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One of his best remembered presentations came in February 1953, when he forcefully denounced the Soviet regime of Joseph Stalin. Sheen gave a dramatic reading of the burial scene from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, substituting the names of Caesar, Cassius, Marc Antony, and Brutus with those of prominent Soviet leaders: Stalin, Beria, Malenkov, and Vishinsky. From the bishop's lips came the pronouncement, "Stalin must one day meet his judgment." On March 5, 1953, Stalin died COULD THE SAME BE APPLIED TO RICH DALEY, BILL DALEY, TIM DEGNAN AND JERRY JOYCE?

Ms. Zaryczny's endorsement of Mr. Matlak reveals her goal all along was augmenting personal clout. She’s clearly uninterested in meaningful reform, nor 32nd ward residents enjoying a responsive, non-corrupt LaSalle St. representative. More insidious than a callous lust for power and the blatant disregard for the every-person gripes she claimed to champion, her machine endorsement betrays the trust more than 1,100 32nd ward residents placed in her when they trod out a cold election morning. What motivations could lead her to do so? If Ms. Zaryczny were merely personally scornful of Mr. Waguespack's candidacy, or solely disdainful of his positions, then why not sit out the run-off instead of endorsing Matlak whom she’d spent the last six months pummelling as a bent tool? Why go out of her way to endorse Mr. Matlak, and in such a peculiar manner, through his own press release and not one of her own? Was she held hostage in Mr. Matlak's back room and forced to sign, or else? Or was she, and indeed will she be, a frequent visitor to the coven where are the wards sweetheart deals are crafted? In either case, by surreptitiously ducking reporters questions, her endorsement proves she’s in perfect league with Mr. Matlak who is also too aloof to respond to questions. Mr. Scott Waguespack's candidacy makes April 17th's election that one that matters. An opportunity to vote in a true independent on the city council, someone not beholden to the machine nor monied interest. Even big labor only pitched Mr. Waguespack a tenth of what other machine challenges chalked up, though I expect now they’ll accordingly recognize that Mayor Daley will deploy the patronage army and war chest to the 32nd. Although Mr. Waguespack will need every nickel to unseat Daley’s anointed choice, he’s not one to cavalierly betray the voters trust, nor sell out. He is one of us, the ‘poll-trudgers’ sickened at the corruption, fraud and waste seemingly endemic to the ward and city. In Mr. Matlak 32nd ward voters have the old machine's flag bearer, in Waguespack the earnest, honest, personable reformer. If there were any doubt, Ms. Zaryczny's endorsement has helped clarify this choice. Scott Lang, former 32nd ward resident and Rotary World Peace Fellow, Bradford, UK

Of the 11 races that resulted in a runoff - Scott Waguespack stands out as the one individual who merits the support from a grassroots effort to elect a truly independent alderman, and who has the greatest chance of success in the upcoming April runoff. He has demonstrated the kind of selfless service and personnel sacrifice that too many of our professional politicians lack, and he is the only candidate for alderman that has my full endorsement. Scott Waguespack brings real life experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya who built women’s health clinics and water purification systems; as an advisor in war-torn Kosovo who helped implement much needed judicial reforms in a society torn apart by ethnic hatred; and was instrumental in working with law enforcement officials in clearing out corruption in the City of Berwyn. He understands that city hall belongs to the people of Chicago, that an elected representative needs to be accessible and accountable to the residents who elect them, and that government needs to work for common people like you and I, not just political insiders. I have every confidence that the residents of the 32nd ward will see through the crass political motives of Ms. Zaryczny’s endorsement. I can only hope that the many open-minded and progressive readers of the Chicago Reader, many who have encouraged me in my own still-born campaign in the 48th Ward, fully understand the opportunity and clear choice present in the 32nd Ward. It is time that the citizens of Chicago insist on elected representatives who possess the courage, candor, and convictions needed to confront the petty corruption that prevents this great city from reaching its full potential. Who better than someone like Mr. Waguespack – a young man with a proud record of fighting for, and succeeding in, such noble causes. To me the choice is clear – Ted Matlak - the incumbent alderman tied to scandals and convicted felons who have betrayed the trust of this cities decent residents - an alderman who has a history of voting against much need reform and has used city workers to do political work at the taxpayers expense – a public servant who condescends to the very community that put him there - and who’s silence is deafening as homeowners throughout the city have had the tax burden shifted to them, without an opportunity for input on how to spend those dollars or even basic transparency. My support will go to Scott Waguespack. On April 17th, residents of the 32nd ward should vote for Scott Waguespack – a young man with a promising future and a history of public service he should be proud of. Residents out-side the 32nd ward should volunteer and lend any assistance they can to elect an independent alderman who has never run for political office – but is just the sort of decent individual we desperately need to step forward and reclaim our governments. Chris Lawrence OIF, IFOR, KFOR Veteran Candidate for 48th Ward Alderman

She was a shill all along, and now is showing her colors as part of the old school machine politics that produced a dolt like Matlak to start with. Bye Ted, game over.

I have to speak out for the many silent observers of the 32nd ward race, who have witnessed this campaign of annoying, back seat, holier-than-thou complaining from the challenger Waugespak. He has few real complaints, thinly disguising his desire to steal the ward office. Ted Matlak has brought this ward a very long way, and I have witnessed wide reaching programs like new streets, libraries and parks, as well as personalized, specific local actions to clean up the streets and alleys at neighborhood requests to his office. My 9 years in Bucktown have been made much better by the Alderman's leadership. What has Waugespak done in those years? I'm not sure, but I know he has yet to pass the bar, even though it has been tested for more than a dozen times since he left law school. And now he makes vague accusations in an attempt to remove our local successful leader. A leader that has been key to the rebuilding of several of Chicago's now great neigborhoods. The notable news in Catheryn's backing of Matlak is that she is simply saying that with herself out of the running, Ted is clearly the best choice. I am not surprised at Scott's nervous laughing. If he wants to earn the right to speak about change, he should have run in a ward that needs improvements like the 32nd ward did a decade ago. I hope all of the 32nd ward's residents rise up to silence Scott on April 17.

Interesting juxtaposition of comments. To be clear, I'm a former resident and make it back to visit over holidays, but I've been struck by two things in my former home ward: 1) the rapid, at times unfettered development (really sticks out when you visit Christmas, Easter and 4th of July) and 2) they amount of resentment and hostility to Matlak that many of my apolitical former neighbors harbor. What I've heard universally is that Matlak ignores his constituents, especially on zoning matters. That apparently came back to bite on Feb 27th and will probably will on April 17th. And as to "silent observers rising up" - last time I checked, it was the people who get involved in their communities, voice their opinions, and join with their neighbors to bring about positive change in their community that make an impact, not "silent observers." But then again, maybe things have changed in the 32nd under Matlak...

Waitasec. the person defending the Machine stalwart is accusing the challenger of "thinly disguising his desire to steal the ward office"? You've got to be kidding me, stealing elections is what the Machine is all about. What Scott Waguespack is doing is running an election campaign, you know, trying to get people to VOTE him into office, what happens in a democracy. Yes, a democracy, something most Machine folks see as an unpleasant ritual they have to undergo every four years to stay on the gravy train. And regarding your "long term" residential cred, I don't think so. I grew up in and around the 32 ward (those bloody boundaries have been changed more times than Bush's reasons for invading Iraq), and the dissatisfaction with Matlak goes all the way back to day one. Matlak might be a nice guy in his regular life, but like all aldermen who come into power by being appointed instead of elected, he doesn't seem to feel obligated to listen to his constituents, which I can tell you from first hand experience. Why would he? He owes his office to Hizzoner, whom he has served well by never questioning things like TIFs, property taxes, the condition of the schools, park district fees, etc. Among my many disappointing (to say the least) experiences with the 32nd ward office under Matlak was when some fly-by-night developer was putting up a half dozen condo buildings on Damen at once (starting too early every day, of course), so it took 6 times as long as it should - for over 3 months we had a homeless boozy campground in one of the dug foundations, not to mention the contractors had left all the excavated dirt/clay in the alley, which after every rain turned the area into Woodstock. my neighbors had similar problems, Matlak wouldn't respond to complaints that the new buildings were in violation of the height restrictions, the fellow just next door had 20K of damage to his foundation, it just goes on and on and on. this is what happens when you get a rubber stamp alderman who thinks any development is good development. what the ward needs is someone to look out for people besides the ones making a quick profit. and Matlak's flunkies answered all of my (and my neighbors') requests with "well, whaddya want us to do?" frankly, all the "improvements" you describe would have happened if there had been NO alderman in office, it is constituents who demanded the park (which is tucked into a practically private development, btw), and the streets? are you kidding me? Diversey has been torn up every year as the new developments have overwhelmed the infrastructure. that's what this is all about - getting a representative who can see the bigger picture.

I have contacted Matlak 's office serveral times regarding a vacant lot that is a danger and an eyesore in our community. He acts like "why are you bothering me" and "i can't do anything about it" and "people can use their properties however they want." I wonder if his friend owns the land or the developer eying the site is a contributor to his campaign? Take your time Ted, no rush on being fair, responsive, and representing the residents of your ward - it's not like I am going to find 10 people to vote for Scott because of your arrogance. Ohh..maybe you should just tell the media the story about your "solar panel" excuse for allowing a zoning variance... What about the mansion at the Artful Dodger site, what about the street by street split block construction of boring and sub par condos, what about congestion when you approve a 4 flat in a 3 flat zone???? What are people going to say in 10 years about our neighborhood of "new construction"? It seems like there is only one thing you consider - What about campaign contributions from developers? The final irony of this all. When you do lose the election - Dan or King Rick will pull some strings..and I'm sure you'll be appointed to a 150K+ 20 hour a week job. Finally, if Ted Matlak wins this election, I have only one option. I am moving out of Chicago, and I think if you live in Chicago you should move too. Do you want to live in a city where our "elected" officials work for the machine and not us, and think there goverment position is a right and not a privilege

the sad thing is, at this point I'd be happy to see my taxes pay to keep Matlak twiddling his thumbs somewhere - anywhere! - besides the City Council or where zoning decisions are being made.

It is no “Surprise” that Zaryczny backs Matlack; she’s a smart lady and recognizes leadership, experience and a proven track record versus no-leadership experience, no ward experience and no track record when she sees it. I recognize this too and that is why I will vote for Matlack. I have lived in the 32nd ward for 9 years and in this time I have seen Matlack’s ability to get things done. My block's two vacant lots have been turned into beautiful homes and many homes have been rehabbed and refaced. We have a newly paved street, a relit alley, abandoned cars have been towed, and an alley rat problem resolved. Beyond my block enhancements Bucktown has received --- thanks to Matlack … a new library new parks a rejuvenated business district a revamped manufacturing area now turned residential newly paved streets new curbs new alley lights new street lights rat proof garbage cans new stop signs and streetscapes a redone el stop upgrades to street drainage I have seen it all happen due to Matlack’s ability to get things done and because of this he deserves to win re-election. Waguespack brings no experience to the table, just empty mud-slinging and unrealistic goals. I don't think he even understands the zoning process – it is not as easy as he says it is to rezone--- but I would expect a lack of understanding from someone with no experience. If Waguespack wants to improve Chicago neighborhoods I challenge him to prove himself in a ward that lacks all the improvements that Matlack has secured for us --- then at least he would have a track record that 32nd ward residents could evaluate, until then he has nothing to offer; so I am sticking to results and experience, I am sticking with Matlack!

Keep your eye on the 16th precinct!!! Andy Szorc, Matlak's lackey, will be taking over the polling place as usual, rifling through things that only judges should have rights to. Shouldn't he be at work on April 17th? I mean, he is an Inspector at Streets and Sanitation...thanks to you-know-who!

Elizabeth, he's been the alderman for what, 9 years? All of that would have happened anyway, and in fact has happened all over the North Side. And take a look at the size of Chicago's budget, it's not like these things are being done for free. What on earth does Matlak have to do with houses being built or rehabbed? I'll give credit - in a bad way - for enabling all the crappy cinder-block cookie-cutter condos, but an alderman has zilch to do with single family homes and rehabs.

So, Matlak resolved the rat problem? Then what are those things running around the alleys and on the streets off North Avenue? Rats all over the place in my alley. Abandoned cars? How about the car with the incessant alarms that kept going off on my block for a week and a half a few months back? 4 DAYS after myself and several neighbors called Matlaks office to have it removed, it was still there! After the office worker promised it would be removed THAT day! I used to live in Logan Square. Alderman Colon was helpful on any issue I brought to his office. Matlak's office ignores you. And you want to talk about the EL?!?! Why the hell do I get stuck standing on the Damen platform for 30 minutes at rush hour on a semi regular basis?!?! Redone my aunt petunia!!! All the new construction on my block can be summed up in one word: eyesore. That giant condo building at the end of the block takes the cake though. Matlak is nothing more than a machine hack. And I'm sick of machine hacks. Its time for a change in the 32nd.

Just get your affairs in order before the next eletion Mr. David E. Neeley!

In response to Lontime Resident who wants to know whether Waguespack has earned "the right to speak about change": -He coached Little League in Bucktown BEFORE it was gentrified. -He spent two years in the Peace Corps in villages in Kenya building WATER SYSTEMS so villagers would have fresh water. -He also worked with the villages' WOMEN'S GROUPS to help them form CO-OPSs to exchange produce, products and services at a local level. -He helped TRACK REFUGEES in post-war Kosovo & Albania. -He MEDIDATED between warring parties in Kosovo. -He advised the new government in Kosovo about needed INFRASTRUCTURE after the war. -He campaigned for new leadership in a very corrupt Berwyn. -He has worked in Berwyn (while living in Bucktown) to end the local goverment WASTING, MISMANAGING, and ILLEGALY USING taxpayers' money. -He has worked with the new city government in Berwyn to update their POLICE & FIRE response systems. -Has worked with STATE government to bring ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT to Berwyn. Yes, Scott Waguespack has EARNED the right to talk about CHANGE.

Matlak- I'm a graduate student working full time. I should have spent my day studying. Instead, I'm happy to report I had a very productive day registering 15 friends to vote for Scott Waguespack. Your selfish, unwarranted, corrupt reign has come to an end!

What is Waguespack propsed to do for our community? I still don't know. I just know that a union gave him lots of money and he screams corruption. Before this election, I never encountered him at any community meeting, event, anything. Where does he stand when he's not following the Karl Rove playbook? I like where I live. The schools are 300% better than 10 years ago, , parks, libraries. I wish all the condos would go too, but this is the market. When I sell my house, I, like everyone else, want the most money. Our neighbors sell to the developers because they get the most money. I hear zoning and want to know what realistic proposal there is to stop people from selling to the highest bidder. I do know that much of Ukranian Village is now landmarked/protected. I also know that despite some media, no one came forward to save the Arrtful Dodger building. Where was Waguespack then? I'm just tired the whole thing. Give me the guy that's actually done something.

A one-on-one run-off election. What a wonderful opportunity to get rid of EVERY incumbent seeking to keep his/her job! How about it, apathetic citizens of Chicago? Get your butts off the couch and feel the thrill of actually voting for the winners! The clout minions get to feel this thrill all the time, so why shouldn't you? On April 17th, vote ONLY for the CHALLENGER! Break the cycle of the same old, same old and feel the power of your vote.

I met Alderman Matlak last night in my alley. My husband called him because the one of power lines in alley fell down and no one would do anything. Matlak answered his office phone at 8pm and sat in my alley until 10:45 to be sure that the streets and sanitation truck actually showed up to take care of it. How is this action not listening to the residents?

Now, why would a streets and sanitation worker be doing the work that Com Ed is responsible for? And what do you define 'no one would do anything' as? Did you call the Com Ed emergency number? Was this 'power line' you say 'fell down' hot? Was it still attached to the transformer? Was it even a power line? Do you even live in the city? Are you the one in a thousand residents of the ward that 'merits' such special treatment? And what does this minor event, even if true, have to do with the issue at hand, namely, why would anyone think that the incumbent alderman Matlik's priorities have anything to do with the interests of any of his constituents, other than the moneyed gentry and profiteering speculators? Unless you want higher and higher property taxes, (wasted more and more often on expenditures meant only to enrich the already wealthy and empower the already powerful), to continue to fall for the same old crap from these machine hacks, who dole out minor league favors to the easily placated and save the truly profitable favors for themselves and their own, you'll take this rare opportunity to dump this bum Matlik back into the private sector, where he'll have to sink or swim like the rest of us working people.

Are you joking? In a sea of weak comments, the one attempting to blast "new resident" is the weakest. Does she "merit" special treatment? IT WAS A DOWNED POWER LINE!! I think Waguespack, himself, would acknowledge that Matlak was acting appropriately as an alderman in that instance, even if his supporters would not agree. Some malcontents just can't see ANY situation fairly. Stupid is as stupid does.

what else did Matlak do you for you, walk your dog? mow your grass? install your Comcast line? this is baloney, Streets and San don't fix power lines! I have a neighbor who couldn't even get Matlak's attention when he went and waited hours in his ward office. so I'll tell you what - let's all call Matlak tonight at 8 p.m. with a similar request and see what happens. "Matlak was acting appropriately as an alderman in that instance" Alderman are not paid $100K a year to babysit Com Ed (or Streets and San, although they don't fix power lines, duh). That is actually a perfect example of the discrepancy between what machine alderman think is their job, and what their job really is.

Sorry if I hit a nerve there, buddy, but you seem to have read a whole lot of intent into my post which it, frankly, doesn't contain. 1) I did not 'blast' anyone, other than, perhaps, our disingenuous alderman Matlik. I merely expressed my doubts as to the reality of 'new resident's' post. 2) Further, I pointed out the very real possibility that some people may not know who to call concerning problems such as described in her post. 3) I also wondered how much time passed before she decided that 'no one would do anything'. Or if she, indeed, had called Com Ed, the entity responsible for the power lines. And also the only authority employing thousands of qualified individuals, with vastly more experience in safely handling the problem she described. 4) Since her post implied that the stated actions of alderman Matlik constituted proof that not only are the 32nd wards' citizens well served by him, but that his heroism should be rewarded by the ward's voters ensuring his reelection, I believe my further comments pertaining to his history of treating many, to most, of his constituents like so many sheeple was/is relevant. 5) Finally, why do we all seem to assume that, just because 'new resident' makes reference to 'my husband' in the post, that 'new resident' is a woman?

Where was Matlik? Being the alderman at the time, why didn't HE save the Dodger building? Yes, it's a delicate issue, when some homeowners want their properties to bring 10 - 50 times what they originally paid for them and others, who want to continue to live here, can't afford the property tax increases, which, as we all know, is based on these same amazing increases in property values. But, as is also well known, property values would not be so high if the speculators/builders were not able to get zoning variances on these 'tear-downs' they buy and build on. And the granting of zoning variances is, effectively, solely in the hands of the alderman. So, the alderman could be a powerful source of impeding the granting of variances and, by doing so, discourage much of the current buying, demolishing and building bigger frenzy. This would, no doubt, displease those residents who had planned to sell and retire on their windfall, as well as those 'new residents' who bought their old or new homes primarily as an investment. The speculators/builders would not be happy, but they'd survive and prosper by moving their activities elsewhere, likely stimulating developement/redevelopement in areas of our city sorely in need of improvements. So, as is often the case, it's difficult to please everybody. But I'd like to think that my alderman's highest priority is to please those residents of his/her ward who desire to live there, not just visit until they can cash in on their investment. That is becoming more and more difficult to do, for reasons well known to all who have been here longer than a few years.

good post, "re: 32nd for life" ( if that is your real name, LOL). thus we get back to the question dodged by so many politicians- who should have the loudest voice when it comes to development decisions that affect our day to day lives, people who are here for the long haul, or people here to make some cash, find a mate and skadoodle?

Sorry if I hit on a couple of nerves, however most of the negativity that I was reading about Matlak concerned his "not listening to the residents", and quite frankly what was being said here didn't jive with what I had witnessed. The line in question (it turned out to be a Comcast line, but was live, sorry for the lack of specificity earlier)came down Sunday afternoon and stayed down until Tuesday night when Matlak came out and waited for streets and San. to show up to make sure that they actaully did show up and do something. I called Comed, Comcast, 311 (all several times, do you need me to define "several"?) as well as 911. With the 911 call a police officer showed up and put yellow "caution" tape around the alley portion of the downed line thereby blocking the alley. Other than that police officer, no one did anything to fix it (granted he didn't fix it but at least tried to block the area around it). Matlak called streets and san. to put the cable up because it was a hazard to the community (nearby school, dog park and bars so lots of foot traffic and it was hanging low enough in the street that if something the size of a moving truck had gone by it would have snagged it and yanked everything down)and then followed up with Comcast to do their jobs and take care of their own cables. For the record: yes I do live in the city, I am a woman, I am not naive, I don't need Matlak to walk my dog or mow my yard, I do not think that I merit special attention from him or anyone else for that matter, just so we are clear the line was down for 2 full days and it was live (although low voltage), and I believe I answered the rest of your questions with the above recounting of events. Additionally to Nick, I say thank you for pointing out that I WAS being blasted by a malcontent. I thought this blog was about government and Matlak, and merely wanted to bring to light a particular situation involving him. I didn't think I would be attacked personally and have my IQ and residency questioned.

The main charge leveled at Matlak is that he permits "spot zoning," allowing developers to build huge houses/condos that are out of character with the surrounding buildings. It's pretty much undeniable that he has done this again and again, in the face of substantial community opposition in several ward neighborhoods. All of this stuff about him fixing little Streets & San-type problems has nothing to do with the main gripe against him.

So he came out and made sure a Comcast cable line got fixed. Anyone note the irony that I posted: "what else did Matlak do you for you, walk your dog? mow your grass? install your Comcast line?" I'm glad this got taken care of, but this doesn't exactly dissuade me from my opinion that this guy's priorities are completely wacked.

You are correct dw, but there is a connection, in that an alderman's time and energy are limited. If he spent as much time and energy talking to the people who have been feeling the negative effects of his "devil may care" attitude about development as he apparently does fixing Comcast cable lines, maybe he'd be a better alderman worth keeping.

Up until that night I knew absolutley nothing about him or even who my alderman was. Which is how/why I found this blog and began reading it to do some research before the next election. I was not trying to dissuade you from your argument against him. I was simply trying to better understand the arguments against him and the comment "he doesn't listen to residents" wasn't holding any water for me. Until reading this blog I was under-informed about the residents feelings about the new condos going up. I did not realize that it was an issue specifically in the 32nd ward, because quite frankly I see that crap going up all over the city. In my opinion it's ugly no matter which neighborhood you put it in and I personally would never buy into one. I have just never heard anything about the "substantial community opposition" to those buildings. If there is some place where I can get more information on this please let me know. thanks.

Sorry if the tone of my post was or seemed harsh, it was not intended to be so. Growing up Italian has made me immune to all levels of 'ball-busting', so sometinmes I forget that my typically experienced forms of conversation might be perceived as being overly abrasive. My bad. Also, if, as I suspect, you've had relatively little experience in both Chicago political banter, and, especially that engaged in on the Net, you can't really appreciate how civilized the majority of posts on this site truly are. Believe me, it can get pretty rough and tumble sometimes and it's a gift that some exchanges are conducted in this medium, and not face-to-face. Thank you for taking the time to thoroughly clarify your posting and please forgive me if I, in any way offended you personally.

You are correct in that I have not ever really participated in this form of "conversation". I also have not really ever involved myself in conversations regarding Chicago politics. Hence my doing some research. Please don't think that I can't handle the ball-busting, I was just caught completely off guard. Now I know not to take it personally. Thank you for your comments and have a great weekend!

ditto to you and yours ;)

new resident - pick up the Chicago Journal, the Wicker Park/Bucktown/Ukie Village/WestTown newspaper. Its that pinkish weekly that you can find all over the ward. They regularly chronicle the abuses that are Matlak.

I like that, jerry 101. ==THE ABUSES THAT ARE MATLIK== sounds like the title of a horror movie.

Somebody should print up a flyer, listing all of matlik's many abuses and pass it out to all the wards' residents. Now. It might wake up those who've been bamboozled by his lies and misrepresentations.

gotta agree this has been one pretty classy commentary, kudos to you all. my parting comment, particularly aimed at the newer resident demographic, is yes, the 32 ward is a great place to live. the question is, is Matlak actually responsible for that, or is he exploiting that for personal gain? This is the populace Matlak is kissing up to, and who keep his campaign coffers fat and overflowing - can any of you afford these homes? http://yochicago.com/today/new-construction/row-of-castles-under-construction-in-lake-view_4361/ "Looks like Chicago's newest millionaires' row is going to be on a private drive off North Paulina Street between Wolfram and George Streets in Lake View. JDL Development Corporation is building 11 single-family homes with five or six bedrooms and 5,600 to 8,300 square feet. The development, going by the name The Estates at Columbia Place, also has a common area with a swimming pool, spa and fitness area. Staggering as these houses may appear, they could be the carriage homes of the castles we spotted a few blocks over at Surf Street and Hermitage Avenue." Do you really think Matlak has a vision for the ward? As a middle, if not upper-middle class citizen, I don't find "money talks" to be a vision. I like the diversity of the City, I like different people of all kinds, and this reinvention of the City as some sort of exclusive gated millionaire's club just sickens me.

re: Jerry 101 Thanks I'll keep an eye out for it and grab one. re: Longer time Resident You are completely correct. I love living here and I love the neighborhood, but I can't afford to buy a home in the 32nd ward (not even taking into consideration the property taxes). On the other hand though, I'd rather rent an apartment, older and with a little charcter, than buy something ugly that I can barely afford (if at all) that looks like everything else on the street. But that could just be me. Thanks everyone for your comments and for educating "the new kid".

It's not just you. :) All true Chicagoans LOVE the old architecture and the atmosphere of history they so generously provide us with. And the variety of cultures and people that we live with, in this greatest of all cities, bar none. And being a 'true' Chicagoan is a matter of the heart, of how much respect you sincerely feel for the great builders of the past, not how long you've lived here. And of how much respect you feel for your fellow Chicagoans. While it is still sadly true that we, as Chicagoans, are separated by many less important issues, I like to believe that, at heart, we all would like to feel that sense of unity that many enjoy in being 'family'. Let's hope, and work towards that hope, that by doing the things that unite us all, and by avoiding those things that continue to separate us, we can all help make this the place to live. That is, after all is said and done, what our leaders, elected and otherwise, are supposed to be helping us to do.

new kid: "On the other hand though, I'd rather rent an apartment, older and with a little charcter, than buy something ugly that I can barely afford (if at all) that looks like everything else on the street. But that could just be me. " god bless you. part of what makes this ward so great is that there are good rental options. but if Mathack stays in office another 4 years, I guarantee you more and more of those rental units will disappear.

See Ben's newest article; the residents of the 49th ward are also being insulted with the 'shill candidate' crap. Or maybe madam Zaryczny is more of a 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em' kinda gal. One-on-one runoffs are the voters best opportunity to unseat entrenched incumbents. Do the residents of the ward really want to go through 4 more years of Matlik's bullshit? It's time to flush the toilet, and start with a fresh bowl. Whether you vote FOR Scott Waguespack, or AGAINST Matlik, show up on April 27th and cast your vote. You KNOW that Matlik's Minions will out and about casting their's.

Adolph Hitler once said "Great liars are also great magicians". Mr. Waguespack claims to be a long-time Bucktown resident and looking back on what Bucktown was like 20-30 years ago, he came into an area the was already gentrifying and getting better than what it used to be during the 1970's and 1980's. He claims that he has seen many transformations in our neighborhood and ward, yet he does not explain if they are good at all? Well, I for one, have been a resident for nearly 30 years and I can say that Ted Matlak has done a fantastic job for this ward. It is in great shape, thanks to his leadership. Mr. Waguespack claims that his knowledge of ward issues and his unique background makes him well suited to steward the 32nd Ward through the changes that are going on today? Where was he 10 years ago when we had gang bangers and drug dealers on the street corners. Where was he when we had dilapdated streets, sewers and curbside garbage all over the ward? I can say that Mr. Waguespack has no plan and he has no vision. It will take more than a man with a political science degree and an organizer who runs a little league baseball team to run a city ward and it's day to day operations. Ted Matlak has the experience and my family and my neighbors support him. You should as well. Thank you for your time.

50+ years living in and around Wicker Park. Never once did I see Super Matlik out and about, battling the gang bangers. They and the dope peddlers, (often one and the same), were moved out by the effects that the 'urban pioneers' have had on the neighborhoods' attractiveness and property values. How many life-long residents were bought-out and/or cheated-out, by the heavily connected, few, real estate hustlers Matlik and his predecessors shilled for? Why did it take the astronomical appreciation of land/property values to get the routine maintenance and repairs done in this ward? Was it a case of 'no need to fix things up for the niggers, spics and old-timers, let's wait until they've moved and/or died and we can tax and spend the dollars of the new influx of 'urban pioneer wannabees!'? Oh, and the real 'urban pioneers? The people who moved here because the low cost of housing and beautiful architecture offset the risks the said gang-bangers/dope-dealers posed to them every day? They'll just have to pony-up, too! Or move their asses out, with the rest of the 'deadbeats' and 'undesirables'. Ted, the Machine, Matlik sure has the experience, alright.

John, could you tell us more about exactly what is does take to run a ward? The poster above nailed it, just nailed it. 10 years ago Scott Waguespack was working in the Peace Corp, this is the kind of commitment he brings to the table, one based on compassion, not on property values.

John, could you tell us more about exactly what is does take to run a ward? The poster above nailed it, just nailed it. 10 years ago Scott Waguespack was working in the Peace Corp, this is the kind of commitment he brings to the table, one based on compassion, not on property values.

Who's there? Fabulous Flanagan!!!!!!!!! (the disappearing poster!) Neat magic trick, John, the same one the 'Magnificent Matlik' is adept at pulling, whenever any of his less fortunate constituents came begging for a little help from the warden's, I mean alderman's, lackeys. Hey, didn't the Irish remain 'neutral' during WW II? You know, neutral, that half-assed way of helping Herr Adolf pummel the rest of the British Isles. Heil Flanagan! Heil Matlik!! Heil little Richie!!! Heil the almighty 'Payola'!!!

Orphans for Matlak! Who else but Daddy Ted-Bucks$ could give the gift of larger homes for the hundreds of orphans who call the 32nd Ward home. (This message sponsored by the Developers and Builders made wealthy by Ted Matlak, Inc.)

Smackdown gets down and dirty 32nd Ward candidates focus on zoning, development in debate By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Writer Alderman Ted Matlak accused his opponent Scott Waguespack of making promises on zoning that he can't keep as alderman at a Tuesday night debate between the two candidates running for the 32nd Ward spot. And Waguespack told the roughly 100 people who turned out for the debate that Matlak is beholden to developers who are contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the alderman's campaign. It was the first match-up between incumbent Matlak and challenger Waguespack since the Feb. 27 election. In that race, Matlak won 47 percent of the vote, Waguespack took 39 percent and challenger Catherine Zaryczny won 14 percent. Since none of the three won a majority of the vote, the two top candidates will face each other in a runoff election set for April 17. Matlak, who has been criticized by opponents for the 2006 teardown of the Artful Dodger, a Queen Anne-style building in Bucktown, said neither he nor his opponent would have been able to stop the demolition. Both Waguespack and Zaryczny criticized Matlak in the campaign for allowing the teardown of the historic building to make way for a large single-family home. "If you do not own a building, and it is not landmarked, and they have the zoning, and they want to tear it down, then they can do it," Matlak said. "It's called property rights and it's guaranteed in the Constitution." He said the case was similar with sale and redevelopment of the Association House, an historic building at 2150 W. North where developers are constructing more than a dozen condominiums on a nearby playground. But Matlak said there's no legal way to stop them. "People wanted to use the landmark to stop it," he said. "You can't landmark and empty lot. People bought that lot, they can build what they want. "There are limits to what the alderman can do, and you have to work within the law and the system to get things the best you can, and you just can't say, 'I'm going to do this and I'm going to do that.'" Waguespack said he would work more openly with community organizations to make them aware of teardowns and major developments before they happen. "A lot of these issues can be resolved by working together with the community, working together with the residents who live around here to make sure they know what's going on before these things happen, so they have a voice in what's happening in this ward," Waguespack said. "As far as building what people in their own taste want to build, that's up to them. We have a lot of modern homes here. We have a lot of green homes that are being built, and I think people should have that. They should be allowed to build whatever they want within those zoning rights, and I won't stop that." Waguespack, however, said he would be skeptical of developers requesting zoning changes in order to build new structures that are out of scale with neighboring homes. He said City Hall just rewrote the city zoning code in 2004, but developers still come asking for zoning changes to maximize their profit. Matlak argued that many of the zoning changes he's approved have simply allowed larger homes for families who want to stay in the neighborhood. Waguespack, however, described it as a payoff to developers. "I'm pretty sure [the City] spent a few million dollars just rewriting the 1957 [zoning] code," Waguespack said. "Now, the alderman, as my campaign literature says, has made 300 zoning changes just in the last few years, and he's taken well over $300,000 in campaign contributions. What I ask you is how many of those developers have orphans that they've picked up off the street or have a few extra kids that they needed a rezone for?" "The City Council did their job a few years ago and what our alderman has gone back and done is spot-zoned throughout this ward wherever he needed a campaign contribution." Matlak said some of the zoning changes allowed for new developments such as parks and the new Bucktown-Wicker Park Library. "Three hundred zoning changes and every one was a crooked payoff to Matlak," Matlak said. "I guess when I had to change the zoning for the library to go in here, I got paid off then. When I had to change the zoning to build a park that was crooked. ... A lot of people who are new to this neighborhood, there is a better than average chance that the house you're living in today needed a zoning change to go there, and I resent the implication that I'm taking payoffs, and if you can prove something, prove it." http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=25&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=2819&TM=47408.39

While 'Longer time Resident' has posed the question of what it takes to 'run' a ward, I'll attempt to answer that question, and, also describe what it takes to serve the residents of a ward. First, what it takes to 'run' a ward: == The authority to enable the granting of zoning variances, selectively doled out to those who pay, and play the game with discretion. == City, county and state jobs, to be given to those who are especially helpful in the gaining and retaining of public office for those who 'play the game'. == No-bid, or ridiculously Low-bid, contracts, with ample 'cost over-run allowances', (unheard-of in the private sector), discretely granted to those who 'qualify'. == Selective, efficient services, provided to the same 'qualified' residents / property owners, for the same reasons. == 'People' skills, primarily those helpful in 'blowing off' the wards' common residents' complaints and concerns in such a way as to avoid stirring up any significant number of residents' resentment of same. ('cause there are always those pesky elections every four years!) == Skilled liars on staff, to do what skilled liars do, lie, in as believable a manner as needed. == Personality, the kind that inspires confidence in those of like-mind, that you're a 'one-hand-washes-the-other' and 'you-scratch-my-back, I'll-scratch-yours' kinda guy/gal. (anyone who wants to 'wiki' this post and add your own elaborations, feel free to do so.) Now, what it takes to serve the residents of a ward: == Honesty == Integrity == Humility == Moral Intelligence == Fairness == Common Sense == Common Decency == Tolerance == Patience == Empathy == Commitment == Wisdom == Knowledge == Kindness == Strength of Character == Respect == Honor == Appreciation == Responsibility == Dedication to the above We sleep in the bed we make for ourselves. Are you sleeping in the bed of your choice?

Well, I can see the seething hatred towards a man who has done alot for this community in 9+ years. One poster used foul language against minorities, another knocked my heritage in WW II and another just brings up development? Yet, I don't see anyone here talk about how well their property values have soared since this man has arrived? Are you allpissed off that you are better off than you were 10 years ago with the #1 investment that we all share: Your Homes? I haven't heard one constructive argument from anyone that can state this man who runs this ward? All I hear is complaints. As for Ted Matlak's challenger, all I can say is look at who he works for: The GOP in Berwyn. I was raised in the 32nd ward, so I know who the real person that can continue to lead us into the 21st century. Where's Scott's Plan? Peace Corps? That's his track record Pfffft. See you on election day.

He didn't "arrive," he was APPOINTED. And lord spare me, Matlak has nothing to do with the real estate market, except for providing quick profit opportunities for the fly-by-night condo developers. So is the ousted corrupt regime in Berwyn also your idea of a working system, John?

FYI to Flanagan: The only effect that "how well their property values have soared" has had on the 'residents' of our ward has been SOARING PROPERTY TAX BILLS. For those of us who LIVE HERE, and intend to CONTINUE TO LIVE HERE, the incredible appreciation of the value of our HOMES, which you refer to as 'property', is to make it MORE difficult to remain where we are. So, how do you figure we, the RESIDENTS, are "better off"? The only minorities that warrant the use of "foul language" are the FUCKING SPECULATORS and FLY-BY-NIGHT 'INVESTORS' whose activities are driving out those long-term residents who consider their neighborhood to be the place WHERE THEY LIVE. And would like to CONTINUE TO LIVE, if only they could still afford to. Your statements, and Matlik's ACTIONS over the years, have shown that HE has more in common with the GOP than anyone. As for the insinuation that it would be a bad thing for a 'member' of the 'minority' political party to be elected to the city council, well, what party affiliation do you think most of the above mentioned 'investors' belong to? Also, as far as your comment of "Peace Corps? That's his track record Pfffft." Geez, John, get your head outa your ass! Do you have ANY idea of what the Peace Corps is all about? Even if you never would, or could, consider participating in activities such as this, do you have any idea what it takes to do so? The personal sacrifices made? The intelligence and abilities to GET THINGS DONE, without the vast resources available to the Matliks of this world, (said resources routinely wasted, stolen and misused by same)? Whatever Scott's plans are, we already have seen what Matlik's priorities are. See YOU on election day.

To Tax Payer and Longer Time Resident: Well, Ive lived in the ward a long time. 30 years to be exact, on Henderson, by Ravenswood. Roscoe Village was a hole for a long time. Today, it is one of the better places to live in Chicago. As far as his Scott being in the Peace Corps, so what? I served 6 years in the US Navy for my country on board a Navy Warship for 5 years. That was my personal Sacrifice. What about you? Does it matter in his quest for a job as Alderman? Is that the skill set we are looking for here? No. You talk about property taxes. Matlak has nothing to do with property taxes, if you have a beef with it, go to the General Assembly, your State Representative. They are the ones who won't continue the 7% tax caps. What's Scott's plan on all of this that we have been talking about? All he states are vague descriptions and attacks, just like what I see on this very board. He is nothing more than a GOP candidate saying he is a Democrat. Well, we shall see on election day who the victor will be. If you don't like living in Chicago, move out. Scott did. He's in Berwyn.

So, John, You put in your tour, followed orders, never thinking above your pay grade, always had plenty of what you needed to do your job, three plus squares a day, room and board and plenty of skivvies, 30 plus years ago. Sounds like you never kicked the habit of taking orders. Neither has Ted.

To Of Course: Yes, I did, I actually put in 3 tours in the Indian Ocean. I was a cryptologist during the the time the russians were our enemy during the cold war. Then we dealt with the Iranians and the way they hurt our people and then our politician in charge, Jimmy Carter ran away from his responsibilities. I liken this situation in the 32nd to the same point. Mr. Matlak hasn't run away from his job, he's done his job by taking his orders from the people in his ward, just like I did in the Military. Now Scott, he's a Republican who says he's a Democrat, but really, he's a citizen of Berwyn, who works for Republicans in another town, so I would say that this is nothing more than a power grab by the State GOP. Are following YOUR orders? Of course you are....

John, you astutely stated: "Well, Ive lived in the ward a long time. 30 years to be exact, on Henderson, by Ravenswood. Roscoe Village was a hole for a long time. Today, it is one of the better places to live in Chicago." But you forgot to answer the more relevant question, ie, what in the hell does Matlak have to do with it? I'd say Roscoe Village has improved in *spite* of Ted Matlak, not due to him. And I know plenty of people who grew up in the neighborhood who would dispute your "hellhole" description of Roscoe Villae (which in fact until no more than 10 years ago referred exclusively to a few blocks on Roscoe St itself, between Damen & Western). nice try, apparently you've spent 30 years holed up in a bubble and oblivious to Chicago politics and corruption.

John, funny you claim to be a Democrat while making absurd statements like "Then we dealt with the Iranians and the way they hurt our people and then our politician in charge, Jimmy Carter ran away from his responsibilities" Does that include the CIA overthrowing the democratically elected politician Mossadegh, and then reinstalling a dictator along th elikes of Saddam Hussein? Sounds like your concept of politics

As I read many of these comments I can't help wondering about the folks that have moved into the 32 ward. People who expect their issues to be the most important, people who have no interest in the big picture, People who have been raised by parents who gave them every thing they asked for. People who are happy to move to an area once someone else has done the work cleaning it up. In a word yuppies. And that is the problem not the alderman.

I wouldn't say yuppies specifically, but I would say it's people who don't either recognize or respect that neighborhoods need to serve residents outside of the 20 - 40 year old age range. This always boggles people, and provokes a lot of defensiveness, but if you don't understand your neighborhood as it is seen from the POV of kids and the elderly, you don't know the neighborhood.

I do not understand were this conversation has gone - why are you attacking one another and not talking about the merits of supporting one of the candidates. I honor the service that Mr. Flanagan has given to our nation, but disagree with his assessment on the merit of reelecting someone like Ted Matlik as an Alderman. He has never made the kind of sacrifices that Mr. Flanagan has made, but instead been rewarded for his political work for a convicted congressman and a machine that has been weakened by the revelations that many who participated in this political work have broken the law. The 32nd Ward is not the only area that has seen urban renewal in the past two decades - every major city in this nation has seen an influx of private capital and new residents who have revitalized most neighborhoods in our urban centers - Chicago is no different, except for the gross misuse of our tax dollars through the TIF program, as Mr. Joravsky has been documenting. (Some south and west side wards in the city desperately need such programs in order to entice investment into those neglected neighborhoods - while private investment follows those "yuppies" on the north side and the in and around the loop) The strongest argument that is made for reelecting Mr. Matlak seems to be a few antidotal remarks that he pays attention to the residents of the ward by patrolling the allies or getting a library built - most wards have a new library - it is one of the mayors "proud accomplishments" - so I don't think this Alderman should claim he did anything spectacular. Contrasted to the 1st ward, (just to the south of the 32nd ward) which has an alderman for only four years, he has introduced over 70 CPAN units to try and balance the effects of gentrification. The 32nd ward has zero. What gives? The residents of the 32nd Ward should ask what Mr. Matlak has accomplished given 9 years as an alderman - any ordinances that distinguish him from his colleges? How has he helped our public safety, public schools, public transit, lent any help toward transparency of were are tax dollars are spent? I don't see any evidence he has done anything to help - It is time for a change!

Chicago Journal now has audio of the debate, the entire debate (!) earlier this week: http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=25&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=2819&TM=60222.09

To Outsider looking in: Thank you for your comments. I appreciate your thoughts and although we may agree to disagree, you have done so with honor and respect. Unlike many here, who have an ax to grind with the current administration of this ward, I do not have one. I had to laugh at the History Major's comments though. I was only referring to 1979 when our embassy was taken over in Tehran and he had to go back to the 1950's to one up me for "points" on a blog for Christ sakes. Although some may agree that it is time for change, I am not one of them. I know about the other candidate and his motives and who he represents. He represents the State and County GOP, posing as a Democrat, yet he does not live in the 32nd ward, however, he really lives and works for a GOP Mayor in Berwyn Illinois. To me, that does not represent the ward, it only represents his and his friends interests. Good Day.

To Longer Time Resident: SO where are you in the ward then, since you dispute me living here? Stop trying to be a bozo and come up with better venaculars friend. Roscoe was a hell hole 10 years ago and it is a better place to live. Hamilton school is better as well. I don't know where you live, and let's face it, the 32nd is a wide ranging area and very different from say the Ukrainian Village or North Ave. Not everyone will agree. So far, I can see you are probably more like someone who is on Scott's staff, rather than a concerned resident. You are a phony.

John, I didn't dispute you living anywhere, I pointed out that only a few years ago would anyone have considered your street in "Roscoe Village." I lived at Wellington and Damen, btw, which I don't consider Roscoe Village, but it most certainly is in the 32nd. did you grow up in the 32nd ward? what are you basing your assessment of the public schools on, because last I checked, they still are subpar, and most people who can afford to place their children elsewhere. What has Matlak done, if anything, for the kids in this ward? and just what are "better vernaculars" anyway?

Thank you, 'outsider looking in', you've brought the discussion back to where it needs to be. Your post contains so many points of light and truth that the best thing I can do is suggest it be re-read, as many times as it takes, by all voters sincerely interested in fully comprehending the pervasiveness of the corruption which Matlik is, and has been, a participant in. It's been the old game here, of 'money talks and all else walks', BECAUSE the aldermen/women take their orders NOT from their constituents, but from their 'machine' bosses. Granted, areas whose residents lack the financial means to revive their neighborhoods on their own need the influx of private capitol, but this private capitol will never be invested for the benefit of those lacking same. That's what government is supposed to do, fairly and wisely use PUBLIC capitol to improve those areas, or, at least maintain the infrastructure of same. The earlier post on 'Da Chicago Way' hits it right on the head. There has been DECADES of DELIBERATE NEGLECT of basic services in selected areas of our city, for the purposes stated in that post. It's not that difficult to figure out which neighborhoods are being 'worked' in this way today. Those truly desperately-in-need areas will continue to be neglected, per the 'Da Chicago Way' game plan, until such time as those with 'private capitol' deem the area is 'ripe' enough for plucking. Until such time as the voters choose to elect individuals of honesty, integrity and sincere commitment to truly serving the PRESENT residents, which IS, after all, what an elected representative is supposed to do, nothing will change. With only a very few exceptions, the current incumbent aldermen represent ONLY those they take their orders from, 'those' being everyone BUT their constituents. Until the residents of those wards of decades-old neglect use their brains and the power of their votes to elect independent-of-the-machine candidates, they'll continue to experience deliberate neglect, for the purposes previously referred to, said purposes intended to depress property values and encourage current residents to 'move out of Chicago'. I won't even try to elaborate on the illegal and immoral misuse of billions of tax dollars over the decades; it would be like trying to count the stars in the sky. I've read a phrase elsewhere that rings true: "FLUSH THE TOILET AND START WITH A FRESH BOWL" Whatever one thinks a challenger candidate might do if elected, one KNOWS what the incumbents HAVE done and will CONTINUE to do, namely, FOLLOW THE ORDERS OF THEIR BOSSES, which are NOT the residents of their ward. There is no need to wait for these crooks to be caught and convicted, just fire the bastards! WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT.

"I had to laugh at the History Major's comments though. I was only referring to 1979 when our embassy was taken over in Tehran and he had to go back to the 1950's to one up me for "points" on a blog for Christ sakes." well excu-u-u-u-use me. you brought up events in 1979, apparently under the delusion that they're relevant to a Chicago aldermanic race in 2007, so it seemed quite appropriate to put those events in context. so let's refresh - why did the Iranian people revolt in the 70s? because they were living under the oppressive thumb of a dictator the USA imposed on them. read "All the Shah's Men" if you'd like more detail.

To History Major: Well, since you want to split hairs on a subject that has no relevance (Iran), ill spare the rest of the non-sense. But if you want Relevance, here you go: About the other Candidate: http://www.berwyn-il.gov/administration.htm Department Heads Scott Waguespack Administrative Coordinator 708-788-2660 x-291 Working for a Republican Mayor and why does he do so: http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Illinois/berwyn/parttwo-administrationcode/titlesix-administration/chapter242employeesgenerally?f=templates$fn=altmain-nf.htm$3.0#JD_242.09 242.09 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT. (a) Except as otherwise provided by State statute, no person shall be eligible for any City office who is not a qualified elector of the City and who has not resided therein at least one year immediately preceding his or her appointment. ~Because he has to live there! Don't be fooled by Scott and the posters who claim he's living here. He owns a building here and that is all he has done. He's a GOP monkey and his friends are the GOP in this county.

You've lived a pretty sheltered life, if you think 'hellhole' has ever accurately described any neighborhood on this city's north side. (other than 'Cabrini') Try living in the Austin, Garfield, Grand Crossing, Chatham, or Douglas Park neighborhoods, or in any of the 'projects'. (you know, those warehouses for the 'undesirables' built for the sole purpose of racial segregation, all political claims to the contrary) Sounds to me like Mr. Flanagan has been, and is, a loyal participant in the 'Da Chicago Way' strategies.

So, we don't want a 'Republican' alderman, is that what you're saying? So, we should all be thrilled and happy with being ruled by a one-party city government, right? Actung! Heil Da Maya'! Heil Da Machine! Heil Da 'benevolent dictatorship'! Heil da 'rule of law'! ('machine law', dat is!) Heil da machine monkeys! Heil da 'Chicago Way'!

What about Uptown and Wrigleyville, before the yuppie influx? And Rogers Park now?

Please forgive me, but I have to reveal that I was the person who posted the "Outsider Looking In" comments - this Blog’s posts have until recently been the type of discussion that should have occurred throughout the city in the recent election - unfortunately, the machine is more interested in avoiding a civil discussion and living up the democratic principles that too many have fought and died for - But I digress. Mr. Flanagan - I am a loyal Democrat who has worked for Gov. Mario Cuomo - volunteered on campaigns for Sen. Feingold – Maj. Paul Hackett for Congress (a decorated Marine Major running in a special election in Ohio that is overwhelmingly Republican and we came close to winning) Paul Vallas for Gov of IL and for Maj. Tammy Duckworth - I can assure you that Scott is a true a Democrat and that those working with him are as well - we are from a new generation of Democrats who reject the notion that only those born into the Democratic establishment of Cook County qualify as Democrats - and that there are better folks than the Todd Stroger’s of this world who best exemplify and will fight for OUR party and its principles. The residents of the 32nd Ward have one of the few opportunities within Chicago to show that the tired old ways of the machine are coming to an end – four years from now we are going to have a real fight throughout this city (and if things don’t improve in Springfield – It may get ugly even sooner) The truth is we live in a state-county-and city that have serious budgetary problems – and an infrastructure that can not cope with the current demands, much less any increase in future demands – a public pension system that is a ticking time bomb. Reelecting anyone who has not worked toward solving any of these issues – but is linked to the patronage system that Federal prosecutors have had to focus on dismantling – seems to me one more missed opportunity – I don’t know Alderman Matlik – and don’t care to – so I have no particular axe to grind with the wards administration, but do sincerely believe he is the type of undistinguished representation that we can no longer afford. We need people who are going to shake things up – and I am confidant that Scott will not just go along to get along – but will work hard and with the residents of the 32nd ward to empower them so that they have real input in the direction of the ward and the city. Chris Lawrence

RE: Chris L. No need to ask forgiveness, alias is the norm in this arena of ideas, as it is conducive to focusing on the idea, and not the personality source of same. After all, a poster's agenda is apparent in the nature of the ideas being posted, as is the poster's perspective. It is a refreshing thought that the 20 - 30 somethings are beginning to realize the inherent flaws in playing the 'game' of politics by the same old rules, rules which are designed to perpetuate control OF the people, not control BY the people, of their governance. Is the time ripe for change? Only on election days do we have a chance of knowing the answer to this question. Tho I may not live long enough to know the answer to this question, I'm doing my best to keep breathing. :)

First: thankyou Chris Second: Re: Mr. Flanagan I almost have to gag myself to refrain from expletives! Will idiot suffice? I'm a 20+year resident of Bucktown. I've been watching Scott walk his dog, rake his leaves and shovel his snow for years. Including the morning of the last snowfall. I guess he rushed in from his residence in Berwyn (most likely a GOP coven). Finally. Being a 5th generation Chicagoan, I certainly can claim to love this city at least as much as the teary eyed Daly clan. And I say that I detest the form of backroom ,closed door mob style politics that have been practiced by this Mayor and his lackeys like Matlak. If sunlight is the best disinfectant-Scott , Let the sunshine in!

Maybe someone should check the public records for the following: 1) is there a 'john flanagan' on the city, county or state payroll? 2) is there a 'john flanagan' listed as an employee of Matlik's political office, ward organization, or any businesses Matlik owns or has an interest in? Or any supporters of Matlik? Or any of the many 'connected' politicos and their associates? 3) is there a 'john flanagan' listed as having an interest in any business, LLC, or financial entity either doing business with the city, county or state? Or doing business with anyone doing business with the city, county or state? Or as an employee of any of the above? 4) is there a 'john flanagan' listed as having an interest in any of the 'connected' real estate 'investment' firms presently profiting from the 'Chicago Way' schemes? Or as an employee of same? Or any of the builders / contractors participating in the current 'building boom', especially those accused of or being investigated for bribery of city officials? Just who IS this staunch supporter of Matlik? And does it really matter, anyway?

to maybe: Maybe someone should check the public records for the following: (A) Maybe you are not smart enough to do it yourself or are you lazy? 1) is there a 'john flanagan' on the city, county or state payroll? (A) No, I work for myself as a Computer Specialist. 2) is there a 'john flanagan' listed as an employee of Matlik's political office, ward organization, or any businesses Matlik owns or has an interest in? Or any supporters of Matlik? Or any of the many 'connected' politicos and their associates? (A) No, I am a resident of 30 years in Roscoe Village who feels that there has to be more than empty promises from a person who does not even work in Chicago. 3) is there a 'john flanagan' listed as having an interest in any business, LLC, or financial entity either doing business with the city, county or state? Or doing business with anyone doing business with the city, county or state? Or as an employee of any of the above? (A) No. I don't do business with any government or political organization. 4) is there a 'john flanagan' listed as having an interest in any of the 'connected' real estate 'investment' firms presently profiting from the 'Chicago Way' schemes? Or as an employee of same? Or any of the builders / contractors participating in the current 'building boom', especially those accused of or being investigated for bribery of city officials? (A) No. I only own a two flat that I purchased in 1984. Just who IS this staunch supporter of Matlik? (A) He's someone who really knows the other candidate for what he is: A Republican who works and lives in another area of Chicago land and has no plan and no vision. And does it really matter, anyway? (A) It will with my vote on election day, when Alderman Matalak takes this phony to the woodshed on election day. Funny, what do yo have to say about the fact that Scott works and lives in Berwyn, you know, the Residency requirement in Berwyn, yet no one here has made any claim to say otherwise? Is it just fireman and police officers in Berwyn that have to live there or did Scott get a pass from da mayor in Berwyn?

So, Ted's 'plans and vision' suit you just fine? Does this mean that you're looking forward to cashing in on your 'investment' soon? Maybe you'll take your windfall and move to Berwyn. You seem to know it so well.

Sometimes I wonder if those who don't vote or don't register to vote understand how much of their hard earned income is wasted by the gross mismanagement and misuse of the tax dollars we all are forced to 'pony up'. Property Taxes, (part of your rent, if you don't own property AND part of the price you pay for everything you buy, goods and services, 'cause the businesses you buy from pay the same or greater taxes than you do.) Sales taxes of all kinds. Income taxes, both state and federal. Licenses, Fees, Fines, Permits, etc. (also passed on to the consumers) Utility taxes, in addition to the sales taxes, which juice your utility bills. Mystery taxes you may or may not see, and couldn't know what they're for anyway. What's the calculation now, something like 40% - 45% of our GROSS income is taken from us in taxes. Every year we work from January 1st until mid May and ALL of our income earned during that time goes directly into the pockets of some government agency. Granted, many things that government uses our tax dollars for are beneficial to us all. Many, however, are not. Yet, year after year, decade after decade, there still seems to be a steady 70% - 80% of our fellow citizens who either don't vote or don't even bother to register. Our 'elected officials' pay lip service to 'getting more people to register', and only make efforts to do so that benefit their particular political party. WAKE UP, WAKE UP, SLEEPY VOTERS! Our fates are in our own hands.

I am concerned about the earlier post re Mr. Wagaspak's residency. I assumed he lives in Chicago. (And a neighbor says he does.) But the "Residency Requrement" that Mr. Flanagan noted means that he must live in Berwyn to get the patronage job that he was given. So, did Mr. Wagaspak fib to get the Berwyn job? Or did he fudge his address to run for alderman? Or am I missing another possibility? For that matter, another post noted that Mr. Matlik was appointed? Where does he live? How long's he been there? I'd really like to know these things before I decide how to vote. Thanks.

The intent and purpose of 'Residency Requirements' PRESUMES that a person who lives in the electoral area of his/her office will more honestly represent the interests of the constituents of same. A nice thought, one that SEEMS intuitively valid. And yet, as the old song goes 'it t'aint necessarily so'. Frankly, I don't care where my elected official lives, 'cause that doesn't assure me of anything, other than that he/she is complying with a rule that, in no way, insures what it pretends to insure, namely, a greater responsiveness and understanding of the represented areas' citizens concerns and desires. Where either, or neither, of these two candidates live in my ward is of MUCH less importance to me than what each of their abilities to govern are. Which INCLUDES what the incumbent has SHOWN, by his previous actions, to be his priorities and loyalties. The questions I ask, when deciding who to cast my vote for, are those whose answers convince me of the quality of that person, not just how well they can/have complied with the 'letter' of law, and not the 'spirit' of same. I don't know where Matlik or Waguespack lives or owns property, where each fellow takes the majority of his daily shits. I do know that no human being is 100% honest, 100% of the time. Not even the J.H. post is completely honest. Read it carefully and you'll see. I do know that I'd rather consider the forest as a whole, than focus on a single bug crawling down a branch on one of the many trees in that forest. The big picture here is Chicago Machine Rule and the outrageous burdens it has imposed on most of the citizens of our great city. I'd vote for a friggin' Martian over a Machine Hack, just to disrupt the rhythm of corruption we've been dancing to for generations. The machine hacks' minions' only response to criticism is to shout loudly, 'if ya don't like livin' here, ya' can MOVE to da 'burbs!!!!' Merely another way to say 'fuck you, you ain't got no clout!' If J.H. really believes that the 'Residency Requirement' insures honesty, integrity and loyalty to his constituents needs, in an alderman, or any elected official, if it's that important an issue for him, then he'll cast his vote on that issue and be one more voter who 'can't see the forest for the trees'. The very definition of 'a breath of fresh air' REQUIRES that air to come from somewhere other than the fetid, stench-filled atmosphere of the 'smoke-filled room', ie. from OUTSIDE that room. MATLIK STINKS OF THAT SMOKE-FILLED ROOM. SCOTT WAGUESPACK IS THAT BREATH OF FRESH AIR. I know who I'M voting for and why.

To Jim Hull: Yes, this is the number 1 major issue that the challenger to the Alderman's job has yet to actually talk about in any forum and in any meeting. He promises alot, but what has he delivered really in the community he represents, lives and works in the town of Berwyn? I'm a person who would like to see action, we get plenty of words from politicians and alot of promises. For me, the area I live in is a heck of alot better than it used to be since I moved here in the 1980's. From what I understand, Matlak grew up in the 32nd ward. That's really no difference to me, it's more of what he has done to Roscoe Village, the old Wiebolt Store area on Lincoln, etc. Yet, from some of the pundits here, (or it is probably just one individual, making themselves into several people speaking out) all I hear about is the machine politics and anyone who speaks plainly about the ward and the person who runs it for us, gets nothing more than shout downs, knocking of your heritage and foul language. Yes folks, those are the people who support SCOTT WAGUESPACK. If you liked Alan Keyes, the outsider the GOP in this state who chose for Senator in 2004, you'll like this guy just the same.

Speaking about the 'machine politics' IS speaking plainly to the major issues. If you like what Matlik has "done to Roscoe Village, the old Wiebolt Store area on Lincoln, etc." , than your priorities are crystal clear; encourage the domination and influx of the moneyed gentry, the astronomical rise in property taxes, the proliferation of millionaire mansions and the driving out of all who can no longer afford to live here. Sure, you'll get some big bucks for your tear-down shack and, if moving is what your end goal is, so be it. Just don't claim to be one of the many who want to continue to live here, but find it harder and harder to afford to do so. All thanks to the 'machine' strategies Matlik is a vital participant in. The only foul language present here are the outright lies and the lies coated in less relevant truth that 'da machine' is so skilled at propagating. How about addressing the issues that hit the voters who want to live here in the pocketbook? The corruption via payoffs, bribes, sweetheart contracts, selective zoning variances, and all the usual antics practiced by the 'machine' and it's members? I choose NOT to wait around for the indictments to come down, not when I can vote the bastardly crooks out of office, even if it's only one crook at a time. You say you served in the Navy, so foul language isn't new to your ears. Following orders and doing what you're told apparently is.

To Multiple Personalities: Ah so it has been you with the blogging of so many, yet you are one LOL. What a phony. I think your beef all along are people of wealth and people, who not born here or are considered professional are the ones you are pissed off at here today and all of last week. You see, I have no problem with the people who have moved into the neighborhood, along with them, came the expensive homes, and with them, came a better environment. Will I get big $$$ for my house? Probably will, when I choose it is time, but why would you think I have a home that would be considered a tear down? Is it because of what you have seen? That perhaps many of the homes you have seen torn down in your neighborhood, should have been a long time ago? I think you have read too many news papers and have yet to prove Mr. Matlak is connected to any of the things you have stated. Your accusations are baseless, just as the challenger's claim that he will actually do something about the fantasies you both claim exist. I think I struck a nerve here bud. Tell Scott at the Campaign office tomorrow morning there are people who know that there is more to being an elected official than living in his mothers home and claim he is a resident. Tell him to study harder for the Bar exam, who knows, he may make it the sixth time around? As far as the Navy crack, he guy, this is a blogger, not a war ship. There's a difference swab.

It's a shame that J.F. associates the free exchange of ideas with phoniness. It is anything but. The anonymous nature of this venue is what encourages discussion; the consideration and analysis of ideas, not petty, personal, agenda-driven nit-picking is what a 'blog' is all about. Some fail to appreciate this facet of the medium and remain stuck in the ruts of their own opinions. My "beef" is not with those who work for a living, nor with those whose talents and skills honestly gain them wealth. It IS with those who shamelessly exploit the hard work and life-long efforts of their fellow citizens, without even a 'thank you' and do so without conscience. That describes the policies and actions of 'machine' politics to a tee, said 'machine' of which Ted Matlik is an active member. You say that along with the "expensive homes", and their occupants, came "a better environment". Does this mean you considered your previous neighbors 'undesirable'? Perhaps the neighborhood is now more to your liking. Tell that to all of the lessor income folks who have been displaced, folks who enjoyed living in the neighborhood of their birth and of their parents births. Oh, that's right, you don't give a shit about them, didn't when they were your neighbors and couldn't care less about them now, wherever they may be. Your philosophy is 'live and let the other fellow die', isn't it? I've lived in many neighborhoods and have enjoyed the fellowship of my neighbors, regardless of their income, education, financial or social status, or any other factors, because I value others as fellow human beings. Apparently, you haven't embraced the 'judge not, least ye be judged' admonition. Nor 'love thy neighbor as thyself' either. A pity, since we all must eventually die and since we cannot take our 'capitol gain' with us. This one fact of life should teach you something other than what you've apparently chosen to learn. I don't mind exchanging ideas with anyone, but it seems you are the one who is focused on avoiding the issues at hand, by any means. Whether any challenger will act honestly and sincerely in the interests of their constituents will not be known unless and until challengers are elected and given the opportunity to effect change for the better. One more time, incumbents already have shown what they will and will not do, and most incumbents 'serving' on our city council have shown they are lackeys of the 'machine'. Period. Maybe you should read those "too many newspapers" more often, with an open, not a closed, mind, if you are truly interested in understanding what is. They occasionally tell the truth, the smaller newspapers much more often than the majors. As for those homes that "should have been torn down a long time ago", that attitude is why we, the citizens of this city, have lost so much of our architectural history, or don't you care about that, either? Many of the masonry buildings are, and were, worth saving, but the speculators, carpet-baggers and 'master-planners' have decreed that, in the name of 'capitol gain' they had to go, along with the multiple-generation residents who lived their lives in them. But, you're a happy camper, and that's all that matters, right?

I went to the page linked in one of the posts, the one that is for Berwyn's city government. It seems to me that this guy Scott is a city employee, not an elected officer. Does anybody know about this, one way or another?

perhaps mr flanagan could have used some of his smarts to simply go to Scott's website, which clearly states: Bucktown Roots As a long-time Bucktown resident, I've seen many transformations in our neighborhood and ward. The combination of my knowledge of ward issues and my unique background makes me well suited to steward the 32nd Ward through the changes we are facing together. I have lived in Bucktown for over ten years, and my family has called Wicker Park-Bucktown their home for many generations. In fact, I live in the house that my mother and her parents called home. In the mid-90's, before Bucktown was gentrified, I helped organize and coach underprivileged kids in Little League baseball at Churchill Park and basketball at Wicker Park, giving them an alternative to joining a gang. I am also an active parishioner and lector at St. Hedwig's Church. Closer to Home In addition to my extensive experience in foreign relations, I also have the experience the 32nd Ward will need in managing a community's needs at the local level. Last year, I was asked to manage Berwyn mayoral candidate Michael O'Connor's campaign and the overall campaign for the Independent Voters of Berwyn (IVB). TheIVB is a non-partisan organization made up of Democrats, Republicansand independent-minded voters determined to stop corruption and cronyism and bring the government of Berwyn back to the people. The IVB won an unprecedented number of seats in the Township and City governments. Berwyn now experiences a fair, efficient, and open local government that is responsive to residents. We are continuing the work of restructuring the finances of Berwyn, completing audits after years of on-compliance, restructuring departments and hiring qualified staff to deal with problems faced by the city and community. As Berwyn's city administrator, I have helped the current administration introduce fiscal responsibility, saving the city millions of dollars; increased the value and quality of first responders by finding ways to fund new projects and by providing Police and Fire with the tools to aid Berwyn's citizens; and improved the city administration so that it is more efficient, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of its residents. As your alderman, I will use my real life experiences to bring about positive change in the 32nd Ward. (end linked material) apparently mr flanagan is upset that Scott works in Berwyn while living in Bucktown. lord only knows why...I have many friends in Berwyn, the new administration has been welcomed gladly.

from http://yochicago.com/neighborhoods/wickerpark/uncategorized/32nd-ward-race-developing_117 Comments 3/22/07 Jack said: Saw the candidate forum. Matlak sadly is still nothing more than a hack. I liked Waguespack in the primary. I was sort of hoping that Matlak would rise to the task and be a better Alderman after the results. I called his office on the Friday after the election, the Monday after the election and Tuesday after the election. I left three messages and have yet to hear back from his office. I called Waguespack on Wednesday - a week after the election. I left a message, he called me back in a matter of minutes. And get this - he knew the answer to the question on the spot. I will be voting for Waguespack. Permalink • Reply to this Kathy A. said: Was it just me or did most of the people there seem like they were developers? The way they were clapping every time Ald. Matlak said something made me think, "Gosh, they must really be afraid that he's going to lose that they would bother coming to a little neighborhood meeting like this." And THAT made me think, just what kind of a deal is Matlak giving them to care so much? My husband was really turned off that Ald. Matlak kept changing the subject rather than answer Mr. Wagaspack's questions about the money he's been taking from developers. Mr. Wagaspack has two votes coming from our house. Steve & Sharon said: We were stunned by how poorly run the meeting was. It was inexcusable that the moderator didn't keep the people in the audience under control. The heckling of Scott Wagaspack was so rude and inexcusable. It reflects the kind of sleazy people Alderman Matlak chooses to associate with. They obviously weren't from the neighborhood. I chased one off my front porch the other weekend when he was passing out campaign literature. He was trying to intimidate me into putting up a Matlak sign in my window. I told him to leave before I called the police. Good riddance to Matlak. He's done nothing but sit in his office and disrespect the residents. All eight houses on our block are supporting Wagaspack. Charles said: I agree about the meeting, but in defense of the moderator, I think he was just a little nervous. Matlack seems like the perfect alderman if this were still Chicago 1967 instead of 2007. I wanted to hear him explain his ties to the Hired Truck scandal, and wished that Scott W. had forced him to. I am P***ED OFF that my tax dollars are going to Matlack and his campaign. I think he was right when he said, "So you say I'm a crook?" Damn straight, I DO! 3/23/07 D. Byrne said: There's no question Matlak has overstayed his welcome in this Ward. Except for his developer/donors I haven't heard one resident/taxpayer say, "Oh yeah, we ought to keep him." He's doesn't return phone calls. His staff is as arrogant as he is. I'm still waiting for a return call (I've phoned them 3 times since August) about a clogged street drain that backs up every time it rains! When I call, I hear the indifference in their voices and just KNOW my request gets tossed in the trash. Every one of our neighbors has a similar story about dealing with him and his office. Do you know when they did call me? In February - to ask if they could put a Matlak sign on my property. I told them to take their sign and use it to clean out the blocked sewer drain. Cheryl said: My friend and I sat in the back of the room at the forum. After the meeting, some big doll (I think she works for the alderman) was bragging about the people she called to show up for Matlak. Someone remarked that a poll shows Matlak behind badly. I hope so! We need a new alderman and Waguespack seems like a breath of fresh air. -Cheryl Jake said: I went to the debate with an open mind. I thought Alderman Matlak know what he was talking about and showed a knowledge of my neighborhood I did not know he had. I did not get the same feeling from Scott. I do not see how he could be effective. 3/25/07 Jessica said: I lived in the 32nd ward for about 3 years on the far south end and Matlak was arrogant and ineffectual and never once returned a phone call or email. I wish him good riddance and even though I no longer live in his ward (I moved a couple of blocks away to the 1st ward) and cannot vote against him. If I could, I would.

EVERYONE intending to participate in the run-off elections should be reading the above article and comments-posts. It's a relatively painless way to inform yourself of your neighbors opinions, as well as express your own. Plus, there's little danger of punches being thrown. :) Thank you, Chicago Reader, for providing those citizens interested in participating in the political process with this excellent forum for discussion.

To Residency: Yes, all elected officers and employes have to be living in Berwyn for at least a year, before they are eligible for employment. Perhaps Scott got a pass, you know, his clout at city hall in Berwyn.

To Longer time Resident: Then how do you explain the residency requirement in Berwyn? How did he manage that, since he managed the campaign of da mare in Berwyn? That's right, it was his clout that gave him the pass, since he REALLY lives in the ward. Ok. File Under: Whats good for the goose.....

Horrifying, isn't it, the thought that ANYBODY would be so dishonest as to use 'clout' to get special treatment!!!! I'm shocked, SHOCKED, I say, to discover this egregious behavior is engaged in by one of our fine citizens. (In case you're wondering, I'm referring to incumbent alderman Matlik's ongoing behavior, beginning long before his 'appointment', many years ago, to be a 'machine' lackey.) I would suggest that J.F. re-read Longer Residents' two posts, this time honestly, but that would be cruel and unusual punishment, since the only hope he and his master Matlik have of maintaining their 'clout' is to hammer away at the less important few issues, and totally avoid discussing the most important ones. Go ahead, John, address the real issues contained in just these two posts, if you have the stomach for it. Or you can just keep banging away on the few drums you and Matlik have left. "MATLIK STINKS OF THAT SMOKE-FILLED ROOM. SCOTT WAGUESPACK IS THAT BREATH OF FRESH AIR. I know who I'M voting for and why." I also know who you'll be voting for, and why. Now is the time for all voters to have their say. On April 17th, show up and vote for the candidate of your choice.

Hey why would Matlak be getting contributions from some organization 20 miles away that is involved in the hired truck scandal? You know, that great Daley program that took money right out of all our pockets? Kinda weird huh? South Chicago Trucking Co 12800 S Butler Chicago, IL 60633 $400.00 5/6/2003 Individual Contribution Friends of Ted Matlak

Because 'money talks and all else walks', that's why. Just the tip of the ol' iceberg, yes, indeed, the tip of the ol' iceberg. Maybe, just maybe, the 'machine's titanic' is headed for trouble. We can only hope.

The amount of money Matlak is raising is truly astounding. Take a look at his financial disclosure statements at: http://aldertrack.typepad.com/aldertrack/32nd_ward/index.html or http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?id=19666 Developers, construction companies, Realtors PAC's, Chamber of Commerce PAC, the list goes on and on!! They must sure be happy the fightin' 32nd has a new library and larger homes for all those orphans.

The truly impressive thing here is that these are the funds he's raised THAT WE CAN SEE. Imagine how much cash is changing hands as we post! 'Hey, that's against the LAW!!' you say? Only if you get caught.

To : Something stinks in here Citizens for Waguespack D-2 Pre-election Report 2007 CP 1/1/2007 to 1/28/2007 This report has 2 itemized Transfers In totaling $3,385.03 Contributed By Address Amount Received By Description Friends of Terri Shonder PO Box 241 Berwyn, IL 60402 $385.03 1/25/2007 Transfer In Berwyn Township Berwyn Township Committeeman Therese "Terri" M. Shonder REP 3101 S. Wesley Berwyn 60402 Let's ask why he would take money from this woman? It's a campaign contribution?

To multiple Personalities: Greenbacks, even more amazing & oh, we know why. Wow, you sure are pretty darn busy, with all of this posting? And for one person no doubt? I've yet to see why you haven't answered my questions on this man's residency requirements for the Town Of Berwyn? Why is it that Police, Firemen and local officials have to live there but he does not? It's an important question that needs an answer! Because if he is getting special treatment, that is called corruption! Plain and simple. Waguespack is against development in the ward and he is against honest hard working families coming here to Chicago. There is enough housing to go around and yet, his only complaint is development? I don't see the problem here? What else does he have besides: (1) not being able to achieve the bar exam after numerous times (2) running a baseball team for inner city children (3) 2 years experience in the Peace Corps (4) having a Local Union fund him and take it out on Matlak over one vote because they are mad at him over big box? He has not shown me one thing that would make me change my vote at this time. I'm sorry, but i've read his website, i've read his answers to questions and it boils down to is dirty campaign smears, which I have not seen with our Alderman. He is going to have to do better than that to suit me.

So, don't vote for him. It's a free country, right? Even here, in Crook County. And you are, like every citizen, entitled to cast your vote for whomever you choose, for whatever your reasons. Thank you for sharing your opinions and ideas with us all.

funny how john is stuck on this "Then how do you explain the residency requirement in Berwyn?" what residency requirement do you speak of, I know Matlak's team of dirty tricksters would be publicizing this 24/7 if it was a legit complaint, so show me the ordinance/rule in question. and what does that have to do with the 32nd ward? do you think that when Scott is elected alderman he's going to move to Berwyn? Matlak is awful, he always has been, just listen to his idiotic lies on that linked debate - he approves zoning changes so families can add bedrooms.... yeah, RIGHT.

When all you've got is one note to play, you've got to have the talents of a Jobim to turn that note into a song. Otherwise, all you have is boring repetition.

I promise to vote for Matlak if he promises to grow a bushy 'stache, wear Blue Blockers, short shorts, and a purple satin windbreaker.

For your reading pleasure: Chicago Bucktown Public Square http://groups.msn.com/ChicagoBucktownPublicSquare Joe Lake Busktown

THIS is what I've been talkin' about. DISCUSSION COMMUNICATION IDEAS OPINIONS PARTICIPATION Thanks Joe.

Waguespack's "strengths" seem to lie in attracting screeching bloggers. The biggest and best reason to vote for Matlak over Waguespack is to avoid being saddled with a rookie alderman who has no cred at City Hall or with the Mayor. The Mayor has delivered big time for Matlak over the years through the library, parks, infrastructure improvement, etc. Electing Waguespack would sever that connection, and Waguespack would be left with begging for scraps (assuming he would even try to go to bat for the ward). If you the voter really care about quality of life in the ward, you are better served getting a known, performing commodity (Matlak) than throwing away the community's future by wasting the vote on nobody nobody sent. (Waguespack) Hell, he doesn't even have a family.

"The biggest and best reason to vote for Matlak .......is to avoid being saddled with a rookie alderman who has no cred at City Hall or with the Mayor. The Mayor has delivered big time for Matlak ..... you are better served getting a known, performing commodity (Matlak) ...." Yeah, we all know how well Matlik performs .... like a puppet on strings. And we all know who pulls the strings, you don't have to remind us. Certainly, you don't mean to suggest that our 'mayor of the people', reelected by a super-majority of the 'popular vote', would discriminate against our ward's residents because we elect someone other than his hand-picked lackey, do you? Surely the 'Magnificent King Richard the 2nd' would NEVER be so petty and vindictive as THAT. Are you sure you're not 'sumbady dat sumbady sent'? Oh, and how can text on a computer monitor 'screech'? And how desperate must Matlik be, to play the 'vote for me or 'Da Maya's gonna spank you' card. Ya Big Bullies!

If I had $3000, I'd give it to Waguespack too. Unfortunately, most of my cash is going to higher property taxes thanks to Matlak and friends. By the way, Matlak is a huge George Bush supporter. He supported the war in Iraq, voted against an Iraq War resolution. What a war monger Ted is. You cannot be more out of it than Ted Matlak. After the election Ted can go to IRaq, I hear they need someone who knows development and better to send than someone who somebody sent...

If Matlik were to go to Iraq, you can be sure he'd get busy cutting deals as soon as the plane landed. I wonder how much luck he'd have, in a place where he wasn't welcomed as "somebody that somebody sent"? Altho, if he hooks up with the boys from Haliberton, who knows?

Sorry I missed your post. I got busy. I DID answer your 'question', John. I said I DON'T CARE where he, or anybody honest, intelligent, moral and dedicated to reducing the huge volume of corrupt activities in our city, lives. He could live on the MOON, for all I care. As long as he gets to work on time, and the work he does is focused on interfering with the many corrupt knuckleheads we have on our city council and 'working' for city government, it DOESN'T MATTER to me where he takes his midnight shits. The ONLY way to rid ourselves of corrupt city government is to VOTE OUT all those who are corrupt, namely, THE INCUMBENTS, because, almost without exception, they're part and parcel of that corruption. The only people doing anything that is "against honest hard working families" are those who consistently pick the pockets of all of us 'honest, hard-working families'. Matlik is one of those people, as I'm sure you know. The real question is, why are YOU going to vote for him? You are, aren't you?

Read more..... CHICAGO WICKER PARK http://groups.msn.com/CHICAGOWICKERPARK Joe Lake Bucktown/Wicker Park

i LIVE IN BERWYN WHERE MR. WAGUESPACK WORKS AND HAS AN APARTMENT. HE IS A POLITICAL HACK. I HOPE ALL OF YOU VOTE FOR HIM SO WE COULD GET RID OF HIM FROM BERWYN. YOU CAN HAVE OUR TRASH. HE'S A CLOSET REPUBLICAN AND HAS RECEIVED THE ENDORSEMENT OF GAY BASHER COMMISSIONER PERICA. i WILL GIVE YOU MORE INFORMATION ON THIS FRAUD!

Say, perhaps you could shed some light on all the corruption the former Berwyn administration was engaged in!

To longer Time resident: If Scott has to live in Berwyn as a City Employee, then how can he live in Chicago in the 32nd ward? That is the entire reason for my question, it means he cannot legally work in Berwyn as an employee if he is lives in Chicago. Is that the part you don't get? As for the people who don't care about the residency requirement, it is quite simple: He can't live here unless he is getting a pass from the Mayor of Berwyn. He has no training or skills to run a government office.

To "you don't mean" (who is probably the same poster who changes his posting ID and constantly uses "Matlik"): Sorry, but your conclusions about me are all wrong. I have no connection to Matlak or Daley, and I am simply calling it as I see it. It is a nice sentiment to favor "change", "reform", "revolution", whatever you want to call it, but if that is your motivation for supporting Waguespack over Matlak, your energy is mispent. Waguespack is a self-promoter and will not be the heroic leader of a mass movement to reform City Hall. Read his own campaign literature: he panders himself as someone who can "work" with Mayor Daley! So if he isn't that kind of candidate, a vote for him to protest the Machine not only is mispent, but threatens to put our Ward at the bottom of the Mayor's list. You claim that that just wouldn't happen, but your conclusion contradicts your logic. As a resident and property owner (are you? is even Waguespack?), I don't want to see my neighborhood reduced to the level of Siberia for four years. All of your ranting won't change the reality.

You mean the current corrupt administration Waguespack(RAT) over sees. He's a ghost pay roller. He is not wanted in Berwyn. Vote for him and make him your alderman. As I said before you can have this trash, he surrounds himself with gay bashers and right wing ultra conservative republicans. He even coordinated the unsuccessful campaign for Berwyn republican committeeman. Many say he was on the clock while doing campaigning. Who’s clock -my clock the taxpayer! Can you say hypocrite.

I live in berwyn and I can confirm that Berwyn speaks the truth. Radomly call some Berwyn homes. Area code (708) 749 1111, 484 1111, 795 1111. Do it and see for yourselves. Vote for scott and do us a favor in Berwyn.

Ted 'Teardown' Matlak (we kid the alderman) Wicker Park/Bucktown Teardowns http://groups.msn.com/CHICAGOWICKERPARK/wickerparkbucktownteardowns.msnw

It's not merely "a nice sentiment", though I suspect you understand that. It's what is needed to BEGIN the process of reviving ACTIVE citizen participation in Democracy. I realize that those in power like to think, and like others to think, that voters ARE participating, especially when they 'choose' to NOT register / NOT vote. It makes it MUCH easier to stay in power when voter turn-out is extremely low, as all that the powers-that-be need is for the favored-few to vote and, thus, they remain in power. Those CURRENTLY in power are responsible for your fears that "a vote for him to protest the Machine not only is misspent, but threatens to put our Ward at the bottom of the Mayor's list." I don't claim that "that just wouldn't happen", I say that it SHOULDN'T HAPPEN, not if we are, as has been claimed elsewhere, honestly represented by our current 'public servants'. I find your parting comment, "I don't want to see my neighborhood reduced to the level of Siberia for four years. All of your ranting won't change the reality." to be most telling. It has all the flavor of the 'scare tactics' so commonly employed by machine hacks. Yet, you say you are not one. If your fears of retaliation and neglect are founded in fact, that's all the more reason to begin cleaning our political house NOW. Whether Scott Waguespack is the 'leader' to rally around is not important, as we'll all grow old and gray, waiting for some one person to lead us to the promised land. Seeking to be led is not what Democracy is all about. What Democracy IS about is that all citizens are responsible for selecting those fellow citizens of our choice who we believe will honestly and vigorously represent all of our interests. If anyone wishes to live in an Autocracy, there are plenty of countries that still have Kings and Queens and whose citizens are still ruled by royal decree. I trust that that is not where you want to live, so why act as if it is? Because your claim that you "don't want to see my neighborhood reduced to the level of Siberia for four years." is just the attitude which PROMOTES corruption. Until such time as those seeking public office are the ones who FEAR the voters' power, we will all continue to be treated as the 'subjects' of autocratic rulers. If you're content with having your pocket picked, and picked DEEP, continue to retain corrupt incumbents. If you want honest government, you're gonna' have to elect honest men and women to office. If you find that there are no challengers who are 'perfectly' honest, why settled for those you know are substantially dishonest? How many criminal indictments and convictions will it take, to convince you of the pervasiveness of criminality and corruption in our city and county governments? Or are you one of the many who just don't have the balls to stand up, even at election time, to say, with your vote for the challenger, NO MORE. Well?

I hear there a lot of crack heads in Berwyn these days, and it sounds like Berwyn and Bernie are smoking from the same roll. You guys going to the same mental institution? no, more likely feeding on the same corruption that keeps your buddy Matlak in power. The Feds always eventually catch you people, best you go away and hide.

"The Feds always eventually catch you people". Not when the feds are running their own scams, nation- and world-wide in scope. In case you haven't noticed, the feds are very selective in who they pursue. Very, very smart and slick crooks abound. The only solution is to fire all incumbents. period. WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT.

Berwyn has decided to "throw the crook out" Your man Scott has been relieved of his duties in Berwyn for politicing on city time. So much for reform & honesty. How many times has he tried to pass the bar & still is not a lawyer? Does Scott pay property taxes on the place he calls home in Bucktown? Is he registered to vote in both Berwyn & Chicago? Does he have a clear plan for the ward or does he talk in generalities such as "working with the community" It's a great theory to want to do as your constuents request but can you please all of the people all of the time & still be an effective leader? Residents of Depaul, Roscoe Village, Bucktown, Wicker Park all have needs & requests-are they all the same? Just food for thought.

To set the record straight, let's point out a few lies that have been repeated here, most notably by the energetic "John Flanagan." LIE #1: Scott was NOT relieved of his duties in Berwyn. He is on administrative leave of absence. Recently, some there who are angry about the reform takeover are *trying* to get him fired, but haven't been able to do so. LIE #2: Scott does NOT live in Berwyn. He lives in Bucktown, in his family home. For the record, Matlak also lives in HIS family home. There is no law against this. LIE #3: Berwyn does NOT have a residency requirement for the job of City Administrator (and some other positions). Scott is not breaking the law, nor did he have to get "a pass" from the Mayor for this. LIE #4: Scott did NOT take the bar exam and fail it "numerous times." He took it once and failed, and that's not a crime and he doesn't deny that it happened. For the record, Mayor Richard M. Daley failed the bar AT LEAST TWICE before he passed. This is common among many distinguished attorneys. Scott does not want to work as a lawyer and did not retake the exam. Get over it. General note to the pro-Matlak posters. Calm down and take a deep breath. You're not doing yourselves or your candidate any favors with your incoherent ranting.

Liz, you seem intelligent enough to know the answer to "can you please all of the people all of the time & still be an effective leader?" and "are they all the same?". Here may be some additional food for thought: "Because there's no personal gain involved in honestly managing the taxpayers' money. This also shows that 'Crook County' ain't the only county filled with crooks. The "proper way to review what we are paying for" is to fire all the fraudulent, knuckleheads currently controlling our tax dollars, the more-than-one-term city and county 'officials', and elect anybody BUT those we already KNOW are crooks. Those newly elected will be expected, by the voters who elected them, to then fire all the crooks the previous incumbent crooks have hired, and, thus, we'll at least have a crew of fresh faces to keep an eye on. If, in due course of time, these new faces still fail to increase services WHILE decreasing taxes, we'll vote them out and start all over again. THAT, fellow citizens, is what True Democracy is all about, though it's not surprising so many haven't got a clue about it, having not experienced anything close to True Democracy for generations." and "The problems, however, remain the same. 1) Of all citizens who qualify to vote in a given electoral area, (city, township, county, state, federal, etc.), what percentage are registered to vote? 2) Of those registered, what percentage actually vote? 3) Of those who do vote, what percentage cast their vote strictly by political party? 4) Of those who do vote, what percentage cast their vote for clearly arbitrary or capricious reasons? 5) Of those who do vote, what percentage cast their vote as a result of believing political 'propaganda', ie., campaign advertising? 6) Of those who do vote, what percentage cast their vote as a result of the desire to work toward eliminating corruption in government? 7) Of those who do vote, what percentage cast their vote for substantially self-interested reasons? (clout job, clout contract, clout influence, etc.) As is obvious, the vital element needed, for meaningful and effective change, is maximum voter registration and participation. Until the vast majority of citizen-taxpayers realize fully how costly corruption is, we will not likely see the participation of enough voters to overcome the core numbers loyal to the 'politics-as-usual' crowd." and "Sometimes I wonder if those who don't vote or don't register to vote understand how much of their hard earned income is wasted by the gross mismanagement and misuse of the tax dollars we all are forced to 'pony up'. Property Taxes, (part of your rent, if you don't own property AND part of the price you pay for everything you buy, goods and services, 'cause the businesses you buy from pay the same or greater taxes than you do.) Sales taxes of all kinds. Income taxes, both state and federal. Licenses, Fees, Fines, Permits, etc. (also passed on to the consumers) Utility taxes, in addition to the sales taxes, which juice your utility bills. Mystery taxes you may or may not see, and couldn't know what they're for anyway. What's the calculation now, something like 40% - 45% of our GROSS income is taken from us in taxes. Every year we work from January 1st until mid May and ALL of our income earned during that time goes directly into the pockets of some government agency. Granted, many things that government uses our tax dollars for are beneficial to us all. Many, however, are not. Yet, year after year, decade after decade, there still seems to be a steady 70% - 80% of our fellow citizens who either don't vote or don't even bother to register. Our 'elected officials' pay lip service to 'getting more people to register', and only make efforts to do so that benefit their particular political party. WAKE UP, WAKE UP, SLEEPY VOTERS! Our fates are in our own hands." and "First off, tho it runs counter to popular opinion, there actually ARE many city, county and state workers who do their jobs and do them well. Not only THEIR jobs, but the jobs of those 'clouted' pseudo-workers, who, when they show up at all, are so incompetent that it's, better to cover for them, then to let them screw up all day long. It's called 'baby-sitting'. Every hard-working, honest city, county or state employee has had, at one time or another, to 'cover' for these leeches, but one learns to look at this as the price that must be paid, if you're gonna stay employed. While it appears that these recent developments MAY do some good, the more effective solution to the corruption will always be to rid ourselves of the sources of these 'clout monkeys', namely, elect honest people to public office. Okay, you can stop laughing! IT AIN'T FUNNY! IT'S EXPENSIVE! IT MORE THAN DOUBLES YOUR FRIGGIN' TAX BILL! And paying much more in taxes is just the tip of the iceberg of harmful effects inherent in continuing to retain the hacks who pass for our representatives. The weasels have many tricks in their weasel playbook, some obvious and some quite subtle. Until such time as the non-participants unite, with the effective power of the votes they do not, at present, see fit to cast, the same old faces will continue to rule. REGISTER TO VOTE. VOTE ON ELECTION DAYS. VOTE OUT THE INCUMBENTS. START FRESH WITH A CLEAN BOWL. TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT." and "Anyone not connected to the 'Machine' should be given a chance to do better in government. In the upcoming one-on-one runoff election, none of the incumbent should be retained. This town needs as many breaths of fresh air it can get. As do all of its' citizens." and "The only 'people' who have spoken are: 1) the small minority who's own personal financial interests motivated them to 'bring out the vote', in the usual manners. 2) most of the many who, having been conditioned by mass media propaganda, concluded that 'what's the use of voting, Daley's got it all wrapped up, anyway'. 3) some more of the many, who's votes were split between the two challengers. (the age-old strategy of 'Divide and Conquer') 4) and the remainder of the many who, seeing only the positive improvements around them, forget that these improvements are being made on the taxpayers' dimes and at a cost far exceeding their actual worth. "The people have spoken"? In fact, only a small minority of 'people' have spoken, as in: "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." and "You, and any other interested parties, are invited to pass on the strategy below. Edit it in any way you wish, to streamline it and make it as easy to comprehend and understand as possible, as I am aware of how wordy I can be. The smartest thing voters can do is to forget all about the individual candidates running to gain or, more often, retain their office and focus strictly on maintaining a 'Revolving Door' policy that will either force all incumbents out of office or force them to commit egregious acts of election fraud. Or maybe even have the gall to suspend selected elections altogether. Now that would be something that even the most apathetic citizen could not ignore. So, the only remaining question is ...... will you and your fellow 'independent' members of the media help spread the word, or simply stand by and do nothing effective. Because, for all the efforts made to root out corruption, on a case by case basis, what would be really effective is to flush the damn toilet and start with a fresh bowl. ==PROPOSAL FOR AN ELECTION EXPERIMENT== 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 13% of the total number of citizens QUALIFIED to vote are determining who is elected to represent the interests of the remaining 87%! In a race of more than 2 contestants, the percentage needed to win becomes even lower than a mere 13%. 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. (The 'Divide and Conquer' Strategy) 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. Those who participate in this experiment can selectively vote for candidates, both challengers and incumbents, who they truly believe are honest and will act in the best interests of all, should they choose to do so." and "I don't believe I'm overreacting when I say that the very future of freedom and democracy is at stake. To allow what has been passed off as true representative democracy to continue, year after year, decade after decade and generation after generation will leave quite an ugly and unpleasant legacy for our progeny. Because, while it is reasonable to argue that, in a very real sense, the ideals established in our Constitution and Bill of Rights have NEVER been substantially realized, at least not for certain groups of people who have been born, lived and died within the confines of our borders, these ideals are certainly more than just words to admire. Or to tolerate our 'leaders' paying only lip service to. They are, indeed, words to aspire to live by, and to expect and require and demand that all of our fellow citizens live by, ESPECIALLY those entrusted with the powers to set policies, make laws and interpret those laws. The inherent conflict of interest which has historically tainted our political and social condition is easy to see. Our elected officials determine how much we have to pay in taxes, what is taxed and what our tax dollars are spent for. They also make the laws we are required to comply with and, either appoint or slate for election those who determine what those laws mean and how they are to be applied and imposed upon us. Further, they make the very laws, and interpret same, which obstruct most citizens from becoming elected officials. They have the gall to repeat the lie, that anyone is free to seek public office, always failing to acknowledge the myriad of roadblocks they put in place, designed to impede all but the established network of the few from having any chance of success at election time. No wonder apathy abounds. The few occasions in our history when enough citizens demanded change are marked by exceptionally heinous wrongs having been suffered for unbelievably long periods of time, by the least able to object to said wrongs, until they just couldn't take it anymore, and a few heroic souls put their lives on the line and said 'no more, no more'. I need not point out that some of these heroes lost their lives far too soon. The methods employed, by those who hold true democracy in disdain, are an impressive variety of scare tactics, slight of hand, arrogant dismissals of citizens concerns, stonewalling and plain bold faced lies, usually coated in a thin veneer of truths. Whether one considers things on a local, state or national level, the norm is frustratingly consistent in discouraging the common man or woman from participating in their own governance. I believe it is worth trying to play the election game, not by the rigged rules of those in power, but by avoiding the many roadblocks entirely. That's what the WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT concept may be able to accomplish. Not that a permanent revolving door voting strategy is the complete and viable solution, but that it's the most effective means to stimulate the elements that must thrive, for a democracy to be more than a playground for those skilled at manipulation, deception and exploitation. Individuals need to experience the power and authority of their vote, if they are to have the confidence needed to make the effort to vote. They need to see that the vote they cast succeeded in electing a candidate, and not merely the candidate who the 'pundits' predicted would win, but, rather, the candidate(s) the pundits assured the public had no chance whatsoever to win. We love the underdog, because most of us ARE the underdog. What more encouraging experience is there then to know that your vote counted, and counted big time, for one of your own. The Retardicans and the Dumbocrats get to feel the thrill of victory and dominance all the time. They don't have to think about who they're going to vote for at all. All they have to remember, when casting their votes, is to vote a straight party ticket. So, why should the neglected many not have a similiar option? A similiar strategy? Thus, here is one to consider: * 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. The rule to remember is: WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT." Perhaps this is a bit too much 'food for though' to digest at one sitting. Feel free to take small bites at your leisure.

Why do you pose a question that has no all-inclusive answer? Ted Matlak surely doesn't even think about pleasing 'all' his constituents, only those who pony-up and fill his, and his buddies', pockets, most of which are NOT residents of the ward. Good government is essentially a series of compromises reached between conflicting interests, never an attempt to make 'everybody' happy. It is also good government's duty to frugally spend the monies paid in taxes. for the benefit of all. It is additionally good governments' duty to uphold those fundamental principles enumerated in our National and State Constitutions. Political expediency is NOT a valid excuse for failing to perform ones' duties. Period. Matlak has no excuse for his history of 'going along' with those many in city and county government who find the above duties to be contrary to their own self-interests, even IF one were to believe he has had no self-serving part in same. (Don't laugh too long and hard about that last sentence!) The Machine, and it's lackeys, have been proven, time and time again, to have only as much interest in serving the public as is absolutely needed, and only come election time. Matlak was appointed by the Machine, serves the Machine's interests and will continue to do so, as long as he holds public office. (And, most likely, well after he leaves office, through the various activities that the Machine typically has to employ it's 'fallen warriors') Whether Scott proves to be less of a 'savior' than the Machine propagandists want the voters to believe he HAS to be, to be worthy of their votes, at the very least, he is NOT joined-at-the-hip to those we all understand to be not AT ALL interested in the welfare of us all.

Forwarded from a friend: http://youtube.com/watch?v=g3AiOxmYrD0

A hilarious anti-Matlak video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3AiOxmYrD0 An absolutely hysterical video. God Bless whoever put this together. Take that Matlak, and all the carpetbagger goons coming into our neighborhoods from other wards. Time to update that resume Teddy.

Don't worry about Ted's employment future, the 'machine' takes care of it's fallen heroes. He'll likely get a pay raise and have less to do in his new, cushy job at the Water Department.

'Berwyn' and 'Bernie' sound like disgruntled, former Berwynian clout monkeys. If Scott has the skills to toss out Berwyn's dead weight, maybe he'll make some progress on trimming the clout barnacles off the hull of the great ship, City of Chicago. At the very least, I'd like to see how well he does trying to.

Check out http://www.thecapitolfaxblog.com/ they posted Matlak's video.

I had a visit from Catherine Zaryczny and 7 Matlak people yesterday. Catherine (the not so great) insisted that Scott W had been fired at a Berwyn City Council meeting on Thursday. She also named a person in the Berwyn city gov't whom she claimed was investigating him. She said it was all public record and that Scott just pretends to be a reformer and he's not really, he's a patronage guy. Upon reminding her how Matlak came to office (patronage) she said that "Ted doesn't pretend to be a reformer." I asked her if that made it ok. She did not answer. She promised to refute her statements (lies) about Scott if I could prove her wrong. I contacted the Mayor of Berwyn who said all her comments about Berwyn were innacurate and he agreed to speak to her. Predictably, she would not speak to him and implied that he was lying. But he was at the city council meeting she spoke about and she was not. Geez, who should we believe? She is a great asset to the Matlak team as they continue to lie about Scott as she seems to be a fist-class fabricator. Or was she spoon-fed by those that paid for her campaign? Time will tell.. Oh, and by the way, the Matlak team was braggin about Hamlin Park. Yes, the new fields are amazing and we are all thankful to the coaches and other neighbors who got the sports teams to finance them. I asked the Matlak folks if they ever went inside the field house to use the bathrooms. They are disgusting. So, if you have kids using the ball fields, you may want to bring a port-a-potty.

Let's take a peek into the Political Hack's Playbook. "1) If telling the truth HELPS you, tell the truth. (however rarely this is true for an incumbent) 2) If telling the truth HURTS you, tell a lie, particularly a lie that is impossible to prove is a lie. 3) When lying, coat your lies with as much truth as possible, so the lie APPEARS to be true. 4) When confronted with your lies, vigorously assert that you're NOT lying and accuse those who say you are of LYING. 5) avoid lying about things that can be PROVEN to be lies, tho, you can ALWAYS challenge the honesty of those who present the proof of your lies. 6) Do your very best to keep some sort of track of your lies, so you don't waste energy lying when you are confronted with conflicting lies. 7) Whenever possible, always have OTHERS lie for you, so you can denounce them, if and when they are caught lying. 8) When caught in a lie, change the subject and focus on telling those lies that have, so far, not been proven to be lies. 9) Tell the truth sparingly, as, if the truth were helpful to you, you wouldn't have to tell so many lies in the first place." There's a lot more stuff in the Political Hack's Playbook, but I think this is enough for now, don't you?

Well, it looks like Scott was fired on Thursday night for campaigning on Berwyn City Time LOL. I guess now it looks to me like he is finished.

Chicago Tonight, WTTW Ch 11 Chicago April 3, 2007 ~ 7:00 pm Alderman Ted Matlak and Scott Waguespack will be interviewed. I have read most of the comments here and have to point out that many who won't vote or do not personally agree with Mr. Waguespack's campaign have been attacked and ridiculed on this site, where I don't see that from the other side of the fence. That tells me alot about the supporters of Mr. Waguespack, perhaps that is all that is left of his campaign, mud slinging and no foundation, just mud.

A 'not so kind' word. "I have read most of the comments here and have to point out that many who won't vote or do not personally agree with Mr. Waguespack's campaign have been attacked and ridiculed on this site, where I don't see that from the other side of the fence." REALLY? So, you apparently missed these posts: "Longtime Resident March 7th - 10:10 p.m. What has Waugespak done in those years? I'm not sure, but I know he has yet to pass the bar, even though it has been tested for more than a dozen times since he left law school." and "John Flanagan March 20th - 6:03 p.m. Adolph Hitler once said "Great liars are also great magicians". "I can say that Mr. Waguespack has no plan and he has no vision. It will take more than a man with a political science degree and an organizer who runs a little league baseball team to run a city ward and it's day to day operations." "As for Ted Matlak's challenger, all I can say is look at who he works for: The GOP in Berwyn." "Where's Scott's Plan? Peace Corps? That's his track record Pfffft." "As far as his Scott being in the Peace Corps, so what?" "He is nothing more than a GOP candidate saying he is a Democrat. Well, we shall see on election day who the victor will be. If you don't like living in Chicago, move out." "Don't be fooled by Scott and the posters who claim he's living here. He owns a building here and that is all he has done. He's a GOP monkey and his friends are the GOP in this county." "f you liked Alan Keyes, the outsider the GOP in this state who chose for Senator in 2004, you'll like this guy just the same." "Tell him to study harder for the Bar exam, who knows, he may make it the sixth time around?" "Waguespack is against development in the ward and he is against honest hard working families coming here to Chicago." "Well, it looks like Scott was fired on Thursday night for campaigning on Berwyn City Time LOL. I guess now it looks to me like he is finished." "Maybe someone should check the public records for the following: (A) Maybe you are not smart enough to do it yourself or are you lazy?" and "another 32nd Ward voter March 27th - 7:10 p.m. Waguespack's "strengths" seem to lie in attracting screeching bloggers." "If you the voter really care about quality of life in the ward, you are better served getting a known, performing commodity (Matlak) than throwing away the community's future by wasting the vote on nobody nobody sent. (Waguespack) Hell, he doesn't even have a family." "Waguespack is a self-promoter.." and "BERWYN March 29th - 3:51 p.m. i LIVE IN BERWYN WHERE MR. WAGUESPACK WORKS AND HAS AN APARTMENT. HE IS A POLITICAL HACK." "YOU CAN HAVE OUR TRASH. HE'S A CLOSET REPUBLICAN..." "You mean the current corrupt administration Waguespack(RAT) over sees. He's a ghost pay roller. He is not wanted in Berwyn." "As I said before you can have this trash, he surrounds himself with gay bashers and right wing ultra conservative republicans." and "Liz March 31st - 5:22 p.m. Berwyn has decided to "throw the crook out" Your man Scott has been relieved of his duties in Berwyn for politicing on city time." "How many times has he tried to pass the bar & still is not a lawyer?" So much for " ....where I don't see that from the other side of the fence." oh, and also the 'kindness' of: "That tells me alot about the supporters of Mr. Waguespack, perhaps that is all that is left of his campaign, mud slinging and no foundation, just mud." Those who have honestly read the comments posted on this page and have LIVED here for the painful length of Matlak's term know all about Ted Matlak. I hope enough will welcome an 'outsider's' perspective, someone not joined-at-the-hip to the Daley machine.

To Mr. Flanagan, you may have missed my earlier post. Mr. Waguespack was NOT fired by Berwyn last week or any week. This is a lie perpetuated by the Matak team. I ask you to call Berwyn city hall and see for yourself. Let's stick to the facts. And while you are calling the City of Berwyn, ask them if Scott is under investigation by them, the answer is no and is yet another lie told by the Matlak team.

Actually JC, your boy toy was fired... Perhaps you should get your facts straight. I was all for an actual "reformer". Too bad Scott lied, continues to LIE about everything he seems to be so opposed with in the 32nd Ward. What I don't understand is if its so bad here, why do you all STILL LIVE HERE!! Have you ever gone in to talk to the Alderman? I have. I was very upset when I went to talk to him (my car had been broken into and over $500 worth of stuff stolen). Rather than point fingers (because in reality it was my dumb a$$ fault for leaving that stuff in there) I worked with the Alderman on SOLUTIONS. In turn I was connected with the 19th Police District. While this is just one small point and one small case, I didn't sit on my butt and make up excuses or blame others. I worked with the given situation to make it better. Anyone who is interested might also want to look back at the race Waguespack was first involved in, O'Conner's Mayorial race of '05. Talk about dirty and negative. I am happy to say I supported Catherine the first time around, and while I won't have the option this time, I will choose what I feel is the best option, Alderman Ted Matlak. I would rather vote for someone who works with me, that is too busy lying about things and pointing the finger at everyone else. Again, if Scott has been a "longtime resident" of Bucktown, why the hell did he not step up to the plate before? And sorry, but coaching little league, not quite what I had in mind. Was he a member of the any actual community groups? I'm thinking no.

well, well, well - guess who has been recently uncovered as the finances and brains behind Catherine Zaryczny's campaign? get ready... ED VRDOLYAK yup, Fast Eddie is trying to chisel his way back in, I guess kissing up to the organized crime figures in Cicero isn't turning out as he hoped.

Link to, "Won't Be Matlak-ed No More!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3AiOxmYrD0

To: JC I called the Berwyn Town Hall this morning and at first, I got a "No Comment". Then I asked if Scott was available for comment and I was told he was placed on "Administrative Leave of Absence"? To me, that tells me that he is in the process of being released from his Job. On March 27, a few alderman from Berwyn are starting to investigate this man who claims to be a reformer. HA! I don't know this guy personally (scott)and I don't know the Alderman personally, but I have seen my property values increase 300%, safer & cleaner streets, more businesses in my area, better parks and a better community under the Alderman's leadership. The challenger, as I have stated many times, has to do more than just fling mud and give lip service to the community. He has no plans and he has no vision. For my vote, it's going to be Ted Matlak, the man who HAS shown me more than lip service. Call it a "Ward that Works".

John, you can't really be this dense. first you insist Scott got fired, then you hear right from the horse's mouth that he's on a leave of absence - what part of that don't you understand? Scott went on leave months ago, which is the honorable thing to do when running a campaign - too bad your boy has legal and ethical problems up the yin-yang as far as city workers doing campaign work on the public dime. Scott's not a cop being put on leave while they fire him according to union rules, just give it up already. As for the property values, whoop-de-doo, they went up all over the city.

To Longer Time resident: Well, I was only quoting what another poster stated, so I took it verbatim. Then I called the Town Office in Berwyn this morning. Funny, they didn’t mention to me about how long he’s been on Leave of Absence? How do you know that he went on leave months ago? It was never stated on his website or by the town? So with a statement like that one, I can only conclude you are one of his staff and using this blog to smear a guy who doesn't have an agenda at all. It's probably the reason why you have dodged many of my questions with nothing more than insults that even a sophomore in High school would find pretty weak, like the campaign you work for under this man. Like I have stated before, I have seen good progress in this ward, where all I have seen from Scott are lies, distorted truths and mud slinging. Maybe you should live with him in Berwyn, that way those horrible Property Values won’t hurt you or your family anymore.

"Well, I was only quoting what another poster stated, so I took it verbatim. " gimme a break, you take anonymous postings on a blog as some sort of final say on the matter? I said he took leave months ago because it takes that long to run a serious campaign, that's what we call a no-brainer, I don't work for anyone. and no agenda? right... what say you about Fast Eddie's involvement here? or do you not find bogus third party candidates a problem in local elections?

I just think it would be nice to have an alderperson for the 32nd ward that cares to communicate with their constituents. I've called Matlaks' office 6-10 times over the years and not ONCE have they called back after they had promised. Not once was I able to speak with the almighty alderman. I have had the opportunity on a number of occasions to witness Matlak's arrogant attitude towards peoples concerns. His attitude is most clearly displayed by his campaigns' LIES regarding his opponent. Let's vote wisely and get rid of Matlak.

"bogus third party candidates". One of the MANY fine strategies employed by the politically dishonest among us, namely, the DECADES-OLD CHICAGO & CROOK COUNTY POLITICAL MACHINE. We can easily overcome this strategy by: * 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. The rule to remember is: WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT. Repeat the above as often as needed.

Are you working for the Waguespack campaign or something? Is Scott paying you to say that? Because it seems impossible that anyone here could have bona fide complaints about Mr. Matlak, according to our fine minister of disinformation, JF.

Funny you say that Alderman Ted Matlak did not return your calls. Although I have personally gone to see the Alderman, my husband called Scott Waguespack a few weeks before the 1st election, and never heard back from him, despite leaving two messages. The issue we had: parking tickets and what Scott Waguespack would do differently to solve the issue we faced. Unlike the current Alderman, we received ZERO response/feedback from Scott Waguespack. Also, stated above by the alleged "longer time resident" (which by the way, who cares? I actually live here, and if someone is judging me based on how long I have lived in particular place screw them. I care about where I live, and like being involved in my community and find it quite arrogant and snobbish of you to state your claim on the ward) was the statement "went on leave months ago". Really, did he? Because last I checked he started campaigning in SEPTEMBER, yet Berwyn doesn't seem to recognize this. Seems to me its "your boy [that] has legal and ethical problems up the yin-yang as far as city workers doing campaign work on the public dime” only the city is Berwyn, not Chicago. How on earth is your candidate any different? Honestly? Please don't insult my or the rest of the readers' intelligence. Scott is NO DIFFERENT from the current Alderman. Actually, he is: SCOTT WAGUESPACK IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION. Oh, and yes, he was fired, again straight from Berwyn. Just because the average voter might not care enough to research and ask questions about their government, doesn't mean they should be inundated with false ideas, and lead to believe someone is "so honest" when that just isn't the case.

I just got this press release from a reliable friend and it looks like Scott is no different than any of the other hacks. Press Release From The Office Of Berwyn’s 6th Ward Alderman Michael Phelan Cell Phone: 708-369-1930 Home Phone: 708-749-4342 March 30, 2007 BERWYN CITY COUNCIL TERMINATES MAYOR'S AIDE SCOTT WAGUESPACK The Berwyn City Council facing a legal deadline to pass a budget and a four million-dollar operating deficit met in an extraordinary Thursday March 29, 2007 night session. Despite previous pledges to try to avoid discharging any current employees, a unanimous city council, lead by members of Mayor O'Connor's IVB party, voted to eliminate Scott Waguespack, a top aide of Mayor O'Connor. The council did this by amending the budget to provide "zero" funding for Waguespack's job title. Waguespack is currently on a disputed leave of absence granted by Mayor O'Connor on terms which the city council is still questioning. According to Berwyn’s Sixth Ward Alderman Michael Phelan, the council’s action in effect fires Waguespack and follows the March 27, 2007 council vote to investigate Waguespack and Debbie Suchy, the City Collector of Berwyn, for campaigning on city time. “No one ever knew what Scott did around City Hall”, Phelan said. He was seldom seen. The City Council asked but was never given a clear answer about Mr. Waguespack’s duties”, said Phelan. “He has been gone from City Hall for 4 months and no one has noticed he is gone”. In addition to campaigning on city time, Waguespack is under investigation by the Administration Committee for ordering Berwyn’s City Garage to make repairs to his private vehicle which is an improper use of City services. O’Connor removed Committee Chairman Alderman Joel Erickson as the investigations into various allegations of wrongdoing by the O’Connor administration were getting underway. Erickson was replaced by an O’Connor loyalist, Michele Skryd.

S, what's Phelan's pedigree? agenda? history? It's been posted here that Berwyn's city government is engaged in a battle between the 'old school' hacks and the newly elected reformers. So, Anne figures that the 'old school' hacks being hostile to Scott is a reason not to vote for him? And, she quotes this Phelan character as her source-of-choice authority. Swell. That tells us where Anne's loyalties lie.

No. That's not the point. Phelan and 6 of the 7 city council members ran on the same ticket as Scott - the reform ticket. Now, it turns out that they are investigating Scott for doing the same thing the hacks before him did. That's the problem. It looks like Berwyn traded one hack for another. And for the record, my loyalties lie in making a better 32nd ward.

So, let's replace the hack we know, with one we don't and see what happens. At least it'll be a relief to see the daley machine with one less rubber stamp.

And so ends another career of an Independent LOL. Bye Scott. Very well Said Anne and thank you for the validation of Liz as well. Some here felt compelled to put the other candidate ahead of the ward and this shows he was no better than the political hacks they had in place in Berwyn. File Under: Independent means you really don't stand for anything, except on a fence.

I did some checking and Anne has something here. Check out these links. Turns out all of these Alderman are Independent, including the Mayor he helped elect. http://www.berwyn-il.gov/pdf/2007%20Adopted%20with%20insurance%20savings.pdf No mention of Scott here? http://www.berwyncommunitynews.com/index.php/site/march_27_2007_city_council/ Ald. Erickson treated us with his communications regarding inconsistency and political activity. In the midst of phrases like “drive-by Mayor” (still trying to figure that one out) and “cutting off at the knees”, Erickson questioned if The Mayor would investigate the political activities of Scott Waugespack and Debi Suchy during Scott’s campaign for Chicago Alderman with the same scrutiny that they put on Amanda Ward and Annie Howard before their “forced” resignations. He is submitting the petitions that the City Collector notarized to the Administration Committee for investigation. No mention of the evidence surrounding the stolen vehicle sticker which prompted the “forced” resignations.

Well said, Mr. Flanagan. The run-off election is still 2 weeks away, and you, being able to see into the future, have already decided who the winner will be. Why should anyone bother to cast their vote, right? And kudos to all who have made such impassioned efforts to avoid the actual issues, namely: "It was only a few weeks ago that Catherine Zaryczny was blasting 32nd Ward alderman Ted Matlak, calling him an unresponsive and unaccountable individual whose allegiance is to the ward organization that put him in power and to the special interests that keep him in power." and "Matlak might be a nice guy in his regular life, but like all aldermen who come into power by being appointed instead of elected, he doesn't seem to feel obligated to listen to his constituents, which I can tell you from first hand experience. Why would he? He owes his office to Hizzoner, whom he has served well by never questioning things like TIFs, property taxes, the condition of the schools, park district fees, etc." and "The main charge leveled at Matlak is that he permits "spot zoning," allowing developers to build huge houses/condos that are out of character with the surrounding buildings. It's pretty much undeniable that he has done this again and again, in the face of substantial community opposition in several ward neighborhoods." and "new resident - pick up the Chicago Journal, the Wicker Park/Bucktown/Ukie Village/WestTown newspaper. Its that pinkish weekly that you can find all over the ward. They regularly chronicle the abuses that are Matlak." and "Do you really think Matlak has a vision for the ward? As a middle, if not upper-middle class citizen, I don't find "money talks" to be a vision. I like the diversity of the City, I like different people of all kinds, and this reinvention of the City as some sort of exclusive gated millionaire's club just sickens me." and "50+ years living in and around Wicker Park. Never once did I see Super Matlik out and about, battling the gang bangers. They and the dope peddlers, (often one and the same), were moved out by the effects that the 'urban pioneers' have had on the neighborhoods' attractiveness and property values. How many life-long residents were bought-out and/or cheated-out, by the heavily connected, few, real estate hustlers Matlik and his predecessors shilled for? Why did it take the astronomical appreciation of land/property values to get the routine maintenance and repairs done in this ward? Was it a case of 'no need to fix things up for the niggers, spics and old-timers, let's wait until they've moved and/or died and we can tax and spend the dollars of the new influx of 'urban pioneer wannabees!'? Oh, and the real 'urban pioneers? The people who moved here because the low cost of housing and beautiful architecture offset the risks the said gang-bangers/dope-dealers posed to them every day? They'll just have to pony-up, too! Or move their asses out, with the rest of the 'deadbeats' and 'undesirables'. Ted, the Machine, Matlik sure has the experience, alright." and " ...Matlak has nothing to do with the real estate market, except for providing quick profit opportunities for the fly-by-night condo developers." and " I had a visit from Catherine Zaryczny and 7 Matlak people yesterday. .... She said ....that Scott just pretends to be a reformer and he's not really, he's a patronage guy. Upon reminding her how Matlak came to office (patronage) she said that "Ted doesn't pretend to be a reformer." I asked her if that made it ok. She did not answer." and "well, well, well - guess who has been recently uncovered as the finances and brains behind Catherine Zaryczny's campaign? get ready... ED VRDOLYAK yup, Fast Eddie is trying to chisel his way back in, I guess kissing up to the organized crime figures in Cicero isn't turning out as he hoped." and "I've called Matlaks' office 6-10 times over the years and not ONCE have they called back after they had promised. Not once was I able to speak with the almighty alderman. I have had the opportunity on a number of occasions to witness Matlak's arrogant attitude towards peoples concerns. His attitude is most clearly displayed by his campaigns' LIES regarding his opponent. Let's vote wisely and get rid of Matlak." But no, John says all this and more doesn't matter, just keep the well-connected machine lackey in place and John's 'property' will just keep getting more and more valuable. Apparently he can afford the tax increases, unlike the few old-time residents left, who'd like to finish their lives in the neighborhood they grew up in. Well, at least they can afford to sell and move somewhere else, thanks to Ted's doing his masters' work so well.

to well said: Like I have said from the very beginning, the guy who wants to be the 32nd ward alderman has and always will be a phony. You can cast your vote for whoever you want, it's a Democratic society. Your arguements are tired at this point and so is the challenger's. The Alderman is not under ANY investigations by ANY federal, state or county departments. However, in the town where Scott lived and worked, his own Mayor fired him, including rebukes from Independent Alderman of his OWN PARTY and here you are, sadly as misinformed as you have to many here, continue to carry a grudge and not look at the future of the ward. How truly sad. If the #1 investment that we all hold were to depreciate in value, then I wouldn't vote for Mr. Matlak, but since it has, 300%since he was appointed-then elected by the people, only a Lunatic would go the other direction and vote him out. Will you be pissed off too when the Olympics come to Chicago?

"The Alderman", (Ted Matlak) "is not under ANY investigations by ANY federal, state or county departments." How would you know? "If the #1 investment that we all hold were to depreciate in value, then I wouldn't vote for Mr. Matlak, but since it has, 300% since he was appointed-then elected by the people,only a Lunatic would go the other direction and vote him out." So you say. Maybe there are citizens who don't want to be forced out of their homes, albeit with some cash in hand. Maybe there are citizens who liked living in the neighborhood of their births and would continue to do so, were they still able to afford to. Maybe there are citizens who like living in this wonderful city, not because they're surrounded by the rich and snotty, but because they've enjoyed having neighbors who are hard-working, honest people like themselves, people who don't hold with gaining wealth at the expense and exploitation of their fellow human beings. Maybe there are residents of our neighborhoods who don't want to 'move somewhere else'. But, that's not your concern, is it? You're ready to cash in anytime now, aren't you? That's the future that you're looking forward to, isn't it? Unless, of course, you are one of those who can afford to pay through the nose to stay. Many, if not most, of your neighbors cannot.

I called and spoke to the Mayor of Berwyn personally. He said that they were in a budget crisis and he removed Scott's funding as a way to move forward on the budget saying "Scott will be an alderman in a few weeks anyway". He told me that Scott will have a job in Berwyn as long as he wants one. Do you all not remember that Ted came to power when his mentor was indicted? And that guy is still pulling the strings. These lies are machine politics at their finest and all of you who repeat them are just as bad as those who tell them.

I called and spoke to the Mayor of Berwyn personally. He said that they were in a budget crisis and he removed Scott's funding as a way to move forward on the budget saying "Scott will be an alderman in a few weeks anyway". He told me that Scott will have a job in Berwyn as long as he wants one. Do you all not remember that Ted came to power when his mentor was indicted? And that guy is still pulling the strings. These lies are machine politics at their finest and all of you who repeat them are just as bad as those who tell them.

Well, from what I am gathering with Anne's comments and what I have read from others, it is exactly the opposite. As far as the Mayor Berwyn, well, we can see why he will defend Scott, he helped elect him. As far as the budgetr crisis in Berwyn, I think that is a croc. The guy hasn't been to work in months and as the Press release states, no one really knew what he did around city hall, because he was never there? Sounds like a stretch, but as more and more people grow to know what scott is up to, your argument is null and void.

To Multiple Personalities: ya know, it's always someone {like You} who is always crying wolf, pulling the chain and yelling fire, when there isn't one at all? Your entire beef are with the people moving in that are new, including Scott. With teh people who have moved in to the ward and the city, they have given the city a breath of fresh air. So that is it, isn't it? You mention the "Rich and Snotty"? Why don't you just come out and say it: They are YUPPIES! Isnt it enough that in the 1980's, we saw a mass exodus in Chicago and I , including many watched the city plummet. Now, under Daley, in 13 short years, where Harold Washington managed to kill it in 7-8 years, has created a city of wealth for all to enjoy? Yet here you are, complaining on and on about property values and taxes? If it's taxes you want to complain about, call up the President, and ask where is the half trillion he has wasted in Iraq? You sound truly unhappy with Chicago. YOu should consider leaving if that is your wish. Scott will not do anything that will make this ward a better place. He has nothing to show for his work in Berwyn, since he was let go by his boss, because of budget cuts? Does that sound like a well run government to you?

"where Harold Washington managed to kill it in 7-8 years" gee John, you sound truly unhappy with the Chicago that doesn't look like a Family Circus cartoon - do you have a problem with the 2/3 of this city that is brown?

In the primary, I voted for Ted Matlak. In April, I will likely flip my vote to the devil I don't know rather than the one I thought I knew. My eyes are wide open. Last weekend, my wife and I were visited by campaign workers from the Matlak campaign. They asserted the same things Mr. Flanagan above is saying about Matlak's opponent being fired by the city of Berwyn. Really negative stuff that was completely unnecessary. Anyway, I called the City of Berwyn Monday and other sources in the media and found out what they were saying was untrue. Does he think we are stupid? Why insult out intelligence? Two weeks still to go and he off and gives me a reason to vote against him. Well, that is a likely situation now. Me, my wife, and our college age daughter will only see two candidates names on the April ballot: Scott Waguespack and None of the Above. I have informed my neighbors they are free agents to do what they want, but remember what they heard last weekend. Patronage jobs must be so addicting that someone will do just about anything, including lie, to keep it. Ted - You didn't need to tell the lie. You had our votes without it! Concerned and Angry in the 32nd.

Thank you, John, for finally coming out of the closet. There were many hints in all of your posts, but it's refreshing to find that you finally acknowledge your true opinion of your fellow Chicagoans, you know, those whose skin color and/or ethnic heritage differs from your own. Now we get who you are. Many, many thanks.

It might be appropriate, at this time, to point out, to those with selective memories, that the Harold Washington days were preceded by the Rule of King Richard the 1st, the Bilandic fiasco and by Byrne's chaotic reign. Also, that fucking ALL of the WHITE, MACHINE MOTHERFUCKERS, aldermen and lackeys alike, conspired to actively impede EVERYTHING that Washington tried to do. AND, that, FOR FUCKING DECADES, these same WHITE MOTHERFUCKERS exploited EVERY SINGLE BLACK CITIZEN of our city. Take a ride through the West and South sides of the city and ask yourself who's truly responsible for the miles and miles of empty lots and boarded-up buildings. Who's truly responsible for the decades of heinous neglect of these neighborhoods? Who's truly responsible for the CONTINUING neglect of these neighborhoods? Here's a clue: IT AIN'T HAROLD WASHINGTON. And guess what group of people STILL control the economic and political policies of our city and county: THE SAME WHITE MOTHERFUCKERS. Maybe you missed this elsewhere: "Da Chicago Way Let's step back a bit, and look at things from an historical perspective. Immense wealth can be gained from the manipulation of real estate values. Here's how it's been done in Chicago: 1) determine which areas have the potential of being attractive to those blessed with high incomes and ample financial resources. (Transportation facilities, classic architecture, established parks and recreation facilities, proximity to the Loop, etc. are all pluses.) 2) Neglect the chosen target areas for as long as possible, for the purpose of depreciating property values by, among other means, decreasing safety related activities, (or encourage the perception of same), neglecting the infrastructure, pandering to prejudices, harassing individual, cloutless homeowners thru punitive building code citations, etc.. 3) Buy up, thru dummy corporations and such, properties of those fleeing the neglected area, then neglect and milk said properties or demolish same. 4) Continue accumulating properties, with or without buildings on them and continue to neglect the areas' remaining residents' basic needs, as property prices drop even further. 5) Entice the ever optimistic and gutsy 'urban pioneers', with dirt cheap rentals and a few reasonably priced building sales, (tho still making you double-to-triple on what you paid for them) 6) Watch and Wait, while the 'urban pioneers' do all your work for you. 7) As the time to cash in approaches, stimulate the progress of the process by beginning the work of repairing and improving those past neglected infrastructures and increasing the activities effective in increasing the safety of residents, (or the perception of same). 8) Raise rents on all your previously neglected and milked properties, thus forcing out any remaining 'undesirables'. (and remember NOT to thank them for their past contributions relative to depressing property values) 9) Cash in, BIG TIME, when those previously mentioned individuals with high incomes and ample resources now flock to the new 'hot' neighborhood. 10) Oh, don't forget to juice the builders and contractors who'll also be gathering at your doorstep, begging for the chance to build on those vacant lots you've been sitting on or buy them for 20 to 50 times what you got them for. and DATS DA CHICAGO WAY" Apparently, some folks in our ward approve of the above scheme.

Appalled at the turn this blog has taken. To Remember-your lack of the use of a decent vocabulary speaks volumes. Curious about other blogs on the runoffs so I checked some of them out. Identical blogs on the 35th "insider" & "sad to say" 2nd ward "insider" 50th ward "insider" & "Bernie's playbook" We've seen the same blogs here for the 32nd. I'm confused as to which ward you are an "insider" of. At least Mr. Flannagan has the decency to claim his opinions. I've lived in the 32nd since the early 70's, raised my children here (they were well educated at public schools in the ward & went on to a top pubic high school)& have enjoyed my neighbors. I've seen huge improvements in the ward as neighbors were willing to work together & with the Alderman. In the mid-90's the neighborhood began to see an influx of newer, younger & many suburban residents-many of whom were renters. The neighborhood soon lost it's "neighborhood feel" The most disturbing aspect was the newcomers unwillingness to "roll up their sleaves" & work towards everyone's quality of life. Most of what I saw & heard were complaints. That is mostly what I have been getting from many of these blogs-just complaints. When the garbage pickers come through your alley (this is the city after all), do you leave the mess there for Streets & San or do you pick it up? When your street gutter is clogged & your street is flooded, do you clean out the drain or wait for the City to do it? Do you move your car on street cleaning days or not care if your street gets cleaned? Have you insisted on your street becoming one w/ permit parking only? My point in this rambling is that we cannot expect the City to do everything for us. I have never had trouble speaking with the Alderman on Monday nights which is the time he is in his office waiting to see you face to face. I firmly believe that the neighborhood is a better place thanks to the hard work of the residents & Alderman Matlak As an aside, I used to drink at the Dodger when it was on Milwaukee & I still remember "Wicked Wanda's" Please, let's keep this site civil

So, why are we paying for our city employees, if, as you say "we cannot expect the City to do everything for us."? NO ONE is expecting the 'city' to do EVERYTHING for us, only what we pay hard our earned money for them to do, hard earned money we have NO CHOICE but to pay. (TAXES) You can speak to your alderman all you want, but, if what you want him/her to do is anything that would conflict with the agendas they're truly loyal to, you'll find that you're shit-outa-luck. The fact that many citizens of this city and county have been treated in a less-than-decent manner is what inspires less-than-decent language. Maybe you don't mind having to scrape together the needlessly huge tax payments, maybe you don't find it all that burdensome to pay twice as much for basic city services, maybe you can do so with less effort than most, but many citizens are just barely keeping up and many are living on credit, just to put food on the table. But, that's not YOUR problem, right? What "speaks volumes" is that you seem to understand what being a good neighbor is all about, yet you fail to acknowledge the abuses practiced by the long-term politicos going on right under your nose. Wait until you have a request to make of your alderman that is in conflict with what the powers-that-be desire. See how well he 'listens' to you and then see what 'help' you get. Talk to the people of your ward who have had to deal with being denied even the simplest assistance and cooperation on solving their problems. Try to understand that the reason there are so many complaints is that there are so many things being done wrong to complain about. When I see my tax bill cut in half, sales taxes cut in half, fees and licenses cut in half, etc., then I'll believe that there are honest people 'running' our city, because I KNOW how much of our taxes we're being cheated out of. In business, you expect to get AS MUCH as you pay for. Why do so many accept getting so much LESS than they pay for when it comes to government? I agree that "the neighborhood is a better place thanks to the hard work of the residents", but I contend that this has little to do with Matlak. And, anyway, isn't that what an alderman/woman is SUPPOSED to do, is BEING PAID to do, be truly helpful to all their constituents? Not just to those who make it 'worth his while'?

Flanagan and Anne: Vote for whomever you want, but it is a shame to rip up a bright, honest young man like Scott Waguespack based on the words of fools. If you lived in Berwyn the first thing you would have thought when you saw that Mike Phelan had issued a "Press Release" (after getting over your skepticsm that it actually originated with Phelan) is "Wow! Phelan did something!" The second thing you would have thought was, "Does Phelan have some property interest in the 32nd Ward that he needs help developing?" You might also think "Phelan must be looking for help from Matlak and the Democratic Party in the next election because he has absolutely burned all bridges with the residents of his ward." Ask them. He is "Me First" Mike all the way. His Press Release (which, probably was never "released" to the press by his office anyway) is astounding in saying that Scott Waguespack was seldom seen at City Hall and is not missed there. It is first of all a patent lie and second, the esteemed Press-Releasing Alderman would never know it because he is so busy running around rehabbing housing and changing lint filters at the laundries in basements of the various properties he owns or manages around town. Is it okay with you that, if by some miracle, Matlak squeaks by in the election, Phelan might get to make some do-re-mi in your neck of the woods? Its nice to have friends in high places. And as far as Erickson being taken off the Administation Committee-I guess the inference is supposed to be it would stop all the fictitious investigations he wants to launch-it would have better to keep him on. If you don't understand that, come and hear his smirking rhetoric and see his bizarre performances at the City Council meetings. If he were not an alderman it might be funny; but since he is, it is pathetic and yes, Joel, quite disappointing. Phelan's other outrageous and unsupportable comments about Scott Waguespack being "fired" were exposed as lies above.

"Flanagan and Anne: Vote for whomever you want, but it is a shame to rip up a bright, honest young man like Scott Waguespack based on the words of fools. If you lived in Berwyn, the first thing you would have thought, when you saw that Mike Phelan had issued a "Press Release" (after getting over your skepticsm that it actually originated with Phelan), is "Wow! Phelan did something!" The second thing you would have thought was, "Does Phelan have some property interest in the 32nd Ward that he needs help developing?" You might also think "Phelan must be looking for help from Matlak and the Democratic Party in the next election because he has absolutely burned all bridges with the residents of his ward." Ask them. He is "Me First" Mike all the way. His Press Release (which, probably was never "released" to the press by his office anyway) is astounding in saying that Scott Waguespack was seldom seen at City Hall and is not missed there. It is first of all a patent lie and second, the esteemed Press-Releasing Alderman would never know it because he is so busy running around rehabbing housing and changing lint filters at the laundries in basements of the various properties he owns or manages around town. Is it okay with you that, if by some miracle, Matlak squeaks by in the election, Phelan might get to make some do-re-mi in your neck of the woods? Its nice to have friends in high places. And as far as Erickson being taken off the Administation Committee-(I guess the inference is supposed to be it would stop all the fictitious investigations he wants to launch)-it would have better to keep him on. If you don't understand that, come and hear his smirking rhetoric and see his bizarre performances at the City Council meetings. If he were not an alderman it might be funny; but since he is, it is pathetic and yes, Joel, quite disappointing. Phelan's other outrageous and unsupportable comments about Scott Waguespack being "fired" were exposed as lies above."

Matlak in bad company http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2007/01/city-council-opening-roll-calls.html

After watching "Chicago Tonight" on channel 11 last night, I think it is very clear who should remain the Alderman of the 32nd Ward, Ted Matlak. Not only did Scott skip around on EVERY question, he never outright answered any question. Scott has yet to state what he will do in the 32nd Ward. All I heard was "corruption this corruption that" and "I am going to rid City Hall of corruption". Good luck with that one, with your one-man, holier-than-thou attitude. Again, I am very happy in the 32nd Ward and see things as changing for the better, with Alderman Ted Matlak's leadership. How about Scott start focusing on the actual ward rather than all this alleged corruption, which by the way, he stumbled and then stated "well no" when asked if he was accusing "this current Alderman of corruption". Because again, the only person under investigation is Scott Waguespack, not the current Alderman, Ted Matlak. And enough with the negative pieces, Scott. I received at least 6 negative, mud-slinging pieces from you the first time around, and not a single one from Alderman Matlak, until this past weekend. And you know what, I can't blame him for going negative now, I would want to defend myself from lies as well.

lies, lies, and lies from Sam. "Because again, the only person under investigation is Scott Waguespack, not the current Alderman, Ted Matlak. " lie. put up with the evidence or shut up. as fro Matlak's "stumbling," boy, his response to the corruption &was basically "well, nothing like that has happened in this election" meaning "well, I haven't been CAUGHT YET, so up yours." Matlak has no leadership, that's the problem. with the property taxes we pay we SHOULD have more parks, better schools, etc. the neighborhood is improving in some areas, but Matlak has had little or nothing to do with it outside of giving away zoning bonuses to the connected few.

Matlak is a goon. He sent over two fat bastards to intimidate my business into donating to his campaign. I explained to the fat clowns that my business (bookmaking) was illegal and it probably wasn't in Matlak's best interest to accept money from me. Their response "we don't care just give us the money" so I gave them $500 and they went on their way. I remember George Ryan's people would do anything for a dime. Looks like Matlaks people are the same way.

Fat Teddy voted to ban Foi Gras. Therefore he loses my respect and endorsement. Anyone with a brain would never vote for Fat Teddy. Unless you are taking it in the A from a developer! Vote for Fat Teddy and you will F'ed in the A!

"Longer time resident". You sre just plain rude and I will not comment, except to say you don't even pay property taxes so I could care less about what you feel you "Should" have. To this "Keyser Soze", perhaps when you are going to lie, you should look into the facts. No "bokkmaker" has given money to Alderman Ted Matlak, that can be proven online, at the state of Illinois elections website. Besides, if you were truly "bullied" call the police, file a complaint. Otherwise, stop spreading malicious, false lies. And to all those who continue to live in a bubble, not wanting to admit their "golden child" was FIRED, just wait until April 18th, when he has no job to go to!!!

Sam, could you be the same Sam that owes me a dime? Does Matlak's harassment ever end? Besides do you really think Matlak's goons gave the legitimate campaign fund my name and address to report? The money went to the "threat and intimidation fund" which does not file with board of elections. (last time I checked) But don't worry about me. If Scott is elected I won't have to pay anymore of my earnings to Matlak. Which is a good thing because I think he is to naive to extort money from bookies like myself.

cry me a river, sam. evidence - you either have some, or you're intentionally spreading disinformation. and what kind of stupid comment is "you don't even pay property taxes?" you know some trick to get out of paying them? we're all ears.

Like Matlak, Sam is a horrible gambler. If it is the same Sam I think it is. And is he isn't paying his taxes it is because Matlak has already purchased his tax debt and is holding it over his head. Very much like Matlak. "If you don't support my campaign I will kick you and your 80 year old grandmother who has cancer to the curb"

I see the SEIU is up to same tricks in the 32nd Ward as in the rest of the run-off races. And the comment to you "Longer time resident" you rent, you don't pay taxes so please don't lie to everyone. How about crying me a river. Thing is, I'm not crying, I'm working on bettering the community I live in, not making it worse by dragging people into a war. You will be crying the day your boy Scott loses, and you can bet NOBODY will be there to lend a hankie. And Keyser, again, CALL THE POLICE. You are EXACTLY what is wrong with the system today. You ALLOW the alleged "Crime" as stated above to occur. Of course, that's if one did occur, which clearly you are a LIAR. I wouldn't joke about a grandma with cancer, either. For some of us, the subject hits fairly close to home, those of us with hearts.

Sam you are degenerate gambler who owes his lively hood to Matlak. How the hell to I ALLOW the crime to occur? Either I pay or the fat bastards crack my skull open with the golf clubs they won at Matlak's annual golf fund raiser. And when Matlak loses you will lose your protection and I will get my money. Got it?

test

Oh Keyser, how about you stop hiding behind the nonsense. I mean really, are you an adult? Sounds like you are a very bitter person, who's probably upset because SEIU isn't going to win this one :) Good day.

Hi. I live in Berwyn and found out about this site and some of the recent postings on this site. It was stated in one posting above that Michael Phelan is a member of the Independent Voters of Berwyn. That is not true. He was a member when he was elected alderman in April of 2005 but in March of 2006, Mr. Phelan sent in a letter of resignation to the Independent Voters of Berwyn. That letter of resignation was printed in both the Berwyn Life Newspaper and Berwyn Gazette in March of 2006. Mr. Phelan considers himself to be a Republican and he has his own agenda and own personal political reasons for releasing that press release. Scott W. was not fired. The line item for his salary was zeroed out. - Steve

I don't rent, perhaps you should stick to talking about subjects you and your candidate are familiar with, like vote fraud.

"Scott W. was not fired. The line item for his salary was zeroed out. " of course, he's been on unpaid leave since Jan 1, so from a budget perspective, there is no line item.

http://www.keepgoing.org/issue27_clean/aldermaniacs_part_deux.html

Sam please don't associate me with union lackeys. Although when they lose money gambling they pay up unlike you. Besides I thought you were an ass man. This is news to me that Matlak likes to get his salad tossed by you I thought he was more of a pitcher than a catcher. Keep him clean pal.

Excuse me? First Keyser, I am a woman. Second, do not stoop to such low-levels, unless you have the brain of an ape (which I am guessing you do because absolutely nothing you are saying makes any sense). And yes, Scott was fired, when you "line-item zero" his salary, with a vote of 7-0, including approval of his so-called lackey-the Mayor, this is firing. I also like how everyone is dancing around the fact that Scott is being investigated!! Apparently I am the only person in the 32nd Ward who cares about this, the lack of intergrity the candidate Scott has, and who is deeply disturbed that people would actually vote for someone who has the potential to go to jail. And there you go, on paid leave since Jan. 1st/ What about the 4 MONTHS before that, when he was running for Alderman?????

"And yes, Scott was fired, when you "line-item zero" his salary, with a vote of 7-0," Why don't you actually back up this asinine opinion of yours? Have you worked with budgets before?

Sam, you are so a dude. Not buying the I am a woman crap. I have known some snaggle toothed hags in my day and even they don't talk trash like you. Only a man can lie like that. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if you are Matlak himself taking time away from surfing for underage prostitutes to post egregious lies about his competition. You are fooling no one!

Growing up, I was always told "consider the source". Here is Ald. Erickson's website: http://www.citizensfortrailside.org//TheDiscussionBegins.htm His DOG was his campaign manager. http://www.citizensfortrailside.org/GrassRoots.htm Read the council recaps here: http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?board=15.0 The alderman who issued the press release does not have a good reputation about town.

Hi there again. Scott W. is not and was not being investigated. That was another lie in the Phelan press release. FYI, Michael Phelan is a right wing Republican. He is pro-gun and anti-choice. Phelan is using this press release to make points in his run for Berwyn Mayor as a Republican. I wonder if Ted Matlak realizes he is associating himself with a right-wing nutcase. - Steve

I really don't see anything that suggests Matlak is anything BUT a right-winger. he certainly doesn't seem to care much about the poorer blue-collar residents in his ward. (I'm really sure it's those folks who are the ones needing zoning variances to add bedrooms - what a crock of hooey!)

btw: "And there you go, on paid leave since Jan. 1st/ What about the 4 MONTHS before that, when he was running for Alderman?????" that's January 1st, TWO THOUSAND AND SIX! good grief, try doing some homework and try NOT being such a tool.

Sorry there buddy. It ws this past 2007. You also have an awesome grasp on the English language and your vocabulary is amazing-that of a sixth grader, at least! Pretty easy to see that Scott's lackey's are all thugs with SEIU connections and clearly have no education, perhaps beyond middle-school.

I may stand corrected there, providing you can back that up - we are still waiting for you to admit that regarding Scott W. is not and was not being investigated, nor was he fired. sucks trying to selectively demand the truth, huh?

What the hell does the SEIU have to do with anything? They are legal organization unlike Matlak's mafia friends who shake the local business down. Sam, using words like lackey and thug prove you are just some ass clown who works for the city possibly even in the ward office. Proving one thing and one thing only Ted Matlak is a criminal who is scared for his political life and will do/say anything save his ass. No go fill a pot hole you scum bag or sweep the streets earn my tax money!

I saw the "Debate" last night on WTTW. I Saw the challenger, looking very very nervous and did not really answer the Alderman's questions. Scott also did not deny the fact that Berwyn is increasingly becoming more dangerous with crime, they are in debt and they fired him for politicing while on the job. He was put on administrative leave and then fired. What makes me laugh is all the guy could say is waste and corruption, waste and corruption? When he was asked about not being able to pass the bar exam, he had to lash out at Daley, because the Mayor failed it also, but the thing is, he finally did pass it and went on to be this county's States Attorney? The lies and the hate came out from a man who knows his campaign is in shambles. 7-0 voted in favor of his ouster by Alderman who were with his "reform" party. Scott Claims he is a Democrat, but has helped his Mayor in Berwyn run a Independent ticket? Can he actually get past the lies? DOes he know the difference?

Matlak claims he's a Democrat, but what is he doing for blue collar stiffs who don't get 15 - 30% raises to keep up with their property tax increases? btw, John, you are completely full of it - the transcript of the debate, VERBATIM, is at the link below- do a search for the word "fired" and nothing connected to Scott's name comes up. http://aldertrack.typepad.com/

when does I get paid for trashing Scott on this here internets? I like sleeping in my truck better.

Mr. Flanagan, you are wrong. Scott was not fired. The city council voted 7-0 to zero out his salary line item in the budget because they were not expecting him to re-take his job. He was not ousted. Why don't you ask any of the other aldermen in Berwyn? Why are you assuming Phelan is telling the truth and does not have ulterior motives behind the press release? And, the person who claims he is part of the Berwyn Independent party (Michael Phelan) is not. He resigned from the Berwyn Independent Pary in March, 2006 and proclaimed himself to be a Republican. He is the next Republican candidate for Mayor in Berwyn. Everyone in Berwyn knows that. Also, last year, the crime rate In Berwyn decreased from previous year and, I might add, is much lower than the crime rate in the city of Chicago. - Steve

Princess Flanagan if your head wasn't so far up Matlak's syphilis ridden ass you would realize that all the garbage you're spewing (which was put in your mouth after it exited Matlak's ass)are lies. You have no facts just Matlak's ass residue all over your face. Now go wash up.

"snaggle tooth hags"? Please keyser soze, sexism will get you nowhere. Would Scott approve of a supporter defaming women?

Liz, Who says I'm voting for Scott? Actually Teddy and I go way back. Trust me nobody defames women better than Ted Matlak. One time Ted and I were at The Admiral and he purposely put his cigarette out on a strippers thigh. It was hilarious. You see Ted doesn't take any shit even it's from a woman. I've seen him "correct" his wife on numerous occasions. Ted Matlak is going to kick Scott whatever his name's ass!

Wow, I truly hit a nerve with the SEIU thing, huh there Keyser... And again, fantastic use of the English language. So happy to see Scott's supporter, how shall I say, so high up on the intelligence pool? Could I honestly expect anything else from a member of SEIU. Thought not.

I know it's a union I am just not sure which one. I hate unions so please don't associate me with them. Sam, we are on the same side here. We are going to help Teddy win. He called me up and said he would make you pony up the money you owe in turn for my support. I only wish I could vote for him, stupid felony conviction. Sam and I will beat the crap out of any Scott Blagovich voters!

The one thing Sam AKA Ted Matlak and I have in common is our hatred of unions and all people of color. So if you want to do away with blue color trash balls in our ward along with the darkies you will vote for TED MATLAK!

I f'in love it. All of the city workers stopped posting at 4PM. That is hilarious!!!

"how shall I say, so high up on the intelligence pool?" you might say that if English was your second language - how exactly does one get "high up on a pool," which is measured by its depth?

Aw, come on Joe L. With all the foul, nasty language in these recent posts, you're going to make a big deal about verbage? Are you that desperate & frustrated about & concerning your candidate?

You guys, (and gals), have missed your calling. Stop wasting your lives making chump change, 'working' for the city, you've got futures in stand-up and sketch comedy. Come by during the week and we'll try you out.

I'm tired of seeing all those big-ass Matlak signs all over. Of course most are on fences surrounding construction sites whose owners have already paid Teddy a few bucks. But what really bugs me are the Matlak signs taped to windows of empty store fronts. So starting tonight, I'm going out with the wire cutters and the straight razor and take some signs down. Please follow my lead and get some for yourself. I'm not advocating removing any campaign sign from someone's home or business, but any others are fair game.

The fact of the matter is that the Berwyn City Council voted 7-0 to investigate Waguespack for campaigning on city time. Two nights later the city council voted 7-0 to eliminate his position because it was a patronage position given to him by Mayor O'Connor. I don't see where the debate is. His own party supported both of these unanimous decisions.

Like Matlak and his army of city workers haven't been 'campaigning' on the clock for months now?

to Keyster Sore: Hey, I get the feeling you feel it's alright to just say anything, without uttering anything intelligent? I guess that is what a Scott Waguespack supporter is all about in the final days/hours of his last campaign. Even Berwyn doesn't want him? Why do you?

We're hoping he'll show up and tryout for our sketch team, he's got the chops for it.

So there you have it folks, he didn't comment on being fired from City Hall in Berwyn. The Republican/Independent who claims he's a Democrat is a loser. Elizabeth Brackett: But are you accusing this candidate now of corrupt practices in this campaign? Scott Waguespack: Not...I have not. I've said follow through with the Donald Tomczak accusations, that that needed to be looked into a long time ago. And it never was. Elizabeth Brackett: So what do you make of what he's saying? Ted Matlak: These are more distortions and trying to get off his qualifications and his issues. Let's talk about under investigation and corruption. Earlier this week Berwyn City Council voted to investigate his administration for illegal hiring practices. Scott Waguespack: [nodding his head for no] Ted Matlak: The same city council unanimously voted Thursday to eliminate his position. Now, you don't have to believe me. You can to the Berwyn City Council. You can talk to the aldermen there. They have press releases out. These were people in his own party. But what I want to talk about is what the future for our ward is. We're facing tremendous challenges as we move into the 21st Century. Elizabeth Brackett: And one of those is development which has also been a contentious issue in your ward. What is your position now on new development. As an example, there was the question of tearing down the old bar...the Artful Dodger. And putting up a...to make way for new development, which was opposed by many in the community. It's an example, they say, of your not being in touch with the community on development. How do you respond to that? Ted Matlak: First of all, in preserving historic buildings, we've landmarked 634 buildings in Ukranian Village with overwhelming support of the neighbors down there. The Artful Dodger was a tavern on a side street, a building that was for sale for years. It was in dilapidated condition. It wasn't an historic landmark. No one cam forward to purchase the building. It's now being built as a single family house. And many of the neighbors who live right there are ecstatic that the tavern is gone. Elizabeth Brackett: So you're saying it doesn't indicate in any way that you're out of touch with the ward in terms of development. What do you say to that? Scott Waguespack: Well, first let me address that other issue. I am not under investigation. That's another one of these lies and distortions. And I'd like to get off of that and get voters back on the issues. The issue was that he didn't communicate with the community on the Artful Dodger. He didn't communicate with the community on the Pleasure Chest. And that's the difference between us. I want to come out there and say to community groups and to the residents, when there is going to be zoning changes, when there is going to be development, it's in your backyard. And you deserve to know what's happening in your backyard. So it's including the residents and it's including the community in the decision-making process, or at least the process that should take place beforehand. Not one that's convolted and residents don't know what's happening until the last minute. Elizabeth Brackett: Quickly, do you think that you need to make any changes in the way you've handled development, in the process? Ted Matlak: First of all, there was a mistatement here. The Pleasure Chest was a business that relocated that some people didn't want in the neighborhood. Scott Waguespack: That's not a mistatement. Ted Matlak: There was no zoning change. They were there as of right. They had a legal right to be there. I couldn't stop it. No one else could. Scott Waguespack: There was no process Elizabeth Brackett: We've also only got a minute left. Tell me if you think you need to make any changes in terms of the way you've handled development in the ward.

Thank you, John, for your input ..... now, back to you, Keyser.

Listen Flanagan the 32nd Ward is no place for shanty irish pig fucks like yourself. Go back to the 19th Ward and blow Jerry Joyce and the rest of the irish mafia wanna bee's. My boy Matlak and I will do all we can to rid the ward of irish and hopefully the mexican as well. VOTE MATLAK!

When I was a freshman at Depaul I volunteered at the ward office for Alderman Matlak. At first I was like this guy is sooo cool. He told me all the crazy stories about how the ward use to be a rough and tumble place and that he would do anything his boss Alderman Gabinski told him to. So I bought into it hook line and sinker. Turns out Ted just wanted another boy toy to have around the office. This was a total shock because the dude's married. I resisted his forceful sexual advances and eventually quit. He still calls me to apologize. The police stated because I resisted his advances (meaning he didn't get to stick his thumb in my ass like he wanted) and the fact that I am over 18 nothing could be done. I'm just telling this story in case some other young male wants to volunteer for the Matlak office or campaign.

John, you nailed it here: "Scott Waguespack: Well, first let me address that other issue. I am not under investigation. That's another one of these lies and distortions. And I'd like to get off of that and get voters back on the issues. The issue was that he didn't communicate with the community on the Artful Dodger. He didn't communicate with the community on the Pleasure Chest. And that's the difference between us. I want to come out there and say to community groups and to the residents, when there is going to be zoning changes, when there is going to be development, it's in your backyard. And you deserve to know what's happening in your backyard. So it's including the residents and it's including the community in the decision-making process, or at least the process that should take place beforehand. Not one that's convoluted and residents don't know what's happening until the last minute." was there some part of "I am not under investigation. That's another one of these lies and distortions." you need more clarification on?

You people suck. Your ward is a total rat infested shit hole. Matlak is a total Daley bitch boy and honestly I have no opinion about the other guy but I am certain Daley will own him as well.

Why on earth does a fact (Scott is under investigation by the city of Berwyn) need to be clarified? You really are just sad and pathetic, like your candidate "Longer time resident". Hope you have a job for your candidate come April 18th. It certainly won't be Alderman of the 32nd Ward.

Is today a civic holiday? Where are the city workers to prop up Matlak on the taxpayer dime? I guess I will have to do all the work myself. (the bookmaking operation is slow) I will address the lies. Listen former Matlak volunteer there is no way Teddy is gay and into you. Now if you were an underage female prostitute (Ted ain't no gay)living in the 32nd ward he would be all over that like a fat kid loves cake. Longer time resident: you are not helping the situation. You must be a spy sent by Scott to spread disinformation. I hear Scott was involved in 9/11. Vote MATLAK!

Looks like Sam the deadbeat gambler finally showed up for his city job. 9-3 not bad hours. Now start cracking for Matlak you piece of shit and earn your keep. Hate Mexicans? Vote Matlak!

So SpecialTed would like to be reelected Alderman eh? I would love to see him floor debate Dorothy Tillman! It wouldn't matter who won because in the end they are both retarded.

sam: "Why on earth does a fact" no, it's not a fact (or even stretching the truth), no matter how hard you insist it is. it's 100% unsubstantiated, period. do you also believe the earth is flat?

So when I call Berwyn (this morning at 9:06am) and they state that yes Scott Waguespack is under investigation... Doesn't make it a fact? Pal, you are living in a dream world. Time to wake up and smell the hypocrisy.

Word is out Scott is being investigated by the States Attorney! Good bye Scott. Berwyn will not miss your lies, half truths and down right nasty self! We in Berwyn should file a class action lawsuit against you and get our tax money back you crook! Have at it 32nd ward you can have our recycled trash!

post the name & number of who you called, and I'll just double check that. "Berwyn" isn't a person, it's a town.

Again llr, You can have our trash, vote for Scott april 17th! he can campaign then on your dime , not anymore on Berwyn taxpayers backs!

LOL, right, Matlak has been a boon for 32nd ward taxpayers - the word BOONDOGGLE is more like it.

http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=25&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=2859&TM=31350.8 What's Berwyn doing in Bucktown politics? By LAURA PUTRE Editor Political infighting in the suburb of Berwyn has spilled over into Scott Waguespack's campaign for 32nd Ward alderman in Chicago. Representatives for Waguespack's opponent, 32nd Ward Alderman Ted Matlak, have in recent weeks distributed campaign literature stating that the Berwyn City Council is investigating Waguespack for "campaigning on city time." Since November, Waguespack has been on unpaid leave from his job as the city administrator of Berwyn in order to campaign full time for 32nd Ward alderman. Matlak spokeswoman Rebekah Brooks said that her office learned of the alleged investigation from Berwyn 6th Ward Alderman Michael Phelan. Phelan issued a press release on March 30 stating that Waguespack was fired from his city job on March 29. The release also stated that on March 27, Berwyn City Council voted to investigate Waguespack. However, Berwyn Mayor Michael O'Connor said Waguespack was not fired, but rather the money in the budget for his salary was shifted for the time being to pay for additional 911 operators. "I was trying to push and shove a lot of numbers to get some money on some other line items," said O'Connor of the March 29 budget meeting. "I said 'Hey, he's gonna be elected in the 32nd ward-it's our loss, their gain.'" O'Connor said that if Waguespack loses the election, he is welcome to return to his job-and the budget will be adjusted to pay his $65,000 salary. The minutes of the March 27 City Council meeting state that the Berwyn City Council voted to refer to its administrative committee a request made by Alderman Joel Erickson to investigate Waguespack. The council did not, according to City Clerk Thomas Pavlik, vote to investigate Waguespack. O'Connor said that any animosity directed toward Waguespack stems from the fact that Waguespack assisted the FBI in obtaining information used to convict former Berywn Assistant Mayor Samuel "Sonny" Stillo on racketeering charges. "Part of what Scott did was be the point man for the FBI," O'Connor said. "Whenever the FBI came to City Hall looking for records, they had to go to Scott first, and he directed them around." Phelan said in a phone that Waguespack should be investigated for illegal campaigning because a city notary public stamped his petition to run for alderman. "That notary stamp and seal was paid for by the city of Berwyn," he said. O'Connor remains unconvinced. "Notaries can notarize anything," he said. "When you're a notary, you're registered with the state. It's a normal service you can do. To say it's political work is kind of ridiculous."

More lies and cover ups! He was fired because of public outrage. Campaigning on the public’s dime did not sit right with us Berwyn residents. Take the trash; he and Mayor O'con Berwyn are 10 times worse than the previous corrupt administration. They came across as reformers, but once they got into office it was business as usual. Crime is up in Berwyn by 22%, a child was murdered walking home from school, four men stabbed 500ft from a public school, 100’s of graffiti incidents, home burglaries and so on. So people of the 32nd ward vote for Scott open up the City vault and give him your money! He's not going to be taking mine anymore! He and the Mayor have turned Berwyn into a ghetto overnight! Please vote for him we do not want him back in Berwyn! I’ll admit I can give a shit what happens in the 32nd ward, but if you want an alderman that can turn your streets into a ghetto in less than two years Scotts your man!

oh, puh-leeeze. get a life, willya?

Don't trust Scott he will bring elements of the Jew and their black gangsters to the 32nd Ward. Vote Matlak!

Thank you, knuckleheads, for your 'input', and now .... back to you, Longer time Resident.

Wow! Do we really want an alderman with Berwyn/Cicero ties. The attacks by this wagusepack is disgusting. Maybe he thinks he can turn the ward into a Cicero/Berwyn island. I was sitting on the fence with this one, but after hearing all this stuff from Berwyn people , it makes one wonder. I have to hold my nose and vote for Matlak, at least we know what we are getting. Waguespacks rubbing elbows with gay bashers is typical of the Cicero/ Berwyn machine.

Come on get REAL! Waguespack helping the FBI? That’s just a blatant lie. The indictment of the Mayors assistant had nothing to do with Waguespack. In fact a true reform Alderman and foe of Waguespack is credited with exposing the corruption in town hall. The Mayor and Waguespack just continued the coruption pattern. Please get your facts straight.

Exactly, perfectly said New Ward Resident and Bernie H. While I may not support Alderman Matlak 100% (I am right around 90%), I certainly do not want to trust the 32nd Ward in the hands of a liar and patronage hack, not to mention someone who has supporters who clearly do not support diversity within the 32nd Ward.

Easy to write on blogs and not use a name. Wake-up 32nd ward residents, some Berwyn posters are using other residents names. A juvienille game, a sport, attack the good guy. Scott did work with the FBI, there are on going investigations in Berwyn from the old administration, one in the pokey more on the way. Very confusing that Berwyn residents write negative comments about their town, crime is down 4% per State of Il. stats. Stabbings were tragic events, how is Scott or anyone else responsible except the perpetrator? Alderman Phelen plans to piggy back onto developer friendly, deep pocket Teddy, Phelen is a developer by trade. Catherine Z. was supported by Fast Eddie who is now supporting Teddy, Phelen's Alderman pal Joel is son-in-law of an ex-Cicero president who is a life long friend of Fast Eddie. There you go, the circle is complete, you want Cicero pick Teddy. These postings from Berwyn show you it will be politics as usual, over developed buildings, rising taxes in the 32nd if you pick Teddy. Scott Waguespack is running for all the right reasons, HONEST GOVERNMENT. They are reaching, Scott has no ghosts. Berwyn is a great town. The people with an ax to grind are a minute percentage of very good people living here.

exactly, but that is what has made this whole exchange so amusing. it's so obviously a plan of last resort for these guys, they know their goose is cooked.

Sam I hear you make remarks all the time about the gays. Don't get liberal on our boy Ted. "women should have never been allowed the vote" Ted Matlak. I stand by my guy Matlak! Vote Matlak!

Sooooo, now things are coming into focus. No wonder the machine hack is pulling out all the stops on this one. Imagine all the sweaty balls sitting on city council seats, (and every other seat in city hall), right now, anxiously awaiting the outcome of this one race. The mere possibility of an alderman willing to work with the Feds, without being forced to, privy to ALL so-called 'public' records, right in the midst of the schemers, must have them balls sweating like rivers. IF FOR NO OTHER REASON, put this brave soul in amongst the riff-raff, and let's see what rocks he can overturn.

Well, well Sam, do you think volunteering for the Peace Corp. in Kosovo is not diverse? Teddy said on Chicago Tonight his only job was as Alderman, that stood out. Sad when you think of it, the world has passed him by.

Well, well Sam, do you think volunteering for the Peace Corp. in Kosovo is not diverse? Teddy said on Chicago Tonight his only job was as Alderman, that stood out. Sad when you think of it, the world has passed him by.

Just so you 32nd ward people know how low some people can go, some desperate soul has been using my name to post here. Why would some Berwynite be interested in helping the incumbant? Follow the money, it leaves quite a trail. For what it is worth, I know Scott and he will serve your ward well

Scott please stop typing in support of yourself. Tell the truth about the Feds questioning you. How about you running the campaign of Republican committeman Shounder and then getting caught on tape at the headquarters on Oak Park Ave. when you were working on my time (the taxpayer). Tell us Scott! Better yet tell the people of the 32nd ward how stupid you are! You took the bar 7 times and failed it! Kosovo you don't even know were it's at let along claiming that you were on a peace mission. Another lie! Keep our garbage Chicago vote for Scott!

Another thing, crime in Berwyn down 4% is very laughable. How about murder jumping up 400% since you and fatman O'con Berwyn took over in Berwyn. Let's talk about your record. Shit, let's talk about your gaybashing buddies. I have had my house on the market for 9 months and have reduced the price 3 times! This is fact folks, yes I do have an axe to grind with him and the other FAKE reformers. I happen to be Gay and I will never forget your lies! Reformer your record speaks volumes of your spewed lies! Don't forget vote for Scott W., because he needs a job! We in Berwyn canned his sorry ass. Bye Scott, maybe apply for unemployment. The real Bernie is our alderman candidate Scott. Getting desperate?

Ted, please stop typing in support of yourself. Tell the truth about the Feds questioning you. You know you're gonna flip like a well-cooked burger, just fess up now, so the rest of us can get a much needed heads-up.

NO IT'S REALLY A BERWYN RESIDENT SCOTT.

NO, IT'S REALLY A 32ND WARD CITY WORKER, TED.

Scott is being exposed for the true full of crap politician he is! Have our Trash Chicago vote for him on Tuesday the 17th. Please do us Berwyn people a favor, chicago is a good place for Scott. Corrupt, lier, tax hiking, crime loving piece of crap! You ruined my town, now I can't even sell my home for what I paid for it. You A-Hole!

I don't know if any of you saw yesterday's Berwyn Life but here is an article that might be of interest. "Salary Axed for Disputed Mayoral Assistant." In the article it says, "

I don't know if any of you saw yesterday's Berwyn Life but here is an article that might be of interest. "Salary Axed for Disputed Mayoral Assistant." In the article it says, "The city's aldermen voted March 27 to refer an investigation into Waguespack's activities." It goes on to say that an alderman "alleges Waguespack was running his campaign on city time."

Maybe if you hadn't thrown all those dope-and-drink parties, with you and your buddies puking all over the walls and carpeting, you'd be having better luck recouping your investment. Pony-up for a thorough house-cleaning and then put it back on the market.

Typical of a Scott response!

So, it's true?

Yes, it's true. He put a cigarette out right on the strippers ass. Ted Matlak is a bad ass. Someone told me later he did it because the stripper was the mother of his bastard child and she was trying to get support for the baby. Ted kept it real. VOTE MATLAK!

Hmmm long time residents complaining about life in buck town. How is 40 years for longtime? i admit there were some nice changes in our community for a while, but now it is a congested mess. Condos are everywhere, drunks stumbling around the neighborhoods after a night at the local pubs, no parking thanks to the billion new buildings and most importantly a lack of real longtime residents, because the property taxes have become outrageous. No one cares about the long time resident. It is all about attracting the trendy, high income bracket crowd. Heck they even have to bus tons of kids to the schools, because young families can't afford to live here anymore. May be they can tear them down and build some more freaking condos! i don't know which of these two clowns would be better for this ward , but somehow i don't think either would make a difference for the long time resident . This ward Caters to the developers and the newbie investors - screw the families and the real longtime residents.

Again vote for Scott he did a wonderful job in Berwyn, that's why we fired him. Vote for Scott he needs a job. lets make bucktown a gangbaner haven for Scotts Cicero connections that he brought to my town. Please take our trash!

I don't know how people can continue to argue that it is not true that Waguespack is under investigation and he was fired. There is an article in the Berwyn Life titled "Salary Axed for Disputed Mayoral Assistant." In the article it says, "The city's aldermen voted March 27 to refer an investigation into Waguespack's activities." It goes on to say that an alderman "alleges Waguespack was running his campaign on city time." I'm not sure what there is left to debate.

How many times do certain people need to be told that nobody cares what Scott may or may not have done in Berwyn. The fact that we all know what Matlak HAS done to our neighborhoods is enough of a reason to fire his ass. Also, if Scott really had the balls to help the Feds in their investigation of criminal activities in Berwyn, he's EXACTLY the guy we need to be placed smack dab in the middle of the cesspool of a city council we've had to endure for decades. Go gettum', Tiger!

Preach it, Carmen! "Imagine all the sweaty balls sitting on city council seats, (and every other seat in city hall), right now, anxiously awaiting the outcome of this one race. " do I really have to? yuk!

Tell me all about Scott helping the FBI, it seems he was tring to muddy up a true reform Alderman. Sound Familiar? By Andy Shaw ABC 7 news Chicago November 24, 2006 - A former suburban alderman helped the FBI root out political corruption in Berwyn. Alex Bojovic knows about wires -- the kind you wear as an FBI mole to catch corrupt politicians. "I got tired of seeing what was going on around me," said Alex Bojovic, FBI Mole. Bojovic was a Berwyn alderman who wore a hidden wire and a tiny camera for two years to secretly record 400 calls and meetings and $15,000 in alleged payoffs to fix business deals -- including $500 in a bathroom at Berwyn City Hall from the former assistant Mayor Sonny Stillo. Stillo provided Bojovic with a major scare in one of their restaurant meetings. "I was patted on the back and I thought for sure the individual would find out I was wearing a wire. It was a difficult situation," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the hardest part was the secrecy from his friends, family and even from his wife, Diane, who says she was better off not knowing. "They could torch or house or torch my garage or do some harm," said Diane Bojovic, Alex Bojovic's wife. Bojovic says politicians hate moles. And, in fact, he was unemployed until recently when the village of Lyons made him the public works director. But with Sonny Stillo on his way to jail, a major developer expected to plead guilty and several more indictments likely down the road, he says it was worth it. "It sends a message out to the residents that someone is out there will to work for them to do the right thing," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the only way to find out if the residents really appreciate his undercover efforts is to run for mayor, which he did once before unsuccessfully. He is planning to give it another try in the next round of municipal elections in 2009. Scott Waguespack, Assistant Mayor of Berwyn, a Bojovic foe, critized Bojovic and even claimed the Alderman was corrupt in a local political attack paper the “Berwyn Independent”.

Here's one more: Guilty plea in Berwyn bribes By Rudolph Bush Chicago Tribune February 09, 2007 An Oak Brook builder pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to bribing a Berwyn alderman and a top mayoral assistant so he could rig the purchase of two city properties. Clifford Josefik, 70, said in court that the $10,000 bribe he paid an alderman in 2002 was 'really for his re-election.' But when pressed, he admitted he paid the bribe to get an inside shot at buying Berwyn's old police station at 6647 W. 26th St. The alderman, Alex Bojovic, was working undercover for federal agents and recorded the bribe. Bojovic's undercover work continued into 2003, when Josefik offered bribes to him and to Samuel 'Sonny' Stillo, the top administrative assistant to then-Berwyn Mayor Thomas Shaughnessy. Stillo has pleaded guilty to offering Bojovic $1,000 to back a preferred bidder for a revitalization project along Cermak Road. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in November. Josefik admitted Thursday that he offered Stillo $5,000 to provide him with information about sealed bids for a property on Scoville Avenue. But when he was asked to describe his wrongdoing to the court, Josefik seemed to hesitate. 'Mr. Stillo and I never really discussed any money. ... Mr. Stillo never got one penny,' he said. Josefik said he didn't even really want the property on Scoville Avenue, but that Bojovic 'kept pressuring me to buy it.' U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan cut off his explanation, saying, 'I am asking you what you did wrong, sir, not excuses.' Asked if he knew that what he had done was wrong, Josefik replied, 'Basically, yes.' Hobbled by a stroke and walking with a cane, Josefik described a litany of medical problems that have him on a regimen of some 23 pills a day. His medical problems are likely to become an issue at sentencing in May. He faces 8 to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors' calculations. ---------- rrbush@tribune.com

was this an alderman cooperating because he himself was under investigation, by any chance? that's usually how it works, compadre.

Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

Here is another one: 05-R RESOLUTION Sponsored by THE HONORABLE ANTHONY J. PERAICA, COUNTY COMMISSIONER Co-Sponsored by THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN, ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Alderman Alex Bojovic has been a dedicated and honest public servant in the course of holding several elected and appointed offices as Berwyn Park District Commissioner, Chairman of the Berwyn Public Library, Director of Lyons Public Works, Sanitation Supervisor for the Village of Oak Park, Superintendent of Recreation Department for the City of Berwyn, Forestry Foreman, Director of Public Works Department and Chairman of the Building, Zoning and Planning Committee; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic has advanced the welfare of the community by supporting the National Parks and Recreation Association, Arbor Day Association, Berwyn Historical Society, District 100 PTA and the Route 66 organization; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic has served as 2nd Ward Alderman on the City of Berwyn’s City Council since 1997; and WHEREAS, during his term as Alderman, Alex Bojovic has been a champion of open and transparent local government so that Berwyn’s residents can restore their trust in their city leaders; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic has spared no effort to protect Berwyn’s citizenry from dishonesty and malfeasance, as acknowledged by the U.S. Attorney who commended Alex Bojovic in a written letter; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic is the embodiment of the type of leadership that produces a vibrant and economically healthy City of Berwyn and Western Cook County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of all its citizens proclaims that Alex Bojovic be recognized and honored for his selfless record of service to his community and the welfare of its citizens and his leadership in promoting open, transparent and honest local government, and that this text be spread over the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and an official copy be tendered to Alex Bojovic, City of Berwyn 2nd Ward Alderman in recognition of his years of service to his community. Approved and adopted this 14th day of December 2004. This is an honest guy that Waguespack campaigned against, sound familiar. Waguespack is worse that the Chicago machine. He lies distorts and manipulates to get his way. It's a game with him, it's not about doing whats right! Vote for Scott April 17th!

nice spin, you must be getting dizzy. any comments that include "That’s why we fired him in Berwyn " can be ignored, as you've already been completely discredited about that. sorry, you and your fellow republicans have blown it, this isn't about Berwyn, this about your hack, who hasn't had a competitive job in his entire life, he's getting shown the door, deal with it.

No spin, just fact. He was indeed fired in Berwyn. Like Berwyn stated "take our trash".

oh, please - you suffer from wanna-be-multiple-personality-disorder. buh-bye, losers.

No spin, just fact. He was indeed fired in Berwyn. Like Berwyn stated "take our trash". BERWYN2 ------------------------------- The Chicago Journal Reported Yesterday that the "firing" assertion is indeed a lie. He is on leave of absence and his budgeted funds are being used for additional support for 911 services in his absence. I voted for Matlak in the primary. But he has lied and done it in a fashion that is a notch above scum. He didn't need to go negative if he was as good an alderman as you say he is, right? That was spin, BERWYN2, and lacking in fact. It was actually an outright lie. What Matlak has done is flip three supporters in our household to the candidate we didn't want to support in the primary because we voted experience. Problem is, he lied to us and we feel insulted. Matlak thinks we are dumb. I voted for him three elections in a row. Not anymore. Scum.

FYI The Alderman (Bojovic) was a Democrat. I find it laughable that Waguespack is running under the Democratic party. He's a closet Republican ,endorsed by gaybashing politicians. Take our Trash 32nd ward!

I could give a crap about the 32nd ward! Just take our trash! Do you want a ghetto in the 32nd, vote for Waguespack (RAT)!

FIRED! Scott was dumped by us in Berwyn. How can you say that he wasn't? It's fact I live there knuklehead. Take Berwyn's TRASH for for Waguespack! Please do us a favor in Berwyn!

yo, take a Xanax and try and post in complete sentences. Matlak has been outed, as have you. buh-buh bye.

Vote for Scott! I really do want everyone to support him in the 32nd! He needs a job

I seen Scott on fox crying about his website not working. Real Alderman material!

You did not see the segment B3. The City of Chicago website linked Teddy's campaign site when you click on his name. The site is managed by the Chicago Clerk's office, they really don't know how that came to be, sure. So you know, that is a violate of state election laws. You can see the video by visiting, www.scottforchicago.com

these yahoos only care about the law as far as it serves their own ends. THAT is the bottom line here.

Internal Matlak polls have him ahead by a cool 16%. Guess when Waguesback spews crap it backfires in his face. Wait till the bombshell on Waguespack hits the streets. Berwyn you can have this liar!

I heard 59% matlak 41% Waguespack. Tribune is doing an article. BYE SCott back to Berwyn you go!

Do you know when the Tribune article is scheduled to run?

Not sure, I'll check back

An internal Wags poll shows us at 34% & Matlak at 62% 4% undecided. Hey but we still have 11 days until election time.

We are ahead in our polls 72% for me and 28% for Matlak. We have it locked. Good bye Teddy Bear!

"The City of Chicago website linked Teddy's campaign site when you click on his name. The site is managed by the Chicago Clerk's office, they really don't know how that came to be, sure. So you know, that is a violation of state election laws." and "these yahoos only care about the law as far as it serves their own ends." See how easy it is to confirm that criminal acts have been, and are being, committed by machine hacks, as we speak. Yet, no indictments, no arrests, no actions taken, by those responsible to do so. What does this tell us all?

Do you know how stupid you and Waguespack sound. This is chicken shit you moron! A desperate campaign looking for media attention, that's what we have here. He wants to turn the ward into a circus he made Berwyn into. PUH.. LEEZ! 72%. Just go back to Berwyn

HELL NO! Vote for scott we don't want him back in Berwyn.

So, state and federal election laws are "chicken shit"? Certainly the attitude we've all come to expect from the clout monkeys. "He wants to turn the ward into a circus...."? "He's" too late, Matlak's already done that.

I know it's kinda stupid, just an honest mistake.

ok. your right!

It's so funny to read apologists for the corrupt. You machine hacks feel real comfortable in the comfy confines of a Reader blog. On the 17th I hope to make your day. I think you could use a little clarity in your thinking, so I’ll let you know what I'm thinking. The 32nd ward is what it is IN SPITE of Matlak. Can you say INERTIA? There is a nationwide trend of urban renewal. Matlak can only take credit for the crumbs the machine allows to return to our ward-because we’re all paying way more in taxes-not a fair return on investment. The crumbs aren’t his doing, and if they were, I still would not be impressed! You've taken our money, you've populated our neighborhood with Charter School Orphans, and you put idiots in charge of every position in the ward. Bad attitude garbage pick-up and the mess they leave behind should be replaced by single driver trucks and 1 person to line up the cans. And what about your pathetic record on the environment???? You’ve got the largest economic expansion cycle in the history of man where everything manufactured is disposable-and what have you done about the refuse??? NOTHING!!! I refuse to vote for you and to you idiots behind the idiot-show yourself by making it out to the Polls to menace voters where there again is likely to be record low turnout. You’re guy is so popular, he needs other fat guys to stand around all day doing nothing to “advise” us who to vote for. SHOVE IT!

And here's how to do it: "WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT Use the following formula to maximize the effectiveness of your vote: 1) The voter MUST know who the INCUMBENTS are. 2) NEVER VOTE FOR THE INCUMBENT. 3) If there is only ONE CHALLENGER, vote for that candidate. 4) If there are two or more challengers, then: a) If the incumbent is listed FIRST, then vote for the candidate who is listed LAST. b) If the incumbent is not listed first, then vote for the candidate who IS LISTED FIRST. Should you sincerely like an incumbent candidate, by all means vote for him / her. Remember, however, that those who have been in power for decades have been able to do so by being unified in their support for the party chosen. To counter this unity-of-purpose, the common citizen must have the same strength of unity, albeit, one focused on ousting the incumbents. The above is a strategy that will be the most effective at achieving this goal."

Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know. Here is another one: 05-R RESOLUTION Sponsored by THE HONORABLE ANTHONY J. PERAICA, COUNTY COMMISSIONER Co-Sponsored by THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN, ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE AND LARRY SUFFREDIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Alderman Alex Bojovic has been a dedicated and honest public servant in the course of holding several elected and appointed offices as Berwyn Park District Commissioner, Chairman of the Berwyn Public Library, Director of Lyons Public Works, Sanitation Supervisor for the Village of Oak Park, Superintendent of Recreation Department for the City of Berwyn, Forestry Foreman, Director of Public Works Department and Chairman of the Building, Zoning and Planning Committee; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic has advanced the welfare of the community by supporting the National Parks and Recreation Association, Arbor Day Association, Berwyn Historical Society, District 100 PTA and the Route 66 organization; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic has served as 2nd Ward Alderman on the City of Berwyn’s City Council since 1997; and WHEREAS, during his term as Alderman, Alex Bojovic has been a champion of open and transparent local government so that Berwyn’s residents can restore their trust in their city leaders; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic has spared no effort to protect Berwyn’s citizenry from dishonesty and malfeasance, as acknowledged by the U.S. Attorney who commended Alex Bojovic in a written letter; and WHEREAS, Alex Bojovic is the embodiment of the type of leadership that produces a vibrant and economically healthy City of Berwyn and Western Cook County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of all its citizens proclaims that Alex Bojovic be recognized and honored for his selfless record of service to his community and the welfare of its citizens and his leadership in promoting open, transparent and honest local government, and that this text be spread over the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and an official copy be tendered to Alex Bojovic, City of Berwyn 2nd Ward Alderman in recognition of his years of service to his community. Approved and adopted this 14th day of December 2004. This is an honest guy that Waguespack campaigned against, sound familiar. Waguespack is worse that the Chicago machine. He lies distorts and manipulates to get his way. It's a game with him, it's not about doing whats right! Vote for Scott April 17th!

Sorry, pal, NOBODY'S "worse than the Chicago machine", just equal to, on occasion. and "He lies distorts and manipulates to get his way." Perfect description of a machine hack; pick one, Matlak, Moore, Tillman, the honorable Bernie, et.al........ Too bad we don't have elections every 2 years.

This is an honest guy that Waguespack campaigned against, sound familiar. Waguespack is worse that the Chicago machine. He lies distorts and manipulates to get his way. It's a game with him, it's not about doing whats right! Vote for Scott April 17th!

I agree, Vote for Waguespack, we do not want him anymore in Berwyn. Vote April17th for Scott. Thank you, Bojovic Family

why the hell should i vote for him you keep the berwyn trash!

Because he's a great guy! Please voter for Scott.

Chicago you need someone like Scott, He fits your MO. Bojovic Family

I will not vote for wasguesrat! Keep your trash shit heads!

All of scotts supporters are from the same ip address. 65.324.455.01

waguespack up 81% to 19% Bye ted

the machine is dead!

Almost every post to this blog misses the point. What happened to the true issues in this battle? What are you doing to care about YOUR ward? What happens in Berwyn is Berwyn's business, not ours. How's Matlak's track-record as Alderman? It would seem to me pretty mediocre at best. It's time for change. FORGET about Berwyn and start worrying about YOUR WARD. Scott is the change we need. Don't be stupid, vote Waguespack.

re: All of scotts supporters are from the same ip address. 65.324.455.01 .455? Dude, that's not even a REAL IP. Jesus, you guys are getting desperate....

Bullshit tactics, employed by bullshit specialists, deserves to be ignored. Take it all as the amusing, juvenile ramblings of the mostly retarded, mentally impaired and just plain doped up alcoholics employed by the bullshit strategists of the machine hack. Add in those pathetic cretins who get their jollys from 'speaking' their limited minds, in the only venue they have access to, and you'll be better able to tolerate it all, like mosquitoes at a picnic. Annoying, but no big deal.

His (Waguespack) record in Berwyn means everything in this race! Sorry the ruth hurts. Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

Like I said, no big deal.

Well, he wasn't fired. And the Mayor himself, O'Connor, has already said in multiple media venus Scott is free to return to his job should he not win election. Since by ordinance, only the Mayor can remove his appointees and the Mayor is saying on record Scott can return without issue should he lose the election, all of this BS about him being fired is nonsense! Everyone should listen to the one person on this planet who decides whether or not Scott can return to his job in Berwyn -- that's the Mayor of Berwyn -- not any of these desperate former Berwyn "politicans" -- Bojos? haha who's words and opinions will never mean anything to any Berwyn folks again. Sorry guys, you've made your bed now you must lay in it.

Sorry wrong again! Alderman removed the line item in the City Budget, therefore the position is eliminated only the Council has the authority to create a position not the Mayor. Remember What Donald says "YOUR FIRED" that's what happens when you do political work on taxpayer time! His (Waguespack) record in Berwyn means everything in this race! Sorry the ruth hurts. Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

Attention all. This is his honor Mayor FATass O'con Berwyn. Please vote for Scott he needs a job, I can't give him one because they caught him doing political work. I have to go back and eat somemore hoho's. UUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Too Funny! How about twinkees?

See what I mean. Chicago please take our trash.

Please vote for Scott he did a wonderful job running my campaign for Republican committeeman. We did not win, but Scott sure did smear my opponent. That's all we were after anywho. Berwyn rules! woo woo.

I know Scott reallllly well. He makes me shiverrrr. Thanks for the good times. I hope you get elected because i'm next on the Berwyn chopping block because I noterized your petitions on the taxpayers dollar. Sorry Good luck scott, i'll meet your in the building directors office or on his desk wink wink.

Seriously, you people have f-ing problems. Quit smearing people and look at the ISSUES in the campaign. Oh, and get some lives.

You all make me sick What do you mean? what people of being smeared?

Don't waste your sympathies with the muck-rackers, if they were fit to lead normal lives, they wouldn't be the shits they are. An equal-opportunity employer, Matlak is. At least these retards aren't sponging off the taxpayers...... or are they?

Well at least I like multiple partners. Time to do and shot and hope my buddy WAguespack gets elected cause, i hear i'm gona need a new cushy City job. Now Dan let's get back on the desk.

Lies will be spread by people who aren't smart enough to investigate and question what they are told. (Right Debby or is that you, Matlak posing as Debby? Spreading more lies, are you?) People with no moral character, who are afraid of loosing their current job or money status will lie to keep what they have. Right Matlak? I think it's very interesting that Matlak goes to the same church as Scott but he has no fear of burning in hell for all the lies he's told and his unChristian dealings. He must just go because his wife makes him. If you have no soul, what do you care if you sit in the car or on a pew? I am not a bible thumper but I sure don't live a corupt life. When you know your job is next to get the axe because the FBI is hot on your dirty little trail I guess you'll be spreading lies about the man who is telling the FBI "here is another questionable area of concern." hmmm? If he really does have an apartment in Berwyn where is it? No address? hmmm must be ANOTHER lie. If you last lie didn't stop him try another. and another. and another. soon enough you'll find SOMEONE to believe you right? Just how desperate are you????

Sorry wrong again! Alderman removed the line item in the City Budget, therefore the position is eliminated only the Council has the authority to create a position not the Mayor. Remember What Donald says "YOUR FIRED" that's what happens when you do political work on taxpayer time! His (Waguespack) record in Berwyn means everything in this race! Sorry the ruth hurts. Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

If you are not getting paid in a job you've taken leave from, just how is that taxpayers money? You are clearly smarter than that "FACTS" so please explain. If you don't receive a PAYCHECK and you are on an UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSCENCE, how is that TAXPAYERS MONEY????? A VOTE FOR MATLAK IS A VOTE FOR THE MACHINE. If you want Scott to win donate time or money to his campaign. If the best man wins here, it'll be Scott.

Did Scott have to prove his 32nd Ward residency when he became a legal candidate to run for this election? Don't you think the Election board checked into this? Hello? He's been a registered voter at the same address for about 10 years and it isn't Berwyn. (Oh my! Someone figured it out!)

"When we win on Tuesday, Berwyn better be ready for us from the 32nd. 2009 we will oust your fat bitch Mayor." Sorry wrong again! Alderman removed the line item in the City Budget, therefore the position is eliminated only the Council has the authority to create a position not the Mayor. Remember What Donald says "YOUR FIRED" that's what happens when you do political work on taxpayer time! His (Waguespack) record in Berwyn means everything in this race! Sorry the ruth hurts. Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

Since you keep on cutting and pasting your drivel, we may assume you've run out of dope and booze, the stimulus needed to fuel your delusional syntax. We suggest you give your boss a call and have one of his runners drop off a fresh supply. Remember to, occasionally, eat something close to food-like, to keep up your strength.

"When we win on Tuesday, Berwyn better be ready for us from the 32nd. 2009 we will oust your fat bitch Mayor." Sorry wrong again! Alderman removed the line item in the City Budget, therefore the position is eliminated only the Council has the authority to create a position not the Mayor. Remember What Donald says "YOUR FIRED" that's what happens when you do political work on taxpayer time! His (Waguespack) record in Berwyn means everything in this race! Sorry the ruth hurts. Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

I'm impressed, you added 5 words to the title. Now, let's see how many times you can cut, paste, and save in the next few minutes.

perhaps your work and subsequent investigations into your activities has your conscience getting the best of you: http://www.suntimes.com/news/hired/151979,daley091705.article We know what you crooks are all about. Now go get more food so you can paste and append another 5 words!

And don't forget the dope and booze.

Seriously, you need clarification on people being smeared? Let me spell it out for you: Smear #1: Scott Waguespack does not live in the ward - Fact #1: Scott has lived in the ward for over 10 years. Observation #1: Ted Matlak has been a member of the same church as Scott for that entire time? Is he lying, or has he been skipping mass? Smear #2: Scott Waguespack is under investigation for campaigning while employed by the City of Berywn. Fact #2: There is no such investigation. He has been on UNPAID leave since January. Observation #2: This lie, in particular, is going to bite Matlak and Catherine Zarqawi in the ass. Smear #3: Scott Waguespack has posed as an attorney. Fact #3: Scott has never represented himself as an attorney. Observation #3: Contrary to Matlak's mailings, someone who practices law without a license DOES NOT END UP IN HANDCUFFS! Corrupt political flunkies, on the ohter hand, do. I can understand his confusion. Observation #3.1: Why would someone pose as an attorney in order to get more votes? Doesn't everyone hate lawyers?? Smear #4: Scott Waguespack was fired. Fact #4: Scott was not fired. He can only be fired by his boss, the Mayor. Just becuase there are Berwyn Alderman who don't like reform-minded people running things, and therefore have a bone to pick with Scott, does not mean he was fired. Observation #4: Incidentally, WHY THE HELL DOES IT MATTER if the funds for Scott's position were reallocated for budget reasons? How does that impact the 32nd ward? Come on folks. Do you think the people voting for Alderman are stupid? Do you think Matlak's smear campaign will influence intelligent voters? Do you think anyone reading this webpage really think any of these posters are not working for Matlak, or are really from Berwyn (and if they are, why the HELL would anyone listen to people from Berwyn? we live in the city to avoid people like you)? People are either going to vote on the issues, or they are going to vote with the machine. Either way, all your drivel won't impact people with brains - and they are the only ones worth speaking to.

Is Matlak buying votes from local interests groups to bypass magnet school lotteries? I heard he has bypassed CPS, the principal, the LSC and the general lottery process at a local magnet school to get in and give the neighbors admission, just for their votes.

The funniest thing to point out here is the fact that the more Matlak and co attempt to project their smear campaign of no basis against Waguespack, the more media attention Scott gets! Thanks guys!!! You're giving Scott exactly what he needs to win -- exposure! Keep it coming, Scott looks good on camera -- keep those pieces coming and he'll see more and more media time as we get closer. I can barely notice Matlak in the distance behind Daley at press conferences... is that him? hmm. Well, anyway... keep it coming.. Scott is benefiting more than you realize with each piece that comes out. KEEP EM COMING!

Thank you for your intelligent effort to bring sanity back to this board. While it won't stop those who truly believe that "the people voting for Alderman are stupid", it will help in showing those many who are NOT "stupid" that Scott is the only candidate in this contest who does not hold the voters in contempt. Please continue not to give in to these spammers, however many times you have to post. Thank you again.

So the “evidence” the Matlak campaign is using to support its ugly attack ads on Scott allegedly impersonating a lawyer, according to Matlak spokesperson Rebekah Brooks on Ch. 9 News is as follows: “Scott Waguespack has represented himself as a lawyer through not denying the fact that he is when the media and others have assumed so.” Read through that one again. It’s astonishing. HAVE YOU NO SHAME MATLAK?!!! See for yourself: http://video.wgntv.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipid1=1351379&at1=Political&vt1=v&h1=Runoff+election+anything+but+boring&d1=120134&redirUrl=http://www.wgntv.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage

http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/cii/cii05/cii05_Section_II_Pg27_to_198.pdf Page 54 Total Crime Index from 2004 to 2005 change is 14.9 % Robbery from 2004 to 2005 change is 13.5 % Residential Burglary from 2004 to 2005 change is 13.2 % Theft from 2004 to 2005 change is 20.6 % Arson from 2004 to 2005 change is 20.0 % The population Decreased in Berwyn by 1.0% from 2004 to 2005 and in a year when the IVB took over the administration in 2005, crime went up in one year? You can't even find any new statistics from the Suburb that has been administered by Scott, because there are no statistics? What does he and his Mayor (IVB) have to hide? Sorry folks, but in light of the scandels in Berwyn, his firing and investigations from his own party have me beleiving that this man is nothing more than a trick pony. Our ALderman has made things better for my community in the ward, Hamilton school is doing much better, more stores, better streets and a safer community than what is happening in Suburban Cook County. I can see why people are moving out.

"When we win on Tuesday, Berwyn better be ready for us from the 32nd. 2009 we will oust your fat bitch Mayor." Sorry wrong again! Alderman removed the line item in the City Budget, therefore the position is eliminated only the Council has the authority to create a position not the Mayor. Remember What Donald says "YOUR FIRED" that's what happens when you do political work on taxpayer time! His (Waguespack) record in Berwyn means everything in this race! Sorry the ruth hurts. Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

I know Scott reallllly well. He makes me shiverrrr. Thanks for the good times. I hope you get elected because i'm next on the Berwyn chopping block because I noterized your petitions on the taxpayers dollar. Sorry Good luck scott, i'll meet your in the building directors office or on his desk. Hope my husband doesn't catch us again. wink wink.

"Sorry the ruth hurts." why does ruth hurt? she give you VD or something?

Duh, der's serious stuff going on wit dis here Peace Corps Guy. So serious in fact, dat we need to look at crime statistics. Not dat residents have more to do wit crime statistic den say: appointed city personnel who works 50hrs a week for 60k. Yup, it's a real scandal. You see wit da current guy you gots lower crime in da ward and it's because he's everywhere strikin’ fear in criminals. Nobody dare commit no crime, because he's so bad-he everywhere. Wouldn't be because intelligent people moved in and can fend for their own damn selves. Nope, it's because 1 politician he have workers who work 20 hrs a week for full pay and he is way in control. I suppose you need to tax me more to give me the security I can’t provide myself. Likewise in Berwyn. Raise taxes and make them real safe. Or export 1 politician who should remain a resident in the 32nd ward and that will make Berwyn crime stats better. Seriously, what crack are you city workers smoking? Probably the stuff sold by da guys da Alderman shields.

Just registered my 32nd (and last) friend to vote for Scott. Mission accomplished. Hoping Matlak's days are numbered! Get out and vote Waguespack supporters!

Now, how about registering your sort-of friends? Ex-girlfriends/boyfriends? Neighbors? Co-workers? Strangers bumped into on the street? ???????????????

"When we win on Tuesday, Berwyn better be ready for us from the 32nd. 2009 we will oust your fat bitch Mayor." Sorry wrong again! Alderman removed the line item in the City Budget, therefore the position is eliminated only the Council has the authority to create a position not the Mayor. Remember What Donald says "YOUR FIRED" that's what happens when you do political work on taxpayer time! His (Waguespack) record in Berwyn means everything in this race! Sorry the ruth hurts. Nope, A letter was sent out by the US justice department stating he was not and never was under investigation. Just a good guy doing the right thing, Scott would pee in his pants if he ever thought about going undercover and exposing corruption. Again 32nd ward vote for Scott on Tuesday the 17th. The question of this Alderman being under investigation by the Feds? Funny you ask that, this is exactly what Scott W. and fat man Mayor O'con Berwyn said about the alderman. You guys were worried about an honest Alderman stealing your thunder as reformers, otherwise taking your entire campaign platform. Well the residents of Berwyn bought into your lies, even I voted and campaigned for the trash slate Scott put up and now look what we have. Children getting killed walking home from school, stagnated housing market, 100’s of home burglaries, 4 men stabbed 500ft from a public school, graffiti all over town and a corrupt administration that does campaign work on the taxpayers dime.. The whole point is Scott never lifted one finger in targeting corruption in Berwyn WHY? He was to busy working on campaigns while working on my dime (the Taxpayer). That’s why we fired him in Berwyn Now you know.

So well siad "Crackhead Scott". And now the whiney little scott is suing. Boo hoo hoo. GROW UP. Be a man, and take the heat. You put yourself into it. You were fired and most certainly are under investigation and the true Alderman of the 32nd Ward caught wind of it and is exposing all your out-right lies. Can't wait until April 17th, when you can roll in all the mud you have slung from day one. Ciao.

only whining I hear is from a bunch of losers who see the writing is on the wall...

I don't care if Ted Manson is the alternative at this point. ABTM! Anybody but Ted Matlak!

That's the spirit! WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THEM OUT!!!

I'm betting any lawyer worth their weight in salt would see to it to subpoena the Reader to see whether city resources are being used to post what any grand jury would regard as "political" messages... Haaa-go back in your holes-32ndWard hasbeenrats4Matlak

As long as our city/county checks don't bounce, we'll be contented "has-been-rats" in our holes. Uh, and only 'public servant' attorneys have the authority to seek subpoenas, you know, those hired BY our elected officials, so we're not even beginning to sweat.

So you admit to being on the public dole, but you deny the fact that "'public servant' attorneys" may be INVESTIGATING 32nd WARD CORRUPTION. You've benefited from Tomczak's illegal activities, it's plain to see the other activities you've benefited from-it would take George Bush to look the other way on this one....but he didn't appoint Fitzgerald now, did he....

"Waguespack sues Matlak for defamation" Chicago Journal April 11, 2007 http://chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=25&subsectionID=55&articleID=2885

"Who is Judge Paul Foxgrover?" IPSN Sept. 22, 2007 http://www.ipsn.org/foxg.html

Read this: Tell me all about Scott helping the FBI, it seems he was tring to muddy up a true reform Alderman. Sound Familiar? By Andy Shaw ABC 7 news Chicago November 24, 2006 - A former suburban alderman helped the FBI root out political corruption in Berwyn. Alex Bojovic knows about wires -- the kind you wear as an FBI mole to catch corrupt politicians. "I got tired of seeing what was going on around me," said Alex Bojovic, FBI Mole. Bojovic was a Berwyn alderman who wore a hidden wire and a tiny camera for two years to secretly record 400 calls and meetings and $15,000 in alleged payoffs to fix business deals -- including $500 in a bathroom at Berwyn City Hall from the former assistant Mayor Sonny Stillo. Stillo provided Bojovic with a major scare in one of their restaurant meetings. "I was patted on the back and I thought for sure the individual would find out I was wearing a wire. It was a difficult situation," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the hardest part was the secrecy from his friends, family and even from his wife, Diane, who says she was better off not knowing. "They could torch or house or torch my garage or do some harm," said Diane Bojovic, Alex Bojovic's wife. Bojovic says politicians hate moles. And, in fact, he was unemployed until recently when the village of Lyons made him the public works director. But with Sonny Stillo on his way to jail, a major developer expected to plead guilty and several more indictments likely down the road, he says it was worth it. "It sends a message out to the residents that someone is out there will to work for them to do the right thing," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the only way to find out if the residents really appreciate his undercover efforts is to run for mayor, which he did once before unsuccessfully. He is planning to give it another try in the next round of municipal elections in 2009. Scott Waguespack, Assistant Mayor of Berwyn, a Bojovic foe, critized Bojovic and even claimed the Alderman was corrupt in a local political attack paper the “Berwyn Independent”. BERWYN2 April 6th - 9:53 a.m. Here's one more: Guilty plea in Berwyn bribes By Rudolph Bush Chicago Tribune February 09, 2007 An Oak Brook builder pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to bribing a Berwyn alderman and a top mayoral assistant so he could rig the purchase of two city properties. Clifford Josefik, 70, said in court that the $10,000 bribe he paid an alderman in 2002 was 'really for his re-election.' But when pressed, he admitted he paid the bribe to get an inside shot at buying Berwyn's old police station at 6647 W. 26th St. The alderman, Alex Bojovic, was working undercover for federal agents and recorded the bribe. Bojovic's undercover work continued into 2003, when Josefik offered bribes to him and to Samuel 'Sonny' Stillo, the top administrative assistant to then-Berwyn Mayor Thomas Shaughnessy. Stillo has pleaded guilty to offering Bojovic $1,000 to back a preferred bidder for a revitalization project along Cermak Road. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in November. Josefik admitted Thursday that he offered Stillo $5,000 to provide him with information about sealed bids for a property on Scoville Avenue. But when he was asked to describe his wrongdoing to the court, Josefik seemed to hesitate. 'Mr. Stillo and I never really discussed any money. ... Mr. Stillo never got one penny,' he said. Josefik said he didn't even really want the property on Scoville Avenue, but that Bojovic 'kept pressuring me to buy it.' U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan cut off his explanation, saying, 'I am asking you what you did wrong, sir, not excuses.' Asked if he knew that what he had done was wrong, Josefik replied, 'Basically, yes.' Hobbled by a stroke and walking with a cane, Josefik described a litany of medical problems that have him on a regimen of some 23 pills a day. His medical problems are likely to become an issue at sentencing in May. He faces 8 to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors' calculations. ---------- rrbush@tribune.com

http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=25&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=2885&TM=34472.54 Waguespack sues Matlak for defamation By Timothy Inklebarger Staff Writer The mudslinging continues in the 32nd Ward runoff election between Alderman Ted Matlak and challenger Scott Waguespack, with new campaign mailers claiming Waguespack was fired from his job as an administrator for Berwyn Mayor Michael O'Connor. But Waguespack fired back this week with a defamation lawsuit against the incumbent alderman, former 32nd Ward candidate Catherine Zaryczny, and Berwyn 6th Ward Alderman Michael Phelan. In each of the three counts in the defamation lawsuit, Waguespack asks for compensatory damages of $5 million. Waguespack said the funding for his position was eliminated from the city budget while he takes an unpaid leave of absence to run for the 32nd Ward Alderman's race. "The lies that the alderman put out there have no place in politics," Waguespack said. Berwyn Mayor Michael O'Connor says the money for the position was temporarily shifted to pay for extra 911 operators, adding that the $65,000-per-year position will be reinstated if Waguespack loses the April 17 runoff election. "I don't know anything about a lawsuit," Matlak said, following a debate Tuesday night at St Paul's Church, 2335 N. Orchard. "We stand by everything we say." Matlak pointed to a press release by Berwyn 6th Ward Alderman Michael Phelan last month stating that the shifting of funds "in effect fires Waguespack." The lawsuit also lists Phelan and candidate Catherine Zaryczny as defendants. Ukrainian Village lawyer Zaryczny was eliminated in the Feb. 27 general election after receiving 14 percent of the vote. Waguespack won 39 percent of the vote and Matlak took 47 percent, throwing the two into the runoff election. The lawsuit states: "Zaryczny on or about February 1, 2007 published to the residents of the 32nd Ward, a false statement about Plaintiff in that he was a 'Berwyn Patronage Employee under Investigation for Campaigning at Taxpayers Expense.' "Defendant Zaryczny employed convicted felon and disbarred Judge Paul Foxgrover-who was sentenced in the 1990s to six years in a state prison and assessed a $25,934 fine after pleading guilty to theft, official misconduct as a judge, and forgery-to gather, fund and disseminate defamatory information about Plaintiff to assist Defendant Zaryczny's campaign." Neither Zaryczny nor Phelan could be reached by the Journal's deadline. Waguespack said he believes the campaign has gotten dirty because Matlak fears he will lose the election. He said that regardless of the outcome of the election, his attorney will weigh his options in moving forward with the lawsuit. Waguespack insisted that the lawsuit was not an effort to garner attention for the campaign. "This isn't a campaign tactic," Waguespack said. "This is serious. The alderman and whoever's been assisting him have been lying to voters. This goes beyond the bounds of decency for any campaign."

But what about Chicago corruption? "(Chicago's) Hired Truck Scandal" Chicago Sun-Times Jan. 26, 2004 to present http://www.suntimes.com/news/hired/index.html

Go ahead, vote for the crook, let everyone know you're voting for the crook, makes you look so smart.

Read this: I agree something stinks with this pack rat carpetbagger. Tell me all about Scott helping the FBI, it seems he was tring to muddy up a true reform Alderman. Sound Familiar? By Andy Shaw ABC 7 news Chicago November 24, 2006 - A former suburban alderman helped the FBI root out political corruption in Berwyn. Alex Bojovic knows about wires -- the kind you wear as an FBI mole to catch corrupt politicians. "I got tired of seeing what was going on around me," said Alex Bojovic, FBI Mole. Bojovic was a Berwyn alderman who wore a hidden wire and a tiny camera for two years to secretly record 400 calls and meetings and $15,000 in alleged payoffs to fix business deals -- including $500 in a bathroom at Berwyn City Hall from the former assistant Mayor Sonny Stillo. Stillo provided Bojovic with a major scare in one of their restaurant meetings. "I was patted on the back and I thought for sure the individual would find out I was wearing a wire. It was a difficult situation," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the hardest part was the secrecy from his friends, family and even from his wife, Diane, who says she was better off not knowing. "They could torch or house or torch my garage or do some harm," said Diane Bojovic, Alex Bojovic's wife. Bojovic says politicians hate moles. And, in fact, he was unemployed until recently when the village of Lyons made him the public works director. But with Sonny Stillo on his way to jail, a major developer expected to plead guilty and several more indictments likely down the road, he says it was worth it. "It sends a message out to the residents that someone is out there will to work for them to do the right thing," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the only way to find out if the residents really appreciate his undercover efforts is to run for mayor, which he did once before unsuccessfully. He is planning to give it another try in the next round of municipal elections in 2009. Scott Waguespack, Assistant Mayor of Berwyn, a Bojovic foe, critized Bojovic and even claimed the Alderman was corrupt in a local political attack paper the “Berwyn Independent”. BERWYN2 April 6th - 9:53 a.m. Here's one more: Guilty plea in Berwyn bribes By Rudolph Bush Chicago Tribune February 09, 2007 An Oak Brook builder pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to bribing a Berwyn alderman and a top mayoral assistant so he could rig the purchase of two city properties. Clifford Josefik, 70, said in court that the $10,000 bribe he paid an alderman in 2002 was 'really for his re-election.' But when pressed, he admitted he paid the bribe to get an inside shot at buying Berwyn's old police station at 6647 W. 26th St. The alderman, Alex Bojovic, was working undercover for federal agents and recorded the bribe. Bojovic's undercover work continued into 2003, when Josefik offered bribes to him and to Samuel 'Sonny' Stillo, the top administrative assistant to then-Berwyn Mayor Thomas Shaughnessy. Stillo has pleaded guilty to offering Bojovic $1,000 to back a preferred bidder for a revitalization project along Cermak Road. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in November. Josefik admitted Thursday that he offered Stillo $5,000 to provide him with information about sealed bids for a property on Scoville Avenue. But when he was asked to describe his wrongdoing to the court, Josefik seemed to hesitate. 'Mr. Stillo and I never really discussed any money. ... Mr. Stillo never got one penny,' he said. Josefik said he didn't even really want the property on Scoville Avenue, but that Bojovic 'kept pressuring me to buy it.' U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan cut off his explanation, saying, 'I am asking you what you did wrong, sir, not excuses.' Asked if he knew that what he had done was wrong, Josefik replied, 'Basically, yes.' Hobbled by a stroke and walking with a cane, Josefik described a litany of medical problems that have him on a regimen of some 23 pills a day. His medical problems are likely to become an issue at sentencing in May. He faces 8 to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors' calculations. ---------- rrbush@tribune.com

Take a look at the latest issue of Inside newspaper. Seems there's a front page story headlined "CHECKS INDICATE LINK BETWEEN ZARYCZNY, VRDOLYAK IN 32ND WARD RACE."

"Take a look at the latest issue of Inside newspaper. Seems there's a front page story headlined 'CHECKS INDICATE LINK BETWEEN ZARYCZNY, VRDOLYAK IN 32ND WARD RACE.'" I thought 'fast eddy' was more careful than this.

"Take a look at the latest issue of Inside newspaper. Seems there's a front page story headlined 'CHECKS INDICATE LINK BETWEEN ZARYCZNY, VRDOLYAK IN 32ND WARD RACE.'" Could it be that Vrdolyak and Matlak HAVE a deal???

Well, do they?

Screw this Berwyn guy (Waguespack) Read this: Tell me all about Scott helping the FBI, it seems he was tring to muddy up a true reform Alderman. Sound Familiar? By Andy Shaw ABC 7 news Chicago November 24, 2006 - A former suburban alderman helped the FBI root out political corruption in Berwyn. Alex Bojovic knows about wires -- the kind you wear as an FBI mole to catch corrupt politicians. "I got tired of seeing what was going on around me," said Alex Bojovic, FBI Mole. Bojovic was a Berwyn alderman who wore a hidden wire and a tiny camera for two years to secretly record 400 calls and meetings and $15,000 in alleged payoffs to fix business deals -- including $500 in a bathroom at Berwyn City Hall from the former assistant Mayor Sonny Stillo. Stillo provided Bojovic with a major scare in one of their restaurant meetings. "I was patted on the back and I thought for sure the individual would find out I was wearing a wire. It was a difficult situation," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the hardest part was the secrecy from his friends, family and even from his wife, Diane, who says she was better off not knowing. "They could torch or house or torch my garage or do some harm," said Diane Bojovic, Alex Bojovic's wife. Bojovic says politicians hate moles. And, in fact, he was unemployed until recently when the village of Lyons made him the public works director. But with Sonny Stillo on his way to jail, a major developer expected to plead guilty and several more indictments likely down the road, he says it was worth it. "It sends a message out to the residents that someone is out there will to work for them to do the right thing," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the only way to find out if the residents really appreciate his undercover efforts is to run for mayor, which he did once before unsuccessfully. He is planning to give it another try in the next round of municipal elections in 2009. Scott Waguespack, Assistant Mayor of Berwyn, a Bojovic foe, critized Bojovic and even claimed the Alderman was corrupt in a local political attack paper the “Berwyn Independent”. BERWYN2 April 6th - 9:53 a.m. Here's one more: Guilty plea in Berwyn bribes By Rudolph Bush Chicago Tribune February 09, 2007 An Oak Brook builder pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to bribing a Berwyn alderman and a top mayoral assistant so he could rig the purchase of two city properties. Clifford Josefik, 70, said in court that the $10,000 bribe he paid an alderman in 2002 was 'really for his re-election.' But when pressed, he admitted he paid the bribe to get an inside shot at buying Berwyn's old police station at 6647 W. 26th St. The alderman, Alex Bojovic, was working undercover for federal agents and recorded the bribe. Bojovic's undercover work continued into 2003, when Josefik offered bribes to him and to Samuel 'Sonny' Stillo, the top administrative assistant to then-Berwyn Mayor Thomas Shaughnessy. Stillo has pleaded guilty to offering Bojovic $1,000 to back a preferred bidder for a revitalization project along Cermak Road. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in November. Josefik admitted Thursday that he offered Stillo $5,000 to provide him with information about sealed bids for a property on Scoville Avenue. But when he was asked to describe his wrongdoing to the court, Josefik seemed to hesitate. 'Mr. Stillo and I never really discussed any money. ... Mr. Stillo never got one penny,' he said. Josefik said he didn't even really want the property on Scoville Avenue, but that Bojovic 'kept pressuring me to buy it.' U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan cut off his explanation, saying, 'I am asking you what you did wrong, sir, not excuses.' Asked if he knew that what he had done was wrong, Josefik replied, 'Basically, yes.' Hobbled by a stroke and walking with a cane, Josefik described a litany of medical problems that have him on a regimen of some 23 pills a day. His medical problems are likely to become an issue at sentencing in May. He faces 8 to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors' calculations. ---------- rrbush@tribune.com

We fully understand your FALSE allegations. Anyone with a breath in their body can see these allegations for what they are: grasping at straws. Your insistence that there is substance to this shows how DESPERATE YOU ARE. You are apparently incapable of articulating any facts about a normal person, so you repeat someone else’s inaccuracies or lies. I pose this for your insistence: do you think there's ever been a case where someone who works as a snitch has played for both sides??? Also, could you explain the irrefutable fact that there are people in jail who contributed time to Matlak's campaign while illegally billing the City of Chicago?? There are those of us watching who will be elated to see you scumbags standing out at Milwaukee and Belmont begging for work! Perhaps someone will hire you to build sub-standard housing and perhaps Scott could influence the inspectors, and he could see to it that plenty of really ugly buildings go up. Then he could make sure to get signs put on these ugly new buildings in four years when the buildings are already crumbling and he could shake down the contractors and developers for those signs and zoning retainers. Isn’t that the TRUE RACKET of the 32nd ward??? Tell me otherwise. Like that Matlak refuses donations from builders and developers for fear of the appearance of undue influence. That’s not the case, and I don’t think the hypothetical will be true with Scott. He won’t sell our neighborhood out to the most corrupt amongst us.

look on aldertrack and you will find contributions to Wagsaprick from developers in addition to all the "you suck cook like a champ" money from SEIU

Just the articulation we expect from a retarded inbred. 300k vs. what amount, and doesn't this jibe with the possibility you've got people covering one bet with another? Doesn't mean they've bought anything---until you see some ugly, out of context construction being approved by him. As far as taking money from SEIU---that's the will of the workers. You don't like Unions-say so. We see that in who is doing the shoddy construction in the ward!!! Real support for labor doesn't pick and choose one union over another!

We've read it, many times now, it's crap, like all the rest of the posts by the hacks hired by Matlak. 4 more days left of this Matlak garbage.

Some aldermen from Berwyn put out a statement today responding to the lies of Waguespack and O'Connor. "On March 27, 2007 evidence was provided to the Berwyn City Council suggesting that Waguespack and the Berwyn City Collector were engaged in political activity during work hours. The Council’s unanimous vote ordered that the matter be sent to committee for investigation”. “Also undeniable is the fact that on March 29, 2007 the City Council voted to reduce the salary associated with Waguespack’s employment to zero and transferred the money to the police department budget which has been under-funded partially due to patronage costs." For more info on Scott check out www.tellthetruthscott.com.

Well jag off, its not like you have the balls to step up and say who you are so I can't say it to your face. Actualy I do like unions and oddly enough I am in SEIU which we are in the prossess of voting OUT as they are a garbage union. If I am inbred that must make you degenerate DP alcholic trash as that and us inbreds were all that was in the ward 20 years ago, unless your a stock jockey date rapist whose mad cause you can get dick for your condo.

If I couldn't get dick for my condo, wouldn't that indicate SOMETHING(anything)to you? Like that the ward is over built??? And whose the douche who approved all of these goddam condos----why it's Scott the evil mother raper!! The guy who has had jobs outside of the 32nd ward. They guy who know's how a contractor suffers when favoured illegals get the lions share of the work. You're only a member of the SEIU, because you're a desperate SOB. Who else would join a union which doesn't properly represent them?? Take over the union-you retarded inbred!!!

Yeah, it indicates your fucking dumb enough to spend money on a glorified apartment! whose fault is it ? the developers who know napervillian dipshits like you will drop money on somthing that you can neve completly own, thats who. How bout you and your buddies and Bernie Berwin move to Kenya I hear there are no condos there and the local medicine man shakes a chicken foot over the almighty wagsabitch you drunk nazi doormat.

It's amazing that the above two knuckleheads understand each other so well. Maybe it's a case of 'split personality'?

For any of you who really want to know the background on this race, read Mark Brown's column in the Sunday Tribune. He's got in right and the truth will carry the day.

I meant Mark Brown of the Sun-Times

Screw this Berwyn guy (Waguespack) Read this: Tell me all about Scott helping the FBI, it seems he was tring to muddy up a true reform Alderman. Sound Familiar? By Andy Shaw ABC 7 news Chicago November 24, 2006 - A former suburban alderman helped the FBI root out political corruption in Berwyn. Alex Bojovic knows about wires -- the kind you wear as an FBI mole to catch corrupt politicians. "I got tired of seeing what was going on around me," said Alex Bojovic, FBI Mole. Bojovic was a Berwyn alderman who wore a hidden wire and a tiny camera for two years to secretly record 400 calls and meetings and $15,000 in alleged payoffs to fix business deals -- including $500 in a bathroom at Berwyn City Hall from the former assistant Mayor Sonny Stillo. Stillo provided Bojovic with a major scare in one of their restaurant meetings. "I was patted on the back and I thought for sure the individual would find out I was wearing a wire. It was a difficult situation," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the hardest part was the secrecy from his friends, family and even from his wife, Diane, who says she was better off not knowing. "They could torch or house or torch my garage or do some harm," said Diane Bojovic, Alex Bojovic's wife. Bojovic says politicians hate moles. And, in fact, he was unemployed until recently when the village of Lyons made him the public works director. But with Sonny Stillo on his way to jail, a major developer expected to plead guilty and several more indictments likely down the road, he says it was worth it. "It sends a message out to the residents that someone is out there will to work for them to do the right thing," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the only way to find out if the residents really appreciate his undercover efforts is to run for mayor, which he did once before unsuccessfully. He is planning to give it another try in the next round of municipal elections in 2009. Scott Waguespack, Assistant Mayor of Berwyn, a Bojovic foe, critized Bojovic and even claimed the Alderman was corrupt in a local political attack paper the “Berwyn Independent”. BERWYN2 April 6th - 9:53 a.m. Here's one more: Guilty plea in Berwyn bribes By Rudolph Bush Chicago Tribune February 09, 2007 An Oak Brook builder pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to bribing a Berwyn alderman and a top mayoral assistant so he could rig the purchase of two city properties. Clifford Josefik, 70, said in court that the $10,000 bribe he paid an alderman in 2002 was 'really for his re-election.' But when pressed, he admitted he paid the bribe to get an inside shot at buying Berwyn's old police station at 6647 W. 26th St. The alderman, Alex Bojovic, was working undercover for federal agents and recorded the bribe. Bojovic's undercover work continued into 2003, when Josefik offered bribes to him and to Samuel 'Sonny' Stillo, the top administrative assistant to then-Berwyn Mayor Thomas Shaughnessy. Stillo has pleaded guilty to offering Bojovic $1,000 to back a preferred bidder for a revitalization project along Cermak Road. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in November. Josefik admitted Thursday that he offered Stillo $5,000 to provide him with information about sealed bids for a property on Scoville Avenue. But when he was asked to describe his wrongdoing to the court, Josefik seemed to hesitate. 'Mr. Stillo and I never really discussed any money. ... Mr. Stillo never got one penny,' he said. Josefik said he didn't even really want the property on Scoville Avenue, but that Bojovic 'kept pressuring me to buy it.' U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan cut off his explanation, saying, 'I am asking you what you did wrong, sir, not excuses.' Asked if he knew that what he had done was wrong, Josefik replied, 'Basically, yes.' Hobbled by a stroke and walking with a cane, Josefik described a litany of medical problems that have him on a regimen of some 23 pills a day. His medical problems are likely to become an issue at sentencing in May. He faces 8 to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors' calculations. ---------- rrbush@tribune.com

we have been reading, asshole, your cut and paste spamming is getting old. Try posting your own words, or don't you have any?

We know you can read fuck face, we just think you swim in the shallow end of the gene pool and that you in the wags-a-cult learn by repition. After all you guys fell for "the sky is falling!" bit from a crazy eyed ass licker that makes a good case for contriception.

Wow, this has really turned into a pit of crap for a Blog that started out intelligent and degenerated. One point to make about the challenger is what Debra Pickett said in her column, about how many dumb lawyers that are out there, yet he wasn't smart enough to pass the bar at all? With his firing from his job in Berwyn, the lack of any formal training to run a city ward, other than taking the feds around to hang people like a rat, makes me think that it is not the Alderman of this ward who is dirty, but the man himself that charges in a lawsuit that he can't even file himself, because he is incapable? I will say again, Scott has shown me absolutely nothing in terms of his qualifications, because he has none?

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/332986,CST-EDT-edits09a.article

Hang in there, buddy, I know you're getting tired of licking the lackeys' asses, Richie will be back soon and you'll get your fair share of ass nuzzling time.

At least I have the guts to put my name up here Joe Lake. Perhaps being a gutless blogger is your sanity.

It ain't guts you got, nor brains, it's gall.

Federal authorities to serve warrant!! Buubye!!! Vote Waguespack if you care about your ward!

http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/341808,CST-NWS-brown15.article Change of Heart.

Haven't been this excited for an election in years. Cannot wait until Tuesday morning when we all finally get the opportunity to toss Matlak out on his ass...

Matlak never ghost payroolled me ether! Vote him out 'cause Wackypacky said he would let me lick the O'Connor gravy off his chin. Just imagine how great the ward is gonna look when the low rent Berwin developers come marching in!!

Is there anyone here that actually as a SUBSTANTIVE comment about either of the candidates? I just moved to the area last summer. I've stopped by the current alderman's office once. He was very accomodating. However, based on most of the media coverage of issues it sounds like Matlak may not be a stand up guy. I've never met this Scott guy. Does anyone have any comments WHO HAS ACTUALLY SPOKEN THE ISSUES WITH HIM?

No, now fuck off.

"Does anyone have any comments WHO HAS ACTUALLY SPOKEN THE ISSUES WITH HIM?" No, because all Matlak does is speak AROUND the issues.

and Scott speaks around O'Connors cock. Scott is nuttier than squirrel shit and you all know it. On Chicago Tonight he looked autistic at best and look at the stone jag-offs proping him up on this board.

aren't you a little far from your natural hunting grounds, say, Belmont and Broadway?

3:07AM !! I must really turn you on. Are you lonely? Do you want me to jack you off? Do you want to call me Matlak while you spank me with a Wagsapack sign? C'mon daddie I need discipline..ohhh I'm touching myself.

"C'mon daddie I need discipline..ohhh I'm touching myself." I believe you.

12 hours until I get to vote the lamest public official I have ever encountered out of office. Matlak, have fun shoveling my snow for $5 an hour. And to all you hacks, spare me your inarticulate drivel. Bring on Scott!

Too bad you didn't choose to do so regarding little King Richard the 2nd, as he's the titular head of our present lame city/county 'government'.

VOTE THE CROOKS OUT!!!! VOTE FOR SCOTT! Can't wait to hear the stories about all of the shenanigans he'll find in the ward. I've heard about what he's found out in Berwyn-this place has to have way more fraud than that little town. Scott is way better than these ghost payroller's rants indicate. They're worried about their jobs as well they should. They certainly don't warrant our trust-just reading their rants should convince even the least educated as to what their true intentions are. GO SCOTT GO!

Take our Trash CHICAGO! April 14th - 7 p.m. Screw this Berwyn guy (Waguespack) Read this: Tell me all about Scott helping the FBI, it seems he was tring to muddy up a true reform Alderman. Sound Familiar? By Andy Shaw ABC 7 news Chicago November 24, 2006 - A former suburban alderman helped the FBI root out political corruption in Berwyn. Alex Bojovic knows about wires -- the kind you wear as an FBI mole to catch corrupt politicians. "I got tired of seeing what was going on around me," said Alex Bojovic, FBI Mole. Bojovic was a Berwyn alderman who wore a hidden wire and a tiny camera for two years to secretly record 400 calls and meetings and $15,000 in alleged payoffs to fix business deals -- including $500 in a bathroom at Berwyn City Hall from the former assistant Mayor Sonny Stillo. Stillo provided Bojovic with a major scare in one of their restaurant meetings. "I was patted on the back and I thought for sure the individual would find out I was wearing a wire. It was a difficult situation," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the hardest part was the secrecy from his friends, family and even from his wife, Diane, who says she was better off not knowing. "They could torch or house or torch my garage or do some harm," said Diane Bojovic, Alex Bojovic's wife. Bojovic says politicians hate moles. And, in fact, he was unemployed until recently when the village of Lyons made him the public works director. But with Sonny Stillo on his way to jail, a major developer expected to plead guilty and several more indictments likely down the road, he says it was worth it. "It sends a message out to the residents that someone is out there will to work for them to do the right thing," said Bojovic. Bojovic says the only way to find out if the residents really appreciate his undercover efforts is to run for mayor, which he did once before unsuccessfully. He is planning to give it another try in the next round of municipal elections in 2009. Scott Waguespack, Assistant Mayor of Berwyn, a Bojovic foe, critized Bojovic and even claimed the Alderman was corrupt in a local political attack paper the “Berwyn Independent”. BERWYN2 April 6th - 9:53 a.m. Here's one more: Guilty plea in Berwyn bribes By Rudolph Bush Chicago Tribune February 09, 2007 An Oak Brook builder pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to bribing a Berwyn alderman and a top mayoral assistant so he could rig the purchase of two city properties. Clifford Josefik, 70, said in court that the $10,000 bribe he paid an alderman in 2002 was 'really for his re-election.' But when pressed, he admitted he paid the bribe to get an inside shot at buying Berwyn's old police station at 6647 W. 26th St. The alderman, Alex Bojovic, was working undercover for federal agents and recorded the bribe. Bojovic's undercover work continued into 2003, when Josefik offered bribes to him and to Samuel 'Sonny' Stillo, the top administrative assistant to then-Berwyn Mayor Thomas Shaughnessy. Stillo has pleaded guilty to offering Bojovic $1,000 to back a preferred bidder for a revitalization project along Cermak Road. He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in November. Josefik admitted Thursday that he offered Stillo $5,000 to provide him with information about sealed bids for a property on Scoville Avenue. But when he was asked to describe his wrongdoing to the court, Josefik seemed to hesitate. 'Mr. Stillo and I never really discussed any money. ... Mr. Stillo never got one penny,' he said. Josefik said he didn't even really want the property on Scoville Avenue, but that Bojovic 'kept pressuring me to buy it.' U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan cut off his explanation, saying, 'I am asking you what you did wrong, sir, not excuses.' Asked if he knew that what he had done was wrong, Josefik replied, 'Basically, yes.' Hobbled by a stroke and walking with a cane, Josefik described a litany of medical problems that have him on a regimen of some 23 pills a day. His medical problems are likely to become an issue at sentencing in May. He faces 8 to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors' calculations. ---------- rrbush@tribune.com

CONGRADULATIONS SCOTT YOU FOUGHT HARD AND REFUSED TO BE SWIFTBOATED BY THE MATLAK GANG!!!!!!! AHH, VICTORY IS SWEET

Now the really hard work begins.....

WON'T BE MATLAK'D AGAIN FOR SURE! EAT ME! All those signs, all that money, all those "volunteers" mean nothing against the truth!

Now the really hard work begins, that being to root out these corrupt bastards and bitches, thwart, at every opportunity, the schemes, scams and outright frauds imposed on our citizens for so very long. This election cycle has brought the beginning of change, but it's only a beginning. For our efforts to be effective and successful, we must repeat the ousting of hack incumbents in the next election cycle. Don't lose focus over the next few years, don't be fooled by the expected additional bones the machine hacks will be tossing our way, they'll say and do anything to stay in power, but it's all bullshit, and you can take dat to da bank. WHEN IN DOUBT, VOTE THE HACKS OUT.

wow he Matlak is out?! lots of the incumbents(sp) are out . hmmm i bet they wish they had returned the phone calls of the citizens of their wards. daley is going to have to work harder now that most of the people that were in his pocket are out of office. let the games begin .

I'm wondering what lucrative clout 'job', clout 'consulting' contract, or 'private sector' buddy job Hack-Matlak is gonna end up with.

So Ted, how does it feel, to feel the ward's wrath? You don't want pubs on residential streets-then you should go kiss Daley's rump. We in the 32nd enjoy our bars just fine(and will keep enjoying them) in the furure. Want to be out of touch-pay the douches you've been paying. If not, deal with the people of the ward, and we might vote for you!

Gee, 'matlakistheloser', the poor guy's just lost his 'all-access' pass to the 'money train', he'll have to settle for being a high paid gofer, cut him a little slack here, and let him lick his wounds clean, before he's got to start licking his clout's asses.

Congrats to Scott and his team!! The 32nd will be served well.

What the shit! This election has the Jew taint all over it. Ted didn't lose.

A breath of fresh air is blowing through the 32nd ward. Gabinski is next! I can't wait until that crook is up for re-election. If Rosty is not on life support, this may put him on it. Scott will be open and generous with these hacks and flunkies - he has class and integrity. I am sure they are not able to return in kind.

Well, congrats on the huge win for Scott. W whole 120 voters or so that he won! Kinda tells you that the ward i split in half. As for the funny comments about open and honest LOL. I had to laugh, because with the amount of debt this guy has accrued in these 2 races and losing his job in berwyn, it's going to be hard to be so honest. We shall see who's in what developer's pockets after this one. Let da games begin!

the 32 ward voters have spoken . if this scott guy doesn't do a good job he will be gone too . we will be watching .

Scott will do a great job, honest and ethical. Mr. Flanagan if you are concerned about Scott's finances you are free to contribute to the campaign. Didn't you listen the first time, or do you want to hear it again, Scott was on an unpaid leave of absence approved by the City Council. Matlak campaign workers lost for him. The thugs didn't budge all day sure Matlak would win. Party's over!

160 +/- absentee ballots will be counted tomorrow.

Today's Tribune. In the 32nd Ward, incumbent Ted Matlak lost to Scott Waguespack by 122 votes with all of the precincts counted, unofficial totals showed. "Tuesday's 32nd ward aldermanic run-off election remains too close to call," Thomas Jaconetty, attorney for Matlak, said in a statement. "The unofficial results separate Alderman Matlak and his opponent by approximately two votes per precinct, or less than 1.5 percent of the total votes cast for this office," he said. "We have received information and materials requested under the Freedom of Information Act from the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners late this afternoon. We are now in the process of evaluating all the data in order to make an informed decision. We want to make sure that every single vote is counted—that no one's vote is left in the ballot box," Jaconetty said. "It is unclear at this point whether all the absentee ballots have been received and counted by the Chicago Board of Elections. Any ballots postmarked as of Election Day are valid and will count toward the total vote," according to Jaconetty. "This is not about winning or losing; it's about the final outcome being true and correct, and properly reflecting the will of the voters of the 32nd ward," he said

Mr. Flanagan - what happened to the change of heart, or was I mistaken by your reference to the Mark Brown column above? You have taken a lot of shit on this blog - and I respect that you are so committed toward your candidate. I think you should also read the Tribunes editorial on the incoming Alderman - "Meet the New Bosses" "Chicago should have high expectations for Scott Waguespack, who beat Dan Rostenkowski's once-powerful organization in the 32nd Ward." From what I have gotten from meeting Alderman-elect Waguespack during the past months is that he sincerely believes that the voters of the 32nd ward are his bosses. I have every confidence that Alderman Waguespack will live up to the high expectations the Tribune and I feel is warranted, and that he will have an open door and open mind throughout his tenure. I hope that you will have the same open mind, and work with your fellow neighbors in the 32nd ward - you folks are among the lucky few, in my opinion, to have an elected official in our city government who is grounded, competent, and has such a bright future ahead of him. The 1st and 32nd wards are about to become the envy of Chicago - maybe I should think about moving? (All my elected reps will be having wet dreams now! Maybe I’ll stay here and try to keep them honest.) It was nice to see someone so involved and committed. Hope to run into you one day. Take care.

I hope chris' reference to 'Hope to run into you one day. Take care.' doesn't mean chris will be driving his car/truck and john will be walking/running. :) As john f. so pointedly posted, matlak's not gone YET, and we all KNOW what 'magic' the 'machine' can work with those mysteriously 'uncounted' absentee ballots. Apparently, we've forgotten that Dumbocrats can steal an election as effectively as Retardicans.

As Mr. Matlak’s lawyers have stated, "This is not about winning or losing; it's about the final outcome being true and correct, and properly reflecting the will of the voters of the 32nd ward..." I spent the day as a poll watcher in the 14th precinct - Mr. Matlak’s home is in the 14th precinct - and despite all the efforts of the "Machine" to ensure that their hack was reelected - they failed. We had several visits from the states attorney in order to ensure that everything was on the up and up - and from what I saw - it was. I don't underestimate the fifth floor from working it's 'magic' - (I was a victim of underestimating one of Victor Reyes protégés) but the machine came up short. The city has changed - and a new generation is not going to stand by and let these folks steal this election. This is not Stroger - and the Democratic establishment has no idea how much harm they have done by disregarding the grassroots activist or the taxpayers concerns who are not dependant on the city or county for their income - and are sick and tired of paying taxes for representation that refuses to address the issues that effect us. I find it hard to believe that the ‘machine’ is going alienate the will of the voters for someone like Mr. Matlak. As far as any love toward JF - I respect dissention - I just wish that those in power would show the same respect toward the rest of us and conduct themselves in a civil manner. I wish Alderman Waguespack all the best - as I stated earlier on this blog, he is exactly the type of individual who we need to step forward and begin to reclaim our governments. Even the machines folks standing outside the 14th precinct handing out palm cards understood that they are a dying breed. People are not going to be bullied by a few individuals from Streets and Sans or the Water Dept - they have bigger expectations from their governments - and are starting to insist on better results. I can only hope that Alderman Waguespack and Dowell are a harbinger of what is to come for this great city.

A hearty AMEN to that! I, for one, didn't think I'd live long enough to see even the beginning of the nails going into the coffin of da machine. Now, I think I'll even have to quit smoking, just to stick around a little longer.

Alderman Ted Matlak conceded on April 20, 2007. See Message Board-General April 21, 2007 (Statement of Alderman Ted Matlak...)at: http://groups.msn.com/ChicagoBucktownPublicSquare Joe Lake Bucktown/Wicker Park

32nd Ward 2007 Lame Duck at: http://groups.msn.com/ChicagoBucktownPublicSquare/32ndward2007lameduckptvii.msnw

Can't help but notice Scott has employees working for him who's husbands contributed to his campaign. And here I thought Scott said he was going to be "different".