explain how he shepherded this project.

But Gale!! Oh boy what a figleaf. Let's go to Toni's timeline on Gale. If that is an example of Joe's effectiveness, that redevelopment on Howard will be a very long time coming. I suppose we should ask if the folks who will be employed by the new establishments will receive a Living Wage. I suspect we know the answer. At least we won't have to worry about foie gras.

I even went to Joe's site to get the scoop on accomplishments;

A $3.28 million beautification project on Howard Street, from Ridge Boulevard to the Howard El will be completed this year.

Plans are underway for a multi-million dollar beautification project on Howard Street, from the Howard El to Greenview.

Alderman Moore secured $200,000 from the city for a planning study for a beautification project on Morse Avenue.

That's the most current looking stuff, the rest is old or hasn't been updated.

If JoMo really wants to help, why not do something about the TIF issues and SSA issues that exist here? On Jul 11, 2006 we got to see the AG's letter to SSA #19 reminding them of their legal obligations under the law. There's more reports on the effectiveness of SSAs and TIFs. Why isn't this on JoMo's list?

My bottom line here is that JoMo is spinning the facts just as hard as he can. Whatever effectiveness he once had is evidently over. Leading the charge on foie gras, which is not a local issue, was not smart politics and I think JoMo is feeling the sting. The Big Box ordinance might have had legs, if not for the fact that there are people for whom a job is paramount. The living wage can come after. Using San Francisco and Santa Fe as examples of how it can work, when neither city shares Chicago's geographic or demographic qualities was pure cynicism. Did he really expect me to fall for that?

JoMo's (and Dave's) feelings may be hurt, but hey, come up with some current, real time accomplishments that support the ward and aren't the culmination of years of waiting for someone to act. Can you spell Gale Fieldhouse my brother? Show me how the remaining slumlords, including your political contributors, are going to get booted out or forced into compliance. Show me some backbone and disavow Prince Urkel for that matter. I know, I have high expectations. But hey, I'm a voter, it's in the blood.