PART 2 of 3

Discussing successes and positive changes throughout his tenure really set the tone for his priorities going forward. He mentioned five key areas of focus – Public Safety, Improving Schools, Economic Development, Getting Neighbors Involved and Connected, and the City Budget and Pensions. He said, “Public safety and the security of our citizens is priority number one…the high profile gun violence has actually overshadowed the steps forward we have made.” He said the increase of patrols and foot traffic along Bryn Mawr have been key to reducing crime where it was previously a problem. In Edgewater, the focus will be working with police on targeting more areas that have been problematic. But the high profile issues he views as a “city wide problem that is interconnected.” The goal in that regard is to work with the authorities – and make sure we have “enough police where we need them” – and improve coordination between communities (not just in this ward), applying measures which have proven effective elsewhere. Also, getting neighbors more involved in the community – getting folks out, promoting positive neighborhood activities and economic development are interconnected to security and safety as well. “We have had real success along Broadway…I would like to work with the City and owners along Sheridan Road, particularly from Balmoral South to Lawrence.” He said there are a lot of vacancies where there could be real opportunities. I asked how he thought he could make the climate more positive for businesses, “We have to work with the City on changes so it is not such a burden, such as streamlining permitting and helping reduce the cost to get up and running.” He said continuing to focus on infrastructure is important – “CTA improvements and repaving; over the past 3 years we have repaved about 80% of the streets in the Ward.” If that can happen, he implied the positive traffic and improved economic conditions would help improve safety and security of the neighborhood. But all of this is connected to the city budget. And he was quick to acknowledge the challenge. “We have to solve the pension problem. Pensions could eclipse all other issues we consider priorities. The law recently passed at the State level was found unconstitutional so we have to go back to the drawing board.” I told him I did not expect him to have the answer, but asked what areas he would encourage focusing on, “We will look at all new revenue opportunities, TIF surpluses, and the 911 service charge.” I said what about property taxes and very quickly he said, ”No.” He said he wanted to do a lot more for area schools, and that he would continue investing his own time and energy doing what he could. But without solving the pension issue, all that is possible is “working to help make the best use of a limited budget.” I said condos worry about their budgets too, which may be small with relatively smaller challenges than the City. I told him my colleagues and I (by in large) think it is pretty unfair that condos are losing the “Refuse Rebate”. “That may be small potatoes compared to the pension problem, but the way owners see it, they are paying for the bill out of the assessments and paying for single family home pick ups through their property taxes.” Find out what he had to say about this and other issues more directly effecting Condo Association’s including Park Tower in Part 3 coming next week. (He even mentioned our Plaza/Driveway Project!)

Read Discussion With Alderman Osterman  – Part 3