The Blog

I knew I shouldn't of let Jesse Ruben Juarez out. This could haunt me when I go for Congress.

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 !!!)

REY IS A LIAR!!! VOTE FOR VILMA ON APRIL 17TH!

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.

Carter, look at other posts. Rey "Is Cool." thats why he will win.And, for me, I would rather have a bull as my alderman who will take charge. At least with Vilma, she is what she is and will tell you. Rey is a chameleon. Again, Carter, Rey will win because he is more "likable" then Vilma. PERIOD.

Sorry, I forgot to add that Vilma should know she is going to lose. She can NOT compete with Rey Colons charisma. I just wish she would realize it and save her money.

I'M DONE. SAD, BUT TRUE REY HAS BEEN PAYING ME A NICE SUM OF MONEY TO WRITE THESE COMMENTS. REY HAS LIED NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY AND QUITE HONESTLY THE FACT THAT HE HAS A CRIMINAL RECORD IS APPALLING. SORRY REY!

LOFL, oh, so very pathetic... just like on the Logan Square listserv, people resorting to posting under fake identities. yesterday I had a group of Vilma supporters show up at my house telling some of the most ridiculous lies I've ever heard, that Rey "shut down the Dominick's and is going to put highrises there" that Rey "let buildings with gangbangers off scot free," oh lord, it's just too sad. Hector, Vilma will lose because of eight years of aloofness, poor service through her ward office, and the fact that the people who go out and stump for her resort to lies and pushiness. you can continue to assume people voting for Rey are country bumpkins swayed by a smooth talker in a natty suit, but the reality is we all see through the looking glass, and she just flips her positions based on which way she thinks the wind is blowing. Vilma was the queen of massive development in her term - and now she's anti-development? gimme a break! This is the woman who scolded community groups and sneered "You all better get used to progress!" and I'd like to know where this "bull" was in her 8 years in City Hall. did she ever cross Hizzoner? did she ever cross Dick Mell, her patron saint? did she ever cross Burke?

More than 40 neighbors lost their lives in our Ward. Sexual assault is up 28%. Graffiti is all over our Ward. Businesses are leaving our community in record numbers. Just walk by the Alderman office on Milwaukee Ave. and what you see? Graffiti! Like I said if you are inside the 14 and 25 district you should be concerned for your safety. Colon gave you a break down per district of crime to make it look like there is no crime in our Ward. When you add the three precincts the end result is more than 15,000 crimes. Rey is a liar. We should be concern about our community and try to make it a better place for our children not a war zone where gangs, drugs and shootings are destroying innocent people. It breaks my heart to see children gun down and woman being raped within a block distance of the alderman office, and no one is caught. These unsolved crimes will come back to hunt us. We need these criminals behind bars where they can not do any harm to anyone. Just 2 weeks ago Jose Vazquez was gun down outside his home. He was a Policeman and the shooter at large. I wouldn't vote for an alderman who is ripping off businesses and homeowners to fill his pockets with money. Why four candidates did come out to run for office in the 35th ward because 54% of the people is not happy with the present Alderman. We need to do better on April 17Th We need to bring the community together and out to vote. We have 26,000 registered Voters and only 6,500 came out to vote. Please exercise your constitutional right and come out to vote.

we know there are crime problems in the ward, Esteban. nobody is saying there aren't. but even assuming the alderman is where the buck stops for crime (and I do not, I would lay that at the Mayor and the police) Vilma had eight years to solve these problems - and what did she do? what will she do differently? the truth is that if you want these problems to go away, you need to legalize drugs and end this second version of prohibition. do some reading on the original Prohibition, you'll find some startling parallels, most noteworthy the increased amount of funding gangs have, and the fact they then can spend more money on weapons then the police. so the question really is, should someone's personal distaste for drugs outweigh safety on the streets?

Dominicks is closing its doors soon along with Walgreens it is a fact. Carter why are you putting down people who is telling the truth? Why don't you go back and ask rey if he has ever met with any gang members in his office? Carter just listen to your words yesterday I had a group of Vilma supporters show up at my house telling some of the most ridiculous lies I've ever heard, that Rey "shut down the Dominick's and is going to put highrises there" that Rey "let buildings with gangbangers off scot free," oh lord, it's just too sad.

Alderman Rey Colon the "independent candidate" well let me see Carter as soon as he won in 2003 he got right on the HDO bandwagon and if u look real closely unless u are blind in last weeks Chicago Journal the lady to his left isn't that HDO State Senator Iris Martinez 20 District.Carter please stop being such a groupie.Alderman Rey Colon is a puppet look at dumb he looks he is a "RUBBER STAMP ALDERMAN. I'm giving my vote 2 ALDERMAN VILMA COLOM because someone has to stand up for the majority of the PUERTORICAN & LATIN COMMUNITY.LATINOS on TUESDAY APRIL 17,2007 VOTE VOTA FOR POR VILMA COLOM.

Esteban, the Walgreens is moving into a brand new stand alone location where the old plating factory is just west of Kimball on Belmont. Again, Rey doesn't own the Dominick's, if they want to close, that's their right. and are you saying someone in a gang is no longer allowed to walk into a public office? Are you a fascist or something? Are you familiar with the Constitution? I'm not thrilled with gang problems, but they are people, ignoring them doesn't help anything. my point was Rey is not a cop. he is not the mayor, who decides on the police budget. problems about crime should be directed to the police. and on tha Wood, I wasn't aware Dick Mell was Latino, fascinating. either way, Vilma is toast. see you at the polls.

Dick Mell is not Latino nor does he live in the ward. Wake up Carter, Rey is TOAST!

"Dick Mell is not Latino nor does he live in the ward." that's exactly the point... you'll get it some day. I'm outta here folks, see you on the 17th.

Funny how the Irving Park Neighborhood wants a library and asked the candidates at the February 25 debate if they would work with Dick Mell to get it done. And, if Vilma is really a Mell Puppet then obviously, she will get them a library so, whats the problem ? They want a library from Mell but hate him. They want Vilma to get them a library because she knows Mell but they hate Vilma. And, what they have is Puerto Rican Rico Swavey Rey Colon smiling and wooing them by charm and Alas, NO LIBRARY !!!

Carter just listen to your words yesterday I had a group of Vilma supporters show up at my house telling some of the most ridiculous lies I've ever heard, that Rey "shut down the Dominick's and is going to put highrises there" that Rey "let buildings with gangbangers off scot free," oh lord, it's just too sad. now listen to your reply Esteban, the Walgreens is moving into a brand new stand alone location where the old plating factory is just west of Kimball on Belmont. Again, Rey doesn't own the Dominick's, if they want to close, that's their right. and are you saying someone in a gang is no longer allowed to walk into a public office? Are you a fascist or something? Are you familiar with the Constitution? I'm not thrilled with gang problems, but they are people, ignoring them doesn't help anything. my point was Rey is not a cop. he is not the mayor, who decides on the police budget. problems about crime should be directed to the police. you hear that folks from now on do not complain to the alderman about safety. Carter why don't you tell the community why those gang members met with colon and show some respect to the constitution by telling the truth. One more thing you keep bringing Richard Mell like he is running for office in the 35th Ward. The two candidates are the liar Rey Colon and Vilma Colom. So what is your beef with Richard Mell? I know the man and he build my students a brand new school and park back in 1994. He will listen to anyone that has a problem in his community. Perhaps if Rey would had listen to the community and being honest none of this things be happening to him. Carter you need to grow up and be real to the community bringing in hatred is not a healthy way to help a community.

Where is our Park Space Alderman Colon ? Why not some lots be small neighborhood parks instead of dense housing ? 75% of voters in November 2006 said YES to making Mega Mall a park. Alderman Colon has ignored them and eminent domain continues to steal that mans property for DEVELOPMENT NOT PARKS !!! Does the voters care ? NOPE. They love Rey Colon and Hate Vilma Colom. Rey will win regardless.

Does this mean Esteban Burgoa has endorsed Vilma Colom ?

Would you believe the nerve of that bike nazi Carter O'Brien ? He lives in dumpy Avondale and trys to control THE place to be: Logan Boulevard. He is supporting closing the Boulevard for a few hours on Sunday so people can bike, picnic, walk, roller skate etc. Thats why he loves Rey Colon. Will guess what Carter, it will not happen even if Rey is Re-Elected. THe majority of the "REAL" residents of Logan Boulevard area do not support the thought neither do the churches. So,if you want to control Logan Boulevard MOVE OVER HERE !!! Other then that, do your biking on crime ridden Sawyer/ Milwaukee or Sawyer/Wellington.You know, your beloved Aldermans base ? Why not stop and buy some dope being sold outside his office ? Or, rent a whore for a hour they are around there also. When you can AFFORD to live around Logan Boulevard then perhaps, you will have a voice. Until then, ENJOY AVONDALE !!!

Esteban, what do you think of the 14th District Shakespere Commander Avila ? Is it true he is a puppet of Rey Colon ?

"Carter you need to grow up and be real to the community bringing in hatred is not a healthy way to help a community." Say Esteban, I'm still waiting for you to either confirm or deny your role in the negative mailing. How about you try telling the TRUTH instead of lecturing me on what I can and can't voice an opinion on? Logan Boulevard belongs to all of us, btw. Living on the Boulevard doesn't entitle you to any ownership of the streets or parkways. And what is with all of you people unable or unwilling to post under your names? Afraid of something? It's pretty clear that a vote for Vilma is a vote for elitism and fascism based on the comments here.

The best thing about this Reader Blog is Carter does not control it like the Logan Square listserve and people can finally speak their minds. Speaking of that where the hell has Mark Heller been ?

Logan Square Listserve !!!???!!! That is the place where the "Loud minority speaks for the loud majority." And, all the moderators are 100% Rey Colon supporters. Go figure...

Sorry, I meant "The place where the loud minority speaks for the silent majority."

I don't control the Logan Sq listserv whatsoever, sorry to break that to you. It is set up to make sure it doesn't spammed to death, but on the rare occasion I moderate it I've never censored anyone. personally, I welcome dialogue brought by men with cajones such as Mark, who are able to discuss issues and stand behind their words. I find it pretty funny that hanging out on a month-old Reader blog is all some of you are willing to do - and you claim to be the folks that will stop crime? by what, flapping your gums about it here? there are 700 of your neighbors on the yahoo listserv, so by all means come & join the conversation & share your ideas, if you have a solution to gang violence we'd all love to hear it. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/ but don't be surprised when people want to know who you are...

Vote for Vilma Colom on April 17th. Vota por Vilma Colom on Abril 17.

Jose I wouldn't say a puppet but a good friend who eats lunch with Rey. Why don't you see for yourself. http://www.chicagocrime.org/wards/35/ Carter do you really want to know about the letter who send it? or do you really want to know about Rey Colon criminal record? why would you be more interested of the sender than the criminal record of Rey Colon? Carter you had blame innocent people about this letter and that is wrong! Why don't you go out there and find out who killed a kid on Wellington and kedzie, or on Avers and diversey. Oh yes the aggressor that rape a lady accross from the Logan Station. Those are the people we want behind bars but then again how can we ask a criminal to catch a criminal when he is a criminal.

Esteban, I'm just telling you that numerous people are claiming that you have already admitted to being the author of the letter. And you are not accurately describing it's contents - those are arrest records, not convictions, and none of the arrests have to do with his job, there are no arrest for bribery, corruption, etc. It is not my place to judge anyone for their individual behavior unless it affects others. Honestly, I have a pretty high opinion of you, my neighbor across the street supports you strongly, and I understand your concerns. But I've lived in Chicago (Lake View & Logan Square) here my whole life - and never have I seen any alderman actually stop crime. The only time crime goes down is when lower income people leave the neighborhood, and in that case all that is happening is the crime is getting pushed into someone else's neighborhood.

Carter is you telling the world Because you make less money would that makes you a criminal. Listen to your remarks. The only time crime goes down is when lower income people leave the neighborhood. If you can not enjoy your next store neighbor because of their income you do not belong in the kingdom of God. I stand firm and strong for every America and my country. I will never betray anyone for money or riches. I will never step on or look down on any children of God. I will treat every America with equality, respect and honor. Regardless of color, sex or origin. However this does not protect corrupted politicians. They belong in jail. I have an answer to your remarks Most of the people in my community Who are homeowners, have equity in their homes. They can buy a second home at their wish. Some of them are opening businesses that create jobs for our community. But they are not thieves that abuse their powers to push people out of the community on purpose. Is this the kind of politicians you want in your community. Take a closer look. The same people you protect are the ones trying to fill their pockects by ripping off the community The thieves are among you Cater so please read on. Re: Good Government Zina, As regards your statements about me, they are simply not true. It was the Alderman who wanted to challenge George Zavalas' petition (for Democratic committeeman). I argued strenuously with him on the issue and took no part in his effort. Challenges based on technicalities are an affront to fairness. That is obvious from Carter's post and Peter Zelchenko's blog. And now it is obvious from your success at driving James Villapando from the ballot. As regards to your actions, they give evidence to what I was saying. Manny Flores moved into the 1st Ward only months before the 2003 election. The Board of Elections removed him from the ballot based on a residency challenge like yours. He was on the ballot, and won, only because he had the money to finance a legal challenge to the residency requirement. As a result of challenges like yours and the Alderman's, only the rich survive in Chicago politics (i.e. James Villapando). Regarding your comments about my previous support of the Alderman, I might point out that there were approximately 8 of us on the steering committee of his campaign. To my knowledge, only 1 of them, his domestic partner and chief of staff, is working for his candidacy this time. Most of the others are supporting Miguel Sotomayor. One of the many, many reasons for these defections was the Alderman's alliance with HDO which began around the time of the Zavalas challenge. It is a slippery slope once you start rationalizing undemocratic practices, which is how, I believe, the alderman ended up where he is today. Bruce Anderson --- In LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, "Zina Murray" wrote: > > Bruce, I'm really surprised at your post. When we both worked on Alderman > Colon last campaign, you worked to challenge petitions of opposing > candidates... Re: [LoganSquare] Good Government Bruce, I would like to add that verifying the validity of nominating petitions must be considered fundamental to our democracy. To reiterate the wisdom of another post, what is the worry if the signatures are legitimate? --Erik Glass --- DBA wrote: > Zina Murray, who has worked for Alderman Colon and > who submitted a > development proposal to the City for the MegaMall > has challenged the > nominating petitions of Esteban Burgoa and James > Villalpando. > > > > Campaigns and free speech are a fundamental of our > democracy, why is > Alderman Colon afraid of letting these 2 citizens > campaign? In the ETHICS section is the question: Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to your campaign? Rey Colon's answer: 1. Armitage Produce $2,500 2. Zina Murray $2,500 3. Debit Connections $2,500 4. Balcor $2,500 5. Star Auto Group $2,500 Well Rey, that's a flat out lie. Developer Mark Fishman and his directly controlled property LLC's are Rey Colon's biggest recent contributions. On Nov 4, 2006, Colon received almost $7,000 in that single day from Mr. Fishman and his LLC's. Indisputable fact on IL Board of Election website D-2's. Mark Fishman and Fishman LLC contributions in 2006 1530 Kedzie LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 1832 N. Humboldt L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2114 Spaulding LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2118 N. Whipple L.L.C. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2134 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2142 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2319 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2330 N. Spaulding Ltd. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2418 N. Sawyer L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2515 Milwaukee LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2516 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2700 N. Spaulding 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3000 N. Whipple LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3240 W. Fullerton Condo Association 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 3500 Green Bay LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 4715 N. Sheridan Rd 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 7500 SSD LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 E K W LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 ----- Stoofy's Doo LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 Westgate Acquisitions LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 ----- M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 7/27/2006 Rey, care to amend your IVI-IPO filing, or do you stick to this significant misrepresentation to public? Next- Rey's campaign manager is officially listed as Martha Ramos, his fiance since before the last election. Ms. Ramos is also the 35th Ward Chief of Staff, a full time City of Chicago position. Ms. Ramos is also realtor and President of Realty World Teemar, Inc in LSq on W. Fullerton. A person can indeed wear several hats at once. However, the potential for at least appearance of possible conflicts is obvious. Last- the flyer of allegations mailed regarding Alderman Colon's past was first attributed to challenger Vilma Colom and then to Mr. Burgoa. Since it exists, and so many have vented about accountability and candor recently and in the past, including inference of the crime of corruption against one of the current candidates expressed in 2005 by the current nonpartisan director of IVI-IPO

Thanks for the information above. But, I am sorry Esteban and others. You will NEVER change the mind of Carter O'Brien and the other moderators of the Logan Square Listserve and the majority of its readers about Rey Colon. They LOVE Rey. He can do NO wrong. He could even have sex with a staffer (Oh, he already does. His Cheif Of Staff)Or, do something to a child. Carter LOVES Rey and so do others. Lost Cause. This is my first and last post on this blog. Rey Colon is like a "God" to them. I just pray enough voters see through the truth and Rey goes down to defeat. I do not care for Vilma. But, I do not want 4 more years for Rey. I would rather vote for Vilma and in 4 years if she goes bad, put Miguel in there. I believe if Rey wins a second term he will view it as a "green light" to do more of what he has done in the negative. Oh, yes, Rey has done good things.He is very easy to like. But, the promises he made of being "Independant" and saying "No" to developers have been broken. Look at his campaign contributions. Look at all his "endorsements". Independant candidates do not rack up developer donations and they do not rack up "established" political endorsements.And, whether Carter cares or not, I am appalled that Rey Colon has his live in girlfriend as his Cheif of Staff and family working in his office. I know that is "The Way They Do It In Chicago." But, that is not what he promised in 2003.And, the worse thing is his criminal and civil record. Not that he did it. But, that he continues to LIE about it. While working for the Park District, Boys and Girls Club DRUNK DRIVING.How about Cannabis ? What about Driving continually on a suspended license ? What about not paying child support even while he was working ? Yeah, Rey will probably win because people like Carter do not care. But, there might be enough people of integrity, honor and decency that will say this is not acceptable.

Esteban, you appear to be deliberately twisting my words. I did not say lower income people are criminals. however, lower income people are more likely to join gangs, which appears to be your hot button topic. have you been to Lincoln Park or Lake View in the past 5 years? Noticed any gang graffiti? There was plenty of it when I was a kid, believe me. Higher income folks are not any more or less moral, they simply do not support the gang infrastructure, which as I explained (and you of course cannot refute) is based on the economics of dealing drugs, the prices of which are astronomical thanks to the drug war. I am 100% conscious of, and not happy with, the fact that in the pro-gentrification "let's clean up these neighborhoods" discussion I hear that no distinction is made between people who are good folk but just aren't wealthy, and people who are dangers on the street. So for about the 40th time, what is your plan to stop street crime? Or Vilma's, for that matter? There was way, way more crime here during Vilma's reign, I remember being at a NYE party on the square in the late 90s and hearing automatic weapons fire for a good half hour at the stroke of midnight! I had a good friend who committed suicide because he couldn't stand that every time he walked in his neighborhood he got crap for not being in the gang, and they called him a sellout, a loser, a traitor to his race. Quite frankly, one of the reasons why people like myself will vote for Rey is that it is safer on the streets, I walk around my neighborhood every day, I know the difference. Why don't you quit lying to yourself and all of us that the alderman is some sort of Sheriff that is going to run around at night corralling up criminals, aldermen are legislators, and in charge of development. Since you clearly know how to cut and paste selectively from the yahoo listserv, you obviously know how to post there, so why don't you come on over and finally answer the question - what did you know about and do, regarding the mailing? I know why you don't want to answer- because you know that you, or someone else you know, clearly broke the law. As for the people like Lillian above, you are falling for the bait, playing the ditry politics just like the dirty politicians want you to. do I think it was a smart idea for Rey to hire his fiance as Chief of Staff? Not really, but is it illegal? No. Exactly what sort of qualifications do you think she is lacking? I have had very good success working with the ward office, far better than under Vilma's office. you're also intentionally staying ignorant of the difference between arrests and convictions. and then to say Vilma is the one who will bring responsible development? ludicrous. go to Kimball and Dawson, stand there for 5 minutes, and there's your Vilma-style development. a developer who built without any building permits, who violated the fire codes and dug his foundations too close to the CTA tunnel. "integrity, honor and decency" you know, the last time I heard someone campaigning on this platform, it was George Bush and Dick Cheney. And look what we got from that, a war based on lies and manipulation. You all need to find something better than this "law and order" trip you're on, it's a loser.

LISTEN, CARTER... I know why you don't want to answer- because you know that you, or someone else you know, clearly broke the law... IT'S NOT BREAKING THE LAW IDIOT!

I forgot to add "No, you're a loser."

Carter, yes it is safer on the streets today then it was in 2003. That is because many parts of the city are getting safe. Because of Gentrification. The more we gentrify the 35th Ward the less crime we will have. I support more development to bring in more yuppies, white people and upper middle class latinos. That way we will push the criminal scum out of the ward. The less we have of low income people and blue collar familys the better neighborhood we will have. Get rid of these junky dollar stores, currency exchanges and greasy spoon roach infested restaurants. Keep bringing in more classy development. I support REY COLON !!! Thank you Rey for realizing the only way for a better 35th Ward is to push the scum out !!! "Gentrification Today, Gentrification Tomorrow, Gentrification Forever !!!"

Larry, your "Gentrification" comment smells alot like racisim. The 35th Ward can thrive on people of all incomes, races and occupations. I support development but "Balanced." And, Carter the Kimball/Dawson corner is a desolate piece of Real Estate. I can not assume Rey Colon wants it to sit there rotting just to remind people of the past. Make it a "Mini" park. Green Space. Where is that Mark Heller when you need him ?

Wow !!! I just stumbled onto this blog reading the Clout City stuff. Why can't the Logan Square listserve be this dramatic, pointed and full of piss and vinegar ??? At least on here everyone gets to say what they want without fear.

oh good grief, you can't tell "Larry" is actually yet another Vilma supporter, much like the low-watt bulb who keeps posting dumb things under my name? Tony, you ever heard of mail fraud? But wait, forget I said that, you're right, the letter is totally legit! so which clever guy or gal gets the credit? For the record I loved the little cartoons, those were just genius. It's odd, usually real artistes like to sign their work... "Make it a "Mini" park. Green Space. Where is that Mark Heller when you need him ?" I'll go you one further and say take out that ridiculous little excuse for a street that connects Kimball and Milwaukee, add Kimball Dawson and that property to the TIF and then you have the space to do something seriously beneficial and useful for the community. "At least on here everyone gets to say what they want without fear." Fear? You gotta be kidding me, there are Ray-bashers a-plenty on the listserv, as far as I'm aware as long as you don't use profanity anything goes, Mark Heller (who on many issues I fully agree with) has been calling Rey Colon "Alderman Caca" for 4 years on there!

I like that... "Rey Colon aka Alderman Caca" that's thinking like a pure genius

An earlier blog post up the line here said pretty much it was Rey Colons fault that Dominicks at Belmont and Kimball was closing. Personally,my husband and I believe it is Dominicks fault. The store had to be one of the most dingy Dominicks stores in the city compared to other Dominicks. Actually, that whole corner is dingy. We live in Avondale. We do not believe Rey Colon has done much for Avondale at all. Now, Vilma was only the Alderman for a year due to Remapping prior to the 2003 election. So, we voted for Rey in 2003 because all the stuff we heard about Vilma.(we moved from Calumet City in January 2003)We did not realize until a couple days ago that she was not Alderman around here for years like we believed. In the February 27 primary we voted for Miguel. On April 17th we are going to vote for Vilma.The 35th ward is "spotty" some areas are decent others are not. And, we certainly are appalled that Rey would even consider taking a building like the Payless one at Diversey/Kimball/Milwaukee and turn it into some kind of transitional housing for homeless. That area is already dingy. I want a change. Why should Avondale people have to go to Dunlays on the Square or the 2500 Block of N. California to find a classy place to dine ? Sorry, Avondale Rey supporters, we are tired of looking at a dingy, dismal neighborhood while we continue to watch our taxes rise and the people on Logan Blvd. sip wine from Provenance (within a quick walk for them).

Welcome to the club Clay. The salsa and mole is yet to come. Grab some tortillas and be ready to bite with some chile on the go..four weeks to election and things are warming up..This is the real people from my community and not a bunch of puppets like Carter. The man just keep blaming a poor woman name Vilma Colon and Richard Mell who is not running for office) as you can see the facts are on the table. We have a corrupted and liar Alderman. Esteban Burgoa

You Go Esteban !!! We can speak our mind here unlike the Reylogansquare Listserve. So, In Your Eye with a piece of pie Carter, Brad Reege, Jane Heron,Paul Levin, Josh Deth, Kevin Womac, Dulce, Laurie Tanenbaum and all you other Rey Colon lovers !!! This is Vilmas Last Stand and it will NOT be nice !!! If Rey Colon wins a second term on April 17th he will crawl into it after being beat up by the truth and a vicious real fight. I voted for MIguel because I was disgusted with Rey and did not like Vilma. But, now I have NO alternative but to vote for Vilma.And, guess what Carter O'Brien...You better drink alot of Guinness on St. Patricks Day because 90% of the Miguel voters are going to Vilma. And, come on now Carter....would you or Brad really allow all this hype that has been on this blog to go on the Logansquare listserve ? I think not. Of course, you would want to know our names etc. I am so gracious that a man named Bruce Anderson woke up and started the revolution to kick Rey out and that revolution is growing. Vilma shocked and screwed up the plan by coming in second, but now we have no choice. Vilma is the one !!!!!!!

Pasted below is what I posted earlier in this blog on Monday. It still is true : 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)."

This shouldn't surprise many people, but a very connected source just confided in me that Vilma has fangs at eats babies at the strike of midnight, Rey hangs out in the billiard clubs and swindles 80 year old ladies without remorse, and Esteban plants alligators and boa constrictors in Lake Michigan during the height of beach season.

You got to admit Carter, this is sort of fun. I am sure most of these people are 50% serious. This is just a "fun" blog. I personally probably will not make a decision on who I am voting for until the last few days before April 17th. Let everyone vent. You know the Logan Square Listserve would go ape at all these comments on this blog !!!

I wonder if I am the same wimpy, cowardly, behind the scene jackbooted leader Joel of Reys campaign ? You know the sleazy attorney who is a lousy singer ?

I can not endorse or support either candidate. Both are Pro-Homosexual Rights and Pro-Abortion.However, since Carter O'Brien dares interfere with Armitage Church services on Sunday by trying to stop our parking and closing the Boulevards on Sunday so people can have a picnic on the road ? And, Rey listens to the bikers who seem to believe they will eliminate cars I will have to vote for Vilma. Honesty, Integrity and Balls that woman has.

Oh yea and Miguel wears a toupe made out of bald eagle feathers

Vilma has balls??? Gross!

Rev. Lyons, Vilma is not Pro-Choice or Pro-Gay. If that was true why would all the liberals be supporting Rey ? And, the Boulevard belongs to the people not your church. Nobody goes to church in Logan Square anymore. It is just too "old hat." Churches actually are an inconvience in 2007. Religious Right ? RELIGIOUS WRONG !!!!!!!!!!!!

In a perfect world the 6,000 voters will split the vote exactly 50/50. There will be no choice but to have a fistfight in the Logan Sq. Auditorium to settle things once and for all. It would be a very clean match until Esteban Hamburgoa jumps into the ring and gives Rey a swift judo chop to the back of the head.

Walt you are 100% right the Boulevard belongs to the taxpayer and the church to the people, but the boulevard and church belongs to God. In Gods eye his people comes first...Esteban Burgoa March 15th - 11:09 a.m. Carter is you telling the world Because you make less money would that makes you a criminal. Listen to your remarks. The only time crime goes down is when lower income people leave the neighborhood. If you can not enjoy your next store neighbor because of their income you do not belong in the kingdom of God. I stand firm and strong for every America and my country. I will never betray anyone for money or riches. I will never step on or look down on any children of God. I will treat every America with equality, respect and honor. Regardless of color, sex or origin. However this does not protect corrupted politicians. They belong in jail. I have an answer to your remarks Most of the people in my community Who are homeowners, have equity in their homes. They can buy a second home at their wish. Some of them are opening businesses that create jobs for our community. But they are not thieves that abuse their powers to push people out of the community on purpose. Is this the kind of politicians you want in your community. Take a closer look. The same people you protect are the ones trying to fill their pockects by ripping off the community The thieves are among you Cater so please read on. Re: Good Government Zina, As regards your statements about me, they are simply not true. It was the Alderman who wanted to challenge George Zavalas' petition (for Democratic committeeman). I argued strenuously with him on the issue and took no part in his effort. Challenges based on technicalities are an affront to fairness. That is obvious from Carter's post and Peter Zelchenko's blog. And now it is obvious from your success at driving James Villapando from the ballot. As regards to your actions, they give evidence to what I was saying. Manny Flores moved into the 1st Ward only months before the 2003 election. The Board of Elections removed him from the ballot based on a residency challenge like yours. He was on the ballot, and won, only because he had the money to finance a legal challenge to the residency requirement. As a result of challenges like yours and the Alderman's, only the rich survive in Chicago politics (i.e. James Villapando). Regarding your comments about my previous support of the Alderman, I might point out that there were approximately 8 of us on the steering committee of his campaign. To my knowledge, only 1 of them, his domestic partner and chief of staff, is working for his candidacy this time. Most of the others are supporting Miguel Sotomayor. One of the many, many reasons for these defections was the Alderman's alliance with HDO which began around the time of the Zavalas challenge. It is a slippery slope once you start rationalizing undemocratic practices, which is how, I believe, the alderman ended up where he is today. Bruce Anderson --- In LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, "Zina Murray" wrote: > > Bruce, I'm really surprised at your post. When we both worked on Alderman > Colon last campaign, you worked to challenge petitions of opposing > candidates... Re: [LoganSquare] Good Government Bruce, I would like to add that verifying the validity of nominating petitions must be considered fundamental to our democracy. To reiterate the wisdom of another post, what is the worry if the signatures are legitimate? --Erik Glass --- DBA wrote: > Zina Murray, who has worked for Alderman Colon and > who submitted a > development proposal to the City for the MegaMall > has challenged the > nominating petitions of Esteban Burgoa and James > Villalpando. > > > > Campaigns and free speech are a fundamental of our > democracy, why is > Alderman Colon afraid of letting these 2 citizens > campaign? In the ETHICS section is the question: Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to your campaign? Rey Colon's answer: 1. Armitage Produce $2,500 2. Zina Murray $2,500 3. Debit Connections $2,500 4. Balcor $2,500 5. Star Auto Group $2,500 Well Rey, that's a flat out lie. Developer Mark Fishman and his directly controlled property LLC's are Rey Colon's biggest recent contributions. On Nov 4, 2006, Colon received almost $7,000 in that single day from Mr. Fishman and his LLC's. Indisputable fact on IL Board of Election website D-2's. Mark Fishman and Fishman LLC contributions in 2006 1530 Kedzie LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 1832 N. Humboldt L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2114 Spaulding LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2118 N. Whipple L.L.C. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2134 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2142 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2319 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2330 N. Spaulding Ltd. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2418 N. Sawyer L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2515 Milwaukee LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2516 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2700 N. Spaulding 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3000 N. Whipple LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3240 W. Fullerton Condo Association 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 3500 Green Bay LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 4715 N. Sheridan Rd 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 7500 SSD LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 E K W LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 ----- Stoofy's Doo LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 Westgate Acquisitions LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 ----- M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 7/27/2006 Rey, care to amend your IVI-IPO filing, or do you stick to this significant misrepresentation to public? Next- Rey's campaign manager is officially listed as Martha Ramos, his fiance since before the last election. Ms. Ramos is also the 35th Ward Chief of Staff, a full time City of Chicago position. Ms. Ramos is also realtor and President of Realty World Teemar, Inc in LSq on W. Fullerton. A person can indeed wear several hats at once. However, the potential for at least appearance of possible conflicts is obvious. Last- the flyer of allegations mailed regarding Alderman Colon's past was first attributed to challenger Vilma Colom and then to Mr. Burgoa. Since it exists, and so many have vented about accountability and candor recently and in the past, including inference of the crime of corruption against one of the current candidates expressed in 2005 by the current nonpartisan director of IVI-IPO Leave along the Rev. Lyons his blessing is to care for people.

"You know the Logan Square Listserve would go ape at all these comments on this blog !!!" I know, it's a shame the largely anonymous posters here won't come out and speak up, I think the dialogue is important. Rev. Charles Lyons, please explain why people driving into Logan Square from outside the neighborhood deserve more of say than the actual neighbors do? Your church is already enjoying the privilege of existing tax free, so now you also deserve ILLEGAL PARKING privileges? I would think our law and order fascist Mr. Burgoa would have a problem with that, but he seems to believe in selectively obeying the law as it suits his purposes. Apparently he supports bigots like yourself as well. I know God will judge you for your intolerance to your fellow brothers and sisters, I hope you open your hard heart before it's too late. regarding crime, this is a no-brainer. if I want to stop corporate, white collar crime, where do I look for it? on street corners, or in corporate boardrooms? I'll try and explain this yet one last time - just because gangs tend to consist of kids from lower income families does not in any way mean lower income people are more likely to be criminals. if you were a man of god, you would understand that my point is that people sharing YOUR rhetoric about "law and order" generally resort to gentrifying poor people out of a neighborhood to fight crime. so you continue to whine about your alleged commitment to lower-income people, but what exactly is your PLAN (or Vilma's, for that matter)? that does not result in throwing the baby out with the bathwater? I know the answer, it's called getting decent law-abiding people out of their homes, away from their televisions, and on the street. go outside, play with your kids, work on your yard, more eyes make a safer environment, the alderman can't do this for you, it takes everyone - we outnumber criminals about 100 to 1, the problem is that on the streets it at times feels like the other way around.

To let you know, our Pastor, Rev. Charles Lyons did not post on this blog. Please ignore the post attributed to him.

80 unit residential project at Ridgeway and Schubert to be discussed 3/13 eve at Koz Park Fieldhouse requiring R-3 to R-5 upzone. Did the transparent Alderman and his ZAC post this news to LSq listservs for a huge proposed development or have Meeting Flyer for residents available at Feb 25 Alderman debate? R-5 is large jump in zoning and permitted residential density. St. Joseph's Home operated at higher density than R-3, did the City and Alderman Colon make effort to purchase and adapt former nursing home into assisted living SRO / affordable housing that they are eager to impose on the community at Morris B Sachs Building (Payless Shoes) at Milwaukee / Diversey / Kimball using TIF? Instead of a much more "affordable" affordable housing retrofit of St. Joseph's building that was already designed to serve multiple residents as assisted living with public areas, elevator, kitchen / cafeteria.... RS-3 limits dwelling space sq ft to 90% of lot size area in sq ft. R-3 also requires 25 ft of street frontage per dwelling unit and/or 2500 sq ft of lot size per each dwelling unit. RM-5 allows building dwelling space to be 200% of lot size in sq ft. It allows much higher "potential total dwelling units" by zoning right, in requiring only 400 sq ft of lot size per efficiency or studio unit; and only 200 sq ft per SRO unit. From description, development plans larger condos and townhomes rather than studios. Realty/developer contact mentioned-- Rolando R. Acosta appears to have supported Alderman Rey Colon with a few contributions. IL Secretary of State LLC records show "Acosta" in Law Firm LLC below is Rolando R. Acosta. $3,000 came recently after "2650 N. Ridgeway LLC" filed with IL Secretary of State on 10/10/2006: from IL Board of Elections D-2s Acosta Kruse & Zemenides LLC - Attorneys At Law 6336 N Cicero Ave Suite 202 Chicago, IL 60646 $1,500.00 10/13/2006 Individual Contribution Neighbors for Rey Colon Ê Acosta Kruse & Zemenides LLC - Attorneys At Law 6336 N Cicero Ave Suite 202 Chicago, IL 60646 $1,500.00 1/19/2007 Individual Contribution Neighbors for Rey Colon Ê Acosta Kruse & Zemenides LLC - Attorneys At Law One South Wacker Drive Suite 3890 Chicago, IL 60606 $500.00 3/25/2005 Individual Contribution Neighbors for Rey Colon Ê Acosta Kruse Raines & Zemenides LLC Attorneys at Law One South Wacker Drive STE 3890 Chicago, IL 60606 $300.00 12/2/2003 Individual Contribution Neighbors for Rey Colon Ê Acosta Kruse Raines & Zemenides LLC Attorneys at Law One South Wacker Drive STE 3890 Chicago, IL 60606 $500.00 5/15/2004 Individual Contribution Neighbors for Rey Colon Ê Acosta Kruse Raines and Zemenides LLC 1 South Wacker Drive Suite 3890 Chicago, IL 60606 $500.00 8/8/2005 Individual Contribution Rey Colon 35th Ward Committeeman Ê Acosta Kruse Raines and Zemenides LLC 1 South Wacker Drive Suite 3890 Chicago, IL 60606 $400.00 7/9/2004 Individual Contribution Rey Colon 35th Ward Committeeman

The story of Ray Rolon, a retired Maniac Latin Disciples leader, is a classic example of how the system works. Over the years, Rolon has worked in elections for Colom; Ald. Richard F. Mell (33rd), and Gutierrez in 1986, when he became 26th Ward alderman. Rolon would assign gang members fluent in English and Spanish to do door-to-door work. They'd canvass the neighborhood to see how many residents supported their candidate. Those residents were counted as "plus votes." On Election Day, his crew of gang members--a dozen per precinct--would descend on buildings with the most plus votes and urge the residents to go to the polls. If an elderly or disabled person needed a ride, it would be arranged. Rolon paid his workers $75 to $100 for the day and made them dress respectably in white oxford shirts and ties. "Larry Hoover liked that," Rolon said of the imprisoned Gangster Disciples chairman. "The Gangster Disciples started passing out shirts and ties to their guys on the South Side." Not that Rolon's workers always behaved respectably. They weren't above such minor dirty tricks as tearing down opposing candidates' signs. That work was often left to "shorties"--very young gang members who wouldn't be missed if they were picked up by the police. "I learned it from the mob," Rolon said of politics, "and then I used it for the Spanish aldermen. . . . In gang neighborhoods, a precinct guy's got to be connected to the gangs or have a gang member or leader working under him. That's the only way you're going to win your precinct in a hotly contested gang neighborhood. If the gangs don't work for you, they work against you."

My neighborhood, Logan Square, is in the midst of a fiery political battle. The neighborhood has seen others wiped out and the residents are very active in preserving what each of them considers to be the essence of the area, be it the ethnic flavor or the 1890's architecture or the family-owned businesses. But this realtor, Larry Ligas, wants to tear down the Fireside Bowl (the only place in Chicago that will let you enter if you're underage AND one of the punk-rock meccas in town) and build an 80-condo midrise. Now, I'm not idealist enough to think that a neighborhood can avoid gentrification, or that the safety of a neighborhood is related to its property values, or even that I myself, living in a refurbished but relatively expensive apartment, am part of the problem in some people's eyes. But I love this neighborhood, and I love where the victorian homes have been restored to their former glory, and I don't want to see this neighborhood become another Bucktown- and adjacent area filled with those gargantuan shitcitecture monstrosities of cement block and brick and vinyl siding. I believe that a neighborhood can pull itself out of ghetto status without complete displacement of the residents and/or razing everything and replacing buildings built with hand-carved stone in favor of the cheapest materials that "luxury" condos can be built out of. His plan is against the local zoning, of course, and any change to that ordinance would require the approval of the community. But Larry got a zoning variance, and the residents were not consulted. The Alderwoman, Vilma Colom, just did it herself. The city acquired the property via eminent domain, somehow passed it to Larry, and bent the zoning so he could build this thing. Vilma Colom's campaign manager? Larry Legas. How did she become Alderwoman, when she's so unpopular? Well, the ward has 8000 registered voters. Sixteen hundred of those voters voted Vilma in via absentee ballot. Does your town elect its leaders with 20% of the vote coming from absentee ballots? Mine does- flight attendants and pilots who "live" here a few days a month. Ah, Crook County...

Your a moron !!! Rey Colon is developing the hell out of the 35th ward. Look at his contribution list. Keep blaming Vilma because she is easy to hate. However, Rey Colon is a liar, crook and con man.

You just do not get it do you ? The majority of people hate Vilma. Rey will win.....Easily.

Dawn you don't get it. Rey is a liar and now a lot of people are not supporting him. Vilma is will hands down

Given the choice, I'll take the approachable liar loaded with developer's cash, over the mean liar loaded with old-school machine cash AND developer's cash.

NO, Dawn you're the one that doesn't get it. Rey Colon is a hypocrite and because of that a lot of people are not supporting him this time around. In 2003, Rey Colon received 1,377 more votes than Vilma. This time around he received 822 more votes. It's pretty clear to see that members of the 35th ward are not happy with the job is he doing and because of that on April 17th Vilma Colom will be crown Alderman of the 35th Ward.

Esteban Burgoa writes how Rey is selling out the community, but yet look on the internet and you'll see that Esteben is the agent for a few condo conversions in nearby Hermosa.

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_078061047.html clock Mar 19, 2007 10:00 pm Motorist Helped Police Nab Repeat Slashing Suspect 35th Ward Alderman's Chief Of Staff Followed Suspect After His 5th Alleged Attack Get breaking news alerts (CBS) CHICAGO The search is over for a slashing suspect in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. The suspect was being held without bond Monday night; the judge believes that is the only way to keep the community safe. Police say he spent the last week terrorizing people on the North Side -- but that all ended when someone followed him. Police say a motorist saw a bleeding man chasing his attacker in the 34-hundred block of West Diversey Avenue last night. She followed the suspect in her car and called police. Luis Irazarry, of 1516 W. Hollywood Ave., is charged with five counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with five attacks. Police issued a community alert, warning residents not to walk alone after four slashings happened in the Edgewater neighborhood. Irazarry was finally caught thanks to 35th Ward Alderman Rey Colon's chief of staff, Martha Ramos. She was driving on Diversey Avenue at Kimball and Milwaukee Sunday moments after the man's fifth alleged attack. "When she observed another stabbing, police responded to the scene,” said Hiram Grau of the Chicago Police Dept. “I just started driving behind him. I followed him through the alley, I called 911and I started giving them a play-by-play,” Ramos said. Police caught the man and Ramos later learned he had been considered dangerous. “I was just responding based on the circumstances that I saw and doing my duty as a citizen,” she said. Prosecutors said the suspect signed written confessions and said he attacked his victims because they were, in his words, looking at him crazy or weird, in some cases from across the street. In each case, the suspect approached the victims from behind and attempted to slash their faces and necks with a knife, Belmont Area Homicide Lt. Anthony Riccio said. In one incident, a 41-year-old man required 30 stitches and will need facial surgery. Neighbors were jittery. "We were keeping our grandchildren away form the area for the last few days," said Joan McDonough, area resident. Residents were walking more freely Monday night, relieved that the man believed to be slashing people at random is under arrest. “Now I can come out with my baby,” said area resident Jessica Talledos. Police say Irazarry used knives from the homes of his mother and sister, who came to see him in criminal court but did not comment. One victim, a 24-year-old woman was attacked at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and she fought back. “One of the female victims disarmed the defendant. She was able to provide police with evidence- that being the knife,” Ricco said. Irazarry has a criminal record, and is familiar to some residents. “I remember the name from him breaking into the neighbor’s building in 1999,” said Julie Wlach, area resident. “The problems we had in 1999 are escalating.” Police say Irazarry did have criminal convictions and that he served 4 years in prison. Bond was denied to Irazarry Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 26. CBS 2's Joanie Lum and Alita Guillen and STNG Wire contributed to this report. (© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Why wasn't Vilma patrolling the streets looking for this madman? Now I'm TOTALLY voting for Rey. :)

Thank God Martha saw the slasher and made the news. This helps Rey. It proves he has done something about crime.

Crime Watcher, Martha seeing this slasher and calling the police has nothing to do with Rey. Wake up! How does this in any way relate to Rey (besides the fact that she is engaged to him)? Someone saw what happened and reacted quickly and called 911. Had it been me I would have done the same thing. Once again, this has nothing to do with Rey. Just because ONE person is caught in our ward committing a crime doesn't mean Rey is doing something about crime. Your comment was just down right hilarious.

http://www.chicagocrime.org/wards/35/

Hey, guess what? We live in a big city. Show me a city (hell, a neighborhood in a city) with little crime, and I'll show you an honest politician. Look at what just happened in 'quiet' Villa Park recently. this is a huge city with a wide disparity of income and education. The nutcases on drugs and those needing major professional mental help resort to crime. So do those jackass gangbangers. Same goes for those slimy white-collar crooks. This is a frickin' capitalist society and it breeds jealousy and get-rich-quick schemes. For those that are too lazy or messed up in the head to participate in a normal society, crime is their outlet. It sucks that it exists. Things are changing, but I'm afraid it is a fixture. Your lazy attempt at blaming all crime on the incumbent is really stale and proving to be quite old. Do you think Vilma or Rey or Esteban or Miguel can stop every single domestic violence episode from happening? maybe they could if cameras were installed in all of our living rooms...Same goes for all that lame street crime out there...Would Esteban running around the neighborhood in his fatigues really stop ALL crime? Would a cop on every corner and alley stop all crime? What is the answer???

Crime 35 you sound more like Carter than anything else. You are 100% right crime 35. We want crime out of our neighborhood, and we hope Ramos will turn in Colon to the FBI for corruption to the community of the 35th Ward or would you rather have me do it for you? but then again how could you do that when you are filling your pockets with tons of money. Ripping off hard working businessman and businesswoman. Abusing homeowners. having talks with criminals in your office. Those are the facts that you need to talk to the community about. But then again I guess the law does not apply to you colon because you fill you are above the law. You can try to hide the true by sending letters to cover up your crimes to the community by saying it was not you. I am glad you did that because you fool the community once by hidding the true, but not twice. You will go down as a corrupted and liar politician.Esteban Burgoa

That is the truth Esteban. Rey is a liar and a crook. Vilma is just a jerk. On April 17th do we Re-Elect a Liar/Crook or do we Elect a Jerk ? I am going to write in somebody.Hmmmmmm......

I would recommend either: Martha Ramos: reward her for helping to catch the slasher dude! Esteban: He said he would donate his salary back to the community, and seems like he would be a much needed voice to question some of Daley's antics...unless his ties to Mell/Vilma are true.

didn't Vilma recently claim on campaign literature she was a PhD student? when does her thesis committee meet again?

Esteban for write-in? Man he is a 1-track record...he hasn't even proposed a single tangible idea outside of calling Rey a liar. It's like 2nd grade schoolyard tactics...but then again, I suppose we should only expect so much from somebody that wants to be in Chicago politics.

My vote is for Vilma. If she is aligned with the gangs, then we can expect just one crew to have a stranglehold over the neighborhood right? A gang monopoly would take care of the violence. As an added bonus, I heard she is TOTALLY nice and pleasant and sweet now, having learned her lesson from before when she was straight up wicked and rude.

I hope Vilma is still underneath her smile wicked and rude. I can only hope ! Remember, my post from 2 weeks ago pasted below: Alonzo March 7th - 2:48 p.m. 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 !!!)

Seems like a posting a couple weeks ago is being ignored. Omar, Vilmas son is still heartbroken that his mom divorced her 2 husbands and took their money. Vilma is just upset she does not get the perks anymore. However, her 8 years as Alderman did serve her well. She has the home on N. Ridgeway, a summer lake home in Michigan and a condo on the beach in Boqueron, Puerto Rico. What does Rey Colon have ? Just a simple apartment on Humboldt Blvd and a small Honda. Vilma scammed her husbands and the taxpayers. Even 5 years Omar threatened to commit suicide because he was so distraught over his Mom and her scams.

Write-ins enjoy the insults and have fun that is the only way you know how to counter react a reality of a con man. We are smart people in the 35th Ward. We will see the facts on the table. You are more concern about the piece of money you want to eat from the locals. Why don't you go back to Colon and ask the man if he did lie to the community with the letter he send out..I did not do it! it is a lie.It is not me. Oh, boy the tamales are getting hotter and the chile is going to be habanero.Enjoy Crime 35 you sound more like Carter than anything else. You are 100% right crime 35. We want crime out of our neighborhood, and we hope Ramos will turn in Colon to the FBI for corruption to the community of the 35th Ward or would you rather have me do it for you? but then again how could you do that when you are filling your pockets with tons of money. Ripping off hard working businessman and businesswoman. Abusing homeowners. having talks with criminals in your office. Those are the facts that you need to talk to the community about. But then again I guess the law does not apply to you colon because you fill you are above the law. You can try to hide the true by sending letters to cover up your crimes to the community by saying it was not you. I am glad you did that because you fool the community once by hidding the true, but not twice. You will go down as a corrupted and liar politician.Esteban Burgoa

Raquél Castillo and her family were priced out of Bucktown 12 years ago. They spent some time in Michigan but came back to settle in Logan Square in the mid-1990s. Castillo has a fairly secure spot—she and her husband rent from her father-in-law. But with property taxes rising, she knows that someday her father-in-law may have to raise the rent beyond what they can pay. As a parent-mentor at Brentano, Castillo sees the effects of displacement in her neighborhood. One of the students she tutors had to leave the neighborhood and now commutes back to the school. Another student—a girl who wore hand-me-down clothes and needed lots of help in reading—just disappeared. Castillo suspects the family lost their apartment. “One day, I came in [to Brentano], and I was passing out papers, and there’s one extra,” she recalls. “‘Where’s Sierra—is she absent again?’” she asked, and the teacher responded. “‘No, she transferred.’ And I was like, ‘Oh… that’s too bad.’” Brentano is a safe environment for her kids, and the parents are well organized, Castillo adds, citing a mentoring program and a safety committee. Castillo has joined a housing committee through Logan Square Neighborhood Association and works with other Brentano parents to advocate for more affordable housing. “I don’t want to get pushed out,” she says. “My husband’s been here the majority of his life. The school is great, the expressway is right there.” Last fall, the group invited Ald. Vilma Colom and a local developer to discuss setting aside some units in a new apartment complex for moderate- and low-income residents. But neither party showed up, and the parents marched to the alderman’s office in protest. “I’ll be fighting for a while,” she says. “Brentano’s a good school, and I don’t want ever to be taken out.”

Alderman Vilma Colom of the 35th ward was repeatedly cited in our interviews as a politician who is indifferent or even adversarial to the concerns of particular constituents, many of whom happen to be affiliated with LSNA. She informed us that she was elected to bring business to her ward and that inviting development is one way to stimulate businesses. While she respects LSNA for its work in schools, as she told us in an interview in the July 2001, she has a different opinion about LSNA's work on housing. She seemed unaware of LSNA's history of work on homeownership and its current collaborative work with Bickerdike and Chicago Mutual Housing on developing coops.

The garish off red and yellow (maybe it was supposed to be gold) signs were everywhere in my neighborhood. Touting the candidacy of incumbent 35th ward Alderman Vilma Colom, they were a testament to the power of a regular Democratic organization. Although Colom was a first term alderman, she appeared to have an extremely large and disciplined organization. Maybe she had some help? Honoring a fine old political tradition, the Alderman and Committeeman of the 33rd Richard Mell had pursued an expansionist policy. Colom was said to be a mere puppet of Mell. I can't say whether that is true, but they are very close. One of the many pieces of literature that was on the street featured Governor Rod Blagojevich (Mells son in law) asking the residents of the ward to vote for Vilma. Interesting that the governor of the state would take such an interest in minor (relatively) local race. The troops were out on election day, they were passing palm cards, checking who had not yet voted and running to try and persuade those who didn't, to come out to punch a hole in the ballot for Vilma. In addition to the Demo regulars, the redoubtable Hispanic Democratic Organization (HDO) was out in force to support the seemingly unbeatable Colom. Despite the best of efforts, the mighty 33rd struck out. Showing a refreshing new streak of independence the majority Hispanic ward sent Mell's surrogate packing. Rey Colon a community activist and former superintendent of Humbolt Park walloped Vilma by a 12% margin. What makes the result even more interesting is the fact that Chicago was bitterly cold that day. This is when the machine is supposed to do its best work. They bring their people to the polls – no matter what the weather. The times may in fact be changing.

The last 3 posts are so are trying to dredge up news from 2003. Listen you stupid idiots...It is 2007. Rey Colon had his chance he F****d it up !!! Goodbye Rey. Hello, Vilma !!!

Election Day Observations: Part 1 On Tuesday, I spent the day as a poll watcher in the 35th Ward. Though it was just one precinct within the city and doesn't represent the statewide dynamics of the race, the experience did leave me with a few thoughts about the state of the machine. A little background on the political landscape of the 35th Ward: the Ward’s Alderman is a guy named Rey Colon, who beat out machine drone Vilma Colom last year in a hotly contested runoff election. Colom drew the ire of the community for being a machine lackey, and Colon rose to challenge her after gathering strength as a community organizer. Earlier this year, Colon joined forces with other Latino politicians in the state, including Iris Martinez, Cynthia Soto and Miguel del Valle, to form a coalition in opposition to machine-as-usual politics. In general, Colon is still well liked by his constituents, as he has gone to great lengths to maintain the grassroots relationship with his constituents that got him elected. The three referendums on the ballot Tuesday are an example of this grassroots spirit. In terms of the Senate race, Colon's coalition endorsed Obama very early on in the campaign and lent him significant organizational support on and leading up to election day. This move was certainly an attempt by Colon and Co to forge an independent pocket in the city and to further their clout as a non-machine coalition. Colon also ran (and won) for Committeeman. Backing Obama at a time when he was not considered electable was a bold move and was a direct extension of the independence begun in the 2002 election. The loss of Vilma Colom in 2003 deeply cut into neighboring Alderman Dick (The Dick) Mell's influence in the northwest side and backing Obama further challenged power of Mell, who endorsed Hull, in the area. Tuesday thus served as a battleground for this larger power struggle taking place in the 35th Ward and outlining areas. By siphoning support away from Hull and towards Obama, the Colon Coalition went on the offensive against Mell, and by extension the machine. If you drove through the eastern edges of the 35th Ward in the past months, especially around the Boulevard between California and Western, you noticed the plethora of mammoth Hull signs. Driving further west deeper into the 35th Ward the sign landscape changed to Obama, but mostly in the form of small yard signs (rather than 6 X 8 billboards). The people who I spoke with said that in the weeks before the election, Mell’s paid henchmen had been fastening Hull signs to every available fence and surface within the 35th Ward and had also vacuumed up many of the Obama signs. All this a clear signal from Mell that he was not going to give up without a fight. This insurgency by Mell into his former stronghold continued on election day, as he stationed paid workers at every polling station in the 35th Ward. The precinct where I was had 7 Mell goons, and I had the pleasure of standing and chatting with them all day. To be fair, most of them were young guys (early 20’s) just trying to get union jobs with the city. They were goof-offs with hardly any interest in the election beyond making an impressing their boss for the day, who could help them get jobs with solid health insurance after the election. The two older and more involved Mell people at my polling station were real jerks though. They attempted to intimidate volunteers from other campaigns by questioning their credentials, they tried to challenge every other voter’s residency to stop them from voting, and they were generally just pain in the asses to the judges the whole day. I guess that type of attitude is expected, but what was really interesting about this Mell crew was that they were only nominally backing Hull. They put up a good amount of signs, but the palm cards that they were handing out to voters for most of the day didn’t have Hull on them. When I politely asked the guy in charge why they weren’t pushing Hull, he blew up at me and said that he didn’t want to talk about it with me. They were pushing State Rep Toni Berrios pretty hard, but not Hull. I think that that shows that Mell knew he backed a loser and was just going through the motions on election day. Obama took 66.4% to Hull’s 10% in that particular precinct.

Yo Ole, if you are going to write something on this blog make sure you write what's true.

DEBTOR: COLOM; VILMA 1636 N FRANCISCO CHICAGO, IL 60647 CASE NAME: MCCLURG COURT CENTR V COLOM CASE NUMBER: 90M1 0120366 FILING DATE: 8/28/90 TYPE: SATISFIED JUDGMENT ORIGINAL JUDGMENT DATE: 7/9/90 AMOUNT: $ 640.00 ATTORNEY: SPARACIO & ALLEN

COUNTY: COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS - 1ST MUNICIPAL DISTRICT DEBTOR: COLOM, VILMA 1636 N FRANCISCO CHGO, IL 60647 CASE NAME: COLOM, VILMA CASE NUMBER: 90M1 0120366 FILING DATE: 4/24/90 TYPE: JUDGMENT AMOUNT: $ 01,640.00 ATTORNEY: SPARACIO & ALLEN

DEBTOR: COLOM; VILMA 222 W ONTARIO CHICAGO, IL 60610-3621 Doing Business As COLOM INTERNATIONAL 222 W ONTARIO CHICAGO, IL 60610-3621 CASE NAME: FUSION INT'L V COLOM CASE NUMBER: 90M1 0195681 FILING DATE: 9/17/92 TYPE: SATISFIED JUDGMENT ORIGINAL JUDGMENT DATE: 6/26/91 AMOUNT: $ 3,200.00 ATTORNEY: L.S. KAHN

I'll have mine with extra habanero please.

CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS - DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION NAME: BURGOA;ESTABAN BURGOA;YOLANDA CASE NAME: BURGOA;ESTABAN, et al. CASE NUMBER: 01D 0005537 FILING DATE: 4/4/2001 TYPE: DOMESTIC RELATIONS ATTORNEY: ANTHONY N PANZICA

COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS - 1ST MUNICIPAL DISTRICT PLAINTIFF: GERALD MNGMNT DEFENDANT: BURGOA; ESTEBAN 4307 N WINCHESTER CHGO, IL 60613 BURGOA; YOLAND 4307 N WINCHESTER CHGO, IL 60613 CASE NAME: GERALD MNGMNT v. BURGOA; ESTEBAN, et al. CASE NUMBER: 89M1 0713502 FILING DATE: 4/10/89 TYPE: CIVIL SUIT - DETAINER

CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS - CHANCERY DIVISION PLAINTIFF: ROOSEVELT BK DEFENDANT: BURGOA;ESTEBAN BURGOA;YOLANDA IL, STATE ASSESSORS PARCEL NUMBER: 1313329026 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4020 N FRANCISCO AVE CHICAGO, IL 60618-2602 CASE NAME: ROOSEVELT BK v. BURGOA;ESTEBAN, et al. CASE NUMBER: 96CH 0006393 FILING DATE: 6/18/96 TYPE: FORECLOSURE ACTION - MORTGAGE NOTE AMOUNT: $ 104,838.00 BALANCE OWED: $ 101,776.34 ATTORNEY: PIERCE & ASSOCS Telephone No.:312-346-3766 PROPERTY USE: RESIDENTIAL

GREAT NEWS.IF I HAVE ANYTHING ON MY RECORD I WILL NEVER DENIED IT! WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TO MY WIFE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. BUT THE HABANERO IS GOING TO GET HOTTER FOR YOU. IT DOES NOT AFFECT ME AT ALL. I AM NOT A LIAR OR CORRUPTED.HE IS AND YOU WILL SEE..I AM NOT TRYING TO HIDE ANYTHING BUT YOU MUST CORRECT YOUR LIES TO THE COMMUNITY..I TAKE FULL RESPONSABILITY FOR MY ACTIONS.WAIT FOR THE HABANERO WHAT YOU POSTED IS NOTHING TO WHAT IS COMING YOUR WAY. ESTEBAN BURGOA

THEY ARE ALL CROOKS !!!!!!!!!!!

I see that all of the loving Rey Colon Idiots are now trying to take over this blog too. is that not the reason why we all left the stupid rey Colon Loving Logan Square Yahoo Group. get a life people. rey Colon is an ex gang banger who had to be taken to court to make him pay his child support. The man is a hat wearing idiot. I call him an Oreo Cookie (Latino outsides with white insides).

One dy kids i will tell you all a story about my friend rey Colon. The one before he bacame a respected alderman and i say that laughing. Hay where was rey when his woman was out fighting crime at the street side drinking as usual. Lets ask rey about the bad bad skeletons in his closet.

Just curious to know why any of the cases shown above have anything to do with what's going on today in the 35th Ward. Listen people just do the research... both candidates have websites. Look around if you are okay with all the new development and its ties with Rey then I say vote for Rey. If you want to see a better 35th ward then I say you vote for Vilma. If you disagree with both candidate then I say write your vote in. This is America... we decide who we want. John Quincy Adams once said, "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

John Quincy Adams wouldn't have been sitting on his duff lecturing people on a blog, however. go talk to the people who already experienced eight years of Vilma as alderman, that's research. she didn't get her head handed to her on a plate because the community liked the direction she was taking the neighborhood. websites don't mean s***, promises made on them aren't legally binding. what exactly is this new development under Rey that is so offensive?

HDO co-founder Al Sanchez was just indicted by a federal grand jury. Line 'em up, who's next?

Amazingly, on an Aldermans salary VILMA COLOM was able to pay cash for 2 nice waterfront homes. And, made extensive travels on taxpayers dollars while Alderman. VILMA COLOM: Alderman 35th Ward, 1995-2003. February 11, 2000-Purchased 3BR, 2 Bath Condominium on the ocean in Boqueron, Puerto Rico.100 Feet of beach front. LIST PRICE: $465,500.00 SOLD PRICE: $ 450,000.00 TERMS: Cash PURCHASER: Vilma Colom 2540 N. Ridgeway Chicago, Illinois June 23, 2002-Purchased 4BR, 2Bath Tri-Level type home on Lake Michigan with 75 Ft. Beach front. LIST PRICE: $659,900.00 SOLD PRICE: $ 615,000.00 TERMS: Cash Trips on Chicago Tax Dollars: January 4-11,1997- Oahau, Hawaii "Conference On Effecient Parking Garages." Bill to tax payers: $12,765.43 June 20-23, 1997- New York, New York "How To Be More Effective With Senior Citizens." Bill to tax payers: $7,654.98 December 17-23,1997- Munich, Germany "Conference on Christmas In Cities." Bill to tax payers: $14,742.11 February 1-10, 1998- Ocho Rios, Jamaica "Northern Cities Winter Symposium." Bill to tax payers: $ 17,543.90 MORE TRAVEL JUNKETS TO FOLLOW. Billings: $ 13,786.54 -Travel Expenses to Puerto Rico for Alderman Billy Ocasios wedding. $4,765.98- Makeovers, hair styling, manicures and pedicures for 35th Ward staff at Marshall Fields, December 10, 2002. $7500.00- Wrought Iron fence and full security system at Aldermanic home, 2540 N. Ridgeway. $21,876.78- 2002 supply of shoes, boots and slippers from Bloomingdales. $16,000.00- 2002 Christmas Party at home with Emeril the chef. $15,876.54- Disney Land trip with Omar and 2 grandchildren billed to City as she spent one hour working the "Visit Chicago" travel booth at Disney World.-2002. MORE WASTEFUL INFO TO FOLLOW......

Keeping Them Honest is full of crap! I cannot believe all this crap that's on this page especilly from Keeping Them Honest.

Genesis, we are "Keeping Them Honest." Vilma is a power crazed evil witch. People need to know the truth !!! And, she CAN NOT and WILL NOT win !!!There is NO WAY Voters are putting her back in office. She will take their money and be a witch again !!! Tell her to find a man and get the F out of Chicago !!! Go to her homes in Puerto Rico or Lake Michigan. Rey Colon WILL WIN ON APRIL 17th !!! Results Of April 17: Rey Colon 53% Vilma Colom 47% I do not know why you are so dumb Genesis !!!

Does people not get it ??????? We kicked Vilma out in 2003. Just like Iraq kicked out Saddam !!! WE DO NOT WANT HER BACK !!!!! THE LIKELYHOOD OF VILMA WINNING IS ABOUT AS LIKELY AS SADDAM COMING OBACK TO RULE IRAQ !!!

Vilmas annual budget for "shoes, boots and slippers" was $22,000 at Bloomingdales ? What a waste of tax dollars !!!!!!

Those trips and expense reports look completely cooked up to me. How could that stuff even be publicly available? I know real estate transactions can be searched, but shoe purchases? Please post your source. What can't be denied is that Vilma is a naturally rude person, connected to quite a bit of shady characters, has a history of bowing down to the machine AND real estate developers, can't run a clean campaign because she doesn't have a clean platform, and will yield power to her own benefit. I'm casting a vote for Ozzie Guillen, at least he is funny when he is rude.

Please bring what you have before you go down. Rey Colon look into the mail soon. Esteban Burgoa

Listen here Keeping Them Honest... Come April 17th we'll see who is the dumb one. We'll all laugh at you and all of Rey's supporters who are going down. Don't call me dumb, when you don't even know me.

Vote for VILMA COLOM on April 17th!

Who pays CASH for real estate? And a trip to HAWAII to discuss parking garages?!!! I demand Vilma Colom address these allegations! February 11, 2000-Purchased 3BR, 2 Bath Condominium on the ocean in Boqueron, Puerto Rico.100 Feet of beach front. LIST PRICE: $465,500.00 SOLD PRICE: $ 450,000.00 TERMS: Cash PURCHASER: Vilma Colom 2540 N. Ridgeway Chicago, Illinois June 23, 2002-Purchased 4BR, 2Bath Tri-Level type home on Lake Michigan with 75 Ft. Beach front. LIST PRICE: $659,900.00 SOLD PRICE: $ 615,000.00 TERMS: Cash

Sanchez was responsible for citywide garbage collection as a Streets and Sanitation deputy when Daley appointed him to replace Eileen Carey as commissioner in June 1999. Earlier that year, Sanchez was involved in an off-duty accident in which a city car was demolished. He admitted that he had been drinking before the accident but denied being intoxicated. Ald. Rey Colon (35th) said Sanchez's resignation is a blow to HDO, but he praised Sanchez's performance as commissioner. "He kept things clean," Colon said. "He was a workaholic, a 24/7 commissioner at snow time. So overall, he's done a good job, although there have been challenges in building public confidence with recycling." "I don't have a problem with snow command but the recycling program has been a failure," said Ald. Thomas Murphy (18th). Sanchez's department assumed oversight of the mayor's blue bag recycling program in 2003, when a contractor with strong ties to HDO won the contracts to run the city's recycling centers. A recent Tribune investigation found that recycling in the city has plummeted under the Streets and Sanitation Department.

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies (have you heard of that song!?) This is crazy not to mention hilarious.

don't misappropriate our music, Emily. which lies are we referring to? Vilma's swanky travel junkets on the public dime, or some alleged connection between Al Sanchez, Rey Colon, and the failure of the Blue Bag program?

Vilma Colom, in her eight years as aldercreature, out to have some accomplishments as far as recycling is concerned, so what are they? I seem to recall the neighborhood being a lot trashier before Rey Colon came into office.

...from Esteban Burgoa regarding: CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS - DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION NAME: BURGOA;ESTABAN BURGOA;YOLANDA CASE NAME: BURGOA;ESTABAN, et al. CASE NUMBER: 01D 0005537 FILING DATE: 4/4/2001 TYPE: DOMESTIC RELATIONS ATTORNEY: ANTHONY N PANZICA

Well since we seem to like discussing the truth on this blog lets discuss the truth. Did you know that while working for the Boys and Girls club Rey Colon was arested for Drunk driving. Did you know he had his driving privilages suspended by the state while he worked for the Park District.Did you know that the great Rey Colon had to be taken to court to be forced to pay child support for his daughter. Better yet, how many of you know that Rey Colon had another child with a woman named Judie and again had to be taken to court to pay child support. (I wonder if martha knows about this). Do you know that a couple of days before the February election all of the candidates fom the 35th ward were invited to debate on cahnnel 44. Did you Rey Colon called and said he could not attend because of a family issue yet he made the phone call from his cell phone as he was next to me having beers at streetside cafe.keep reading, I have known Rey Colon for years and i am tired of the bull*** and everyone making him out to be this saint and savior.

Fleetwood Mac, please! You have no idea of what you are taking about. I've been living in this ward for over 30 years. How old are you? The 35th ward has definitely seen better days than the four that Rey has given us. It's time to get Vilma Colom back in office and better our ward. Vilma while in office did a lot for the ward and will continue to do so.

I'm a band, I was churning out hits 30 years ago. what did Vilma do to promote recycling & clean streets while alderman? specifics, please.

Vilma recycles shady street characters and plops them into nice patronage gigs for the City/County. Oh yea, she also recycles (launders?) Machine $ and filters it to her developer buddies. She also recycles the same behavior and campaign tactics that thoroughly disgusted people 4 years ago, resulting in her being fired by voters despite support from HDO and his highness Da Mayor.

Maybe Rey vs Vilma part IV in 2011 will really turn the world upside down: they'll bleed each other to death resulting in a Miguel vs Esteban showdown part I.

Wrong. Martha Ramos, crime-stopper extraordinaire, will be The Chosen One. James Villalpando will infuse some much-needed fresh ideas into the mix. Esteban Burgoa will be too busy fixing all the numerous problems in the Pentagon, Iraq, and dare I say our next invasion: Iran?

I'll be voting for Maria Santiago. You know who she is, right? She is the fake person that Vilma invented to post comments on the Logan Square newsgroup. What a sneaky maneuver. Too bad she wasn't careful enough to conceal her identity and exposed herself as Vilma on one message. That is something a 5th grader might do, not a 'distinguished' alderperson. VOTE MARIA SANTIAGO!

yes, I suspect Vilma might fare very poorly on the "are you smarter than a 5th grader?" tv show.

As I read other people's post I came upon this and need clarification, "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." I'm flabbergasted! The same exact incident happened when I went to see Rey on ward night. I wonder if this is a common occurrence or a one time deal thing. Genesis, when did this occur?

What did Vilma do about Recycling ? Who cares !!! Enough of you stupid liberal tree hugging, latte sipping, blue bag stuffing, bicycling, artsy KOOKS !!!I live in Ward 33. So, I do not care about this race. I just think you need to shove your recycling liberal selves into a black container in the alley for good !!!To me, the dumbest thing I have seen is Rey Colon trying to make N. Milwaukee into an avenue of artists etc. Artists mostly are a bunch of weirdo, selfish nuts. they will not bring foot traffic to Milwaukee Avenue. Right now, Milwaukee Avenue is a DUMP and EYESORE. GOOD JOB REY COLON !!!!!!!

Dick? Dick Mell? That you? Funny how 33rd ward folks would be in here. Since you in the 33rd don't care about recycling I guess you won't mind if we dump our trash in YOUR ward, huh?

THIS IS THE RECORD REY COLON STANDS ON: November 18, 1984-charged with Possession of controlled Substance case# 84-1-1704092,IR#725000 TWO REASONS NOT TO VOTE FOR REY COLON:DOES NOT PAY BILLS UNTIL JUDGEMENT IS PUT ON HIS HOUSE Case#89-M-176755/Dental Bills Case#-MI-100725/Hospital Bills Case#95-MI109976/Gas Bill Case#90-MI-168014/Rent January 18, 1985-Charged with thef case#85-111-130001 January 2,1987-Charged with DUI/Alcohol ticket#5320914 June 13,1990 charge with Mob Action Case #90-131-0773 June 2 1992 Charge with Possesion of Cannabis-6/29/92 Bond Forfeiture, defendant rearrested 8/4/93, 9/15/93 Bond Forfeiture defebdant rearrested 1998 December 1995- Charged with Statury Summary Suspension a.k.a An administrative procedure after a driver arrested for DUI who fails testing or who refuses to submit to fails to complete testing-Ticket#121792 September 28,1996-His license was revoked until July 9,1997 rey was arrested eight times driving on a suspended license and has numerous sppeding tickets on his driving record. HE DIDN'T PAY CHILD SUPPORT UNTIL HIS WAGES WERE GARNISHED. HIS WIFE WAS GRANTED CUSTODY OF THEIR DAUGHTER AND HE WAS SUBJECT TO REASONABLE VISITATION CASE#93-D-4219 THIS IS REY'S TRUE RECORD!DO YOU WANT AN ALDERMAN WITH A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND? REY DOESN'T OBEY THE LAW...SO HOW CAN HE REPRESENT THE LAW?

zzzzzzzzzzzzz. he ain't running fer county sheriff, aldermen don't represent the law.

DO YOU NOT GET IT ? WE HATE VILMA !!! WE LOVE REY !!! VOTE FOR REY COLON ON APRIL 17th. NUMBER #101.

What you all fail to realize is that rey Colon is a puppet of the white rich people fighting for control of our community. I have lived here on Kimball since 1968 and I have to tell you. I would rather have Vilma with a bad attitude than Rey with his pockets filled and controled by Fishman, Heron and those other idiots. Milwaukee Ave. looks like crap, no businesses and it is unsafe to walk at night. Rey Colon is in the pockets of white developers who hide behind idiots like the rest of you Rey Colon dummies. While you all get bike lanes and recycling the rest of our community if faced with higher property taxes and many long time residents who can no longer afford to live in the community. Shame on all of you for taking our once loved and diverse community and turning it into Bucktow. This is a war of reality in our community. The reality is we lower to middle income latinos are being forced out of the community by the rich white developers and condo builders for the sake of control. Wake up everyone to the reality of what is happening here.

The truth is that even if half of these claims are accurate, over half of the voters are going to vote for Rey. Having been biten by an incompetent and outright rude Vilma, most people are going to be happy as long as she does not represent them. That is why she was voted out of office, and that is exactly why she will not be voted back into office.

...and Vilma is a puppet of Mell, who is white and powerful (don't know if he's rich). so under 8 years of Vilma Colom, what did she do for Milwaukee Ave? most of us with active brains recall she was rather chummy with Larry Ligas, condo developer (and pretty pale of skin) extraordinaire. jeesh, if you're gonna play the race card at least play it RIGHT, your property taxes have been going up because of the nonsense like this, who the hell do you think pays for all this crap? YOU HAVE BEEN! VILMA COLOM: Alderman 35th Ward, 1995-2003. Trips on Chicago Tax Dollars: January 4-11,1997- Oahau, Hawaii "Conference On Effecient Parking Garages." Bill to tax payers: $12,765.43 June 20-23, 1997- New York, New York "How To Be More Effective With Senior Citizens." Bill to tax payers: $7,654.98 December 17-23,1997- Munich, Germany "Conference on Christmas In Cities." Bill to tax payers: $14,742.11 February 1-10, 1998- Ocho Rios, Jamaica "Northern Cities Winter Symposium." Bill to tax payers: $ 17,543.90 MORE TRAVEL JUNKETS TO FOLLOW. Billings: $ 13,786.54 -Travel Expenses to Puerto Rico for Alderman Billy Ocasios wedding. $4,765.98- Makeovers, hair styling, manicures and pedicures for 35th Ward staff at Marshall Fields, December 10, 2002. $7500.00- Wrought Iron fence and full security system at Aldermanic home, 2540 N. Ridgeway. $21,876.78- 2002 supply of shoes, boots and slippers from Bloomingdales. $16,000.00- 2002 Christmas Party at home with Emeril the chef. $15,876.54- Disney Land trip with Omar and 2 grandchildren billed to City as she spent one hour working the "Visit Chicago" travel booth at Disney World.-2002.

This isn't about condos. They will be built regardless...they were built on Vilma's watch, and will continued to be built will into the future. Unfortunately no alderman has the power to reverse macro-economics. What this is about is a fumbling, desperate Vilma trying to motivate by fear. She can't sell her personality to people, she can't sell her resume to people (who wants to vote for a Dick Mell protoge?), so all she can do is sling mud. Her days over

Zina Murray has not just worked for/with Alderman Colon as a volunteer. She has contributed $5,000 to Rey Colon (1.3% of Colon's $381,000 Total). Ms. Murray is a Principal of one of the 3 DEVELOPER Team LLC's seeking megamillions from our Fullerton / Milwaukee TIF for a City enabled private redevelopment of the MegaMall. The City and Ald. Colon admitted to Chicago Tribune that MegaMall TIF RFP and eminent domain process is proceeding despite its reopening late Nov. Politicians rely on contributions in existing system. Most $ come from developers, real estate interests, various biz, plus PACs- all with special interests. Ms. Murray's $5K to Colon is small compared to developer and large LSq property owner Mark Fishman. Mr. Fishman and his property LLC's have contributed a whopping $28,265 to Rey Colon (7.4% of Colon's Total $). That's right- $28,265 and counting. Mr. Fishman submitted one of the 3 developer LLC proposals for City's MegaMall TIF RFP and he also seeks Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF funding for LSq's biggest ever condo project: 150 units at nw corner Milwaukee Ave and Central Park on MB Financial Bank site. This will be R-6 density for zoning geeks. Meanwhile, Alderman Colon disrespected years of community based effort for a Park and signature City Recreation, Community Activities, and Arts CENTER at MegaMall and CTA railtrench that even City has admitted has "compelling and intriguing merit". Colon and City Planning colluded to suppress the community based Park / Activities Center TIF plan for the MegaMAll from even being considered in the TIF RFP review. Colon actively prevented the only public-based MegaMall proposal for a public serving project using our PUBLIC TIF tax $ diverted from parks, schools, library .... from even being considered. So much for fair and open process in City TIFs. The "listen to the community" Alderman then fliply dismissed recent overwhelming 75% approval vote for a Park center at the MegaMall using our TIF on November 2006 ballot referendum. 4,215 35th Ward voters said YES. Only 25 of the Ward's 35 voting precincts had opportunity to vote of the issue. More voters approved a PArk than voted for Rey Colon for Alderman in 2003 election in these same Ward precincts! Who is the 35th Ward developer candidate for Alderman? Who is/are the "responsible development" and parks leadership candidates (LSq is 2nd most parks underserved City neighborhood)? Will these issues be discussed in upcoming candidate debates or will it be election campaign via glossy literature and flyers. CHICAGO JOURNAL has editorial comment on the issue of frivolous signature petition challenges. Less known candidates (I don't know Burgoa or Villalpando) may not have a real chance to "win", but frequently catalyze stimulating dialogue of issues and accountability of incumbent and better known challengers. They may dilute vote at least slightly for better known candidates. If election challenge news is correct, it's sad that 35th Ward has a political operative of the incumbent Alderman working to suppress other candidates and hence help suppress a more diverse debate of Ward issues. Mark Heller Logan Square parks advocate and leader of Skate Park under Kennedy Expressway effort Damn those apparatchiks Frivolous petition challengers undermine democracy Jan 4, 2007 Chicago Journal http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=8&ArticleID=2544\ &TM=48969.95

"Ma, Ma Where's My Pa ???" "He Is In City Hall. Ha, Ha, Ha !!!" -Rey Colon, Jr.

"Mom, why did you hurt my dad?"

Mark Heller, how dare you post here ? Take your little greenspace self elsewhere !!! Rey will win then he will have open season on you. Mark Fishman is disappointed in you. Mark, inspectors coming to your 2 flat home April 18th !!! Long Live El Pollo Loco El Presidente Rey Colon !!!!!!!!!

Yeah !!! Vote For Rey Colon.

Vote for Rey you all know whats up. Life with the black and blue for Rey Colon.

What ashamed that some folks show their true colors. This is not what we want in our community a bunch of dirty scum bags treating our community members. We want freedom and liberty not a dictatorship. Our democracy in the 35th Ward is in danger. Some of these morons are willing to quite you down if you speak up or don't do what they tell you. What happened to freedom of speech? Just listen to what they have to say Rey Colon Supporters. Mark Heller, how dare you post here? Take your little green space self elsewhere!!! Rey will win then he will have open season on you. Mark Fishman is disappointed in you. Mark, inspectors coming to your 2 flat home April 18th!!! Is this what we want in our community? This is what I had being telling you all along. Rey is a corrupted and liar politician that exploits people from the 35Th ward to make his friends rich while screwing the hard working Americans. You vote for Rey Colon you vote against our freedom. Said and posted by Rey Colon supporters. Help us save our community from falling into the hands of corrupted people wanting to cash on your hard tax dollars to make themselves rich. This matter is about our community. We can take it back. Come out to vote on April 17th vote against corrupted and liar Rey Colon.

> Subject: RE: [LoganSquare] Re: conflicts of interest: Follow the money: 35th > ward election > > > > Did you have time to help me research 3038-3044 W. Armitage? Don't you > > think what looks like a $900,000 profit without building anything was a > > good > > investment for Mr. Fishman? Do you think that had anything to do with > > campaign contributions? > > > But you wanted an example of public land to private developer? How about > > the corner of Diversey and California from the Board of Education to > > Olympic > > Carpet? And do you think Olympic Carpet's $3,000 of contributions to > > Alderman Colon will have any affect on Olympic's request for a 50+ unit > > condominium development on the site? > >

Every single "travel junket" and house purchase listed above by Vilma Colom is FALSE. The city does not work like that. And, the house deals are not true.

THIS IS THE RECORD REY COLON STANDS ON: November 18, 1984-charged with Possession of controlled Substance case# 84-1-1704092,IR#725000 TWO REASONS NOT TO VOTE FOR REY COLON: DOES NOT PAY BILLS UNTIL JUDGEMENT IS PUT ON HIS HOUSE Case#89-M-176755/Dental Bills Case#-MI-100725/Hospital Bills Case#95-MI109976/Gas Bill Case#90-MI-168014/Rent January 18, 1985-Charged with thef case#85-111-130001 January 2,1987-Charged with DUI/Alcohol ticket#5320914 June 13,1990 charge with Mob Action Case #90-131-0773 June 2 1992 Charge with Possesion of Cannabis-6/29/92 Bond Forfeiture, defendant rearrested 8/4/93, 9/15/93 Bond Forfeiture defebdant rearrested 1998 December 1995- Charged with Statury Summary Suspension a.k.a An administrative procedure after a driver arrested for DUI who fails testing or who refuses to submit to fails to complete testing-Ticket#121792 September 28,1996-His license was revoked until July 9,1997 rey was arrested eight times driving on a suspended license and has numerous sppeding tickets on his driving record. HE DIDN'T PAY CHILD SUPPORT UNTIL HIS WAGES WERE GARNISHED. HIS WIFE WAS GRANTED CUSTODY OF THEIR DAUGHTER AND HE WAS SUBJECT TO REASONABLE VISITATION CASE#93-D-4219 THIS IS REY'S TRUE RECORD!DO YOU WANT AN ALDERMAN WITH A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND? REY DOESN'T OBEY THE LAW...SO HOW CAN HE REPRESENT THE LAW?

Rey Colon is NOT guilty of anything. He already said this junk was not true. And, do you Reeeealllllyyy want VILMA in again ?

Rey Colon is very very guilty and yes we do want Vilma Colom again. She'll do a better job than Rey has.

I believe Benjamin Franklin said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Benjamin Frnaklin also said, "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Go VILMA COLOM! Vote Mark #102!

Ok. That is fine if you hate Vilma. Vote for Rey Colon then. Just remember, you are Re-Electing a Liar, Crook and Con Man. LIAR= Said he had NO criminal record. HE DOES ! Crook= Live in girlfriend chief of staff. Mainly, family members work in his office. Has taken thousands and thousands of dollars from developers which has allowed "weird" zoning and other development. Con Man= Sent out a letter saying he had no criminal record and allegations were false. Has convinced alot of voters he is being truthful. He did this because he thought he would win on February 27th without a runoff and his record would be forgotten. Alas, he was WRONG !!! There is a runoff. The truth is coming like a high speed EL Car directly at him. But, who cares ? You hate Vilma and Love Rey. So, "forget about it !" Vote for Rey !!! Who cares about integrity ? You say Vilma has no integrity either ? Well, at least she will NOT LIE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS SO EASILY PROVEN !!! Rey, your a dummy !!! However, you will win because people Hate Vilma and Love you. So, its ok !!! But, remember You can fool some of the people some of the time. But you can not fool all of the people all of the time." Miguel is coming to your door in 2011 !!!!!!!!! And, if Vilma wins, to be honest she deserves it. Because, you are a LIAR Rey !!!

Is this the same Antonio Munoz that was busted in the Hired Truck Scandal? Munoz, Anthony 30XX W. Belden Street Chicago, IL 60647 Occupation: Truck Driver Employer: Cook County $1,000.00 2/22/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom

Here we go again. Colom, Vilma, Citz For 2535 N Kedzie Chicago, IL 60641 $500.00 2/21/1998 Transfer In Citizens for Antonio "Tony" Munoz

The latest Chicago pol to fall into the Hired Truck spotlight is West Side State Senator Antonio Muñoz cited by the Chicago Tribune as an acquaintance of former Hired Truck Program director, Angelo Torres. Torres, you may remember, has been indicted for extortion -- sending city trucking contracts to shadow companies. The connection between Muñoz and Torres is essentially through the Hispanic Democratic Organization. Muñoz' 1998 senate election is considered one of the first victories for HDO, a pro-Daley fundraising and campaign operation that has come to dominate politics throughout Cook County and even into the suburbs. Certainly Torres, a long-time footsoldier in HDO, is in deep with the organization. Torres is considered by the press to be the architype of what one person can do for HDO, and what HDO can do for one person. But it's difficult to say exactly what Muñoz does for HDO, and what HDO does for him.

you remember Dominic Longo right? Sure you do, you know the Mell hack that worked on Vilma's campaign. See how he stole your tax $ below: Many injury-prone city workers shared the same political patrons, according to the Sun-Times analysis of the clout list, showing jobs and promotions between 1989 and 1997. The analysis found: • • Those who sought jobs, promotions or raises from Dominic Longo, a political operative once convicted of vote fraud, were most likely to file workers comp claims against the city. Of the 110 who sought Longo's help, 33 percent filed at least one injury claim. The city has spent more than $1.4 million to resolve claims from Longo's troops. More claims are pending. "It's a coincidence, or they're a------s," Longo said this week.

RE: [SouthLoganPalmerSquare] removal from listserve Please remove me from the listserv as well thanks Christy Crandall -----Original Message----- From: SouthLoganPalmerSquare@yahoogroups.com [mailto:SouthLoganPalmerSquare@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Ruiz, Linette Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 2:10 PM To: SouthLoganPalmerSquare@yahoogroups.com Subject: [SouthLoganPalmerSquare] removal from listserve Dear Rey, Please remove me from the listserve as well. Thank you, Linette Ruiz -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: SouthLoganPalmerSquare@yahoogroups.com [mailto:SouthLoganPalmerSquare@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kitty Hopper Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 6:42 PM To: SouthLoganPalmerSquare@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [SouthLoganPalmerSquare] Dear Rey, Please remove me from the listserve. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Best, Kitty Hopper

that's Rey REYES who runs that listserv, dolt.

Re: Mega Mall Proposal from 2 Neighbors Craig, I'm happy to answer your questions as best I can. Please keep in mind that this is the initial concept, and it will continue to evolve. The Market is a food market, which will rent stalls to both prepared and non-prepared food vendors. So we plan to see stalls of produce, fish, cheese, meat, coffee/tea, etc. side-by-side with things like a juice bar, tacqueria, asian to-go, or other prepared food options. there are actually two Mega Mall food vendors that we've been made aware of by a neighbor, and we're looking forward to meeting with them about the project. Unlike a single establishment, the Market can lease to a diverse number of world food options-- we want to have lots of choice and variety. We hope the restaurant is one, that focuses on in-season, local food when possible. We look forward to supporting the farmer's market and hopefully, helping it grow. Our design extends the plaza the city has planned for a larger open space. We see the year-round and the seasonal markets collaborating and cooperating. Our current design of the building is about the same height as the Mega Mall, so the view would be approximately the same. Housing was a tough decision for us. We initially tried to have artist live/work space, but a very noisy train and the challenges of a mixed-use design led us to decide that this site was not ideal for residential. The train is thunderingly loud there. Also, when we've asked people and groups what the neighborhood needs, no one says more housing. --- In LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, Craig Brozefsky wrote: > > "Zina Murray" writes: > > Do you mean produce and groceries? Not sure what local, small > businesses could afford such a thing year-round. Is this intended as > a replacement for the existing farmer's market?...

Vote Mark #102 on April 17th.

Pathetic. Copying and pasting posts from the yahoo group? why don't you losers try actually posting!

We hate Rey!!! We love VILMA!!! VOTE FOR VILMA COLOM ON APRIL 17th. NUMBER #102. Btw, I rather have Vilma any day over the Ramos sisters aka Dulce and Martha. YUCK!

I would love to watch Martha and Vilma in black leather catfighting each other while Dulce commands me to watch.I am voting for Vilma because I want a woman of power to dominate me !!!

Because we want the world to see what kind of poisonous and venom People you are! This is your mentality rob the poor to give to the rich. Just listen to Zena Murray comment: "Zima Murray" writes: > > Do you mean produce and groceries? Not sure what local, small > Businesses could afford such a thing year-round. Is this intended as  A replacement for the existing farmer's market?   She is the one who wants to cash out with the TIF to benefit her pockets and the corrupted Alderman Rey Colon by taking money away from taxpayers. Just listen how Rey Colon supporters act with our community Mark Heller, how dare you post here? Take your little green space self elsewhere!!! Rey will win then he will have open season on you. Mark Fishman is disappointed in you. Mark, inspectors coming to your 2 flat home April 18th!!! Now listen how some of you are cutting deals with the Alderman to rob taxpayers money.  Subject: RE: [LoganSquare] Re: conflicts of interest: Follow the money: 35th > ward election > > > > Did you have time to help me research 3038-3044 W. Armitage? Don't you > > think what looks like a $900,000 profit without building anything was a > > good > > investment for Mr. Fishman? Do you think that had anything to do with > > campaign contributions? > > > But you wanted an example of public land to private developer? How about > > the corner of Diversey and California from the Board of Education to > > Olympic > > Carpet? And do you think Olympic Carpet's $3,000 of contributions to > > Alderman Colon will have any affect on Olympic's request for a 50+ unit > > condominium development on the site? Now you want to talk about loosers take a look into this numbers And tell me what they mean case #86-f-136-10825? Go back and ask Ramos why she never turned in Rey Colon for being a death beat dad. Rey Colon was arrested for content of court for not paying fees and child support due to his unclaimed son! Rey Colon fathered a son, but did not pay child support and the child was put on welfare Guess who pay for it? Taxpayers What ashame Rey Colon letting taxpayers pay for your son. You want to cover the sun with one finger but the true is coming out. The people of our community are beautiful and hard working but that clan of yours Who has instigated hatred on purpose will fall apart. You can only lie so much to the community before your lies catches with you. How about having a public forum between Vilma and Rey? This is the perfect time to bring the community out to see Rey Colon criminal Record in public and lets see if he will denied it this time.

Since voting tends to be a popularity contest, I hereby petition all hot babes and dapper dudes to consider running. I'd let Sandi Jackson or Carina Sanchez upzone the neighborhood and raise my property taxes anyday!

You know that this public forum would just be another hissing and spitting debacle. Why not have a true debate that showcases our candidates mental & physical clarity, while showcasing the neighborhood? Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes...Logan Square Talent-a-Rama! Skills to be tested: Karaoke at Zacatecas (Logan Square Idol) Fixing a flat tire at Boulevard Bikes Arranging a boquet at Fleur Stereo-blasting anywhere along Fullerton Pie eating contest at Golden Rise Bakery 100 yard dash down Logan Blvd Shot contest at Weegees Celebrity guest chef cook-off at Lula And of course the last test would be the dinner-date auction: Only real estate developers could bid, and all proceeds would be used to buy a 35th ward proprietary power-washer to combat all the gang tags. Bonus points to the candidate that can pick up the most Hot Cheetos bags or pizza flyers littered on the sidewalk over the course of the contest.

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." Go VILMA COLOM! Vote Mark #102!

Tame an aggresive pit bull. Convert a Mormon missionary boy to Roman Catholic or Greek Orthodox. Attempt to walk across Logan & Western without losing life or limb. Teach a gangbanger how to read.

Vote for Pedro Sanchez

Too bad that this debate has fallen into such a boring & disgusting mess. A candidate that wanted to really impress might consider talking about any of these topics...or is this too much to ask? What are the candidate's positions on the Chicago olympic bid? It's a great topic that encapsulates the job creation vs. property tax debate. Also why doesn't one of them make a splash and recommend a thorough cleansing of the CTA Board. Fire Kruesi? How about a pledge to donate all election contributions raised above $100k to a scholarship fund for local deserving students. Create a independent business-of-the-month. Similar to the City's book club, this could highlight a local non-chain business. Alderman-led tours of City Hall. Proud of your city and job? Prove it and show us around. Campaign to replace street lights with energy-efficient bulbs and/or solar-powered devices. Create a pool of volunteers to help out a local non-profit or public agency every weekend. Establish a "partner neighborhood" program: get to know a distant/distinct area through a regular exchange. Create a fund to buy housing for Katrina/Sudan/displaced autoworker/political refugees.

The superintendent also confirmed Tuesday night that he had seen another videotape made December 15 by security cameras at the Jefferson Tap and Grille on the Near North Side. Cline says the tape, which has not yet been made public, shows six now suspended off-duty officers beating four businessmen. And worse, he says, it shows one of the six -- a sergeant -- waving off a responding patrol car while the beatings continued. "The state attorney's office assures me they will return charges," Cline said. Finally, cline said he will demote a 25th District captain who allegedly ordered police at Grand and Central to shield Anthony Abatte from the media during Abatte's court appearance Tuesday. Cline accused the captain of misusing police resources in a "terrible lack of judgment." "If you choose to shield officers, then you are going to have to suffer the consequences," said Cline.

Anybody that's thinking of not getting out and voting for Vilma Colom for Alderman is an idiot. Russ

A vote for Vilma is a vote for "old-style" Chicago politics. Don't you think its time we kick the corrupt, pay-to-play, Hired truck, ghost pay, abusive THIEVES out? As a product of that environment she is permanently molded by and in debt to those that built this corrupt system. NO MAS!

http://gapersblock.com/airbags/archives/dont_let_the_games_begin/

I'm hungry

The Habanero is about to be deliver hotter than ever. Do not count me out yet. I am just warming up. Would you be able to handle it Rey Colon? why are you angry with some one who is not running for office? why are you afraid? because I tell the true and you sing lies.

Friends and Neighbors for Vilma Colom A-1 ($500+ 30 days prior) 2007 CE Contributed By Address Amount Received By Description Citizens for Richard Mell 3649 N. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 $10,000.00 3/26/2007 5A Friends and Neighbors for Vilma Colom Printing-flyers signs etc

Colon has brokered the deals to have Sultans Market, Streetside Café and a Black Beetle spin-off expand into the ward. He is running on the idea that bringing in small business and increasing condo developments will raise the neighborhoods' wealth and morale. Colom, 52, who used to lead a female-based rehabilitation program for inmates but is now unemployed disagrees with Colon's views on expansion. She says crime is the main issue in the ward. "We need to clean up the neighborhood, and then build more parks and playgrounds for the children," Colom said.

--- In LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, "Zina Murray" wrote: > > Bruce, I'm really surprised at your post. When we both worked on Alderman > Colon last campaign, you worked to challenge petitions of opposing > candidates... Re: [LoganSquare] Good Government Bruce, I would like to add that verifying the validity of nominating petitions must be considered fundamental to our democracy. To reiterate the wisdom of another post, what is the worry if the signatures are legitimate? --Erik Glass --- DBA wrote: > Zina Murray, who has worked for Alderman Colon and > who submitted a > development proposal to the City for the MegaMall > has challenged the > nominating petitions of Esteban Burgoa and James > Villalpando. > > > > Campaigns and free speech are a fundamental of our > democracy, why is > Alderman Colon afraid of letting these 2 citizens > campaign? In the ETHICS section is the question: Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to your campaign? Rey Colon's answer: 1. Armitage Produce $2,500 2. Zina Murray $2,500 3. Debit Connections $2,500 4. Balcor $2,500 5. Star Auto Group $2,500 Well Rey, that's a flat out lie. Developer Mark Fishman and his directly controlled property LLC's are Rey Colon's biggest recent contributions. On Nov 4, 2006, Colon received almost $7,000 in that single day from Mr. Fishman and his LLC's. Indisputable fact on IL Board of Election website D-2's. Mark Fishman and Fishman LLC contributions in 2006 1530 Kedzie LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 1832 N. Humboldt L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2114 Spaulding LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2118 N. Whipple L.L.C. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2134 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2142 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2319 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2330 N. Spaulding Ltd. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2418 N. Sawyer L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2515 Milwaukee LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2516 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2700 N. Spaulding 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3000 N. Whipple LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3240 W. Fullerton Condo Association 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 3500 Green Bay LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 4715 N. Sheridan Rd 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 7500 SSD LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 E K W LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 ----- Stoofy's Doo LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 Westgate Acquisitions LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 ----- M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 7/27/2006 Rey, care to amend your IVI-IPO filing, or do you stick to this significant misrepresentation to public? Next- Rey's campaign manager is officially listed as Martha Ramos, his fiance since before the last election. Ms. Ramos is also the 35th Ward Chief of Staff, a full time City of Chicago position. Ms. Ramos is also realtor and President of Realty World Teemar, Inc in LSq on W. Fullerton. A person can indeed wear several hats at once. However, the potential for at least appearance of possible conflicts is obvious. Last- the flyer of allegations mailed regarding Alderman Colon's past was first attributed to challenger Vilma Colom and then to Mr. Burgoa. Since it exists, and so many have vented about accountability and candor recently and in the past, including inference of the crime of corruption against one of the current candidates expressed in 2005 by the current nonpartisan director of IVI-IPO

Rey Colón a chief sponsor of the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance, he worked tirelessly lobbying his colleagues to support the bill, and to defeat the Mayoral veto. Undaunted by the successful override, he pledges to support a new, more comprehensive ordinance and secure a veto-proof majority. Colón is also a co-sponsor of the inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring set-asides for affordable housing and has already instituted a set-aside requirement for developments in his ward.

In 2003, Colón claimed in his campaign that Colom was too close to the mayor and he would offer an independent voice. But he later received criticism for receiving contributions from real estate developers (OMG... it's so true) Colom ran in part on her record as alderman of the ward for eight years, particularly a reduction in crime.

If history is a guide, the 11 aldermen forced into runoff elections on April 17th should be very nervous.

CJ: The 35th Ward is in much need of new park space. Some have recommended a park for the location of the Discount Mega Mall, but you disagree? What are you doing to bring more green space to the ward? Colón: We've negotiated to buy a piece of what is adjacent to the Mega Mall site to do an open market plaza area. We're doing a skateboard park on Logan and Western. We've got Palmer Square that we're rehabbing. We're still working on getting funding for the Bloomingdale Trail to do a rails-to-trails project there. We're doing school campus parks, so the school playgrounds are being converted into recreational areas. My commitment is seeing these projects through to completion. As it relates to the Mega Mall site, it's a commercial district. It's not conducive to having a park there, at least for any recreational play. A lot of people haven't taken into consideration the ongoing cost of the operations. We've got a lot of under maintained park facilities surrounding our area right now that need some structural repairs, so I'd like to see some more money put into our existing parks as we move forward.

She takes a $10k infusion from that crusty old schemer...and god forbid she gets voted in (PLEASE NO!). Then the 35th ward will just have to bend over and take it from Mell because he just bought himself a loyal supporter in Vilma. I don't want a Mell puppet in 35. Vote those suckas to the curb!!! I seriously think I would prefer to have a very confused Natarus over a very slimy Vilma. Good thing neither of those options will happen.

Can you imagine the good that would do by paying for local kids' tuition for community college...or assistance to a returned vet...or health insurance to the needy. Too bad it will just be used to print up some more scare-tactics and mudslinging b.s.

Colon's proposal threw some of his old supporters off guard. He'd already dismayed many of them when he discounted the objections of citizens' advisory members to an upzoning one of his largest campaign contributors, developer Mark Fishman, would need to build about 100 upscale condos on Milwaukee near Central Park, roughly a half mile northwest of the mall. But back in 2005 few residents defended the Mega Mall, an eyesore that was closed by city inspectors that summer after being cited for more than 100 building code violations. Now, however, many are resistant to giving Colon and the city a free hand to develop it. Last year Mark Heller, a local activist, submitted a proposal calling for a park and cultural center on the site. And in the November elections 72 percent of 35th Ward voters approved a nonbinding referendum to put a park there. Colon vetoed the idea anyway. "I don't think Milwaukee Avenue is the appropriate place for a park," he says. "It's a commercial district." The city rejected Heller's proposal, and Colon says it's now entertaining two others --not yet unveiled -- to build a grocery store or market. In the meantime Park (who was unavailable for comment) has sunk about $2 million into fixing up the Mega Mall, and in November city building inspectors gave him the green light to reopen. Now business is bustling, which means the city faces another TIF-related conundrum: how can TIF dollars intended to preserve local businesses legitimately be used to drive local merchants out of business? As with most TIF matters, the city's planning department has said it will follow the lead of the local alderman. Colon maintains that given the mall's past history of building violations, there's still reason to support eminent domain proceedings. "I think there's a better use for the land," he says. He favors a replacement market that would be operated by some of the merchants now working in the Mega Mall. Colom says it's unfair to seize Park's property now that he's spent a couple million to get it up to code. "The owner fixed up the Mega Mall, and [Colon] is still going after him," she says. "To me, if someone meets the requirement, he should let them stay. This is not a communist country." Sotomayor says that initially he supported a park on the site. "I even passed petitions for the park referendum," he says. But now "I find it hard to justify taking [Park's] personal property. I'd love to see public space there. But I would use the process of eminent domain for public use only, and only if the community wants it."

Wow! This was quite a hilarious read. RE: THE RAMOS SISTERS So people hate the Ramos sisters? There's 5 of us by the way! More for your hating pleasure. RE: MARTHA RAMOS HELPING CATCH SLASHER As far as what does Martha Ramos catching the slasher have to do with the campaign/community??? Well, tons. I think the community should be able to clearly see that having someone who can be level headed at a time of crisis, think and REACT in such a manner, could ONLY benefit them and their neighborhood. I really do not think that too many people would have gone to the extent that Martha did to help catch the Slasher. I see that as a major benefit to all of us who are safer right now. And if she is Rey's Chief of Staff, live in girlfriend, friend...is only an indirect benefit to the community at large. These are the kinds of people I want representing me. People who are able to put others first...People who know how to measure/weigh a sitution and react. This action was so admirable that she will be receiving an Award from the Mayor on April 11th!!!! RE: AVONDALE Avondale is not a scum! It was one of the fastest appreciating communities in Chicago last year, per the Chicago Tribune. It appreciated faster than Logan Square....for those Avondale bashers! I live there. I love it!!!! RE: ESTEBAN BURGOA I don't believe half of the Esteban Burgoa posts were even posted by him.. Why so suspicious you may ask? Please people. Read them again. Some have accents and some do not! Some sentences are way too grammatically correct in English to have been constructed by Esteban Burgoa. No offense Esteban. Just something I noted. I've heard you speak before and many of these posts do not sound like you. Has anyone else noticed this too? RE: VILMA'S REAL ESTATE I know the kind of income someone needs to have to qualify for the type of mortgages Vilma has on the properties she purchased. (I assume Vilma got mortgages, cuz I'd be even more suspicious if she purchased those homes cash!) No can do on an Alderman's salary. I have lived in the 35th Ward with both Vilma and Rey as Alderman and I will say that I do see a dramatic, visible difference in the Ward today. It is interesting what so many people believe is the job description/role of an Alderman too...?????? Maybe Spanish speaking people work in the 35th Ward office because there are so many Spanish speaking people that call and need information/services? Duh? Did that occur to anyone? Now....on a lighter side..... My favorite posts are from Rey Jr. and Omar! Those were tear jerkingly funny!!!!! Definitely amusing. Enjoy your day everyone....and I extend those wishes to Vilma, Esteban and Miguel too! With Peace, Love and Community in my Heart, Dulce VOTE FOR REY COLON!!!! p.s. I've snapped my whip before...and have no problem giving directions in leather! Too funny........

Vilma say crime is da main issue in the ward? How come she never talked to us when she was alderman?

well, well, well. looks like those hungering for the involvement of "the law" and for Rey to address the mailing in more depth are going to get their wish - although I suspect the outcome is NOT going to be what they hoped for. see you in court: Ladies and Gentlemen, Attached, please find our Corrected Appearance repairing the clerical error of the prior filing. Respecting Ms. Colom's request for continuance, if there is to be a closed preliminary hearing, we need it within the statutory 7 days because we need to stop Ms. Colom's continued distribution of the false and scurrilous political communications and to repair the spread of these lies she continues to foster. In addition, we need to promptly unmask Ms. Colom's dishonest campaign which is spending more than twice what she is reporting. The public is entitled to know who is really funding Ms. Colom's campaign and the fact that she is hiding it is an indication that she does not want the public to know (and that we should want the public to know) who is financially supporting her. That said, our primary interest is in a prompt and complete resolution of our allegations in public by the State Board. Therefore, we will agree to waive the closed preliminary hearing entirely if, and only if, Ms. Colom agrees to proceed to the open public hearing on our amended allegations, with subpoenas, no later than Friday, April 6, 2007. AIM: rmeans Skype ID:richardkmeans ------------------------------------ -----Original Message----- From: Morgando, Tony [mailto:TMorgando@elections.il.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 7:42 AM To: Borgsmiller, Rupert; McArthur, Sue; Phil Krasny; Means Cc: Sandvoss, Steve Subject: Colon v. Colom As of the date and time of this email, I have personally spoken with Ms. Vilma Colom, Respondent. Ms. Colom acknowledged receipt of the complaint, and indicated attempts would be made to secure counsel. Ms. Colom requested a continuance of the closed-preliminary hearing to secure counsel and prepare an adequate defense. I stated to Ms. Colom the statutory requirement of the Board to render a final judgement in this matter within seven (7) days, unless the parties to the complaint waive such requirement. Ms. Colom indicated a willingness to waive the seven (7) day requirement. I stated this information would be presented to counsel for the Complainant, and a decision to proceed would be forthcoming. Tony Morgando Jr. Ill. Board of Elections (312) 814-6456

its the wild west folks. Legal proceedings, big money, wild accusations, leather & whips. We still have 3 weeks of fireworks left! And our good friend Esteban hasn't even spiced things up yet. He's just lurking in the shadows waiting for Dick Mell's sign to attack!

Just another snake move from a politician molded by the old-school. She has that very rare ability to immediately make people distrust her and dislike her. She and good ol' Jesse Granato will be notorious for being one of the select few that were voted out of office because they were terrible at what they do...and then denied office a 2nd time thinking that they could mask their lacking public office skills by taking on a "new" approach. Vilma can't help but be dirty and negative, it is her nature.

I wonder why <30% of voters turnout in Chicago elections?...maybe because they are f'ing sick and tired of those elemantary stunts that Vilma and her Villains pull off. She is a major turn-off.

Rey Colon why had you kept your child in walfare for so long and let the taxpayers pay the bill for years that you were forced to pay by the court to the mother of the child? Case #86f 136 10825 Rey Colon why you did not pay child support? Rey Colon why were you arrested for content of court for not paying fees & child support due to his unclaimed son? c4904912 Rey Colon why were you force to pay by the court child support? 86f13610825 Rey Colon are you a dead beat dad? Rey Colon how can you denied your own flesh, your own son? What kind of exemple are you to the community? are you a dead beat dad? yes or no? is this the man you want for your alderman? A man who denies his own flesh, his own son? and doesn't even support him! Rey Colon you are a dead beat dad.

It is a very sad commentary on Vilma that so many people support Rey in spite of all the personal news Vilma and her hacks dig up on him. It is quite pitiful that she has NO platform to run on other than her questionable negative tactics. What a rusty old lady...and we're supposed to believe that she can lead the neighborhood?

Why did Rey Colon sold the fire house on Central Park and Milwaukee for $1.00 when the appraised value was $650,000.00? Is this the way Rey Colon looks after the community by giving away taxpayers money for free to his bodies?

Mr. Burgoa, you've got your head-spinning from all these secrets that Vilma and Dick sMell are telling you. First you're supposed to fire up the community by telling everyone how Rey is "selling" the community to developers. Ooooo look at all this bad money flowing into the area. People are getting displaced! Guess what dude. ITS HAPPENING IN THE WHOLE CITY! It happened under Vilma. NOW, you're trying to play the other side of the fence and bitch about a VACANT building being sold to a non-profit...to create a museum. Well what do YOU want? Condos? No because you'll bitch about that too! Bring a non-profit to an area that needs revitalization and foot traffic? Hmmm, you're crying about that now. So what is your story? Since you know everything and are the judge of all that is good and ethical, I guess we are all just damned if we do, damned if we don't. Burgoa, you are too confused. Go sell your ice cream sandwiches and quit being a baby.

Carter, you should run for Alderman in four years, love the clarity you provide that everyone in this forum appears to ignore. I really love the "dead beat dad" issue, and how that is supposed to disqualify Rey, cause ya know, if he did that, how could he represent us? What kind of leader would he be... And do you really think Vilma is financially supported by Mel, oh no, what a suprise...she could actually be doing behind the scenes dirty dealings with powerful alderman? Who heavens! Oh stop watching television fantasy and listening to religious dogma and wake up! REALITY can be found in the actual world, real events, daily life struggles, and the things that happen with people in real life, yup, even the stuff we don't talk about...good, bad, and sometimes really ugly and usually more common than you may think or are willing to admit. Of course, you are all perfect and have never been bad or ugly or struggled, or have never had anything to hide...considering all the brick construction in this ward, I'm suprised at the amount of glass houses I'm hearing about on here...LOL I'm sure the few people who are registered AND vote in this ward are pure as driven snow...ah the stupidity of humanity, and their expectations of their leaders much less other people. Will anyone admit that no one is qualified to run for any public office...Hey, maybe unless of course we consider some REAL "non-sinner"...hey maybe we can get someone approved by the Christian right to run...oh ya, that doesn't work, some of them are liars too...oh no! what are we gonna do? Just vote, and get over yourselves. Learn the real meaning of "connect the dots" and if you don't know what means, spend a little time thinking, I know it will hurt, but do it, for your ward, for your country. If all the people providing commentary are so perfect with clean backgrounds and qualifications that they feel justified to provide the criticisms I'm reading; that you REALLY think you can stand up to the fantasy expectations of the American people, then do so and run for office, so we don't have to read all this blather. That's what "put up or shut up:" means. Talk is cheap. Betcha don't even vote... Just think what a perfect world it would be...with you and yours instead of them and theirs..." A man who denies his own flesh, his own son"...this is an amazing comment I read above...sounds kinda bible like... ...and like something Karl Rove would use for a presidential speech... Oh ya, did you know that Karl Rove was raised by a gay Uncle in Palm Springs? He issued a press release when his Uncle died praising him this last year, and his love for him as a "parent". I'd love to hear what you people have to say about that, then using the issue of homosexuality as a tie breaker in the Presidential election: "Denying his own flesh, his own Uncle?" Or was that Dick Cheney and his daughter? And you are worried about Rey and Vilma?

Wow look at all these contributions from Matanky Realty Group...kinda funny Vilma taking all that cash from someone that is leading the condo-mania that everyone worries about. 4/29/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 2118 N. Whipple Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60647 $200.00 2/6/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 2319 N. Kedzie Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite201 Chicago, IL 60647 $500.00 2/11/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 2330 N. Spaulding Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60647 $1,000.00 2/11/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 2418 N. Sawyer Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60647 $1,000.00 2/11/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 2516 N. Kedzie Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60647 $1,000.00 2/11/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 2600 N. Sawyer Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60647 $200.00 2/6/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 3000 N. Whipple Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60647 $1,000.00 2/11/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom 3034 W. Logan Properties 1332 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60647 $500.00 2/11/2003 Individual Contribution Citizens For Colom

Having received Rey's mailer today, I find myself even more disgusted at Vilma's fear-mongering. What the hell is she running on??? That other guy is no good, so vote for me? No! Guess what, she is a terrible, terrible choice for a public official. She can't exist without spewing out negativity...I don't think she has any good karma.

Why Rey Colon didn't look after the best interest of the taxpayer money by selling the fire house to the higher bidder on the open market. Why $1.00 when the value was $650,000.00 market value? Plus two million from Illinois taxpayer given by state legislators $2,650,000.00 of free money to Rey Colon Friends. Is this non for profit going to take care of the single mothers and children in our community? Is this non for profit going to take care of sick people? Is the no for profit going to take care of the homeless? Is this non for profit going to be a church? Is this non for profit going to be a hospital? Is this non for profit going to take care of those in need? Why would you want to spend $2,650,000.00 of taxpayer money more when Rey Colon sold the fire house for $1.00 Would you like to see where the money came from? Esteban Burgoa is not about corruption but reality. I will stand for my country best interest. Rey Colon ask yourself this question? and please be honest to yourself! Why is all this happening to me Rey Colon? Just remember one thing you brought all this upon yourself. I Esteban Burgoa did not started this mess you did, so now do not cry like a baby and be a man and stand up to your mistakes like a man and accept them. Remember you send Zena Murray not me! I am not Sotomayor or Vilma. I am Esteban Burgoa who will stand up for my country and his people. One more thing I hope that you take care of that child of yours. The poor kid does not deserve to be in welfare when his father is the Alderman and the taxpayers are putting the bill. Please take care of him like a man and accept your mistake, but please in Gods name do not ignored your child. Esteban Burgoa

Esteban writing about getting our tax money so that he can sell condos to yuppies and get rich off the backs of working people. From : Esteban Burgoa Location : Chicago , IL Question : I am a veteran but how can I benefit my real estate business?

I asked this question after having closed my office due to the fact that I was called to active duty. Is there a problem to ask for my veteran benefits after I had served My country? why don't you post the full page so people can see this has to do with miltary personal. nice try but not on my watch..Esteban Burgoa

You're getting free money to encourage condo-mania and gentrify your people. Maybe an easier route would just to be to ask for money from Dick sMell...or is that already happening?

My friend if you have something against Alderman Mell why don't you go in person and tell him what is in your mind to his face. Better Yet. Why you don't go back and ask Rey Colon The same question you asking me and why Rey Colon lie in public?. In the ETHICS section is the question: Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to your campaign? Rey Colon's answer: 1. Armitage Produce $2,500 2. Zina Murray $2,500 3. Debit Connections $2,500 4. Balcor $2,500 5. Star Auto Group $2,500 Well Rey, that's a flat out lie. Developer Mark Fishman and his directly controlled property LLC's are Rey Colon's biggest recent contributions. On Nov 4, 2006, Colon received almost $7,000 in that single day from Mr. Fishman and his LLC's. Indisputable fact on IL Board of Election website D-2's. Mark Fishman and Fishman LLC contributions in 2006 1530 Kedzie LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 1832 N. Humboldt L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2114 Spaulding LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2118 N. Whipple L.L.C. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2134 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2142 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2319 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2330 N. Spaulding Ltd. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2418 N. Sawyer L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2515 Milwaukee LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2516 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2700 N. Spaulding 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3000 N. Whipple LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3240 W. Fullerton Condo Association 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 3500 Green Bay LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 4715 N. Sheridan Rd 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 7500 SSD LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 E K W LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 ----- Stoofy's Doo LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 Westgate Acquisitions LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 ----- M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 7/27/2006 Rey, care to amend your IVI-IPO filing, or do you stick to this significant misrepresentation to public? Next- Rey's campaign manager is officially listed as Martha Ramos, his fiance since before the last election. Ms. Ramos is also the 35th Ward Chief of Staff, a full time City of Chicago position. Ms. Ramos is also realtor and President of Realty World Teemar, Inc in LSq on W. Fullerton. A person can indeed wear several hats at once. However, the potential for at least appearance of possible conflicts is obvious. Last- the flyer of allegations mailed regarding Alderman Colon's past was first attributed to challenger Vilma Colom and then to Mr. Burgoa. Since it exists, and so many have vented about accountability and candor recently and in the past, including inference of the crime of corruption against one of the current candidates expressed in 2005 by the current nonpartisan director of IVI-IPO My people is the American people What is yours whatever dude? are you from The Mooon or Saturn?

Maybe there are some uneducated fools out there willing to believe the crap you're trying to spread about Rey in this flyer, but you should know what the reaction was from this undecided voter upon reading it: I called Rey's office the next day for signs which are now in my window, I will be stopping by his office to pick up literature to hand out prior to the runoff, and I endorse Rey to every 35th Ward voter that I talk to. Good job, Vilma!

The properties owners had voted to keep the boulevard R3 So why is the zoning advisory committee or alderman trying to up zone to R5 the St. Joseph's Fiasco when most properties are single families and two flats R1-R3 Re: Ward Night I do not disagree that "ideally" the Alderman should be present at Ward night. However, after owning a couple of businesses of my own And, being as busy as we can get; things do not always work out the Way we plan them...AND things change. We do not live on graph paper. I think I found true peace in my life the day I realized that Everything doesn't fit in a neat little box. As for his staff, I find them to be kind and very much "on it"! Dulce Yes, sister of Martha Ramos --- In LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, "renee_arundale" wrote: > > Two no shows. I think that's absurd considering the Alderman is the > Person who schedules ward night. Who else are we to turn to if the > Alderman is not present!? I'm sorry, but articulating my concerns to > his staff is not happening. > > Thanks for the support Lynn. Lets be real all of you of Rey Colon supporters are more concerned about money than the community. Accept the fact Rey Colon true colors are coming out. We have the right to know as registers voters. So stop blaming Vilma and that hatred of yours and accept the reality.

One curious question for Estaban "I serve My Country so give buy my property" Burgoa, do you advocate for Puerto Rico to become a state? You criticize Alderman Colon for various things, but you don't tell us how Ms. Colom will make it right. The non-profit at the old firehouse is to house the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance; isn't that a noble endeavor for our people? I have no idea where you got the $2 million dollars figure from, would you care to elaborate? Are you so sold out for Uncle Sam (Military Complex) that you sell out your own? Proud Puerto Ricans want answers Sr. Burgoa!

While we're talking identity, Ms. Colom aren't you Puerto Rican or have you assimilated so much that you think you Alderman Mell's daughter? While he's not as pro-active on Puerto Rican issues at least Alderman Colon knows he's Puerto Rican and proud of it! Ms. Colom tries to pit Latinos against Alderman Colon because he appeals to non-Latinos but the truth is she is less an advocate for Latinos than the incumbent. In eight years as alderwoman she exhibited no semblance of understanding what Latino and more specifically Puerto Rican issues are. Boricuas and Latinos when you vote on the 17th vote for someone who is proud to be like and will work hard to address your needs! Vote for Rey Colon!

Dear proud to be Puerto Rican and pa'lante Boricua. If you notice I use my real name on all my e-mailings. I am very proud of the Purto Rican community since they are my best friends. Why don't you post your real name so we can talk. People like you serve one purpose to instigate hatred against Poor Vilma. The poor woman was acused of mailing copies of Rey Colon criminal record...poor innocent lady being punish by someone who is not looking after the best interest of the community but his own personal pockets. Why sell a property worth $650,000.00 for $1.00 when you have homeless people sleeping under the bridge on Belmont and Kedzie.

"Poor Vilma, please stop attacking her." The poor woman was accused of mailing copies of your brochure and then actually mailed (or versions of them). You ask why sell property worth $650,000 for 1.00 when there are homeless people under the bridge but you probably don't want the former Payless building to house homeless families. Do you? If not, no seas hipocrita! Back to Vilma, she made public statements about how she's changed and not the same person as before but when you engage her she'd rather tell you how she really wasn't that bad, just misunderstood. She was always supportive of affordable housing, she didn't speed up gentrification, she wasn't responsible for the horrendous buildings on Armitage and Albany (twin towers). Ughh! Poor Vilma indeed. Crea conciencia hermano y unase con el Boricua Rey Colon!

I look forward to the day that Dick sMell allows Esteban to pipe down. His unfounded and kneejerk accusations are old news...He is hurting Vilma more than she could be putting her own face out there. Too bad the good cop/bad cop tactic failed you Vilma. Maybe your best bet is to go back to posting under your fake name: Maria Santiago. And we are supposed to vote for someone that resorts to that? Not only does she lie in her public mailings, but Vilma can't help but be a liar on an anonymous internet newsgroup.

"you have homeless people sleeping under the bridge on Belmont and Kedzie. " Why don't you ask Dick Mell about them - his Chief of Staff was quoted saying they only wanted to live where they work!

When is Burgoa going to come clean and reveal where his funding to print posters and newspapers came from? I heard he is being investigated by the State. I don't think we can really accept Burgoa as a spokesperson for the community until he tells us all the truth.

Pero expresó dudas respecto a su apoyo a Colom. "Tiene que garantizarme que va a apoyar a la gente de esta comunidad". So what exactly are these demands you are making of Vilma? More money in my pocket please? Has she made any public guarantees? NO! She is too busy being the slimy, old-fashioned, corrupt politician, desperately throwing around mud. Her act is old, her time has past. Her bad attitude and negativity is a cancer to the neighborhood.

he is a member of vets4bush.com. What is he thinking??? Why would he support a corrupt silver-spoon politician that LIED to the American public so that he could kill innocent Americans & Iraquis in a waste of war that is designed to steal oil? What are you thinking Burgoa? Bush's lies are killing our countrymen by the THOUSANDS. Worst President ever!!!!

Burgoa supported the same Bush that went AWOL from the Nat'l Guard??? I wouldn't trust anyone that Burgoa endorses...it's like the kiss of death.

There was speculation a professional phone survey of Ward 35 voters was linked to Vilma Colom or Alderman Dick Mell, and big labor. Only last part appears correct, despite well informed assumptions including logansquare yahoo listserv Moderator. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/12835 The plot thickens >>>Moderator's comment: I got the same call this evening. Given the surveyor's difficulty with pronouncing "Colom," I believe this genuinely was a hired survey research firm. The question at the end summarizing the candidates' positions and background seemed somewhat biased in favor of Vilma, so i suspect thats who's paying big bucks for this.<<< From IL Board of elections filing, this was paid for by SEIU on behalf of Rey Colon campaign. SEIU Illinois Council PAC 111 E Wacker Dr Suite 2500 Chicago, IL 60601-4200 $ 8,400.00 3/27/2007 In-Kind Contribution Neighbors for Rey Colon polling: Bennett Petts & Normington 1010 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 208 Washington, DC 20007 35th Ward election seems less about issues and instead rhetoric and misinformation from supporters of both candidates. A prime example is the City MegaMall TIF Redevelopment RFP. Rey Colon suppressed the Park Center plan supported by diverse coalition of community groups including voted support by business chambers of commerce, and The Center for Neighhborhood Technology, Friends of the Parks, State Rep. Toni Berrios..., plus thousands of LSq residents who voted overwhelming 75% support FOR a park opportunity. Rey Colon arrogantly ignored all that. Won't even hold a public meeting to get ideas and input. Instead, Colon is on record in full support of the City's continuing TIF mandate to seize the reopened MegaMall using eminent domain on behalf of private developer(s) who contributed $$$$ to him. Nov. 23, 2006 Tribune article on MegaMall http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/11333 Follow the money: 35th Ward election http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/12141 Nov 2006 "public meeting" about City TIF enabled redevelopment of the Morris B Sachs (Payless Shoes) Building at Milwaukee / Diversey / Kimball was forced on Colon by public outcry against his and City's "done deal" plan for very expensive taxpayer funded retrofit as affordable housing / homeless SRO. City supportive housing SRO plan and Colon's Letter of Support is public record in Minutes of 9/26/2006 TIF Community Development Commission Meeting which approved City TIF purchase. Rey Colon stated to LSq community at his October "State of the Ward" address he decided to do this and "did not need a community meeting for all his decisions." Outcry and intense protest quickly changed Rey's public position. I do commend the Alderman for responding to the outcry and for seeing TIF as a tool to facilitate something with the long vacant Sachs Building. The SRO plan finally had public discussion and he sought other ideas for the Sachs Building. A few of us have urged Rey to include derelict Kimball/Dawson site into the TIF and the Sachs Building opportunity. Letter published in Chicago Journal about Sachs Building and 11/2006 public meeting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/11512 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/11514 Chicago Journal's coverage on Sachs Building / TIF redevelopment How about candidates' debate / discussion of ISSUES?! A City Council Alderman is not only local coordinator and "Godfather" for City services / zoning / development; but also is supposed to provde legislative oversight of Mayor and City Budget, out of control TIFs, CTA problems, spiraling real estate tax assessments (just wait til late summer 2nd half Cook County Property Tax Bills when ALL of the recent assessment increase hits property owners)..... for smile in this election cycle, see writer/director Preston Sturges great political film satire THE GREAT MCGINTY (early 1940's) Political Machine puts their candidate McGinty up for Alderman; a few years later for Mayor; and then finally Governor. Mark Heller Logan Square parks advocate 1. Logan Boulevard Skate Park under Kennedy Expressway 2. Park "CENTER at Logan Square"

You think it is a good thing Rey Colon is a proud Puerto Rican ??? That is a racist statement. Rey Colon should be open to all people. Rey, take that damn Puerto Rican flag off your car !!! This is a diverse 35th Ward NOT ONLY PUERTO RICAN !!!

Now she's got the Board of Elections investigating her alleged shady, dirty, no-good, 3rd rate campaign. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/files/Hearing%20Examiner%27s%20Report%\ 2C%20Colon%20vs%20Colom.pdf

try from here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/13339, or if that breaks, http://tinyurl.com/3crlxl

Dave You think it is a good thing Rey Colon is a proud Puerto Rican ??? That is a racist statement. Rey Colon should be open to all people. Rey, take that damn Puerto Rican flag off your car !!! This is a diverse 35th Ward NOT ONLY PUERTO RICAN !!!

The above file is a trick by Rey Colon to drag Vilma into court over "Campaign Finance." It has nothing to do with the issues. Rey Colon will win on April 17th only because he is more liked then Vilma.PERIOD. The Truth: 1. Rey Colon has made sneaky development deals. 2. He has denied his criminal and civil record which is true. 3. He hired his live in girlfriend to be his Cheif Of Staff. That is not abnormal as it is a typical Chicago way. However, when elected he said he would not do things the typical Chicago way. 4.He blames issues of zoning and development on his ZAC. The problem is some ZAC members have revealed he sort of pushes them a certain way. 5. He supports Eminent Domain of property to be turned over to property developers. The main thing is he has lied. He lied that he does not have a criminal or civil record. It is proven true. I don't care what a person has done in the past. Just do not lie about it. Even some of his 2003 inside circle knew about the stuff and kept it quiet. They today are the same people calling Vilma negative, yet they know the truth. I can not vote for Rey Colon simply because he lied. If he lied about something so easily proven, what has he lied about that we do not know ? And, his taking Vilma to court about Finances is a joke. It is a game of smoke and mirrors that I see through. Unfortuantly, so many people HATE Vilma they will vote to Re-Elect Rey regardless of his lies.And, he will win.Although, I am not a real Vilma fan I do have some integrity. But, most people who like Rey can't see the forst because of the trees and do not value truth. They will Re-Elect Rey Colon. Shame on you that do.

So where does Colom differ on the isses?

hello?

Will not bring any eggs to Rey Colon!

Do not forget the garbage deal of giving the Sachs/Payless building on a silver platter to be developed as a SRO Homeless Transitional Housing. Milwaukee Avenue needs a facelift NOT a feces dump.

Rey Colon is a liar. Although, he is a nice guy...He Lied !!! I am voting for Vilma.

Not sure what is worse in Vilma's latest mailer: negative attacks with little substance on her platform, OR appealing to those dudes (& dudettes) that like booty hanging out the side of a skirt. yea baby

Why has he vanished? Maybe because the law is knocking on his door over the shady negative mailers. Quiero sus hot tamales! Andale Esteban!

So what is Vilma's position on the Sachs/Payless building? Why didn't she do anything about during the 8 years she was alderman?

Happy Easter to all....I dedicate this week to my God. See you after Easter,Esteban Burgoa

You forget. People in Logan Square do not attend church. They are pretty much atheists. easter is just another day to them. They would rather close the Boulevards to walk on Sunday then go to church. Thank God our Pastor, Charles Lyons has told everyone the truth about Rey Colon and is supporting Vilma.

I'm not against development. I'm however against people like Rey Colon whose jamming development down people's throats with no warning of what's coming.

Happy Easter Esteban and all !!! (Can we all not get along ? Agree to disagree ?)

Please check out this link. It's very insightful! http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/8A4VRpOHHRUiCorcdDRcaIMi6ouAJjEUs7gLOZ9E608erfXnsJdOc4jRWczc5Yj-_rMZY3R1MHoiotUK0zs0ybW4sULHnZrlj1yLLg/Campaign%20Platform.pdf Rey Colon?

"I'm however against people like Rey Colon whose jamming development down people's throats with no warning of what's coming. " wow, talk about delusional. did you live in the ward when Colom was alderperson? she never met a developer she didn't kiss up to - do the abandominiums ring a bell? she raises "flip flopper" to a whole new level.

love that platform - too bad she didn't do those things in the eight years she had. fact - Rey has a ZAC with representatives from major block clubs all over the ward. fact - Vilma did not, nor did she ever show an interest in such a concept.

who believes the ward was actually safer under Vilma Colom? she is obviously appealing to the people who have moved here since 2004 who don't remember how little she did.

Let's establish 1 very important point. Because of the current economic situation, and constant influx of young people wanting to live in the city, there will be a definite push to continue building condo units. Until that situation reverses itself, the developers will come knocking on Logan Square's door. That is very obvious. It would take a ballsy (maybe even stupidly naive) alderman to decline any developer contributions. Vilma accepted $$$$'s, Rey accepted $$$$'s. The question is, how will you let the developer's treat our home? Will you turn a blind eye to them and allow the "abandomonium" which was an overwhelming disaster and put the entire area at risk by actually becoming a home to drug addicts, or the hulking eyesore at Fullerton, just west of Kedzie. Remember, these happened under Vilma's tenure. Contrast that to the current process Rey takes, where he requests the developer of the 24 lots @ Schubert & Hamlin to demonstrate his proposal to the community. The community did not like one version, requested a less dense condo bldg, and now the developer is following their input to create a combination of townhomes & "affordable" condos. Vilma may say that she will follow this procedure that Rey has implemented, but lets look at her past behavior and what that brought the area. Under her watch we had some atrocious developments that had ZERO community input. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

but, but, that's not what Colom's campaign said she did! I'm sure now she'd be totally different.

OF COURSE SHE WOULD BE DIFFERENT. She was schooled by Mell, and his word is solid right? >>>Are you familiar with the Home Depot saga, which helped oust Vilma Colom from office? In that lovely case Dick Mell promised the Irving Park neighbors that the site would be zoned for a townhouse development, then he turned around the next day and personally wrote a letter requesting the zoning be changed to permit the Home Depot/CVS. Copies of the letter were acquired via a FOIA request, and when Vilma inherited the ward she made the mistake of telling the Irving Park Neighbors that they should stop being selfish & should stop getting in the way of progress.

yeah, nothing like an angry, red-faced Vilma screeching at little old ladies to win votes - Dick Mell has done a good job of muzzling her this time around.

How about a steel-faced, inarticulate, Vilma fumbling her way thru last night's WTTW interview? I love how her claim of violence going up was summarily dismissed by Eddie Arruza. She keeps trying to spin an anecdote of 2 shootings on Ridgeway meaning that crime is WAY up. Maybe she could demonstrate her desire to improve the area by forming a "concerned neighbors" block club to address all those hooligans that hang out in w. logan square. I saw plenty more gangbangers back in her day, but i don't attribute that to Rey taking over. Anybody that pays attention knows that the invisible hand of economics is forcing out gang filth.

For the record, Puerto Ricans are Americans citizens. I am proud of my heritage and ethnicity even though I am a U.S. citizen. I never said anything against the U.S. or other group. To say being proud in who you are is racist is unfounded. Rey Colon could be a proud Puerto Rican and still govern for the good of all. What I don't understand is why in Logan Square and Humboldt Park it's almost a sin to be a proud Puerto Rican! I refuse to be confined by Others in groups like Hispanics and Latinos. While I understand there may be some value in doing so, I refuse to be lost in a group where even our "brothers" have different needs than Puerto Ricans. Don't send me back to Puerto Rico if I'm not happy because I wasn't asked to be born in Chicago; and I didn't ask to be a U.S. citizen, no Puerto Rican ever was! I am a U.S. citizen and live according to its laws but I am a PROUD PUERTO RICAN! So is Rey!

On April 4, 2007, "Steve" wrote "Rey Colon has made sneaky development deals." On April 5, 2007 "Emily" wrote that she is "against people like Rey Colon jamming development down people's throats with no warning of what's coming." Either give specific examples supporting your baseless accusations or shut the fuck up. Mike Jaskula

Here are a few facts. (It would be great to have a few more of them on this blog.)It is tiresome to only hear opinions and conjecture. Alderman Colon's numbers relating to zoning changes made in the 35th Ward from May 2003- January 2007 are listed on Rey Colon's web site. The data was obtained from the 35th Ward Zoning Advisory Committeee, made up of representatives of community groups active in the 35th ward. These groups include low income housing advocates, developers, preservationists, block club leaders, et al.( By the way, R. Colon is one of only 4 aldermen in the entire city of Chicago that actually have a zoning advisory comittee ("ZAC"). Of the 241 zoning change applications submitted to the ZAC since May 2003: - 32 Upzones (the applicants were allowed higher density) - 164 Downzones (the applicants were restricted to lower density) - 38 no change(either change denied or application withdrawn) Let's be clear. What I mean by development is when an upzoning occurs... When someone, for example, converts a multi-unit apartment building into condos, it does not require a zoning change and thus Aldermen have no control over this. Upzoning means increasing the number of units one can build on the property. When 68% of all changes downzone property, many of us view that as a very strong attempt to maintain the character and scale of our neighborhood. In addition to these downzones, R. Colon created two landmark districts and one planned manufacturing district, protecting key areas and jobs. Having authentic public meetings and a Zoning Advisory Committee illustrates to me the committment Rey has to hearing the diverse viewpoints among us (of which we have many in Logan Square!!). This is dramatically different than what happened under V. Colom's regime. So, if you really want to add useful information to this important public debate, I would love to hear more specifics and less dogmatic ranting. Diane Stoneman

Okaaaaaay. Three are three traitors Bruce Embrey, Bruce Anderson and Kevin Lamm. They go around saying they are activist. In 2003 they hated Vilma. Now in 2006 they hate Rey. They betrayed their own ideals and went with Mell to support Sotomayor who ran as a spoiler to hurt Rey Colon. And now, they are supporting Vilma. They are not activist they are hypocrites in search of power. If they want power they should run for office. These guys have no integrity or loyalty. It also seems like they don't have much clout. Even when combined with Mell, otherwise Sotomayor would have done alot better then a miserable 19%. That is an embarrassing result. Who are these idiots? They didn't do Sotomayor any good. Therefore, Rey Colon winning in 2003 had nothing to do with these three stooges. Sounds more like a strategy of voting against the person in office. To change leadership in every election would only slow down any progress. Successful long-term planning takes more than four years to accomplish. Chicago would be in a time warp. It would look like 1965. These lazy hippies need to stop smoking the dope their smoking and get a life. They also need a class on integrity. What kind of an activist would be working with Mell and supporting HDO - Vilma? The Bruces' and Kevin Lamm what traitors you are, you are evil, cynical and miserable people with no pride. You should hide your face when you leave your house. You are an embarrasment to the community.

Why are you instigating so much hatred in our community against Vilma Colom? She just wants to look after our best well being. She is inclusive, not exclusive. Vilma will work hard for all of us! Vilma is a teacher an edutator while Rey Colon..Criminal Record speaks loud and clear.. THIS IS THE RECORD REY COLON STANDS ON: November 18, 1984-charged with Possession of controlled Substance case# 84-1-1704092,IR#725000 TWO REASONS NOT TO VOTE FOR REY COLON: DOES NOT PAY BILLS UNTIL JUDGEMENT IS PUT ON HIS HOUSE Case#89-M-176755/Dental Bills Case#-MI-100725/Hospital Bills Case#95-MI109976/Gas Bill Case#90-MI-168014/Rent January 18, 1985-Charged with thef case#85-111-130001 January 2,1987-Charged with DUI/Alcohol ticket#5320914 June 13,1990 charge with Mob Action Case #90-131-0773 June 2 1992 Charge with Possesion of Cannabis-6/29/92 Bond Forfeiture, defendant rearrested 8/4/93, 9/15/93 Bond Forfeiture defebdant rearrested 1998 December 1995- Charged with Statury Summary Suspension a.k.a An administrative procedure after a driver arrested for DUI who fails testing or who refuses to submit to fails to complete testing-Ticket#121792 September 28,1996-His license was revoked until July 9,1997 rey was arrested eight times driving on a suspended license and has numerous sppeding tickets on his driving record. HE DIDN'T PAY CHILD SUPPORT UNTIL HIS WAGES WERE GARNISHED. HIS WIFE WAS GRANTED CUSTODY OF THEIR DAUGHTER AND HE WAS SUBJECT TO REASONABLE VISITATION CASE#93-D-4219 THIS IS REY'S TRUE RECORD!DO YOU WANT AN ALDERMAN WITH A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND? REY DOESN'T OBEY THE LAW...SO HOW CAN HE REPRESENT THE LAW

apparently impersonating others is a hallmark of the Colom campaign. I guess when you have nothing of substance to run on...

Show Us the Money TIF districts are siphoning hundreds of millions of dollars away from schools and other city services, and nobody even has to tell us why. By Ben Joravsky February 4, 2005 The Fullerton/Milwaukee Tax Increment Financing district is raking in so much in property taxes that city officials have managed to spend only half the money. Yet they now want to expand the district and rake in even more. "How can they take more money if they haven't spent the money they have?" asks Carter O'Brien, who lives in Logan Square just outside the district. Good question. O'Brien's also wondering where the new money would be spent. As he and other city residents are learning, TIFs have generated huge sums, yet it's difficult to find out how much money's in a given TIF fund, much less how it's being spent. Jason Hardy, a researcher for the Center for Economic Policy Analysis, has spent years studying TIFs and probably knows as much about them as anyone. He doesn't like them. "They're very difficult to regulate," he says. TIFs were designed to fund development within their boundaries. The Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF district runs roughly from Belmont to Armitage along Milwaukee, darting several blocks west along Fullerton and Armitage. The TIF was set up by the City Council to start on February 16, 2000, and won't end until 2023. For 23 years the amount of property taxes the city gets from the area for schools, parks, police, and other services is frozen at the amount it was getting on February 15, 2000. Any increase in property taxes from then until 2023 (the "increment") goes to the TIF. Of course since taxes will rise if the value of property in the area rises, property owners will see their taxes go up just as they would have without the TIF. According to the county clerk's office, which keeps track of these things, the area that's covered by the Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF district generated about $4.1 million in property taxes in 2000. It generated $6.7 million in 2003, so $4.1 million went to schools, etc, and the extra $2.6 million went into the TIF fund. Over the past four years a total of about $6 million has gone into the TIF--money that would otherwise have gone to fund schools, etc. What did the planning department, the main body deciding what TIF funds get spent on, do with the $6 million? According to city documents analyzed by the Neighborhood Capital Budget Group, a not-for-profit watchdog, the department set aside about $700,000 for grants to unnamed merchants who wanted to fix up their properties, and it earmarked another $2.45 million for the construction of a shopping strip at California and Armitage (there's no indication whether that was in loans or grants). It's not clear what, if anything, has happened to the remaining $3 million. In fact, it's not clear what happens to a lot of TIF money. There are now 131 TIF districts in Chicago, encompassing roughly 30 percent of the city's geographical area. According to the clerk's office, they siphoned off about $287 million in property taxes in 2003. To find out what I did about TIF spending I had to go to four different public agencies (the county treasurer, the county assessor, the county clerk, and the planning department) and two private ones (the Neighborhood Capital Budget Group and the Center for Economic Policy Analysis), then piece together the information. There's no overall TIF budget that has to be approved by the City Council, though the aldermen have to sign off on the regular city budget every year. There's no annual public hearing at which planning commissioner Denise Casalino lays out how her department intends to spend TIF money, though every year the department lays out for the public how it intends to spend its other funds. City, county, CTA, Park District, and Board of Education annual budgets are all openly scrutinized at public hearings, but not the TIF budgets. What's more, itemized tax bills sent to property owners in TIF districts state that the TIF receives none of their tax dollars (as I explained in my December 10 column). That's simply not true--if you own property in a TIF district, the TIF is getting some, or all, of your tax dollars, no matter what your bill says. If you want to know how much goes to the TIF, you have to do some complicated math using information collected by an obscure section of the county clerk's office--information that as far as I can see isn't available in any printed document or on the county's Web site. City and county officials say they don't have the computer technology to break out TIF expenditures on tax bills, but you have to wonder whether someone simply doesn't want taxpayers to know that TIFs are getting so much money at a time when schools are laying off teachers, the CTA's cutting service, and potholes aren't getting filled. Now, I don't want to suggest there's no oversight. The City Council, the Community Development Commission, the Chicago Plan Commission, and the Joint Review Board all have to approve the creation of a TIF district. But no proposed TIF has ever been scotched. All of the people sitting on the two commissions and the board are mayoral appointees or appointed by mayoral appointees, and they generally give the planning department whatever it asks for. When it comes to spending TIF funds, the board and the commissions pretty much drop out of the picture. The Plan Commission has to approve major projects but not their funding. The aldermen do have some say in how TIF funds are spent in their wards, but according to the ones I talked to, they often don't know what money's available or what it's being spent on. And when TIF districts cross ward boundaries they probably know even less. In short, the planning department seems to be handing a lot of taxpayer money to developers, architects, planners, consultants, and lawyers with very little oversight. Many activists think TIFs generate nothing more than a giant slush fund. When the state created the TIF program back in the 80s it enacted very specific guidelines. TIFs were intended only for "poor and blighted" communities that weren't going to get much private investment without one. Municipalities that set them up had to be very specific about what the money they took in was funding, and the state had to approve the projects. But state legislators and administrators long ago diluted those rules. A TIF district no longer needs to be poor and blighted--there are now TIFs in some of the city's wealthiest areas, including Lincoln Park and the Loop. There's no longer any requirement that the city reveal exactly how it plans to spend TIF money or that the state approve a project. When the Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF was created it was championed by the planning department and Alderman Vilma Colom, whose 35th Ward contained most of the district. The stated purpose of the TIF was to spruce up the community. It never got any more specific than that. At a public hearing in 2000 the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, a prominent community group, gave the TIF its qualified support. Speaking for the association, Kathy Tholin asked the city to create a citizens' advisory committee to oversee the TIF and make sure funds weren't used to "create upscale housing," arguing that money that went to housing should be for affordable housing only. She also urged that TIF money be used to support three local public schools and "to expand job opportunities for local residents." In the five years since the TIF was created Colom has been voted out of office. No citizens' advisory board has been created, and it would be hard to create one because the TIF district now runs through five different wards, thanks to the 2001 redistricting. According to planning department documents, none of the money that's poured into the TIF has gone to local schools and none has been used for affordable housing. Yet Milwaukee Avenue looks much as it did five years ago. Planning department officials say they have no specific projects in mind in the area covered by the proposed TIF expansion, which would be primarily west along Belmont to Tripp and filling in along Milwaukee. But few of the activists believe them. "The city won't say what they're doing," says one, "so everyone's wondering what's really going on." He notes that the expanded TIF district will include the Mega Mall, a big, bargain-priced shopping center at 2500 N. Milwaukee that was left out of the original TIF district. He and other residents suspect the city wants to use TIF funds to replace the mall with a high-end retailer. They also worry that TIF funds could be used to finance upscale condos near Belmont and Pulaski. "There's a lot of speculation," says the activist. As with most TIF-related matters, the city only fuels such speculation by shrouding its plans in secrecy. Pete Scales, the planning department's press spokesman, didn't return calls for comment. On January 3 the department held a public meeting on the expansion. About 50 people showed up and barraged officials with questions. "They kept telling us that this was really a matter of just correcting the TIF, just putting in properties that should have been included in the first place--as if that was going to reassure us," says O'Brien. "From their perspective, the whole city should have been included in that first TIF. I kept asking, 'Why are you expanding the TIF if you don't know what you're doing with the old one?'" He was told the department was still looking at ideas.

um, Vilma Colom set up that TIF. (she might want to keep some of you folks on a tighter leash, you're really not helping her).

I agree with you Carter. Her hacks are just serving to illustrate how unprofessional her whole approach is. On a side note, anybody hear about the news regarding the famous Hatfield vs. McCoy feud? Scientists are theorizing that a genetic disease found in McCoy descendents may have causesd the violent outbursts. Maybe we shouldn't really blame Vilma for being such a mean grouch...just blame it on the gene-pool!

HOMEOWNERS LOOK OUT! ZENA MURRAY WANTS TIF MONEY FOR THE MEGA MALL GUESS WHO WILL PAY THE BILL. YOU THE TAXPAYER. There was speculation a professional phone survey of Ward 35 voters was linked to Vilma Colom or Alderman Dick Mell, and big labor. Only last part appears correct, despite well informed assumptions including logansquare yahoo listserv Moderator. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/12835 The plot thickens >>>Moderator's comment: I got the same call this evening. Given the surveyor's difficulty with pronouncing "Colom," I believe this genuinely was a hired survey research firm. The question at the end summarizing the candidates' positions and background seemed somewhat biased in favor of Vilma, so i suspect thats who's paying big bucks for this.<<< From IL Board of elections filing, this was paid for by SEIU on behalf of Rey Colon campaign. SEIU Illinois Council PAC 111 E Wacker Dr Suite 2500 Chicago, IL 60601-4200 $ 8,400.00 3/27/2007 In-Kind Contribution Neighbors for Rey Colon polling: Bennett Petts & Normington 1010 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 208 Washington, DC 20007 35th Ward election seems less about issues and instead rhetoric and misinformation from supporters of both candidates. A prime example is the City MegaMall TIF Redevelopment RFP. Rey Colon suppressed the Park Center plan supported by diverse coalition of community groups including voted support by business chambers of commerce, and The Center for Neighhborhood Technology, Friends of the Parks, State Rep. Toni Berrios..., plus thousands of LSq residents who voted overwhelming 75% support FOR a park opportunity. Rey Colon arrogantly ignored all that. Won't even hold a public meeting to get ideas and input. Instead, Colon is on record in full support of the City's continuing TIF mandate to seize the reopened MegaMall using eminent domain on behalf of private developer(s) who contributed $$$$ to him. Nov. 23, 2006 Tribune article on MegaMall http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/11333 Follow the money: 35th Ward election http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/12141 Nov 2006 "public meeting" about City TIF enabled redevelopment of the Morris B Sachs (Payless Shoes) Building at Milwaukee / Diversey / Kimball was forced on Colon by public outcry against his and City's "done deal" plan for very expensive taxpayer funded retrofit as affordable housing / homeless SRO. City supportive housing SRO plan and Colon's Letter of Support is public record in Minutes of 9/26/2006 TIF Community Development Commission Meeting which approved City TIF purchase. Rey Colon stated to LSq community at his October "State of the Ward" address he decided to do this and "did not need a community meeting for all his decisions." Outcry and intense protest quickly changed Rey's public position. I do commend the Alderman for responding to the outcry and for seeing TIF as a tool to facilitate something with the long vacant Sachs Building. The SRO plan finally had public discussion and he sought other ideas for the Sachs Building. A few of us have urged Rey to include derelict Kimball/Dawson site into the TIF and the Sachs Building opportunity. Letter published in Chicago Journal about Sachs Building and 11/2006 public meeting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/11512 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoganSquare/message/11514 Chicago Journal's coverage on Sachs Building / TIF redevelopment How about candidates' debate / discussion of ISSUES?! A City Council Alderman is not only local coordinator and "Godfather" for City services / zoning / development; but also is supposed to provde legislative oversight of Mayor and City Budget, out of control TIFs, CTA problems, spiraling real estate tax assessments (just wait til late summer 2nd half Cook County Property Tax Bills when ALL of the recent assessment increase hits property owners).....

Rey how about you stop crying like a little baby to the media that you are taking Vilma to court and tell the true to the voters of the 35Th Ward. You are not taking Vilma to court her case was dismissed. So why don't you are honest to our community? and take the challenge test with Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban and Villapando. lets walk to the Daley Plaza, pull your records and compare your social security to the archives and signatures as well Lets pull a FBI background under your name Reynaldo Rey Colon and a lie detector to find out if you are being honest or lying to the community. So stop talking and lying like a little kid to the community. The problem here is your behavior of not accepting the facts and lying to the community. How about the corruption taking money from the business community I am sure the FBI would love to talk to you regarding this matter Rey Colon. Stop trying to hide your criminal record under Vilma Colom and come out to the challenge. Does Rey Colon has the guts to take an FBI background check with a lie detector in front of Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban Villapando with the media standing by!

arr yes, let's stick Colon underwater, and if he can't breathe, he must be a witch! get a life losers, if you want to fight crime try growing a pair and joining the Guardian Angels.

A vote for Vilma is a vote for the arts, for better-utilized and expanded green space, for crime reduction, and for democratic fairness and public participation. Certainly there’s a ways to go in some very thorny issues like zoning/development and improved public schools, but only with a responsive alderman can we get there together. We can help lay the groundwork with a vote for Vilma on (or before) April 17.

"A vote for Vilma is a vote for the arts, for better-utilized and expanded green space, for crime reduction, and for democratic fairness and public participation. Certainly there’s a ways to go in some very thorny issues like zoning/development and improved public schools, but only with a responsive alderman can we get there together. We can help lay the groundwork with a vote for Vilma on (or before) April 17." You have GOT to be kdding me! Did you live in Logan Square when Vilma was alderman? She screwed the people over and over to cut political dealers to developers left and right!

A vote for Vilma is a vote for governance by arrogance, ignorance, incompetence, and RUDENESS. Her votes have been on a slippery slope DOWN since '99. The people are on to her: they don't like her, they don't like her style, and the wisdom of the masses has voted her out because she deserved to get canned. She is only able to stay above water because City power-brokers (mell) are hoping that their $$$s in donations to Vilma enhance their power. I prefer to live in a ward without Mell's tentacles reaching in.

Rey how about you stop crying like a little baby to the media that you are taking Vilma to court and tell the true to the voters of the 35Th Ward. You are not taking Vilma to court her case was dismissed. So why don't you are honest to our community? and take the challenge test with Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban and Villapando. lets walk to the Daley Plaza, pull your records and compare your social security to the archives and signatures as well Lets pull a FBI background under your name Reynaldo Rey Colon and a lie detector to find out if you are being honest or lying to the community. So stop talking and lying like a little kid to the community. The problem here is your behavior of not accepting the facts and lying to the community. How about the corruption taking money from the business community I am sure the FBI would love to talk to you regarding this matter Rey Colon. Stop trying to hide your criminal record under Vilma Colom and come out to the challenge. Does Rey Colon has the guts to take an FBI background check with a lie detector in front of Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban Villapando with the media standing by!

that the Vilma clan has to resort to such pathetic desperation as faking posts under other's names.

Yes very telling indeed. I guess it shouldn't be all that surprising since they were not out in the community pushing for change before the election...and when Vilma loses AGAIN, they will disappear and continue their empty anonymity. Do they honestly care about this community, or do they just care about securing some mindless patronage gig?

The man lie to the community. Now respect our point. the man said that is not me, now he says it is me. flip-flap. Remember that letter that he send out to the community that it was all lies fabricated against him back in february, well now the man says it is all true. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&id=5193768 Rey how about you stop crying like a little baby to the media that you are taking Vilma to court and tell the true to the voters of the 35Th Ward. You are not taking Vilma to court her case was dismissed. So why don't you are honest to our community? and take the challenge test with Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban and Villapando. lets walk to the Daley Plaza, pull your records and compare your social security to the archives and signatures as well Lets pull a FBI background under your name Reynaldo Rey Colon and a lie detector to find out if you are being honest or lying to the community. So stop talking and lying like a little kid to the community. The problem here is your behavior of not accepting the facts and lying to the community. How about the corruption taking money from the business community I am sure the FBI would love to talk to you regarding this matter Rey Colon. Stop trying to hide your criminal record under Vilma Colom and come out to the challenge. Does Rey Colon has the guts to take an FBI background check with a lie detector in front of Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban Villapando with the media standing by!

"I'm saying that we all have youthful mistakes. We all have problems that have come through and that's part of humanity," said Colon. The alderman admits most of the allegations are true, but claims Colom violated election law by initially sending out the mailers anonymously, and Rey Colon points out that all of his mistakes go back more than a decade. "I've made a career of helping people solve their problems as a result of me having mine," said Ald. Rey Colon, 35th Ward.

I have to say that I'm outright stunned to hear that Rey Colon has come forward to ACKNOWLEDGE that the anonymous mailing regarding his allegations are in deed factual. I have a three letter word for that and it’s W-O-W. I cannot comprehend why he lied to the constituents of the 35th ward. A honorable person would admit to the wrong doings. However, he continually went on record to say the allegations were not true. In my eyes, Rey Colon is a FAKE! He will never get my vote and I encourage others to also not give him your vote. As citizens its our responsibility to vote on April 17th, therefore, get out there and vote. To see the video or read the article, please visit http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&id=5193768 Renee Arundale

Vilma Colom did not send any mailers out. Rey Colon is lying again to the community. He is using this tactic to use the media against poor Vilma. The woman is innocent of any wrong doing. Carter Obrien has instigated hatred against Vilma, but he can not accept the fact Rey Colon lie in a big way to the community not once but more than you can imagine. This time around Rey Colon got caught with his lies on television and then try to blame an innocent lady name Vilma Colom.

Vilma? Innocent? That lady is a degree away from being a witch. SHE is the one dividing the community. She slings mud, has NO IDEAS, is an old, rusty machine hack that relies on Papa sMell for her $$$ and political direction. Plus she is mean, mean, mean. Why would we elect a mean ol' fart to represent us? There is a reason that she got fired by the community 4 years ago...and there is a reason why she can't even get 40% of the vote in the election despite having HUGE name recognition. The reason is because we all recognize Vilma as someone that needs to go away fast.

The man lie to the community. Now respect our point. the man said that is not me, now he says it is me. flip-flap. Remember that letter that he send out to the community that it was all lies fabricated against him back in february, well now the man says it is all true. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&... Rey how about you stop crying like a little baby to the media that you are taking Vilma to court and tell the true to the voters of the 35Th Ward. You are not taking Vilma to court her case was dismissed. So why don't you are honest to our community? and take the challenge test with Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban and Villapando. lets walk to the Daley Plaza, pull your records and compare your social security to the archives and signatures as well Lets pull a FBI background under your name Reynaldo Rey Colon and a lie detector to find out if you are being honest or lying to the community. So stop talking and lying like a little kid to the community. The problem here is your behavior of not accepting the facts and lying to the community. How about the corruption taking money from the business community I am sure the FBI would love to talk to you regarding this matter Rey Colon. Stop trying to hide your criminal record under Vilma Colom and come out to the challenge. Does Rey Colon has the guts to take an FBI background check with a lie detector in front of Vilma, Sotomayor, Esteban Villapando with the media standing by!

Remember 4 years ago when she closed the alderman office entirely for weeks on end right after she lost the election in a disgraceful manner? What was she thinking??? I don't think she does think...I think she is a robot without any human emotion, programmed by Mell & the Machine. Remember how she treated the community when they asked Vilma not to accept slimy Mell's deal to bring a gargantuan Home Depot to their backyard? SHE TOLD THEM TO F___ OFF! This is a rude lady that is making monumental decisions that adversely impact people's homes...I wonder what she would have done if her home was across the street. Vilma will fight for white-collar, corporate millionaires, and lifetime shady politicians. SHE WILL NOT FIGHT FOR YOU & ME, THE HUMBLE WORKERS OF THIS WARD.

LoganSquare@yahoogroups.com, "KATHERINE ANDERSON" wrote: > > speaking of, i noticed a for rent sign in the pump room window recently. > what's going on?... The Pump Room The reason the store has a For Rent sign is that we are looking to sublease the space. We can barely make the rent! The store next door is leaving and the one next to that plans to leave too. Scare-Y for the strip. We were doing really good right after our move but the economy seemed to just tank in the middle of 2006 and it has been disastrous. We do NOT want to close, just move to a cheaper place. This may mean leaving the neighborhood, but I cannot afford to keep "bleeding" like this. I want to say Thanks to everyone who came by and patronized/patronizes or business. We appreciate your support. We have been featured in: Metromix Sun Times Drop Zone Chicago Tribune Red Eye npr, 91.5 FM, wbez Maybe it was the stripper pole? Maybe Mirca's dance on the pole? But...popularity has never been a problem for us....just the bills! People love the store but that just does not pay the bills.....y'know what I mean????? This is the saddest part of all of this. So many people want these new businesses to come to the strip, but, in my experience, the most vocal people do not even use the strip! ????????? Something BIG and different needs to happen there. Whatever happened to the Trader Joe's possibilities???? I was hoping to get my $2Buck Chuck Wine(Charles Shaw)and my Organic Vodka Sauce closer to home! :( Can't say we didn't try. If anyone knows someone looking for a storefront, 2630 N Milwaukee Avenue is 1,200 s.f., plus basement (another 1,200 s.f.) for $3,500/month. Please have them call me for a potential sublease. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated. Dulce Ramos licensed real estate broker owner of The PUMP Room Boutique 773-719-7100 --- In

Last time I checked the Pump Room is owned by Dulce Ramos aka Martha Ramos sister aka Rey Colon's chief of staff. Maybe people stop going there because sometimes she isn't the nicest person in the world.

People vote with their checkbooks just like they vote with their ballots. The demand for heels isn't enough to keep that store afloat, just like there wasn't enough demand (VOTES) to keep Vilma in office in '03 and she was FIRED. There was even less demand for her in the Feb. '07 election which is why she will be kicked back to the curb in the run-off. I guess it is a good thing for Vilma that she doesn't have to go thru an election to get her Cook County job. Ahhh the patronage system.

Why The business community is leaving? Do not blame the locals. The man just do not know anything about business. But he loves to ask for$$$$$ In the ETHICS section is the question: Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to your campaign? Rey Colon's answer: 1. Armitage Produce $2,500 2. Zina Murray $2,500 3. Debit Connections $2,500 4. Balcor $2,500 5. Star Auto Group $2,500 Well Rey, that's a flat out lie. Developer Mark Fishman and his directly controlled property LLC's are Rey Colon's biggest recent contributions. On Nov 4, 2006, Colon received almost $7,000 in that single day from Mr. Fishman and his LLC's. Indisputable fact on IL Board of Election website D-2's. Mark Fishman and Fishman LLC contributions in 2006 1530 Kedzie LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 1832 N. Humboldt L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2114 Spaulding LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2118 N. Whipple L.L.C. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2134 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2142 Concord LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2319 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2330 N. Spaulding Ltd. 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2418 N. Sawyer L.L.C. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2515 Milwaukee LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 2516 N. Kedzie L.P. 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 2700 N. Spaulding 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3000 N. Whipple LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 3240 W. Fullerton Condo Association 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 3500 Green Bay LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 4715 N. Sheridan Rd 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 7500 SSD LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 E K W LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 ----- Stoofy's Doo LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $220.00 11/4/2006 Westgate Acquisitions LLC 3240 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60647 $225.00 11/4/2006 ----- M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 11/4/2006 M. Fishman & Co 3240 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 $1,500.00 7/27/2006 Rey, care to amend your IVI-IPO filing, or do you stick to this significant misrepresentation to public?

Can you get any meaner than this? >>>Why I won't vote for Vilma? I sat in her office 8 years ago to get a permit to put a small dormer on our 1.5 story house. Well within code, we had drawings, already met with the city, but she had an arrangement that ANY permit had to go thru her (not a zoning change - just a permit). She asked us (while I was VERY pregnant) what we needed more than 2 bedrooms for. Then she asked us "why should I do this for you? What is in it for me?" We knew what she wanted, we didn't pay. She then held our permit for 11 MONTHS. During the process, the city permit department could do nothing for us until they had her approval. Her approval???? Why????? When we would go to ward nights to meet with her (she would never see us at any other time) she never "got around to us." Ald. Doherty of the 41st ward finally pulled our permit when my husband went to see him (he grew up in that ward). Then came 2901-03 N. Richmond, upzoned from a Z3 to a Z5 without ANY community input (she made my neighbors send her certified mail letters of approval and also call her). You could follow the trail of donations to see how that upzone happened. Rey eventually got the project downzoned to a Z4 when he took office and did not approve the demolition of a graystone. Changed now?? I don't think so. She almost ruined us. We had to pay rent and mortgage until we could do the work to move in. And remember booting of cars??? My cousin's running car was booted when she took my uncle to dialysis on Milwaukee Ave. When she went to see Vilma, she said, "you shouldn't have parked there...."

Now you want to get back to Vilma. grow up. Permits you got it from city hall in the past.

I have to say that I'm outright stunned to hear that Rey Colon has come forward to ACKNOWLEDGE that the anonymous mailing regarding his allegations are in deed factual. I have a three letter word for that and it's W-O-W. I cannot comprehend why he lied to the constituents of the 35th ward. A honorable person would admit to the wrong doings. However, he continually went on record to say the allegations were not true. In my eyes, Rey Colon is a FAKE! He will never get my vote and I encourage others to also not give him your vote. As citizens its our responsibility to vote on April 17th, therefore, get out there and vote. To see the video or read the article, please visit http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&... Renee Arundale

Democracy works when people care for their country and not their pockets.I will not support a liar who lie to your face not once but twice. I will not support a candidate that bribes the business community, it is anti-democratic to put money in my friends pockets and not for the benefit of the community. I will not support a dea-beat-dad who did not pay child support to his own flesh and denied having the child. I will not support a Drunk who got caught and was given a DUI. I will not support a person who continue to drive without a license 9 times. I will not support an Alderman who lies that crime is down when in reality is up. More than 15,000.00 incidents and counting in four year I will not support a person who supports crime. If you want this to continue in our community I urge you to vote for REY COLON. But my vote will go for a decent person and not a criminal!

Dear Dead Beat . . . You need to check your sources and learn how to read. I read the bull-shit lies Vilma printed. Those documents are the same I filed to assure child support payments when I got a divorce. Those documents only prove that Rey Colon paid child support. Crime is down. I wish crime could some how - disappear. But, what do you think are the chances of crime disappearing. A suspended license do not make anyone a criminal. The worst it gives you is a bad driving record. If you would read and inform yourself properly you will learn that anyone can get arrested on a DUI and have only drank one glass of wine. I do not support ignorance, and ghetto politicians, that only attract ghetto supporters that participate in low class campaigns. I will vote for the most dignified candidate, that I know will not embarrass the community I live in. My vote will go to Rey Colon.

Democracy works when people care for their country and not their pockets.I will not support a liar who lie to your face not once but twice. I will not support a candidate that bribes the business community, it is anti-democratic to put money in my friends pockets and not for the benefit of the community. I will not support a dea-beat-dad who did not pay child support to his own flesh and denied having the child. I will not support a Drunk who got caught and was given a DUI. I will not support a person who continue to drive without a license 9 times. I will not support an Alderman who lies that crime is down when in reality is up. More than 15,000.00 incidents and counting in four year I will not support a person who supports crime. If you want this to continue in our community I urge you to vote for REY COLON. But my vote will go for a decent person and not a criminal!

TWO REASONS NOT TO VOTE FOR REY COLON: DOES NOT PAY BILLS UNTIL JUDGEMENT IS PUT ON HIS HOUSE Case#89-M-176755/Dental Bills Case#-MI-100725/Hospital Bills Case#95-MI109976/Gas Bill Case#90-MI-168014/Rent January 18, 1985-Charged with thef case#85-111-130001 January 2,1987-Charged with DUI/Alcohol ticket#5320914 June 13,1990 charge with Mob Action Case #90-131-0773 June 2 1992 Charge with Possesion of Cannabis-6/29/92 Bond Forfeiture, defendant rearrested 8/4/93, 9/15/93 Bond Forfeiture defebdant rearrested 1998 December 1995- Charged with Statury Summary Suspension a.k.a An administrative procedure after a driver arrested for DUI who fails testing or who refuses to submit to fails to complete testing-Ticket#121792 September 28,1996-His license was revoked until July 9,1997 rey was arrested eight times driving on a suspended license and has numerous sppeding tickets on his driving record. HE DIDN'T PAY CHILD SUPPORT UNTIL HIS WAGES WERE GARNISHED. HIS WIFE WAS GRANTED CUSTODY OF THEIR DAUGHTER AND HE WAS SUBJECT TO REASONABLE VISITATION CASE#93-D-4219 THIS IS REY'S TRUE RECORD!DO YOU WANT AN ALDERMAN WITH A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND? REY DOESN'T OBEY THE LAW...SO HOW CAN HE REPRESENT THE LAW

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&id=5193768

Rey Colon wins by 67 votes.

The police is looking for Carter.

I want the teacher for alderman, Vilma is more honest to the community. Rey colon is going to jail for corruption. I hear the FBI is after him. It is just matter of time.

I am tired of people saying that Vilma was a former teacher in our community! I worked at Yates Elementary School for 10 years as a teacher assistant. During that time a very energetic, very Latina teacher joined the staff. This woman was able to galvanize other upwardly mobile Latina teachers to her circle. After a couple of months she announced her candidacy for 35th Ward Alderman. No wonder she was so magnetic, she was using her position as a teacher as a platform to get elected. And it worked! However her claim that she cared about our families and as a teacher at Yates identified with the issues of working families and the poor. What a crock! Most of her time as a teacher her class was taught by substitute teachers! This is the former teacher who now wants to regain her throne. I say don't believe a word she says. She is a con-artist who wants to dupe the poor and working families into believing her pipe dream again. If you haven't done so yet, vote for Rey Colon for alderman of the 35th Ward. He is a true product of this neighborhood not a product of Dick Mell!

Vilma goes down (again) in a landslide...the people have spoken very loudly: your routine is old news Vilma, we don't want you representing us! Your Esteban Burgoa ploy was just one of many, many poor decisions. Maybe next time you can play nice.

Blah blah blah!!! All we want is a safe place to live. Don't we all want that? Don't we all want to live in a neighborhood that's somewhat nice???? Who cares about the Mega Mall. . . it's a dump and an eye sore!! People need to stop getting pissed at the yuppies (WHO PAY TAXES A WORK HARD) just because they want to improve the neighborhood. Bottom line . . . get rid of the punks and assholes who threaten the hardworking people who actually care about the neighborhood and want to see improvment and development. If you don't like it then leave and dirty up another neighborhood.

As the votes were being tallied and it became apparent that the incumbant Rey Colon was going to be the victor over has-been Vilma ColoM I heard in the ditance the voices of the Munchkins of the Land of Oz...They sang loudly and with great fervor "Ding Dong the witch is dead, the wicked withch is dead. Which old witch? Vilma the witch! Ding Dong the witch is dead, the wicked witch is dead!" And I looked upon Rey Colon at his victory celebration he on ruby red loafers and dancing a jig. But as dawn drew nigh, after a night of drinks and dancing, Rey said "I don't need another DUI citation on my record, so I know just what to do..." He looked down at his feet, clicked his heels three times and said "There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home..."

Hey Vilma, it's me Esteban, call me when you get a chance. I just got a special invitation to the Chicago politics Hall of Shame. They said you & were both honorable inductees! Congratulations, you must be so proud. Well anyway, I hear some of your thug buds have a special key to get in to the Hall...maybe we could sneak in before the official ceremony and stake out some prime property.

LETS MOVE AHEAD

The bottom line is :People HATE Vilma. They LOVE Rey. Vilma can still run for something else. No one could beat Rey regardless of his lying con artist past. And, the 35th Ward gets a Wicker Park like hood soon. So, its over. However, Vilma do not dissapear again. Stay around. There is something else for ya !!

Geez!!! I found this because I was doing a search on Larry Ligas and had only a brief exposure to this (I moved out of Chicago 3 years ago). What a disgusting sewer pit local politics is. And it just gets dirtier the higher you go. Sounds just like which is the lesser of 2 evils.

PASTOR LYONS DID NOT POST THE BLOG HERE CLAIMING TO BE WRITEN BY HIM!

Is there a bigger clown in local politics? www.suntimes.com/news/metro/415690,CST-NWS-bomb06.article

Since we are on the Hispanic and Latino bandwagon, let's not forget to remember corrupt Joe Berrios and all that he has not done for the community. A Latino leader? Please. He'd rob Peter to pay Paul. He badmouths half of the Hispanic community leaders. Maybe he should give Toni some criticism instead of just money. Vote against everyone Berrios supports!