Democratic Party - 49th Ward

Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 27

One of the most important things you can do to affect the future of our community is to vote.   At this point the election is in your hands.  You have seen the candidates, read their information, seen the blogs for whatever value you give them and now it is time to do your part.  There are 21,710 voters in the ward, after more than 1,100 people were registered to vote and 668 were deleted because they moved or re-registered at the same address since November, (800 of which were done by this organization.)  The simple truth is that registering to vote is not hard any more.  Voting isn't hard either.

The troubling thing is that even with the more optimistic projections a reasonable estimate of turnout across the city would be about 35%.  You can make that number one voter higher by coming out and voting.

The polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.  If you don't know where your polling place is or wonder if you're currently registered check it out now.  The information is available on the Internet.

Business As Usual or A New Day?

Last Thursday, (Feb. 1, 2007), the Cook County Democratic Party met and filled the vacancy created by long-time party chairman Tom Lyons, formerly of the 45th Ward, when he resigned. Initially, Committeeman Lyons resigned due to poor health, but within days he passed away leaving a long and productive political career that his friends and family are proud of. 

The election for Party Chairman initially had three candidates, Lou Lang of Niles Township, Ike Carothers of the 29th Ward, and Joe Barrios of the 31st Ward.  In the strange system of Cook County Democratic politics that meant three minorities: an African-American, a Hispanic and a suburbanite.  A minority was guaranteed to make history with his election as Chairman.

Much to my honest surprise all three promised to make great changes and reforms in the by-laws, the traditional ways of doing business and in opening up the party to outsiders and to the public.  After 15 years of experience, forgive me if I am skeptical.  Maybe I would have a little more faith in the promises had they not instantly resorted to one of the least open and most common tactics of the Democratic Party.  The three contenders slipped off into a backroom and made a deal so that each of them would be able to hold a party office. Much to the surprise of no one, their was only one candidate with two new supporters 20 minutes later.  That candidate, Joe Barrios, was elected by a unanimous voice vote by those bothering to vote at all..

It had been said for days the candidates were going to reach an agreement.  As if it mattered I was for Lou Lang.  He seemed the most genuine in his desire to open up the party and bring it roaring in to the 20th century.  No that wasn’t a typo.

It’s a good thing that the local party has the ability to do what is best for its ward or township.

Early Voting Open: Take Advantage of It!

Early Voting is now open for the third election in Illinois voting.  The city has chosen to open an early voting site in every ward this election.  One can only hope that they will continue to have one per ward for all of the future elections.  Until now the closest early voting site was well out of the ward at Warren Park on 6601 N. Western. 

While it is the job of the Democratic Committeeman to win voters into the Democratic camp, this election for Alderman and Mayor as well as City Clerk and City Treasurer is a non-partisan election.

Two of the candidates say they are Democrats on their campaign signs and while the other two stretch the boundaries of being a good Democrat on some issues, I think it reasonable to assume they are Democrats as well.  The party has not taken a stance in local non-partisan elections again this year, but we would urge you to look at the candidates and see which one is the best Democrat for you.

Personally, I am supporting Joe Moore.  He represents many of the parties most important and closely held beliefs as is demonstrated by his work.

Early Voting Sites are as follows:

6601 N. Western,  Warren Park Field House
7340 N. Rogers,    Pottawatomie Park Field House
1210 W. Elmdale, Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library
For Other Sites Across Chicago, (you can vote at any of them)
http://www.chicagoelections.com/press/docs/PR-2007EarlyVoting011807-Eng.pdf

The locations are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday and 9:00am to 12:00 Noon on Saturday and Sunday.  Early voting starts today, (02/05/07), and ends on February 22, 2007.  You do not need to declare a reason for wanting to early vote.  It is your right under Illinois law to do so.

Exploratory Committee Launched

Today Barack Obama took the first step in towards running for President.  As you will note in the video announcement there are several shots that take place at the Heartland Cafe.  The rally the Democratic Party of the 49th Ward held on that day for Barack is credited by David Axelrod as being the day he knew Obama was going to win. 

If you watch closely you will see your favorite committeeman at about 1:40 into the message.  We have been proud of that day ever since it happened and now we can be proud that we are part of the bid for President.

Please take a moment and watch the video.

Two Big Events: Jr. Comes to the 49th Ward - 49th Ward Dems Host Fundraiser

Special Guest Jesse Jackson Jr. at This Month's Political Meeting

Are you "Another Tax Payer for Jr." as the signs beginning to pop up across the city say?  Are you thinking that it might be time for a new mayor?  Just want to hear one man's opinion about politics today?

This Monday, October 16, 2006 Jesse Jackson Jr. will speak at our Democratic Party Monthly meeting.  Jackson has been laying strong hints that he is going to run for mayor next year.  This is an opportunity to hear his thoughts about the city, state, national and international issues.  The event is being held at the No Exit Cafe on 6970 N. Glenwood with refreshments being served at 6:15 PM and the meeting being held at 7:15.  We are expecting a large crowd.  There is no cost, but active members and those who call with RSVP's will get priority to the event those wishing to attend exceed the space the room permits.  RSVP to (773) 973-4949.

Democratic Party of the 49th Ward Fundraiser

On Tuesday, October 17, 2006 the Democratic Party of the 49th Ward will be hosting its pre-election fundraiser at the Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Tickets are available at the door for $125.00.  If you need a discount ticket please call us or email us at (773) 973-4949 and we will be happy to help make it affordable for you.

We're looking forward to seeing you a lot next week.  Make plans to see us!

Called Home

On Monday, June 26, 2006 at 2:30 pm Uncle Joe passed peacefully and painlessly from this world.  He was fortunate to have passed without the suffering that could have left his last days much more difficult.   He was blessed with a long and a wonderful life.

Services will be held on Friday, June 30 at 10:00am at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 2151 W. Washington Blvd.

David and Tanya Fagus

Democratic Party of the 49th Ward Sample Ballot

This week you will be receiving  important information from the Democratic Party of the 49th Ward, your Democratic Party of the 49th Ward sample ballot.  While specifically geared to the 49th Ward most of it could apply to any ward or township in Cook County. 

These endorsements are the result of our membership endorsement session.  Our process is simple.  We invite all of the candidates ask them to make a presentation, they answer our questions and the membership votes for those candidates that best represent our progressive values.  Please keep an eye out for it in your mail box.  If you don't have it already you can print one by following the link below. And remember, state law allows you to take this into the voting booth with you on Election Day, Tuesday, March 21, 2006.

Download A Democratic Party Sample Ballot (568.8K)

All Non-Judicial Endorsements Are In

After a meeting of our Board we have made decisions about all of the races that are non-judicial and we present our endorsed candidates.  The Democratic Party of the 49th Ward is a grass roots organization of neighbors and good people just like you.  Our community has a strong and proud liberal philosophy.  With that as a foundation, each election we meet the candidates, ask tough questions, and vote to endorse those who best represent our community values.

This election provides some clear choices.  At all levels of government the question of health care is one of the most difficult questions to answer: more uninsured, more under insured and less dollars to provide care.  Our candidates, a great mix of leaders with strong records along with fresh newcomers, have committed to fighting for health care choices that make sense, for government that responds to the people, and to vote against Bush policies that have tirelessly worked to destroy many of our most important government programs to provide more to the rich and already comfortable.   

Be it affirming the right of a woman to choose, strengthening County health care, insuring equal rights for all members of society, simplification of Medicare Part D, pre-school education for all, a sensible foreign policy that brings our troops home or stem cell research, these candidates will be there for us when conservative forces renew their fight to take things from us and give more to those who need it the least.

This team is the best of the best and will fight tirelessly to promote our progressive agenda, re-invigorate our governments and insure that your voice is heard.  Please vote to support progressive leadership, caring government and a better community for the 49th Ward on Tuesday, March 21, 2006.  Polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

The list is as follows below.

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Office	Candidate	Ballot	#
Governor	Rod R. Blagojevich	Mark	1
Lt. Governor	Pat Quinn	Mark	4
Attorney   General	Lisa Madigan	Mark	5
Secretary of   State	Jesse White	Mark	6
Comptroller	Daniel W. Hynes	Mark	7
Treasurer	No Endorsement
Congress	Janice D. Schakowsky	Mark	10
State Central   Committeewoman	Carol Ronen	Mark	13
State Central   Committeeman	William A. Marovitz	Mark	14
State Senator	Carol Ronen	Mark	18
State Senator	Jeffrey M. Schoenberg	Mark	18
State Rep.	Julie Hamos	Mark	21
State Rep.	Lou Lang	Mark	21
State Rep.	Harry Osterman	Mark	32
County Board   President	John H. Stroger, Jr.	Mark	29
County Clerk	David D. Orr	Mark	30
Sheriff	Thomas J. Dart	Mark	31
Treasurer	Maria Pappas	Mark	34
Assessor	James M. Houlihan	Mark	35
Commissioner   - County Board	Mike Quigley	Mark	36
Commissioner   - County Board	Larry Suffredin	Mark	36
Three Seats are   Open for the MWRD
Commissioner   - MWRD	Debra Shore	Mark	43
Commissioner   - MWRD	Terry O’Brien	Mark	46
Commissioner   - MWRD	James “Jim” Harris	Mark	47

In the State Rep. and State Senate races you will see that there are multiple names for the same office. The 49th Wared is fortunate to be represented by three different State Representatives and three different State Senators.  This election all of the State Rep.'s are up for re-election but only two of the State Senators.  They are paired up, one Representative and one Senator, (Ronen & Osterman, Lang & Silverstein,  Hamos & Schoenberg), with Silverstein not up for re-election this year.

Early Voting For Chicago Voters

EARLY VOTING IS OPEN!

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners has announced 21 early voting sites for the November 7, 2006Primary Election.   

Illinois has an “early voting” program that allows voters to cast ballots during an 18-day period prior to the election. The early voting program will run from October 16 through November 2.  In Chicago, early voting hours are 9 am to 5pm daily, and from 9 am to Noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Unlike absentee voting, no excuse or reason is needed to vote early.

The Chicago Election Board will be utilizing touchscreen voting units for the early voting program. As a result, city voters can cast their ballots at any of the 21 sites. The touchscreen voting units will contain all ballot styles for the entire city, and will provide the voter with the proper ballot style and candidates for his or her address.   

Every voting site will be equipped with ten touchscreen units.

The Chicago Election Board is utilizing only government buildings for the early voting program. Only sites accessible to people with disabilities are being utilized.

The Board has attempted to scatter the “early voting” sites geographically throughout the city. The 21 sites are being staffed by temporary employees of the Board of Election Commissioners.

At the end of each voting day, the results cartridges from every touchscreen voting unit will be placed under lock and key. The touchscreen units cannot be operated without the results cartridge.

At the beginning of each voting day, the public counter that reflects the votes cast will be checked to ensure that no votes have been tampered with or added to the results cartridge. Neal said that votes cast during the early voting program will not be counted until after the close of the polls on election night.

By law, early voters must produce government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state I.D. card, passport, etc.

The only stipulation for early voters is that they cannot cancel their ballots and vote in the polling place on Election Day.

Chicagoans can now vote early, but no, you can’t vote often.

The 21 Chicago early voting sites are:

Main Office of the Chicago Board of Elections
69 W. Washington, Lower Level

    * Engine 26 10 N. Leavitt Av
    * King Community Ctr 4314 S. Cottage Grove Av
    * 3rd District Police 7040 S. Cottage Grove Av
    *  Olive Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Av
    * South Chgo Learning Ctr 3055 E. 92 St
    * McKinley Park 2210 W. Pershing Rd
    *  West LawnPark 4233 W. 65 St
    *  ArcherHeights Library 5055 S. Archer Av
    * 6th District Police 7808 S. Halsted St.
    * 22nd District Police 1900 W. Monterey Av
    *  Piotrowski Park 4247 W. 31 St
    * West Side Learning Ctr  4624 W. Madison St
    *  Amundsen Park 6200 W. Bloomingdale Av
    *  Mozart Park 2036 N. Avers St
    *  Pulaski Park 1419 W. Blackhawk St
    *  Wright College 4300 N Narragansett Av
    *  North Park Village Admn Bldg. 5801 N. Pulaski Rd
    *  Norwood Park 5801 N. Natoma Av
    *  Wells Park 2333 W. Sunnyside Av
    * Warren Park 6601 N. Western Av (Closest to 49th Ward)

Have more questions?  Please Call:

49th Ward   (773) 973-4949
or
Chicago Board of Elections (312) 269-7900

The Results Are In

In our customary way, the Democratic Party of the 49th Ward held its endorsement session today and the results range from a cliff hanger to landslides.  We invited all of the candidates in the 6 contested races on our 49th Ward ballot this election and many of them took the time to come, speak, answer questions and try there luck at winning our important endorsement.

The results are as follows:

Governor - State of Illinois
Rod Blagojevich                64.3%
Edwin Eisendrath            35.7%
Blagojevich Recommendation to the Board

Treasurer - State of Illinois
Alexi Giannoulias            51.0%
Paul Mangieri                      49.0%
Results Sent to the Board

State Central Committeeman - 9th Dist.
William Marovitz           89.6%
Patrick McDonough      10.4%
Marovitz is Endorsed

President of the County Board
John Stroger                          81.8%
Forrest Claypool               18.2%
Stroger is Endorsed

Cook County Sheriff
Thomas Dart                           94.2%
Sylvester Baker                       3.8%
Richard Remus                        2.0%
Dart is Endorsed

Commissioner - M.W.R.D.
Debra Shore                              88.8%
Terrence O' Brien                70.0%
Frank Avila                               16.6%
Lewis Powell                             22.2%
James Harris                            38.8%
Dean Maragos                            5.5%
Barrett Pederson                  18.5%
Patricia Horton                       11.1%
Boguslaw Stefanski                1.8%
Dean Nichols                                 0.0%
Shore is Endorsed
O'Brien is Endorsed
Results for 3rd Seat Sent  to the Board


The Board of the Democratic Party will meet to discuss endorsements  sent to the Board and will determine if further action will be taken.  The Board can elect to  make an endorsement for a candidate, actively make a  "no endorsement" in the race  or  let the results of the membership stand which will result in no position being taken.

We will be taking action on county-wide and appellate court races shortly.  We have no sub-circuit race this election cycle.

To those who attended, thank you.  For those of you who missed it, you missed some excellent debate and some good questions and an opportunity to ask the candidates whatever was on your mind.