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For the benefit of whoever is elected the next alderman of the 7th Ward and the commercial businesses of the 7th Ward, I have conducted a 5 day listening tour of 7th Ward businesses. I visited about 75 businesses, however some owners and managers were not there, so I will have to add their comments later. I also did not stop in at doctors, dentists or real estate offices due to time constraints. I am sure that there are issues within some of those businesses and it may be easiest to get e-mail addresses and ask for comments.

Holy Cow! Was I ever surprised when I walked into the IVI-IPO endorsement forums and saw Ald. Bernstein, Cook County Commisioner Larry Suffredin and our own CSNA president Jeff Smith. Jeff's presence didn't bother me, since I could picture him as an independent.

Jane Grover, like her political sponsor Ald. Tisdahl, still doesn't get it. Honesty matters, at least it should. As the only candidate to not take donations in the 7th Ward race and I believe citywide, let's compare Jane's latest mailing to her public record during the 7th ward campaign. 

After speaking in several forums, filling out multiple questionnaires, and writing a series of blogs, I hope you, the voters, have a good idea of what I would bring and what I would be like as your alderman.

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who has noticed street sweepers in the 7th Ward (usually only sighted before N.U. games), actual potholes that have been patched on Lincoln Ave. and Ridge Ave., a once a year mailing I believe from the department of Streets and Sanitation. We know there are no coincidences in politics, therefore our City is functioning at it's highest level until the next election in 2013.
To add to the awesome onslaught of our government's coordinated pre-election blitz of services and reminders, I also received the COE quarterly 16 page mailer, " Highlights".

The tragedy and failure of most of my fellow candidates and all " Evanston media" (print or online) to hold any current Council members who are running for reelection or a higher throne accountable for bringing us to such dire economic straits is truly shameful. The tightly structured debate formats have resulted in a non-discussion of the real issues facing the COE currently.

Editor:
I believe that Mark Tendam will make an outstanding 6th Ward Alderman and member of the City Council. As a businessman and community activist, I have worked with Mark in a number of capacities over the years.

Dear Friends and Neighbors:
We're in the homestretch in the 7th Ward aldermanic election, a good time to remind you of the difference I'll make as your alderman.  I am pleased to be the only 7th Ward aldermanic candidate rated "Highly Recommended" by the Central Street Neighbors Association.   

Reprinted below is a letter I received this week from Gene Frett and Virginia Mann. Both Gene and Virginia have been deeply involved in our community and take great care in making decisions about supporting elected officials. I hope you will take the opportunity to send along their note to those who may still be undecided about their choice for our next 6th Ward Alderman.