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Like the NU Wildcats coming back against the Auburn Tigers, Evanston's branch libraries have  survived numerous budgets. But ultimately, the Wildcats lost and the branches most likely will fall to the current budget crisis. Emails are flying back and forth with requests for volunteers and arguments about the valuable services the branches give to our community. The fact remains, however, that the budget for the branches only shows one revenue source- taxpayer dollars.

I am writing to let you know that while I am committed to finding a fiscally responsible solution to the City's current budget crisis, I am opposed to closing either of Evanston's branch libraries including, of course, the North Branch.

On Tuesday, December 21, Jane Grover (7th Ward Alderman) and I met with Connie Heneghan (the manager of the North and South Branches) and the staff of the North Branch library. We discussed the need to find a way of ensuring the continued operation and viability of the branches, not just this year, but permanently.

On Dec. 18, City Manager Wally Bobkeiwicz, released two documents outlining his recommendations to Council and City residents for the 2010-2011 cycle. Over the next two months the Council will devote most regular Mon. meetings plus additional Sat. and Wed. public meetings (see below) to discussing the planned cuts in personnel and services plus current deficits and debt.

Of particular interest to residents of the 6th Ward: 

 
From: Spells, Loyce
 Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 6:08 PM
To: Gay (Central-Hillside Neighbors); Gran (Princeton Neighbors); Magid (Colfax Neighbors); Marini (Noyes Neighbors); Robinson (Eastwood Neighbors); Yohanan (Hillside Neighbors)
 
Subject:
Burglary Alert: 2100 Block of Pioneer

New Cell Phone Laws
 
On January 1, 2010 two new state laws that relate to cell phone usage while driving will become effective:
 
The first new law prohibits electronic messaging will driving (625 ILCS) 5/12-610.2).
 
The second law prohibits the use of a wireless telephone while driving in a school speed zone (625 ILCS 5/12-610.1(e)).

The meeting on Tuesday evening is intended to encourage residents to form neighborhood watch groups and to let them know the importance of working with the Evanston Police force. This will be the 4th 6th Ward meeting with representatives from the Evanston Police force and our beat cop, Officer Loyce Spells speaking.

Officer Loyce Spells has been making contacts by way of emails and door-to-door --starting in the areas hit hardest by recent burglaries.

UPDATE: THE PRESENTATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS WILL BEGIN TONIGHT AT 6 PM WITH THE A&PW DISCUSSION OF WASTE PICKUP.

The information and links below will provide more insight to the current budget planning process. Citizen participation is very important. I need your help in voicing the priorities and opinions of the 6th Ward. Start with the on line survey: