Today's the first day of early voting. You can go to the polls until October 30th at locations citywide between 9-5 (even Sunday mornings, downtown only) to cast your vote in November's election. The Uptown location is the Truman College lobby, 1145 W Wilson; other nearby polling places include the Merlo Library (644 W Belmont), Welles Park (2333 W Sunnyside), and Edgewater Library (1210 W Elmdale).
Vote early! ("Often" is up to you.) And don't forget the "special" referenda that are only on the ballots in the area of the ward that already has the most subsidized housing. Gee, we wonder who put them on the ballot? And why were only certain precincts chosen to weigh in on these issues? And what does this bode for the amount of subsidized housing in Uptown?
We don't have the answers to those questions (though we do have some pretty heavy suspicions), but one thing's for sure: The Lakeview portions of the ward, as well as the alderman's own Andersonville neighborhood, have no such referenda on their ballots. Curious, isn't it?
Oh, but wait there's more...
ReplyDeleteAnother 46th ward TIF referendum seems to have made its way onto the ballot:
Should the City of Chicago adopt a policy whereby beneficiaries of public subsidies (including TIF) with more than 15 employees must give local residents first chance to apply for jobs, certify that all employees and contractors’ employees receive a living wage and pledge to honor worker rights, including safety standards and the right to organize without interference?
http://uptownunity.blogspot.com/2008/10/alert-uptown-voters-two-more-important.html
Very disturbing to say the least.
ReplyDeleteWe've really got to get the word out on this.
For a lot of voters, this is a "glaze over question." They will be in the booth to vote for a president, and fairly under-informed in terms of the local repruccussions of that ballot.
It's also a fairly biased question to begin with . In essence it asks, "Do you believe we should help the poor?" I mean what kind of cold hearted, voter simply running to the polls so they can put a check mark on Obama wouldn't say yes to that?
My question is: Is this a referendum vote - or simply a survey question that can be spun as ammo in city hall meetings down the road? In other words, is this binding?
Interesting...that referendum seems to be in line with the big box ordinance that failed and would apply to Target if they actually come. Didn't our alderbeast abstain on that vote?
ReplyDeleteThis phrase has haunted me since I first read the 2nd referendum weeks ago: "the right to organize without interference?"
ReplyDeleteIt sounds innocuous enough, but why would this issue be so important to put it in the verbage of a referendum?
...then I remembered the issue Uptown Update and others had with the Jesus People receiving public funding and also campaigning for Alderman Helen Shiller, even going so far as to post "Vote Helen Shiller" signs at the polling place in Friendly Towers. There were accusations that the Jesus People broke IRS laws and also Election Laws. Could this referendum be an attempt to reverse those laws in the 46th ward?
Ha! Helen can't even vote for her own referenda! I guess all those rich people who live in Andersonville can't be trusted to vote the right way.
ReplyDeleteI'd suppose that "the right to organize" simply means "unionize", and "without interference" would seem to refer to efforts by the employer or employees to remain independent employees. You can debate the merits of unions all you like, but the issue here is whether businesses should be forced by a government to unionize. What will be the next thing they want to force businesses to do? I'm not a tin-foil hat wearer, but this is stuff that we need to be concerned about, especially since we can see the lengths Helen et al are prepared to do (and already doing) to skirt the law.
ReplyDeleteMM Block Club:
ReplyDeletePolitical cover for the reason Target backs out and leaves us only with 2 towers of 100% subsidized, low income housing?
Big Box ordinance supporters (labor) trying to stick it to Target?
Who submitted the referendum?
Can the application for the referendum be FOIA'd? This shit doesn't just appear out of thin air.
Why doesn't FWY, UCC, UNC, BPN, TSN, CPN, MMN, GWNA, or any of the other Uptown groups file their own referenda?
Too many questions, not enough answers.
@patrick:
ReplyDeleteYou may not be a tin foil hat wearer, but you seem unable to even understand the very words you pull out for closer examination.
"Without interference" does not mean the government mandates unionization.
It means that if workers try to unionize, management of the company cannot disrupt those efforts or seek retribution against those who organize.
There are already laws on the books that protect workers' rights to organize, so I don't know what this is really about.
On a separate thought, wouldn't it be hilarious if the workers at JPUSA's Lakeside Building Supply organized, and forced JPUSA to pay their free labor force a living wage with benefits?
That would be a hoot!
"My question is: Is this a referendum vote - or simply a survey question that can be spun as ammo in city hall meetings down the road? In other words, is this binding?"
ReplyDeleteThis is an advisory referendum, hence, not binding. However, the results can be used as fuel for future ordinances.
Additionally, to address another question, Alderman can put referendums on the ballot without getting signatures - so it is pretty easy for them - not for community organizations (signature requirements).
"Too many questions, not enough answers."
ReplyDeleteUptown Refugee, you are probably right that there are various reasons for the referendum. My only question about the "organize without interference" is that it seems to be drafted to lead the reader down the path of believing it is only to endorse the right to form a union. Experience in this ward has taught me that when things are "a little too obvious" there is usually something else intended.
Target is a natural conclusion, since WY is on the minds of 46th ward residents, but the wording in the first sentance suggests that any group that receives public subsidies is bound to this language. That would include many of the social service organizations in Uptown, including JPUSA. (Heartland Alliance, Mercy Housing, Ruth Shriman Center, etc., etc.)
Refugee, knowing that legal protection alredy exists for those wishing to organize, my stated point was that we now have the city using referenda to declare there shall be NO interference. Having assumed *illegal* interference (retribution, etc.) was already off the table, I was wondering whether the intent is to prohibit even what IS legal when dissuading employees from unionizing.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit using the word "force" was a step beyond the point I was trying to make; having re-read my post a better way to say it is that the referendum seems intent on giving unions easier access to organizing in businesses.
In the future, I'll thank you to not make generalizations about my level of understanding of what I read and write.
uptown refugee wrote:
ReplyDelete"wouldn't it be hilarious if the workers at JPUSA's Lakeside Building Supply organized, and forced JPUSA to pay their free labor force a living wage with benefits?"
Funny, but how can workers organize against a business they own? Doesn't make very much sense in practicality. We earn far better than just a "living wage" as you put it.
Really, my standard of living is much higher now that I am at JPUSA than any other time in my life- including living with my parents who worked for Uncle Sam. My disposable income is in a wonderful state! Every dollar I make is included in it!
Other than that I have no opinion about the referendum, as I will be voting in Michigan this year. I do think a Presidential election cycle is a great time to bring things like this before the public though as turn out is much higher. It is everybody's responsibility to be educated about all of the proposals and such that are on every ballot- and with the internet and such there is no reason to be ignorant of such things. It's just part of being a responsible citizen.
@Otto:
ReplyDeleteDo workers for Lakeside really own the business? Are they legal shareholders? I'd love to see the books, know who the shareholders are, and see who gets what and where the money goes. But I know that will never happen.
Also, unionized workers can and often times do have ownership stakes in their businesses.
Have you ever heard of an ESOP?
United Airlines, along with it's union members (sans the flight attendants), at one time owned 55% of the company's stock. Of course, management drove the company into the ground and made the stock worthless, but that's another story.
Also, there are paid, non JPUSA member workers, right? How about letting them unionize?
While we're on the subject, what are the laws regarding the free labor force? If workers voluntarily forgo pay, isn't the company still liable for payroll taxes, unemployment taxes, etc.?
And finally, if workers forgo wages and salaries, I assume they do not contribute to SSI and Medicare. What happens to these JPUSA members who get old and get sick?
What happens to them if they decide to leave JPUSA and Lakeside after 20-30 years, with no contributions into the system?
Just curious.
refugee:
ReplyDeleteSorry, unlike you I am not a lawyer or a legal representative so i can't answer most of your questions to your satisfaction.
I do know that the people you are so concerned about have chosen this life of their own free will. Many like myself come from normal suburbia with our degrees and skills; yet completely unsatisfied with the system that we have worked so hard to live within. We gave up our own businesses and jobs, houses and land to do what we are doing now.
We call it intentional community.
It is satisfying to me. If I find it otherwise then I will do as many others have chosen to do and return to a life of credit and debt, striving and struggling. As for now my family and I find our current lifestyle extremely liberating and free of many if not all of the pressures of corporate life.
Life is good.
Of course you know it is totally unreasonable for you to even question our books or suggest you would be able to look at them- much like me asking to see your bank account or credit history. Silly to even bring up.
You seem hung up on unions. Is it possible for people to have a good relationship with their employer and not need to give their hard earned cash to another party to represent them? Or is this illogical to you? Which union are you represented by? I have always preferred to represent myself, but I am a Detroit boy at heart and maybe we are a little more independent. Unions seemed to kill all of our jobs in my hometown in recent years.
OK, so it's a survey of voters and not a binding resolution.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it is still ammo for the Alderman to fire in favor of, and opposed to, whatever the outcome of Wilson Yard.
God I hate the machine. It's smart.
God I hate the machine. It's smart.
ReplyDeleteNo. The machine isn't really smart. It just has a tax-payer funded PR machine and some muscle to get people to fall in line or at least keep quiet.
Really...who with even a passing knowledge of high school statistics would agree that these referenda say anything about anything??? There are a lot of ideas contained in those statements. How do you know what people mean whey they answer "yes" or "no"?
And then there is the gerrymandered precinct map? The last I checked, Helen Shiller is paid to represent ALL of her constituents and so referenda from the 46th ward should include the whole thing. I mean, how vile would it be to run a referendum and only ask people in the Hutchinson district, the Marine highrises and in single family homes on Carmen what they think??!!
YES OR NO
Do you feel that your property taxes should be used to purchase $400,000 apartments for about 200 very nice families?
I'm being snarky...but really, its the same thing. Unclear questions asked of hand-selected voters does not give you a mandate. But, it will happen anyway!
@Otto:
ReplyDelete1. I'm not hung up on unions. I just think it would be funny for JPUSA employees to unionize, and for JPUSA to pay a living wage to all employees. Of course, that would make the employees independent and in control of their lives. We can't have that, can we?
2. It's fine to live however you or anyone else sees fit. But I'll feel bad for you when you leave JPUSA and you don't have a pot to piss in. Of course, you can always use an alley in Uptown to relieve yourself on.
3. I'm not a lawyer, although I play one on the Tee Vee.
4. I said I'd love to see the books. I didn't say I had a right to see them. Don't be an idiot.
5. You didn't answer my questions. I'm totally shocked by that. Shocked, I say!
I did respond to your questions and noted that I wouldn't or couldn't answer them. I likewise saw no direct answers to my questions.
ReplyDeleteShocked I am as well!!
I am independent and in control of my life. I am also the parent of my child and husband of my wife. I think for my self and provide for my family. I manage my own money and pay my own bills. I like long walks on the beach and puppy dog kisses as well.... I don't know what you are trying to get at with your passive-aggressive comment about me not getting paid a fair wage. America is dying from millions of people who earn this "fair wage" you refer to not paying their bills and defaulting on their credit. The vast majority of JPUSA's do not have any debt- there are providing for their families far better than the rest of America that are causing the banks to fail. But I suppose you think your way of life is better than mine.
ReplyDeleteI may leave without a pot to piss in, but I used to piss in a pot that someone else owned. I lived on borrowed money. Well not always- I did have one house completely paid for and my last house I only owed on for 5 more years. Have you ever totally owned your house? It is niiice! I can always start the debt machine back up if I want to...
And I did tell you I wasn't going to be able to answer your questions- you shouldn't be shocked.
I have enjoyed the discussion with you. Discussion is good. I am enriched by knowing you better. Thanks for not calling me an idiot, that would have hurt.
With the exception of the question of whether or not to convene a Constitutional Convention, Molly is right---all ballot referenda in Illinois are advisory.
ReplyDeleteReferenda questions have not been the ruse of choice among machine pols since ballot initiatives are most often realized through the work of politically active individuals and groups working against machine poltics. Of course, the shenanigans with the Con-Con question may be the exception to the rule. ;-)
Anyone can add a question to the ballot. You must collect a minimum of 8 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. If 50,000 people voted for the Governor is in the 7th legislative district, for example, then a minimum of 4,000 signatures must be collected. Of course, you can limit the vote to a particular ward or precinct (often the case when a neighborhood wants to vote their area dry), in which case the required number of signatures would be less.
@Otto:
ReplyDeleteI love it! A right wing communist!
You're a hoot!
My world is so much better with you in it. You make me smile.
I'm like McDonalds in that way....
ReplyDeleteBarr/Root 2008 stop throwing your vote away! The lesser of 2 evils is still evil.
I just cast my early vote today.
ReplyDeleteWas running late for work, so figured I'd be even later and stop at Truman on my way to the El.
As it turns out, the special referendum for affordable housing did not show up on my ballot. I asked the polling dude, he said I didn't live in one of the effected precincts.
He was right.
I was able to pull up the map provided on UU on my iPhone and discovered that indeed, my voice doesn't count (I live just north of Wilson in Sheridan Park).
I got a little hot about this - pissed, that I couldn't vote "no." So I called Shiller's office to ask about how they came about deciding which precincts would get to vote on the issue.
I was very cordial on the phone, but the nanosecond I finished asking this question, the woman who answered the phone said that she wasn't prepared to answer me at the moment, and that Shiller herself - would call me back.
Of course, Shiller hasn't called me back.
And I'm not holding my breath.
But I really am curious to hear the way she substantiates the grounds for how these precincts were chosen, etc.
UPDATED INFO ALERT!!!
ReplyDeleteUptown Refugee -
For plenty of info on JPUSA by former JPUSA's, counter-cult experts, a Chicago Tribune reporter, etc. go to http://www.exjpusahelp.com .
A new link recently added to the site goes to http://www.meadowhaven.org , a long term cult recovery facility. They have been contacted by ex-JPUSA's in the past.
Please pass this site on to those you may know who want to leave JPUSA.
Mark Scheiderer ( who will probably be by slandered/slammed by pro-JPUSA's for posting this, since they'll choose to ignore the info about JPUSA linked to at exjpusahelp.com .)
Mark Scheiderer-
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the updated info alert.
Scheiderer/Palin '08
Uptown Girl -
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
Instead of Scheiderer/Palin '08 though, may I suggest "Colbert/Paul '08". You could have Steven Colbert providing laughs and Ron Paul running things behind the scenes.
....Oh....
Wait a minute....
That's a little bit like what we currently have. Oops!
Please e-mail me at markscheiderer@hotmail.com if you have time. Thanks.
Mark
Take alook around our ward. It really mankes me sad to see out area going down the tubes with the help of the alderman. I say vote NO. and lets vote yes for a new alderman when the time comes......
ReplyDelete