Mick Dumke
Bio:
I’ve been writing for the Reader since 2005, mostly reporting in-depth stories on political issues such as the notorious parking meter deal, gun control, budgeting tricks, government transparency, race and poverty, and drug policies. I collaborate frequently with my friend and colleague Ben Joravsky, which usually works well because he’s funnier and I’m wonkier. Previously I did stints as a staffer for the Chicago News Cooperative, the Chicago Reporter, and newspapers in Michigan and Virginia, and along the way my work has appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune Magazine, and other publications you’ve never heard of. I’ve been known to teach journalism at Northwestern University and Columbia College Chicago.
I’ve been writing for the Reader since 2005, mostly reporting in-depth stories on political issues such as the notorious parking meter deal, gun control, budgeting tricks, government transparency, race and poverty, and drug policies. I collaborate frequently with my friend and colleague Ben Joravsky, which usually works well because he’s funnier and I’m wonkier. Previously I did stints as a staffer for the Chicago News Cooperative, the Chicago Reporter, and newspapers in Michigan and Virginia, and along the way my work has appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune Magazine, and other publications you’ve never heard of. I’ve been known to teach journalism at Northwestern University and Columbia College Chicago.
- Blogs, Bleader, May 14, 2007
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"A 'win' situation"
A report from Monday's special City Council meeting on the mayor's affordable-housing ordinance.
- Blogs, Bleader, Dec 9, 2008
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"A fucking valuable thing"
The criminal complaint against Governor Blagojevich alleges he tried to wrangle bribes for, well, all kinds of things.
- Blogs, Bleader, Feb 14, 2008
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"Costly and inefficient"
Breaking news: the CTA needs some help.
- Blogs, Bleader, Aug 13, 2008
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"Cut to the bone"?
It's not exactly true that the city's workforce has already been "cut to the bone," as a labor leader suggests.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jun 4, 2008
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"Great."
Council Follies: Rubber stamp--who, us?
- News & Features, Feature, Apr 16, 2009
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"Green Jobs" and How to Get Them
First Ward alderman Manny Flores has a hard row to hoe as a voice for sustainable enterprise in the City Council.
- News & Features, Feature, Apr 16, 2009
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"Green Jobs" and How to Get Them
First Ward alderman Manny Flores has a hard row to hoe as a voice for sustainable enterprise in the City Council.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jan 4, 2007
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"Help Mayor Daley keep moving forward"
In Mayor Daley's first mailing of the campaign season, he makes an open appeal for volunteers--quite a change from the way he ran for office before.
- Blogs, Bleader, Mar 2, 2007
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"I have my volunteers"
After winning reelection this week, 12th Ward alderman George Cardenas was coy about the Hispanic Democratic Organization's role in his campaign.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jun 20, 2007
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"I wouldn't say we're friends"
More election intrigue in the 25th Ward.
- Blogs, Bleader, Apr 16, 2008
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"If you can't help anybody, no one sticks with it."
Forget Robert Sorich--one political insider says the patronage system went down long ago.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jan 22, 2009
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"It's not about advancing your friends"
When President Obama offered a lesson in public service, were any of his potential students back home paying attention?
- Blogs, Bleader, Mar 25, 2008
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"It's not like we're at the trough"
What does the son of Recorder of Deeds Eugene Moore do for $53,000 a year in taxpayer money?
- Blogs, Bleader, Mar 27, 2007
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"Nobody but Stone"
Salman Aftab, formerly a challenger to 50th Ward alderman Bernard Stone, has endorsed the incumbent.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jan 5, 2007
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"Politics ain't beanbag"
Responding to Reverend James Meeks, mayoral candidate Dorothy Brown sheds a tears or two and asserts that she can beat Mayor Richard Daley.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jun 1, 2009
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"Some mistakes were made"
In its latest quest for political cover, the City Council discusses considering privatization deals BEFORE they pass--and debates the parking meter lease it approved six months ago.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jul 2, 2008
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"The right thing to do"
Cook County commissioner Larry Suffredin still says his vote for the county tax hike was a good decision.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jul 22, 2008
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"Without recycling, Chicago's like Detroit"
The state of the city's recycling program: an exchange between a frustrated citizen and the head of Streets and San.
- Blogs, Bleader, Dec 5, 2008
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'A bad deal for Chicago'
Alderman Scott Waguespack sends out an e-mail calling the parking meter lease deal a huge money loser for the city.
- Blogs, Bleader, Jan 2, 2009
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'A fair and judicious process'
Activists promise "repercussions" if Roland Burris isn't seated in the Senate next week--but only because he's the best person for the job.
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