Thursday, February 22, 2007
News / Clout City Junk mail
Posted by Mick Dumke on 02.22.07 at 05:29 PM
Many of the aldermanic races are getting nastier, and none more so than that in the 35th Ward. Among the latest dirty tricks is an anonymous full-color mailing apparently sent to every registered voter in the ward that accuses incumbent alderman Rey Colon of a long court and criminal history, ranging from a legal dispute over payment of a gas bill to drug possession charges.
My quick check of court records confirms that people named Rey and Reynaldo Colon were involved in some of the cases cited, but it’s not clear they were the same person in each instance. Alderman Colon says they weren’t and condemns the mailing as a libelous attack on his character and reputation.
He acknowledges that he owed some money in the early 90s to cover a fee for automatic child support deductions from his paycheck. And he says that for a few months in 1995 he was involved in a legal tangle over payment of a gas bill for an apartment he shared with a couple of other roommates. He says when he was a YMCA and Boys and Girls Club leader before becoming alderman he went through repeated background checks and drug testing.
Whoever is behind the mailing spent some time and money getting it out—Colon estimates that the first-class mail fees alone would have cost $9,000.
But Colon says since it started landing in mailboxes earlier this week his campaign has received dozens of calls from voters pledging support and offering to help the campaign. Still, going door to door he's explain the allegations repeatedly, and he sounds frustrated: “It’s kind of like covering your face and taking a beating.”
Comments (334)
Showing 1-50 of 334
I knew I shouldn't of let Jesse Ruben Juarez out. This could haunt me when I go for Congress.
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Maybe Gloria Chevere and Jesse Juarez will learn when they get sued and Juarez family loses all there property in law suits.
wel, the latest word is that write-in candidate Esteban Burgoa admitted he did the mailing at last night's debate- of course, here is the catch: "Mr. Burgoa (the write-in candidate) had admitted to a couple of our upstanding community members that he was responsible for this flier. When I heard this I asked him myself and he would not out right admit it (of course he had no idea who I was), but left the impression he knew who did and that a lawyer had done a lot of research to come up w/ the data provided in the flier." So, I do wonder if a write-in candidate really had this $9K to spend on this mailing. Still stinks of Dick Mell to me. Carter
The alderman should realize that politics ain't beanbag. All is fair in love, war and politics.
Rey's reply in the Logan Square listserv makes no mention of his gas payment or child support problems. It states that the mailer "included false criminal charges and accusations." Evidently not all of the accusations were false.
strangely enough, many of us don't quite see the relevance as far as it concerns the job of an alderman, who neither pays my gas bills nor supports my children.
It brings his character into question. Any man that has to be dragged into child support court to provide money for his own flesh and blood is beneath contempt.
The money came from Dick Mell. The lawyer is Frank Avila Jr. The piece was made by Jesse Juarez Jr. The mailhouse was Iowa or Wisconsin. Gloria Chevere oversaw it. It violates Election law. It is defamation. Esteban Burgoa was the dupe. VILMA COLOM WILL LOSE. Another 4 years for REY COLON.
you have no idea what the story was, or even if that's about him. this whole stupid thing is just a sad replay of the old trick of asking someone over and over "hey, so when did you stop beating your wife?" so that you can get them associated with that image in the public's mind. there are some questions that you do not dignify with a response.
It doesn't take very much to get that kind of information. I had to do a search on soneone. Cost around $50 for a one state search by one of those companies that have popups with the online phone books. Turned up my person, someone else with exactly the same name, and two or three other people with different middle initials. For a few bucks more I could do nationwide search--Gee, has there been a Rey Colon in trouble elsewhere in the U.S.? Why didn't we get that info, too? No, no, no, Vilma, once in my lifetime is enough.
The only problem with the "Mell is Behind This" theory is not that is doesn't sound like him, but the timing of the piece. Traditionally these pieces seem to come alot closer to the election day than a week or so out, thereby giving the opposition candidate and his apologists no time to reply.
ahh, but in this case it has provided ample time to blame it (sort of) on a patsy, Esteban Burgoa. so, Vilma benefits from having Rey smeared, and the community is left not knowing exactly who did it, as Burgoa has not admitted this to anyone willing to step forward (at least, so far).
These fliers absolutely infuriated me. What a cowardly thing to do! If all of these accusations were true it would be a serious matter indeed. However, wouldn't it have come to light years ago when he was involved with the Boys and Girls Club or campaigning for alderman the first time around? All of this stuff leaves a horrible taste in my mouth. I wish he would have sent his rebuttal door-to-door as well.
At a public debate last night, Esteban Burgoa strode in, interrupted the debate and handed Rey Colon a bunch of papers and said "Tell the people the truth." After a quick search, The criminal and civil stuff is true. It is hard to grasp another Rey Colon with the exact same birthdate and address not being him. He has lied. Besides selling out to developers, hiring his live in girlfriend as Cheif of Staff, hiring family to work in his office, the people should say "Enough." Who cares who mailed it ? It IS TRUE !!! I want an Alderman who at least will get things done. Thats Vilma. Or, I want an Alderman who is new and fresh. That is Miguel Sotomayor. Tomorrows election is a toss up. Anyone, can win it. I just can not understand why Rey Colon supporters do not accept that he lied and does have this record. So, what about the background stuff he passed ? It is still him. Remember, "Slick Willie" (Bill Clinton) Here is, "Slick Rey." If you can still support Rey Colon regardless, fine. But, admit HE LIED AND HAS A RECORD INCLUDING OUIL, CHILD SUPPORT SCOFFLAW AND NUMEROUS LICENSE SUSPENSIONS. BEYOND THAT, HE LIED. HE IS NOT THE MAN I VOTED FOR 4 YEARS AGO. WAKE UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesse Ruben Juarez II is under investigation for doing the piece. They have a money trail and State's Attorney and a State Department of Election complaint by Matt DeLort written up.
Rey Colon is amazing man, father, citizen and politician. He stands firmly on his values and is the most radically democratic alderman in the city. I couldn't be a prouder daughter. --Kristiana Colón University of Chicago English Language and Literature, '07
Jose, I understand that the flier was based on an arrest database not available to the general public (not a conviction one, big difference), so, perhaps you could tell us how you "did a quick search." If you were really at the debate, you heard Vilma repeatedly say things like "ediment domain," and you heard someone who was alderperson for 8 years and didn't seem to know a single city department by name. Rey on the other hand rattled off departments and projects underway, he is clearly more competent, and is a better representative for us than Vilma "I wuz over by the Jewels" Colom, who appears to have morphed into a Sout'Sidah while working for the Sheriff. Rey will win, and this will be one more nail in the coffin of the old-school dirty politics practiced by the Machine.
I do not know where Jose received the information. However, I am a Chicago Police Officer. The record is true. This does not change my vote however. The problem with you Carter and many (will be the case if Rey wins) is that you LIKE Rey. And,I agree he is a cool guy. However, people should not be voted for because we like them. (although, not the case most times).The big problem is Rey is not the independant that he once was. And, he has pushed alot more development through then you realize. He promised to be "Not" like the Chicago old way. Yet, he hires his live in girlfriend to be his Chief of Staff.Mainly the people in his office are family. That is not fair. There are many in the community who could do a good job. His staff is not diverse. They are all Puerto Rican. Thats cool except there are other races and colors in the ward that he could make a "Nice Rainbow." And, he ignores it. At this point that I write, Election Day is 4 hours from ending. If Rey loses it is because he "Alienated" to many people. Perhaps, not you but enough to make him lose. If Rey wins, it will be narrow. I think there will be a runoff. And, thats how I see it. Of course, I could be wrong but I feel the neighborhood is divided 3 ways. Perhaps, after the election whoever wins can try to unite the neighborhood. By the way, my wife and I have "useless" votes. She is voting for Rey. I am voting for Vilma. Weird ? Heres the reasons: My wife thinks Rey has done a decent job and he is just plain "cool." She could care less about anything else. She will tell you that. I voted for Vilma because I do not want the Colon family to work and run a ward office. I am tired of "Mr. Cool Spin." I want someone that will get things done with some power. I like Vilma because she has "balls." I think she will do a better job then she did before if elected. She is not dumb. She is an excellent politician. She knows how to keep her job now. My wife was at Sundays debate. She said it was just plain "boring." She told me the debate her and I attended at that Church on February 1 was the best. Anyhow, enough. Take Care .
How quickly you all have forgotten the real Vilma....or maybe you didn't live in the ward four years ago. She was put in office by Dick Mell and Mell's thugs campaigned for her and helped put her in office. As a result, all of our ward money went to Mell's ward. So we didn't get new sidewarlks on Fullerton and Wrightwood or other improvements in the the 35th ward, it all went to Mell. Vilma also handed out permits and zoning changes to her friends. I think you need to look around the ward at the good things Rey has done....new business people opening stores in the ward, improved streets, controlled development, less crime, a better ward all around. Don't be fooled by Vilma and her smear campaign.
Support who you want, for whatever reasons you want, but we had all had better wake up to reality. Only a few of you bring up real issues and specifics about what Mr. Colon has done or not for the 35th ward. What did Ms. Colom do or not do for the 35th ward? What is the record of the specific actions that has benefited or hurt the safety, economy, development and/or well being of the 35th ward? BE SPECIFIC! I mean really, who cares if his (oh my god) "live in" girlfriend works for him. The question should be, does she do her job at the office? Has there been a problem or benefit regarding her responsibilities to the office, and the 35th ward? But all I hear, from you and everyone, (some of whom I doubt actually vote), is that our current alderman may not have a godlike personal history, and when he was confronted with this crap mailed out, may have actually denied, downplayed, or lied in defending himself or his record...YIKES! The sky is falling!!! Oh fear! How human of him. Chicago political crap like this is just a local version of the Carl Rove school of campaign strategy. I hope Mr. Colon committed all the crimes he's being accussed of, and still wins. Not because he's some creature from hell come to rampage our ward, but because, lies or not, he's no different a person than any of us. How many of you can claim that if the public had a look at your backgrounds, your history, your records, your family, that you'd be any better a person to be judged? And if you really think you are a better person...then get off your asses, stop typing, and prepare to run for office... It's time we focus on issues, specific responsibilities, and the job performance. Let's get real, and find a way to stop focusing the crap. This is not American Idol, and I think it's time we start looking at ourselves, when we pick up those stones.
Tim and all, it really breaks down to this: Do you want to live in a ward which is independent of the machine, or not? I do not want to live in a vassal-state of Dick Mell's, that's what Vilma's "leadership" produced for 8 years. Rey will win the run off handily, Vilma would need to pick up almost all of the Sotomayor vote, and that just isn't gonna happen. Do I agree with everything he does? good lord no, but that's a pretty unreasonable expectation, especially in a ward as diverse as the 35th, where there are so many different viewpoints and visions, I think he's done pretty well. I do wonder, has there ever been a ward where it came down to the same 2 candidates 3 elections in a row?
I’ve been a member of the 35th ward since 1985 and I can attest that Vilma has made positive changes in the ward. As a matter of fact, Vilma Colom is the person that pushed for the new Logan Square Public Library, not Rey. In addition, Vilma Colom has pushed for new lighting along Wrightwood and Ridgeway. Vilma Colom cleaned up the prostitution along Armitage Avenue in addition to providing commercial development. Vilma Colom, championed the re-pavement of all alleys that were not cobblestone in the 35th ward. Vilma Colom hosted the Taste of Logan Square which generated money for the ward and its constituents. While Vilma Colom was in office, she sponsored the annual Halloween parade which brought together our diverse members of the community. Vilma Colom has done her fair share of contributions. Now I ask… What has Rey Colon done? Schools within the ward are still over-crowded, crime is still prevalent and the community is still left without sufficient green space for its constituents. There is documentation to prove all I have said here in case anyone wants to read the literature. Remember vote for Vilma on April 17th!
Vilma is a leader and she is going to defeat Rey Colon. I also did background check on Rey and the "allegations" are sad but true. It's too bad people still think he is the best candidate for the 35th ward. Listen up people, Vilma is the right choice. If you want to sit back like Rey then go ahead, but Vilma is for the people of the community unlike Rey who is is all about making money for es businessregardless of the community's well being. Do the research people! Vote for Vilma Colom on April 17th!
In 8 years that's all you've got? For starters, the "new" library is actually just replaces the old one, which was shut down. The new one isn't any bigger, and is on Fullerton, which at a large neighborhood meeting people jeered wildly. I'm sure Vilma is a nice person to her friends, but as far as a provider of community service, she's awful. let's not forget: She left her office after being defeated in 2003, leaving our ward without representation until Rey's term started. She allowed us to get punked with the Open Space Plan. Why on earth did she ever go along with a plan that provided almost ZERO new green space for a neighborhood identified as the most lacking on the north side? Tot-lots in the boulevards don't cut it, we need more parks, but since Vilma went along with the plan, Rey has been stuck as the implementer. And don't even get me started on what she did for Avondale, because in a word it is NOTHING. There seems to be some confusion regaridng what an alderman's job is - they don't run the schools. they don't run the police. they are legislators in City Hall, and they direct development, such as the abysmal Kimball Dawson fiasco that Vilma let happen on her watch - oh, so she got rid of prostitutes on Armitage? well, they apparently all just went and moved north a little bit, as they were living in the basements of those buildings after they were condemned, along with smack dealers, watching TV from power hijacked off of the alley lines. nice try.
Hey anyone heard Larry Ligas is now supporting Rey. After that piece he dropped a few weeks ago dissing Rey? One can't judge a person by the company they keep. Anyone know what happened with him and Vilma? We're in for quite a runoff. The mean female Tweedledee and the pompous self-absorbed Tweedledum. I'll wager in the southern end of the ward some precincts won't even get double digit turnout on 4/17. (Due in part to the great job our committeeman is doing purging the pollsheets) Rey's supporters/apologists are doing a good spin job. They seem to believe there are few serious ethical questions because he is "independent" or "progressive." They overlook the nepotism in his office. They ignore the his trying to use eminent domain to enrich a campaign contributor. They dismiss the deal he got on his twoflat from another developer. The only question in that is if he paid taxes on it, or did the developer. You don't need that pathetic mailing to make the point. Sadly. At least Vilma's internet supporters (are any unpaid?) owe up to the fact she is flawed. They can't avoid it. If they promise to keep her locked up in her office most of the time and let her deal with the public only when she's had enough valium, it would be easier to vote for her. I'll hold my nose and vote. I always vote though. My first memories of television were watching some of the brave people of Selma getting beaten up just so they could vote. I'm voting because of those people and not because of the two running.
April 17th is already decided. Rey Colon knows people HATE Vilma. He could go on vacation, have sex with young girls, smoke weed at Quenchers over the next few weeks and still beat Vilma. Although, I hope he does not do any of that. Rey is just a "plain, regular" guy. Unlike a spoiled wealthy woman like Vilma who divorced both of her husbands to take their money. Which left her son Omar heartbroken. be married to Vilma?)Rey does not take handouts from developers. He knows what is good development for the community and allows it because it makes Logan Square "classy" not "dumpy" like it was under Vilma. I do not care about Reys girlfriend working for him (although, he should have better taste and find someone better looking). Actually, Miguel Sotomayor will be back in 2011. It is DeJeVu. In 1999, Rey lost to Vilma. He came back to defeat her in 2003 after she served 8 years. In 2011, if voters still are "unhappy" with Rey, Miguel will be back and Rey will end after 8 years. I think it is Sooooooo cool to see the "Puerto Rican Family Feud" again for the 3rd straight election.
April 17th has not been decided! People do not HATE Vilma! If so, please explain the 2,218 votes she received? Thirdly, if you know anything about Vilma Colom, you would know that her first husband is one of her biggest supporters. Omar is not heartbroken nor is he married to Vilma! Lastly, you're very very foolish to think that Rey Colon does not take handouts.
Vilma is not "awful." Vilma never left her office after being defeated in 2003. Whoever told you that is a liar. I absolutely agree with you... we do need more green space. Nevertheless, I ask what has Rey done in terms of achieving "green space" for the 35th ward since 2003? Where has Rey been when there is a CAPs meeting? Where has Rey been on ward night? Seeing one person and sneaking out the back door is not acceptable. Yes people, Rey has done this. Vilma was always available on ward night or any other night for that matter. Yes, she was aggressive, but she got a lot of things done for the 35th ward. You’re also right… an alderman is a legislator in City Hall, however, that’s the only thing you are right about. Being an Alderman means you work with all city services and since CPD and CPS is a city service you work together with them in achieving for what's best for the community, Carter. If we want to see an alderman who will work endless hours for its constituents, vote for Vilma on April 17th. Nice try!
LOL, sorry, you can't change history, Vilma lost the last election and just closed shop, although based on my experiences with her office, I'd have to say few noticed. "I absolutely agree with you... we do need more green space. Nevertheless, I ask what has Rey done in terms of achieving "green space" for the 35th ward since 2003?" Like I said, Vilma screwed us for decades. By signing on to the "Open Space" plan, Logan Square is now SOL, we're never going to get more green space now, as the City is just going to say "Hey, we all agreed on this plan." Don't confuse me with some sort of over-the-top Rey apologist. I'm not thrilled with the nepotism. I'm not thrilled with the relationships with some developers. however, at the end of the day he is still an independent alderman, unlike Vilma, who will always be a product of Mell. So it's simple - do we lower ourselves to the status of a vassal-state of the 33rd ward and Dick Mell, or do we have someone who puts our ward first? yes, I expect Sotomayor will be back, and yes, I will have much higher expectations for Rey during his second term.
==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.
or vote for the Green party. Rich Whitney did so well that the Greens will have a much easier time running candidates in future elections, we really do need a legitimate 3rd party, and they seem to be poised to continue growing.
Dear members of the 35Th Ward Whatever you do please do not let a liar ( Rey Colon)divide our community. What a shame that some people are blaming innocent people that do not have nothing to do with the letter but with Rey Colon only. He is the liar who lied to the media. Colon would not give me the opportunity to prove his lies in public. As a matter of fact he did everything he could to stop me from coming into the Logan Square Auditorium a public forum. He ordered security all around to stop me from coming in..I was assaulted and told that I did not belong in there at all...I am glad there were witnesses...Rey Colon is not the upstanding man he claim's to be and the proof is that 54% of the people voted against him. The man has abused the community in ways you can not imagine..Please do not speculate or blame innocent people just ask Rey Colon to share with you the papers that I dropped off to him in the public Forum that he refuse to share with the public..If the man was innocent he should have shared the letter but instead he hid it and did not share it with the public..The burden of proof was on him...he choose to hide it..bad move Rey Colon..you are a liar.. Esteban Burgoa
Mr. Burgoa, would you like to take this opportunity to tell us whether or not you sent out or had anything to do with the anonymous mailing that was sent around the ward listing various arrests? You don't seem like the kind of person who would choose such a tactic, so I'd appreciate hearing you actually confirm or deny this, thanks. Carter
Carter, You must be on Reys payroll. You keep wondering about who sent it out !!! The point is, is it true ? If it is Rey lied. However, Rey Colon could be proven to be guilty of every crime in the Illinois Penal Code and you still would support him. So, why do you not take your rhythm guitar and bicycle and well, you can probably figure out the rest of where you should put it!!!!!!!!
This election is a yawner. Everybody hates Vilma. Rey can not lose. Even if the legal stuff is true. Although, I live in the 1st Ward where "Everyone Loves Manny" I do agree it is totally weird that more people are concerned who mailed it then if the legal stuff is true. By the way, Carter and all, if the legal stuff is true, then I am sure Vilma will use it with her name on it. And, the election will get bloody. And, probably Vilma is not sure if it is true or the bombs would begin dropping in the 35th ward. And, by chance, if the stuff is true, then it is obvious Rey Colon not only is guilty of breaking the law, he would be a liar. So, then even if he wins, the 35th Ward has Re-Elected a liar and a crook. If the legal stuff is not true, then there will be no more mention of it. And, Rey will be vindicated. I am glad I do not live in the 35th Ward.And, I am very grateful to our Alderman Manny Flores who has done so well that he ran unopposed.
If I'm on his payroll he is certainly guilty of violating minimum wage law, I'll tell you that. Or if is there a secret Swiss bank account you know of that I'm entitled to, please do share the details. But to answer your question, those allegations are from an arrest database, not a conviction one. In America we believe in this concept called innocent until proven guilty - why don't you prove the alderman was convicted of these charges? He has already stated his innocence, the burden is on the *accuser.* Additionally, I could name you dozens of Latino friends of mine who growing got arrested left and right for all sorts of things they were completely innocent of, but that never crossed your mind, now did it? In America we also believe in this tradition called being able to face your accuser - so if Mr. Burgoa would like to conclusively answer the question of authorship, perhaps we can all learn more. after all, I see you do know how to do a google search on someone's name -why not use those skills and answer your own question? btw, my guitar and bicycle are quite functional in their current locations, but thank you justy ever so much for your thoughtful, if completely juvenile, suggestion.
pardon my typo, I obviously meant to say "Additionally, I could name you dozens of Latino friends of mine who growing UP got arrested left and right for all sorts of things they were completely innocent of, but that never crossed your mind, now did it??
From Chicago Journal Quote By Rey Colon: Colon paced nervously at his Logan Square campaign headquarters as election results came in over the Internet on Tuesday night. "I'm winning but I don't want to win like this," he said. "I want to win tonight. Sotomayor is turning out to be the spoiler. I've got this guy cutting into 20 percent of my vote." Did Rey actually think he was going to win outright !?! There was no doubt there would be a runoff. Rey might have his "Internet Keyboard Commandos" and, supporters who "blindly follow him around like groupies at a rock concert", but he has alienated many people in the 35th Ward way before the allegations of a criminal record. Although, I doubt Vilma can beat him, I would not bet on this race as an easy victory for Rey. All has been quiet in the 35th ward since Election Night (February 27).As I look out my window at the light snow softly falling on N.Mozart Street I simply wonder is this how quiet Baghdad was before the attack by the United States ? Because...War is coming. Rey and Vilma for the third time against each other. Obviously, the last time. So, it will be war.
War ??????? I think if I was Rey I would be scared !!! I mean, think about it... Vilma dressed in all black leather holding a whip as she punishes Rey. (God, I wish I was Rey !!! Vilma can tortue me anyday !!!)
Vilma in black leather and a whip torturing me ????? Nah. I would rather have Dulce do it to me. (Although, I think Martha is far more brutal than Vilma).
This election is over. Rey has won. There is no way that 50.1% of the 35th Ward voters will vote for Vilma. It just will not happen. I am going to vote for Vilma regardless, but it is over. Rey Colon will win this election strictly on the basis that the majority of people do not like Vilma and Rey is more "likeable." PERIOD. There is NO issue that can change that.
Tom do not underestimate Sotomayor and Esteban supporters they voted against colon by a 54% margin.. This race is not about who you like but about who has more brains to serve our community..Ask yourself this question why did four candidates from different areas in our community came out to stand for a better way of life in our 35th Ward? because Rey Colon has failed all the way...This race is not about them but us...we are the community..lets make it a better place not a nightmare. The hate that was brought into our community by some individuals trying to cash on hard working families will be replaced with kindness and goodness to serve our community and not their pockets..Carter your question will be answered soon but please be real..no matter what people say to you..you do not listen...please open up..this is about our community..and not those who want to fill their pockets with money..Esteban Burgoa
OK Esteban, I'll bite - what exactly do you think Vilma will do differently? Do you really think she's going to stop crime in the 35th ward? There's less crime now than there was when she was in office, no matter how hard she tries to deny it, but it honestly it has nothing to do with either her or Rey, but the fact that lower income people are getting squeezed out of the neighborhood - upper middle income folks don't tend to commit street crime. And are you telling us that Vilma has never acted with the interests of her campaign donors at heart? Are you serious? And what exactly do allegations about Rey smoking dope years ago have to do with his job as an alderman? my mind is plenty open, but right now we have two choices - choose wisely.
Carter, please be realistic... there is less crime overall in the City of Chicago since 2003, it has nothing to do with Rey Colon aka Mr. I love my dope. Rey's criminal records speaks volumes!
Emily, rub those eyes and re-read: "There's less crime now than there was when she was in office, no matter how hard she tries to deny it, but it honestly it has nothing to do with either her or Rey" and again, an arrest record is not a criminal record. please do revisit my quaint comment regarding the right to face one's accuser. before this is all done I guarantee you somebody is going to have a criminal record, but it's going to be the somebody (or bodies) who committed mail fraud.
I agree with several comments above. I aqm unhappy wiuth Rey. i do not like Vilma. However, I am voting for Vilma because Rey is not the man I voted for 4 years ago. However, as you can tell by people like Carter and many others it DOES NOT MATTER. Rey Colon could be "pondscum" and he will win. Even, if it is proven he has a criminal record and then lied about it, people like Carter and others will still vote for Rey. Obviously, other issues do not matter either. Rey Colon is just simply put "A Nice, Cool Cat."This election CAN NOT be won by Vilma NO MATTER WHAT.If this election is really so "close" and will be a "tight battle" it would be a media story. No newspaper (including the Reader) even mention the 35th Ward anymore.They know Rey has already won.I hope Vilma can pull it off and I have her sign in my yard, but it probably will not happen.
Yes there is less and more crime in the 35th ward in certain areas. However, this is Chicago. There will always be crime in the city even if Pope Benedict was the Alderman !!!Crime is not an issue in this campaign. I have lived in the ward for 2 years. I no not Vilma. I have met Rey. I do not care about criminal records, developers, park space etc. I am only concerned that when my 2 kids go out on the street to play they are safe. I am concerned if my neighborhood looks clean. I am concerened that when I sleep at night I can sleep soundly believing that 90% I am safe in my home. This is all true for me in the 2500 Block of N. Rockwell. So, Rey Colon gets my vote because in a selfish way, I am happy and so is my family !!!
Bottom Line For The 2 Voters In My House (Husband and I) We Like Rey. He Is Cool, Friendly, Down To Earth and a Person Of The People. We DO NOT Like Vilma. She Is Uncool, Unfriendly, Arrogant and surrounds herself with Rude, Incompetent Staff. 2 Votes For Rey Colon On April 17th "REGARDLESS OF ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN BETWEEN. I WOULD RATHER VOTE FOR A RABID PITBULL THEN VILMA.(perhaps she is one)."
Hector, if you can show me a crime Rey has committed while alderman, or one that relates to his job, I'd be concerned. Whether or not he may have smoked weed 20 years ago, well, quite frankly that's none of my damn business. And the "is Rey cool" take you have isn't quite accurate - it boils down to representation. do you want someone who can get along with people representing you in City Hall or not? if you think rudeness gets the job done, I guess you should vote for Vilma. if you believe politics and the work of an alderman are complicated, you might want to vote for the kind of person who can broker compromises and can work through red tape. I listened to Vilma repeatedly say "ediment domain" at the last debate and just shuddered at the idea that she might be the one who puts a face on our ward.
