A reader who's in-the-know writes:
"Flores' & Waguespack's TIF sunshine ordinance was referred to committee. Ald. Waguespack expressed an interest in walking into the committee meeting with a big ole thick stack of print-outs of e-mails from folks who think more transparency for TIFs in Chicago might be a good idea, even if from outside his ward.
I told him we could help. He asked that we use his "ward" e-mail address, ward32@cityofchicago.org. Below is a sample post soliciting e-mails. Thanks!"
Dear Neighbors,
Please write to Alderman Scott Waguespack and express your support for greater transparency in Chicago's TIF program. Aldermen Flores and Waguespack recently introduced into City Council a ground-breaking proposal to post documentation related to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) online. This important proposal is working its way through the City Hall process, but it needs YOUR HELP!
If you have been frustrated in trying to learn more about what your hometown is doing with your property tax dollars, please take a moment to send Ald. Waguespack a brief note of support for this simple idea. Send your note of support to Ald. Waguespack at ward32@cityofchicago.org today! Thank you!
Learn More:
- Transparency on TIFs by Mick Dumke, Chicago Reader, February 11th, 2009
http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/politics/2009/02/11/transparency-tifs/ - Aldermen want to remove shroud over TIF contracts by Kate Gardiner, Medill, February 18, 2009
http://chicagojournal.com/Main.asp?SectionID=25&ArticleID=7129 - Opening a window on Daley's piggy bank, Chicago Sun-Times editorial, February 23, 2009 http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1444290,CST-EDT-edit23a.article
Thanks! I sent my email in. If you're on Facebook, you can also friend both aldermen. I've come upon some interesting articles that promote reform and transparency from Ald. Waguespack that way.
ReplyDeleteI believe we're beginning to witness throngs of voters who are starting to wake up and realize that more transparency, inclusion, and accountability must start happening in all levels of government. If the status quo isn't feeling nervous, they should.
Thanks for the info I sent them an email last week thanking them for their efforts but I just sent another one outlining my concerns with the Wilson Yard TIF and how this type of accountability would have been helpful in our ward.
ReplyDeleteWait... I'm all for TIF transparency, and I've sent emails to both Aldermen... but do we really have to kill a tree to make the point? I thought one of the key points of the whole plan was that there would be an easy to use, searchable website... i.e. going the digital route. Why not make all the emails into a few PDFs and scroll through the file on a projector at the meeting? (I know, I know, that's WAY too 21st century.)
ReplyDelete(I know, I know, that's WAY too 21st century.)
ReplyDeleteI hear ya' on that; but, as much as it saddens me to say this, I think we need to make a sacrifice on this one.
The good part is that we'd be sacrificing a tree, and that's a renewable resource; so, it's not like burning a fossil fuel.
And, if the paper goes into the recycle bin, there's a decent chance it may actually get re-used.
Beyond that, I think the point can only be made to the chair moisteners in Council by slamming down a huge stack of paper atop a desk.
While, I'm sure most of those mouth breathers are rather impressed with flashy lights and shiny things, I'm sure that they wouldn't appreciate the gravity of the situation if only tossed up on a screen.
Keep in mind, these are the same folks who voted for the parking meter lease legislation without having read it.
"do we really have to kill a tree to make the point? "
ReplyDeleteoh, buck up!
these are Chicago aldermen we are trying to impress
nothing impresses like the plunk factor of a sheaf of papers slapped on desk
I suppose Waguespack could wave his Blackberry in the air and claim "I've received over 1.8 Megabytes of e-mail in favor..." but it just wouldn't cut it with this crowd
this is a green initiative; we are trying to encourage the City to scan documents and disseminate them electronically, right now they are going out on paper
so kindly stifle your tree hugging instinct for long enough to dash off a note, do it now, fer criz sake
thanks!
Sent the email and sent an email blast to friends throughout non-Uptown Chicago neighborhoods, asking them to email as well.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see how many emails Waguespack receives. I hope this puts a little fear into our fearless leaders on the City Council.
As I sent the email...I thought...is this legit...or is it a way for them to get info on those who oppose them?
ReplyDeleteI hope its on the level.......