IS DON GORDON FOR REAL?

This run-off election provides a real test.  There will be an influx of new media attention, new interest in the community, new dollars and new bodies into the race.  This is Don Gordon’s opportunity to enact his pledge to not utilize dollars from developers, realtors and others who might want a zoning change.  He has said he will start in 2011, but if it is a real commitment why not start now Don?  Do you think nobody else will take money from these people because you don’t in 2011.  Or Don, are you planning on using the incumbency of your office to overwhelm challengers in 2011?  If its wrong as you state to take money from these people, then it is wrong today, not in 2011.

It is also going to be time for you to roll out your real plans for the neighborhood instead of talking in generalities and platitudes.  The voters want specific ideas about how you are planning to attract those businesses you are promising.  They want specific ideas about your solution to the crime problem.  They want specific plans about how you intend to stop the development you feel is out of control.  They want good and clear answers about how you will preserve diversity, if that is your attention, and how you will provide affordable housing if you intend to do that.

I for one would like to know what you intend to do to protect the lakefront that Joe Moore did not already do for you.  And speaking of the lakefront, what ever happened to your Rogers Park Conservancy?  When was the last time you meet?  What did you accomplish other than a very long meeting ay Loyola Park and a wish list that delivered absolutely nothing to the community.

Frankly Don's overall record of accomplishment as a community activist is spotty at best.  It is time to answer Don.  You may have an example or two of things you have finished in your 25 year career as a  community activist, but you have a widely known reputation of not being able to stick with a project or bring it to completion.  The community needs to examine you as closely as possible and put you under the same microscope that Moore has been under.

There are a lot of questions for Mr. Gordon to answer.  I for one am quite ready to hear what he has to say for himself.  Let’s not forget that he didn’t even have 30% of the vote.  To get to 50% we need more from you Don.