Time has come to change the way we manage our City.
In this time of economic crisis, Evanston and the 6th Ward need strategic leadership. We need a City Council that thinks creatively, works collaboratively and focuses all of its energies on keeping our City safe, secure and vibrant. We must reject the notion that we can limp from budget to budget, line item to line item and elect a Council that is capable of managing the present in a way that ensures our future. We must also plan for the day when the economic crisis allows us to return to a more normal way of life in this city.
Evanston needs to improve efficiencies and cut unnecessary spending. But to do this effectively, we must prioritize City services. That means focusing first on identifying services essential to health and safety and ensuring there is sufficient resource to continue providing those services indefinitely. Only then can we undertake the more challenging process of building a consensus across wards about how best to provide remaining services to Evanston residents.
Job 1 for your next 6th Ward Alderman will be soliciting and listening to your views using some new technologies available today, in addition to enhancing a few old ones. When I’ve heard from the people of the 6th Ward, on this and many other critical issues, I’ll be much better prepared to carry those views into the Council chamber.
I believe that I am uniquely qualified to act as the voice of the 6th Ward for the next four years.
If you entrust me with this role, I will, unlike my opponents, be your full time Alderman, available when you need me. I plan to establish regular office hours so you can meet with me face to face on any important issue because I believe responding to your needs and the needs of the City should be my first and only professional responsibility.
For the past 14 years, my primary work has been community activism and philanthropy, so I have the experience and personal network necessary to get things done.
I’ve served on the Boards of BEHIV, the McGaw YMCA, the Democratic Party of Evanston and the Evanston Community Foundation’s Leadership Evanston program. I was also appointed by Mayor Morton to serve on the City’s Sign Appeals and Review Board.
This work regularly immersed me with the City and the current Council to learn first-hand what does and does not work. My idea for establishing regular office hours, for example, is a direct result of my dissatisfaction with our current ineffective and unhelpful “Citizen Comment” procedures. Now more than ever the Council needs to establish a two-way conversation with Evanston’s residents.
I want to be part of the conversation, but more importantly, I want to begin many new conversations with all the people of the 6th Ward.
I hope you will support me on April 7th. If you plan to be out of town on election, please vote at the Civic Center beginning March 16. There are no special requirements for early voting.
Comments
psanche
Wed, 02/11/2009 - 15:41
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Downtown Plan
Mark,
Can you tell us your thoughts/opinion on the downtown plan that was just passed allowing for a 35-story building despite extensive citizen objections? Many of us want a council and mayor who are not only responsive to residents but who also share our desire to maintain Evanston's small city, unique character. Many of us are convinced that building more high-rise condos will not only hurt the city financially but will also ruin the city's charm.
Peter Sanchez
2228 Pioneer Road
barbrak1
Wed, 02/11/2009 - 12:14
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Where Were You at the 708 Church Street Meetings and Hearings?
Mark,
I am troubled by the fact that, as far as I know, you did not get involved in the raging controversy (still unresolved) over the Klutznick/Anderson proposal to build a Tower at 708 Church Street.
Since the approval on Monday of the Downtown Plan triggers the "un-tabling" of the Tower proposal, I believe it is critical that Sixth Ward residents know exactly where you stand with respect to this proposal (now for a 38 story Tower).
Thank you.
Barb Rakley
JunadRizki
Wed, 02/11/2009 - 19:15
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Mark - what is your problem with Citizen comment?
Mark - I live in the 7th ward not the 6th - If you get elected - I would not be coming to your office - please explain your statement "My idea for establishing regular office hours, for example, is a direct result of my dissatisfaction with our current ineffective and unhelpful “Citizen Comment” procedures. Now more than ever the Council needs to establish a two-way conversation with Evanston’s residents."
You are clearly stating we citizen make "unhelp" comments- if you can not take the comments being said this year - wait till next year - its going to get quite ugly - given the city will be broke and looking to increase taxes dramatically.
We do not need council members who do not respect the views of citizens! We all do not need more council members who work against the public in execetive session. Maybe you can enlighten us - on your views on the open meeting act!
MarkTendam
Mon, 02/23/2009 - 18:02
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Citizen comment
Junad,
Sorry if there was some misunderstanding over what I wrote. As I said, I think the City needs two-way conversations. Citizens comment rules don't allow for this. My goal would be to have a forum that would let Council and Citizens talk to one another. My view is that Citizen input is more than helpful, it is essential.
Mark