Anyone else remember the Truman Parking meeting in March 2008 when CTA President and Uptown resident Ron Huberman thrilled the crowd by admitting the Wilson L is a disgrace, and promised renewed retail and rehab? The following news item makes us wonder if we'll ever see it now....
"Chicago Transit Authority President Ron Huberman will be appointed the new head of Chicago Public Schools, a source close to the matter is reporting. A formal announcement is to come as soon as Tuesday, by Mayor Richard M. Daley, sources reported."
Read the entire story here.
I was reading about this today. Seems to go along with our politics as of late and throwing experience to the wayside.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am sure Ron is a smart guy, there is also something to be said about seeing a project through. The heads just keep cherry picking of different branches and it creates a system with no accountability. They aren't on projects long enough to screw up or create a real difference.
I guess it is a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't. If you do bring in an outsider like for example the CPD and Weis, the locals don't want to work for him.
Maybe Ron can fix the school districts in the two years he will put in. Maybe you won't have to enter a "lottery" for the chance to send your kid to a decent school.
This is on Helen. How many feet is her office from this disgrace?
ReplyDeleteHuberman looks like such a nice boy.
ReplyDeleteHe was Daley's chief of Staff....
He doesn't know anything...he just gets appointed to new positions all the time and without have to know nothing about them.
Where do they get off putting these "faces" in these positions?
You people are just crazy. Ron Huberman has done agreat job...don't be a hater!
ReplyDeleteYet another failed promise up in Helen-Town.
ReplyDeleteIt would be done in a New York second, if Wrigley Field was up here. But then again, she would no doubt turn it into a tent-city, so nevermind
When Ron made this promise at the meeting, he was being a good Daley soldier boy. He never had any real intentions of following through with his promise. It was all done to deflect the glaring problems with Wilson Yard TIF funds being used for Truman parking and the subsidized housing.
ReplyDeleteHelen wants us to believe that Target will jumpstart the businesses in the area. The Wilson Yard TIF is a sham and Huberman was used to promote the sham. Jump Ron, jump. Now that's a good boy.
"You people are just crazy. Ron Huberman has done agreat job...don't be a hater!"
ReplyDeleteI know you are struggling with how this blog works Jason, but do you mind backing things up once in a blue moon?
Has Ron taken the CTA out of financial crisis? Are they jacking up fares and cutting service? Are the trains cleaner? Safer? In the two years have we seen dramatic enough change to constitute his promotion and departure?
While I do think Ron is a positive step for the CTA, I think he should put his time in and fix the thing before he bolts.
Since we are all "Crazy" how about you explain the greatness of Ron. I just see government cherry picking with no accountability. But hey...Im just "crazy"
Seems to me that people should look at the realities: Our very bad (and getting worse every day) economy; the fact that the CTA's been cutting services and raising fares for the longest time; and the simple logic that--regardless of whether it happens or not--a politically savvy Ron Huberman is not going to appear at a public meeting and tell his audience that nothing will be done about the poor state of the Wilson L station.
ReplyDeleteJason's accusation of "crazy" refers more to the indignant "cybermobs" who use their keyboards to tap out and post snide comments about people like Huberman and Shiller. We of course know these folks could do a much better job if they were that CTA honcho or 46th Ward alderman.
I will never understand how management skills are perceived as completely transferrable from one discipline, department, or organization to another. I've heard so many teachers over the years complain how Daley appoints people to head the school system who have no education background. Apparently, Daley strikes again. By the time Ron is up to speed on CPS, he'll be moved to something else...
ReplyDeleteA few good points from previous posters:
ReplyDeleteHelen wants us to believe that Target will jumpstart the businesses in the area. The Wilson Yard TIF is a sham and Huberman was used to promote the sham. Jump Ron, jump. Now that's a good boy.
I agree holy moly, except I think Helen actually does think that Target will jumpstart business in the area. Bighearted she is...but also unrealistic.
I've heard so many teachers over the years complain how Daley appoints people to head the school system who have no education background. Apparently, Daley strikes again. By the time Ron is up to speed on CPS, he'll be moved to something else...
Yep, larrynow, Daley strikes again. It is ironic that this appointment all but confirms the criticisms that the problems with the Chicago Public Schools are political. Apparently, Daley feels he needs someone who is a smooth operator who can knock skulls when needed. God forbid he appoint the countless true experts on urban school reform that are in this very city. At least Arne Duncan was also hooked up with some of that crowd. Who does Huberman know? And, more importantly WHAT does he know??? I'll grant that the guy may be a quick study but it is patently offensive to me as a parent that Daley didn't make an effort to hire the best person for the job. Given Duncan's appointment, following in his footsteps could be pretty high profile move for someone. A national search could have yielded some truly spectacular candidates. What it says to me is that we're not really focused on fast paced improvements but holding onto power over the unions and TIF funds. Mark my words, Huberman will be all over DC sniffing around for urban schools money whilst millions are being diverted in this city towards crooked deals and the Olympic bid.
And Daley is calling Blagojevich coo-coo? I don't think he has much room to talk.
ReplyDeleteIn the short time that Huberman has been CTA president, I think he has cleaned things up a lot and has done a decent job, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Why not let him finish it and appoint someone to CPS who has a more qualified background?
Ronnie sure must have quite a bit of dirt on Daley to keep getting these high profile jobs.
I don't know Ron. I don't believe I've ever met him. I neither love nor loathe the man. I do however loathe damayer.
ReplyDeleteWhat I most recall of the CTA over the last couple of years is a continual cry of wolf; the spoiled brat attitude; and the forfeiture of several million dollars of federal grant money.
The schools' chief gig is another matter. A background in education isn't necessary to be successful. Face it... education is of little importance to the teachers union. Their one and only goal is to keep their (dues paying) members employed. Daley needs a chief who can appear to stand up to the unions without alienating the unions.
...Oh, and the Wilson EL will not be rehabbed as "promised!"
ReplyDeleteAnd as for BillyJoe's comment about the "cybermobs" maybe we exist because certain people lie and lie and are never held accountable for what they say. Huberman's promises at the Truman meeting were essentially there to get people to shut up about the money inappropriately going to Truman. It was a "chill out guys, we've got this all planned out fairly" kind of promise. He was there to shut people up by promising them their end of the deal. "No no, really. Both things can happen! We can build a garage for CTA passengers with your TIF money AND rehab the Wilson EL station!! This is all wonderful news! Why on earth are you crazy people complaining?"
I have asked this many times but I would really like to know how many times people must take this crap before they RISE UP ANGRY!?
While Huberman is not near the failure that was Frank Kruesi at the CTA, he still failed to tackle the biggest problem that plagues the CTA; Monopolized labor with out of control wage, pension, benefits and work rule propaganda that management continues to coalesce at the expense of their fiduciary responsibilities to the people.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that insulates Huberman against this charge is the fact that most elected officials around the nation refuse to stand up to to this organized labor mob that burdens public sector efficiency.
Huberman will migrate to CPS where he'll do exactly the same thing. He'll trim some hedges to preserve them, but he won't cut down the tree that is killing them.
At the Truman meeting, Shiller, Huberman and the guy from the planning department all said that they would be announcing "big plans" for Uptown's el stations in the summer. Well, summer came and went and we heard nothing. Maybe by next summer...or the next...
ReplyDeleteI think the "big plans" were the new canopies at Lawrence and Wilson. Not a bad start, but I think that's about all we're going to get. We are still left with a decaying Wilson station and a non-existant station house at Lawrence. Sure is a welcoming site to the hood.
ReplyDeleteSoul,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct.
Maybe I'm blind, but the Wilson stop still doesn't have an elevator. Apparently this is required by federal law via the "Americans with Disabilities Act".
ReplyDeleteI don't exit at Lawrence very often. Does it have an elevator? I'm pretty certain Sheridan doesn't have one either.
In other words, these stations all need more than a new coat of paint. They're capital expenditures, but our elected leadership rarely puts any money into this and just waits for Uncle Same or some major catastrophe to shove it down our throats through the expense of job losses and a recession.
Well, I've said it once and I'll say it again: Mr. Hubermann is HOT. And it's wholly unfair that I've never "bumped into" him in the neighborhood. How sweet would that be?
ReplyDeleteSoul - yep no elevators exist at any of the Uptown stations (and worth repeating - there is not even a station house at Lawrence, only a chain link fence and turnstyle).
ReplyDeleteI would think that if Helen is so "compassionate" for seniors, the poor, those with disabilities, etc... she would have championed the cause to have elevators installed in these stations. I have witnessed elderly people struggling to walk up the stairs at Lawrence numerous times. Helen doesn't give a crap though. She would prefer blight over any improvements as it keeps the neighborhood "down."
Just because Huberman is leaving, doesn't mean Uptown is not getting new or rehabbed "L" platforms.
ReplyDelete"I would think that if Helen is so 'compassionate' for seniors, the poor, those with disabilities, etc... she would have championed the cause to have elevators installed in these stations. I have witnessed elderly people struggling to walk up the stairs at Lawrence numerous times. Helen doesn't give a crap though. She would prefer blight over any improvements as it keeps the neighborhood 'down.'"
ReplyDeleteThe above is a brilliant example of the keyboard-generated "cybermob" rhetoric I referred to in an earlier comment.
And why do you think that BJ? Helen's whole platform is to (supposedly) help those in need. Please explain to me why she shouldn't be leading the cause to have more accessible CTA stations. Is there a problem with expecting more from our alderman?
ReplyDeletebj, there's been a consistent theme about Helen coming from people who live here, and then someone who lives in Evanston has the audacity to tell us how Helen really works in this community. Some people say you have guts, others say you are out of touch. I go with the latter.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the prior competition Huberman has done a decent job at the CTA.
ReplyDeleteHe should be kept there. "Da Mare" seems to like shaking things up and moving folks around constantly.
Let Ronbo hang out at the CTA for a few more years. Then send him back to head the police department where he can be mocked because of his lack of police experience and sexuality.
As for the schools they need an enema. The biggest problem is screwed up parents. Then the unions.
Bring in a kick ass, take no prisoners administrator from out of town. Of course Daley won't do that.
Hold the kids accountable. It is up to them to learn, of they don't want to do their part, then tough. They fail.
ReplyDeleteThey fail.
ReplyDeleteAnd we end up paying for it.
Helen must be flippin' delighted with having Luberman (based on political whoring, not sexual orientation) in charge of the schools.
The more uneducated people CPS churns out, the more support she will eventually garner.
And ... I'm sure she's tired of getting challenged by folks who can easily see through her shizint.
Dumb people absolutely loooove that woman since she is more than happy to shift their responsibilities onto the tax paying section of the community.
Irish Pirate:
ReplyDeleteYou don't work on weekends, do you?
If not, please thank the existence of unions for that little dignity.
Not to mention this little "miracle":
http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2009/01/16/this-miracle-brought-to-you-by-americas-unions/
*The more uneducated people CPS churns out, the more support she will eventually garner.*
ReplyDeleteFunny.
BJ:
Great, the unions did some good a long time ago, but they are corrupt and bloated and useless. And I work on weekends because I have drive, not because I have to!
Billie Joe, It's about time the unions STOPPED resting on their laurels. They were needed at a time and they now think the world owes them a living far beyond anyone else. Yeah, they gave us standardized work days including 9-5 and no weekends. How long ago was that? Exactly, not last week. So now we move on and act in the present, i.e. face the reality that unions are out of touch and full of greed. They run business into the ground. Don't agree? Check with the big three and ask what one of their major obstacles is for cutting cost. Still don't agree, contact UAL and ask them what a major concern is and was for cutting costs and emerging from chapter 11 successfully. Unions, in their current state of mind, are harmful to business and longterm growth. This is not to say that business management doesn't have it's own problems, but PLEASE stop feeding bull about unions. They're passe.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm blind, but the Wilson stop still doesn't have an elevator. Apparently this is required by federal law via the "Americans with Disabilities Act".
ReplyDeleteI'm disabled and can't climb stairs, especially the number of them at the Wilson Station, which is closest to my home. To ride the L downtown, I have to drive to the Addison Station, which is the closest one with escalators and find parking. I can't understand why such a blatant violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act is ignored so blatantly by a government-funded agency.
I'm not a fan of unions (don't let my brother-in-law read that)...but Corporate Executives don't have unions and seem to do pretty well for themselves! They can take what they want and rarely are accountable for their greed. The ratio between worker and executive salary generally is criminal. I listen to way too much Tom Hartmann on Air America Radio. BTW...Chuck, I've seen Huberman at Sidetracks many times...not sure if he frequents Crew or Chicks...
ReplyDeleteUnions aren't responsible for the 5 day work week, nor the 8 hour work day. But I learned unions were responsible in my public schooling as well.
ReplyDeleteYet another big corporate fatcat named Henry Ford retains the credit for the 5 day work week and 8 hour work day.
I'm disabled and can't climb stairs, especially the number of them at the Wilson Station, which is closest to my home. To ride the L downtown, I have to drive to the Addison Station, which is the closest one with escalators and find parking. I can't understand why such a blatant violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act is ignored so blatantly by a government-funded agency.
Call your member of Congress. Call your two Senators. There is an entire tort industry devoted to compliance to the "Americans with Disabilities Act". So if talking to the elected officials falls on deaf ears you can always get a hearing with an attorney.
Billyjoe, as we point out often..YOU LIVE IN EVANSTON...lol.. please let the local residents that deal with this on a daily basis use this forum. I think it may be time for your meds...
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell Mr. Huberman has done a credible job but I agree that it is questionable at this point what he will bring to the schools. As to the teachers union, unions are fantastic in some fields and they have become toxic in others, an example of the former would be the Ironworkers Union and a big, huge example of the later would the UAW, the autoworker's union.
ReplyDeleteThe real reason Ron is going to the schools is that he is a master of dealing with Springfield. I like the call.
ReplyDeletePresent day UNIONS are just a shakedown for radical liberal democrat politicians. They had their place but lost their way.
ReplyDeleteThe union leaders are nothing but political whores selling I mean pimping the members. Take this contract or else..... OPEN YOUR EYES TO REALITY BILLYJO, LOOK AT THE UAW, hows that working for the current workers and the co.?