Thursday, February 8, 2007
News / Clout City Bingo comes first
Posted by Ben Joravsky on 02.08.07 at 06:53 PM
Up in the 45th Ward, alderman Patrick Levar finds himself in a surprisingly tight reelection race against three challengers. You'd figure he'd be trying his hardest to show his mastery of ward issues every chance he got.
But he'll be skipping Monday's aldermanic forum sponsored by the Portage Park Neighborhood Association even though his opponents--Terry Boyke, Robert Bank, and Anna Klocek--will be there. Levar says he has to call bingo at a local senior citizen center that night.
"We contacted Levar months ago--I think it was in November," says John Arena, the association's vice president. "He said he'd have to check his schedule. We just heard back that he had another commitment."
Arena called Levar's campaign office and wound up talking to the alderman's father. "His father said, 'Oh, he's calling bingo,'" says Arena. "I laughed and he got kind of mad at me. He said it's an important commitment."
Of course, since Levar's throwing the bingo party he could schedule it anytime he wants. Or he could dash over to the bingo game after giving his spiel--each candidate's only given a half hour at the forum. "But no, Levar's people said he was going to have to spend four hours at the bingo game," says Arena. "That's a lot of bingo."
According to Levar's spokesman, Manuel Galvan, the alderman isn't trying to dodge anything. "He has a party for the seniors and he picks up the tab," says Galvan. "The Portage Park Association sent him a questionnaire which he sent back, so he's not ducking the issues."
Actually, from a campaign standpoint, choosing bingo over the forum makes sense. At the forum folks figure to grill Levar about some of his more controversial planning decisions. Over at the bingo game he can distribute absentee ballot applications, volunteer to drive seniors to the polls, and avoid anything resembling a tough question.
The forum, at 4839 W. Irving Park Road, starts at 7:30 PM Monday, February 12.
Comments (40)
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I hear that Anna Klocek is the one making the quickest strides in this race. I've seen her signs and she's knocked on my door and impressed me. Anyone know much about this race?
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I really was impressed by Terry Boyke and everyone in the 45th ward knows Terry was running the ward anyway. See his interview with Frank Coconate and Patrick McDonough at www.chicagoclout.com At least Terry will be subject to an informal interview.
Ahhh....challengers. Gotta love'em and their Don Quixote attempts to tilt windmills.....
I met TERRY BOYKE at a coffee about a week ago and was very impressed with his plan for the future of the 45th Ward. He has my vote, my husbands vote, and the vote from all my family members.
Levar can deny wanting to pass the torch to Patrick Jr. all he wants. He's been grooming that kid since day one. And since he is best buddies with Daley, it will be no problem having that nomination approved.
In an effort to better inform the electorate prior to the February 27 Municipal and Aldermanic elections, the Illinois Committee for Honest Government has been actively producing a series of programs that have or will be airing over the Chicago Access Network (CAN-TV) (Channels 19 and 21 in the City of Chicago). But this year, for the first time the ICHG has expanded its reach beyond the 400,000 or so Cable-TV households within the City of Chicago. We are posting this here as it seems that the focus on Senator Barack Obama (a past award winner of the ICHG and a guest on CAN-TV with Frank Avila during the 2004 race and the Live Hotline show while a State Senator and endorsed in 2004 by the ICHG) is or at least may be distracting from the important local races that deserve attention. While the War in Iraq and the Presidency are no doubt important issues, the local voters and bloggers can play a more significant and immediate impact in the local municipal races. Now everyone who has access to the Internet can watch the many programs we (the ICHG) have produced (sometimes in conjunction with other CAN-TV producers like Commissioner Avila, Alderman Flores, the NorthwestSide Democratic Organization, plumber and hired trucks Whistle Blower Patrick McDonough, and the world's conversation starter Morgan Carter) in recent monhts discussing the key issues witha wide range of candidates and other officials. To access most of these programs, merely do a GOOGLE search and click VIDEO and put in the name "Frank Avila", or "Election 2007", or the names of the individual candidates. Frank Avila hosted most of the shows but where conflicts arose we also had shows by Alderman Flores, Commissioner Avila, Morgan Carter (of Omnibus Roundtable and the Chicago Communicator), Chicago Reader reporter Mick Dempke, Frank Coconate, and Patrick McDonough also some candidate interviews and endorsements in conjunction with the Chicago Federation of Labor and the SEIU. While we do not always agree with all the hosts or the same endorsements, the 15 minute, half hour and even hour long shows provide a refreshing break from the 30 second soundbite in major media or a drop of a piece of literature by the dwindling precinct captains. You can also find most of these shows (besides doing the Google or Youtube video search) on either www.aldertrack.com or www.chicagoclout.com although they are not our websites nor do we necessarily vouch for the content of these sites. You can find a list of the programs and just hit the link to the site and watch the programs as if you were watching TV. But, if you do not have a computer, internet access, or the necessary hardware or software to watch movies/TV on your computer monitor, or just want to watch it on TV (assuming you have Cable Television) you can watch the Illinois Committee for Honest Government's "Election 2007" series (sometimes also in conjunction with the Issue Forum series or Avila Talk Chicago) programs between now and February 27th. Here is a list of the Election programs (there are other programs including Tibet Chicago, the Center for Jewish Life, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Marine Scholarship, Wounded Veterans, Mexican American Art, Slavery historical quilts, Art shows, Stamps and Veterans issues and many others besides politics) (but these shows promoted here are for the candidates who appeared on them to give choice, information and options) to air over Cable Access Network in February to the more than 400,000 Cable-TV households in the City of Chicago. (there is no prohibition on taping these and showing them and many people are viewing them over the internet) You can also contact CAN-TV or the local TV viewing guides with Cable to see times of this and other shows. Some shows already played in December and January. (Almost all shows are on Channel(s) 19 and/or 21 although Channel 36 is also a CAN-TV station primarily focusing on religious shows) Here is the schedule: Thursday, February 9: Vilma Colom (35th), 11 am, Channel 19 Thursday, February 8: Martin P. Cooney (47th), 11pm, Channel 21 Monday, February 12: Vilma Colom (35th), 11:30 am, Channel 19 Tuesday, February 23: Martin P. Cooney (47th) 11pm, Channel 21 Wednesday, February 14: Election campaign analysis with former and reformed gang negotiator and member and urban trasnlator Wallace "Gator" Bradley, 11:30 am, Channel 19 Sunday, February 18: Peter Zelechenko (who uncovered the computer security issues at the Board of Elections)(43rd Ward), 5:30 pm Channel 19 Sunday, February 18: Wayne Strnad (30th), 6 pm, Channel 19 Sunday, February 18: Dinah Ramirez (10th)/Carina Sanchez (12th), 6:30 pm, Channel 19 Sunday, February 18: Mike "Libby" Libert (42nd)/Carina Sanchez (12th), 11pm, Channel 21 (Please Note that Mike "Libby" Libert dropped out of that race and the ICHG is endorsing Brendan Reily that will be doing a TV show in the near future) Monday February 19: Peter Zelchenko (43rd), 12:30 Channel 19 Monday February 19: Wayne Strnad (30th), 1 pm, Channel 19 Monday February 19: Dinah Ramirez (10th)/Carina Sanchez (12th), 1:30 pm Channel 19 Monday, February 19: Dorothy Brown (Mayor)/Pat Dowell (3rd Ward), 6 pm Channel 21 Monday, February 19: Erick D. Rayburn (9th), 7 pm Channel 21. Monday, February 19: Daniel "Danny" Solis (25th), 11 pm Channel 21 Wednesday, February 21: Election campaign analysis with former gang member and urban translator Wallace "Gator" Bradley Friday, February 23: Mike "Libby" Libert (42nd)/Carina Sanchez (12th), 10 pm Channel 21 Sunday, February 25: Erick D. Rayburn (9th), midnight (Saturday night), Channel 19 Sunday, February 25: Dorothy Brown (Mayor)/Pat Dowell (3rd), 8:30 am Channel 21 Sunday, February 25: Freddrenna Lyle (6th), 5 pm Channel 19 Sunday, February 25: Ed Smith (28th), 5:30 pm, Channel 19 Monday, February 26: Freddrynna Lyle (6th), noon Channel 19 Monday, February 26: Ed H. Smith (28th), 12:30 pm Channel 19 Monday, February 26: Daniel "Danny" Solis (25th), 11 pm, Channel 21 Most shows are hosted by Frank Avila esq. Any information on the Illinois Committee for Honest Government, please contact Randall Sherman via email at shermanrandall@hotmail.com or 773-744-8839. For information on the TV show or try to get scheduled call Producer Tony Joyce at 773-791-3130. Please remember to vote. Suzanne, The Illinois Committee for Honest Government
The Ben Joravsky article on the JJacksonjr on photo shop and his shaking down of candidates was unreal. I am glad that that con artist didn't run for Mayor.
On behalf of my wife January who I love with my whole heart and soul Happy V- Day
Thank you for all thos ekind commets. I am sorry about last weeks coffee, next week I will have the right stuff
Anyone out there get the "Flipper" flyer put out by Levar?? I received it yesterday and was so disappointed that Levar would try to stoop so low. And I say "try" because I saw nothing at all wrong with what Boyke was accused of doing: Replacing obsolete housing with units that are market-driven and will increase property values? Since when is that illegal or immoral? Levar's camp did their research -- even pointed out how Boyke had all the necessary permits in place. You know they would have jumped at the chance to print some dirt, but there was none. Replacing non-historical dwellings benefits the aesthetics of a community, increases the real estate tax base which in turn benefits schools & community services, creates construction jobs, and revitalizes neighborhoods. Until someone can tell me how that's bad, I'm taking the Levar/Daley sign off my front lawn and switching my vote to Boyke.
I received that "Flipper" flyer yesterday too. I thought it was hysterical, nothing like good old fashioned mud slinging. The Levar people must be running out of ideas on what makes him the ideal canidate.
What are you guys even talking about? How could one man kick someone out to the street legally and lie to them? And how do developments with unit prices upwards of $300k attract undesirables? According to the crime reports, they usually live in those subdivided bungalow-boarding-houses or outside the ward. Crime? Attributed to the gentrified housing? Show me proof cuz I'm not buying it. Numerous studies have shown that homeownership creates stability, and, mark my word, converting those mega apartment buildings just north of Six Corners into condos will weed out some riff raff and LOWER crime. Which will ultimately attract much needed retail to our area. I am curious about the allegations of an affair, though? That does figure into the character assessment equation....
Riddle me this Batman: How does a tree trimmer with his only claim-to-fame being Levar's shoe shine boy qualify him to be responsible to the citizen's of the 45th during a critical time in it's history??
My buddy Jose just graduated with an associates degree from Wright College. That gives him exactly two years MORE post high school education than the illiterate Boyke. I want my Alderman to have more education than the typical loser that just squeeked through high school. The guy is just a simple hustler that used to be a tree trimmer. We can do better than this, right?
I attended a debate last monday night at the Portage Park community center, and Anna Klocek seemed to know what she was talking about, and was very honest in her answers from the crowd. The ultimate insider Boyke came off like a used car salesman saying whatever it would take to placate the crowd. The guy seems like he would pimp his mother out to get a vote. Scary.
Wow! This started out as an interesting blog on the race, but its become trash talking at the lowest level. I mean talking about a guys level of education, personal life, office, and job he had? I for one am not a saint, I live in a bungalow, have not been the best mate to my wife, I haul YOUR garbage, and I have a high school education. Whats that mean? I bust my ass to take care of my family, my house, and neighborhood. Stop slinging the mud. There are a lot more of us than there are millionaires with MBA's in this ward. All we want is clean streets, local businesses that we can shop at, and safe neighborhoods. Which ever one of the candidates can deliver that, vote for them. All I know is that I've lived by OLV for over 25 years and if you tell me that Milwaukee Ave. and my neighborhood are better off now than when Levar took office, then I'll tell you about the stores that that once filled the vacancys up and down the street and I'll tell you about the good people that left because of what was going on in some of the more dynamic wards around here. Enough is enough, call it for what is...we've been left behind while the city has exploded. Loyalty is a great trait, but it can be blind. When you vote, just think a little bit harder about where we want to be in this ward.
You guys don't have money to shop anywhere. This ward has poor people in it. Why the fuck are you so obessed with development? Even if you had a freakin Crate and Barrel down the street, you folks couldn't afford to buy a teacup. Yet you keep crying about your stupid local businesses. You have enough stores, enough restaurants and enough places to hang out. Good place to start is a library. Get yourselves some books. It helps with that insecurity. And a propos, education IS VERY IMPORTANT. I bet you wish you did go beyond high school, you wouldn't be collecting trash. I am sure you would take a higher pay + prestige that comes with it. I wonder what do you tell your kids: "Hey buddy, it's okay. You don't need be going to no college. GED is gonna get you the dream job! You can be a blue collar working class hillbilly just like your daddy!" Yeah, right! I don't want no alderman who has less education than me. Fuck that!
To "Boyke the Tree Trimmer:": Since when is the "Chief of Staff" akin to a "shoe shine boy"? And if Boyke's so dumb, what does that say about Levar who put him in the COS position and kept him there for so long? Further, it sounds like Boyke is more qualified going into this position than Levar was when HE first took office. Levar was at a desk job at the county, right? Boyke at least has been working this ward for several years. Terry has been the "go to" person at the ward office -- we stopped bothering trying to get thru to Pat when we knew we'd eventually be passed off to Terry anyway. To "Boyke the Graduate": That's what's great about this country -- your friend Jose can run with his level of education & experience, as can Boyke or anyone else. Some municipalities have people just out of high school (i.e. 20 somethings) in office and are benefitting from their fresh perspective. Book smarts don't necessarily make a leader. Don't get me wrong, I go to OLV and see Pat's family there all the time. They are truly good people. Pat's done an ok job. His lack of visibility is no secret and unfortunatly, has distracted from his full-time Aldermanic job. But it's time to let someone else have a turn, bring new enthusiasm, fresh ideas. We're giving Boyke a chance to prove he's the right candidate.
Fresh ideas?? This guy has been part of the prblem the entire time! It's not like Terry is from some outside system! I've heard Terry many times before- it's the same old "tell them what they want to hear, then cut the back room deal" routine. If he get's elected-you will see. If you guy's are so fired up for new ideas- then look outside of Levar's group- Anna Klocek is a good place to start. Boyke is full of crap- you'll see...
To the guy in the 45th for 25 years Thanks for picking up my garbage! Would you mind puttig my Container back inside the fence where you found it! Thanks Buddy!
I have to say that Bob Bank guy is a bad tippier! Sits for an hour and a half and drink two pots of tea. Maybe next time he should leave his wig at home...scare customers
HA hA!! Boyke removed this link from his website. Asshole was ashamed of himself, cause people were telling the truth. At least now you see what a loser he is. FLIPPER!!
Hey HUha - maybe Terry thought the language in these posts was objectionable and didn't want to perpetuate the trash talking? Maybe if had been a clean, spirited debate, he'd still be watching the comments.
Looks like some bad weather moving in the boyke front. Hang your head low young man and ride off into the sunset. if you dont mind leave that Jenny here. The windsor crew is getting restless
Don't worry 'Blogs Gone Bad' I don't think anyone here really believes that is Terry posting. Anyone who has ever met him knows he would never post anything even remotely resembling the garbage put up on here. It's pretty sad that his opponent would try something like this. Guess it really shows how desperate he is.
Seems as though the thugs are scared. They have nothing intelligent to say and cus like a bunch of drunk sailors. I would rather vote for someone with a lesser education than someone who claims to have one and offers nothing more that four letter words to make their point. Let's face it, Levar may be a nice man, but he has had 20 yrs to perform as Alderman and it is just not happening. I am not sure which of the other three candidates I will vote for, but I do have to agree with Mr. Boyke - this community deserves a New Beginning. P.S. Notice the time between most of the obscene blogs...same person? Mr. Boyke seems to have strong support within the Ward. Wish Levar would appear in public!
I am suprised the guy who wrote the last blog spelled VIP correctly. This is the type of character that reflects the leadership of former (oops) Alderman Levar. As Levar adds more signs to the neighborhood (many via strong arm tactics), his crew takes down the other candidates signs. Alderman Levar, tick, tick, tick..time is running out! People of the 45th Ward, wake up! Tuesday, Feb 27 is our chance. We deserve better.
This communtiy needs to talk about the issues and the candidates. However, your use of language has turned everyone off and we are probably the only two left. I hope you do not have children. In case you do, I shall pray for them.
Levar and Boyke both seem money and power hungry - my vote is for an outsider - Anna Klocek gets my vote because I've seen her become very active in the community of late, Bob B. is close second, but don't know enough about him.
Anna Klocek seems to be a very decent, genuine person. I have no doubt about that, however I have some very serious doubts about her ability to handle the position of alderman. On her list of objectives after getting elected she lists reading with children in libraries and doing yoga in the park. That's great stuff, don't get me wrong. But when that is what you want people to know about you and your plans as alderman, that tells me that she may be lacking in the experience department. Terry Boyke will be recieving my vote tommorow. Levar had his shot, 20 years and I don't think anyone can honestly say the ward is better now than it once was. There is no reason that other wards that don't have nearly as many resources as ours does (easy access to 90/94, Jefferson Park, Metra Station etc.) are thriving while ours is filled with empty lots and store fronts.
==PROPOSAL FOR AN ELECTION EXPERIMENT== This may not be the proper forum for this, but I will state my 'idea'/'proposal' anyway, and see if anyone is intrigued by my reasoning. I hold the opinion that it has been a very, very long time since we, the citizens of these United States, have truly and honestly been represented by our so-called 'public servants'. While it can be said that a certain small percentage of any given area's population is well and generously served by their elected officials,(at the financial and social expense of the area's 'common', politically unconnected citizens),for the most part, our elected officials are motivated by three basic principles: get power, keep power and use that power to gain wealth, for themselves and for those of like mind. I assert that the vast majority of voters are poorly served by the 'powers that be', in all areas of their daily lives. It is obvious that many 'public servants' define themselves as being those individuals who are served BY the public. This sad state of affairs is the result of simple mathematics. If one determines, in any given area,(ie. city, county, state and federal),the total number of citizens who are qualified to cast a vote, one finds that perhaps 50%, more or less, of that number are actually registered to vote; further,in any given election, one finds that typically between 50% - 60% of those registered don't even bother to make the effort to actually cast their vote(s). Thus, all that is required to win a 2 person race is 51% of the votes actually cast, effectively meaning that a mere 26% of the total number of citizens qualified to vote are determining who is elected. In a race of more than 2 contestants, the percentage needed to win becomes even lower than 26%. It is a puzzling mystery why the 2 major political parties, the Dumbocrats and the Retardicans, continue to strongly resist the establishment of additional political parties, though one sees occasional use of 'shill' candidates by both major parties. So, I propose a little experiment, to be conducted in both the smallest, local level elections, (ie. town, city, county, township, village,etc.), as well as in the larger level elections, (ie. state and federal), an experiment which is designed to accomplish several goals and answer several questions,(besides the obvious one, of seeing if enough people/voters will get off their butts and choose to participate in this experiment!). Basically, my question is this: what would happen if enough voters choose, in every election, both primary and general, to cast their votes by adhering to the following rules, completely disregarding all factors commonly used by voters to make their decisions on who to vote for, and simply casting their vote(s) by applying these rules/formula: * 1) Determine which candidates are the INCUMBENTS and DO NOT vote for any of them. * 2) If there are only two candidates running for any given office, all that the voter MUST know is which one is the INCUMBENT, then vote for the CHALLENGER candidate. * 3) If there are MORE than two candidates vying for a given office, determine if the incumbent is listed FIRST, and IF THIS IS SO, then vote for the challenger candidate who is listed LAST. * 4) If the incumbent is NOT listed FIRST, then vote for the challenger candidate who IS listed FIRST. * 5) If no incumbent is running for office, always vote for the LAST candidate listed. Remember to COMPLETELY DISREGARD all impulses to concern yourself with the specific persons who you are voting for and/or the specific persons you are not voting for and/or the specific incumbents who will, should enough voters in any given election participate in this experiment, be losing their jobs. Remember,also,that the issues don't matter, policies don't matter, individual candidates' personal charm/attractiveness does not matter..................... nothing matters other than adhering to the 5 rules stated above. If enough voters in any given election participate in this experiment, the result should be that a whole lot of incumbents will be voted out of office. What reaction(s), on the part of politicians and their cronies, will this stimulate? If enough voters CONTINUE to participate in this experiment during the next several election cycles, thus keeping any specific person from holding office for more than a single term, will those non-politically connected individuals who would like to sincerely serve their fellow citizens by holding public office, but have determined that their chances of being elected are slim-to-none, now find that they have a reasonably decent chance of succeeding in holding public office? Will the 'professional politicians' eventually find other lines of work and abandon trying to gain and hold power over their fellow citizens, (since it's difficult to establish power,influence and control in just a single term in office)? Will the majority of those citizens who do gain public office now be honest, ethical, hard-working and intelligent individuals, who seek office to actually serve the electorate, (since the traditional motivations of power, influence and wealth will effectively no longer be available)? Will these new, honest candidates, now encouraged to run for office, alter the usual dynamics of 'campaigning'? And in what ways? As the reader may surmise, this experiment is designed to disrupt the decades-old flow of bullshit, which has passed for so long as democracy; bullshit both by the politicians and bullshit by the voting public's failure to effectively participate in their own governing. The above experiment should be conducted in all political contests; Administrative, Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The rule to remember is: WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT. The 5 rules above are designed to mathematically ensure that the maximum number of votes are cast in such a way as to be effective in denying all elected officials more than one term in office; to prove, by the only means those smugly in power ever understand, that the voters actually determine who holds public office, and that those presently holding said office(s) have, for way too long, held the vast majority of their constituents in contempt, evidenced not by their words, but by their deeds. Keep in mind that this experiment I am proposing is not meant to be a solution to our present social, economic and political disparities, but more as a catalyst for positive change in the attitudes of those who claim to represent ALL citizens' best interests, instead of the present predominance of their representing only the interests of the chosen few. To paraphrase one of our past presidents, who once said: * You may fool SOME of the people ALL of the time * You may fool ALL of the people SOME of the time * But you cannot fool ALL of the people, ALL of the time The sad reality is that you need only to fool just the right number of people, at just the right time, to attain power and control over the many.
Honestly! Terry Boyke in politics??? I just don`t think so. I`m not too sure he could even cut it as a city laborer..He`s good at BSing though
Boyke needs to take an English class! His use of our language is horrific! Why would someone vote for this loser???
Boyke used to work a labor job at a northside manufacturer. He really wasn`t very good at it either. We really got a kick out of this guy running for office.(JOKE!) I sure wouln`t let him run a lemonade stand...At least not by himself.
