2nd Ward

In the 2nd Ward, Alderman Madeline Haithcock and civil rights attorney Bob Fioretti were the survivors among a crowded field of Aldermanic candidates after the Feb. 27 election.

                Haithcock has been a fixture in the ward for years; we have endorsed her sometimes, and her opponents at other times. We endorsed neither Haithcock nor Fioretti in February, feeling Larry Doody was the best candidate, but Doody did not garner enough votes to make it to the April 17 runoff.

                Haithcock definitely has her accomplishments in landmark preservation, increasing single resident occupancy facilities, ABLA redevelopment, and beautification.

                On the other hand, sometimes Haithcock simply is not involved in some of the ward’s problems or does not know about them, because she sometimes is simply out of touch with the community. She has a reputation as being unresponsive to constituents—even those in the poorer areas that have been her most reliable base. She seldom has taken an independent course and is a vote Mayor Richard M. Daley can pretty much always count on.

                Fioretti promises reform, accountability, and accessibility.

We particularly like his stands on development. He promises to take no campaign contributions from developers, and has returned contributions from an attorney with connections to a real estate firm in this campaign. In an area abounding with highrises, he wants more mid-rise developments. He also would make demands of developers such as adequate parking and pet-friendly facilities and would call for mixed-income and affordable housing, particularly from developers getting public tax-increment financing money.

He understands homeowners need a property tax cap, and regardless of whether he gets elected is fighting to keep the 7% tax cap, having collected more than 1,000 signatures on a petition he plans to take to Springfield.

Fioretti has been making a difference in the community quietly, even before he decided to run for Alderman, by providing scholarships and mentorship programs for students.

He advocates good government and wants to end Illinois’s “pay to play” system of campaign contributions in exchange for favors. Fioretti promises town hall meetings and to be out in the community. If elected, he asserts he will introduce an ordinance preventing all Aldermen from taking developer money.

Two months ago, we said the 2nd Ward needed a more active, energetic, and engaged Alderman than Madeline Haithcock. We have not changed our opinion and feel Fioretti would bring a new and needed activity, energy, and accessibility to the ward.

Bob Fioretti gets the Gazette’s endorsement.

 

3rd Ward

Before the February election, we said the choice between incumbent 3rd Ward Alderman Dorothy Tillman and challenger Pat Dowell was a tough one.

Dowell has experience in rebuilding inner-city neighborhoods without letting high-end gentrification run rampant, and her accomplishments in economic development, employment training, social services, transportation, and historic preservation are impressive.

Tillman has become a better Alderman in recent years. She has facilitated responsible ward development, and the 3rd Ward has new housing and businesses for the first time in decades. She has become more accessible and, unlike many Aldermen, remains independent enough to speak her mind and disagree with the Mayor.

Two issues have taken center stage in the second round of the campaign. Tillman criticized the Service Employees International Union’s support of Dowell, saying it makes Dowell beholden to the union. Dowell said Tillman ignores the many union members in the 3rd Ward by criticizing organized labor.

In addition, people are taking a closer look at the Harold Washington Cultural Center. Tillman called it the centerpiece of Bronzeville redevelopment. Dowell said Tillman spends too much energy on the center and thereby neglects the rest of the ward.

                Both issues seem to favor Dowell.

                The SEIU is backing Dowell because Tillman voted against the big box ordinance that would have guaranteed large retailers pay their employees a living wage and benefits. We think this was the wrong way for Tillman to vote.

                The Harold Washington Center has not attracted the tourist trade Tillman promised. Many nights there are no events there. Perhaps more energetic management could do better, and it does not look good that Tillman’s daughter is the manager.

                Tillman has done better in recent years, but the 3rd Ward needs to look at the future. It is poised for greatness, and we believe Dowell is the better choice to take it there. Once again, we endorse Pat Dowell for Alderman.