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ALDERMAN O'CONNOR'S ADDRESS TO THE 40th WARD


HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY SYSTEM Information provided on the Homeland Security Advisory System warns the threat to U.S. National Security as of January 8th is “Elevated” , or yellow on the five color scale. Translated on the scale it means the current risk of terrorist attack in this country is significant, as opposed to Low (green), General (blue), High (orange), or Severe (red). Homeland security is a subject you don't hear too much about any more, but I wasn't surprised when I discovered the threat level was right in the middle of the scale.

The reasoning as stated in the system is: “While there continues to be no credible information at this time warning of an imminent threat to the homeland, the department's strategic threat perspective is that we are in a period of increased risk.” It goes on to say they are mindful of recent arrests in Europe and an upward trend in propaganda tapes coming from terrorist organizations. The web site recognizes that raising the threat level has economic, physical, and psychological effects on the nation so they often alter the threat level by region in order to minimize unnecessary concern. In my own mind, the current threat to our security should be blue or General . In fact, I believe there should only be four levels of threat. I would label them: Don't worry. Be careful. We've got a problem, and Holy _______!!!

Information can be presented in different ways. In an election year, political candidates work to exhaustion in an attempt to get their message to voters. In local elections it is difficult, in county and state elections it is unlikely, and it is almost impossible on a national level. Media spin, lack of resources, and voter apathy are the biggest impediments in delivering a political message, but logistics are also difficult to overcome.

I am seeking my seventh term as 40 th Ward Democratic Committeeman. The position within the Democratic Party is unpaid yet extremely rewarding. The election process is the world's most recognizable symbol of a thriving democracy. Hundreds of thousands American Service Men and Women are deployed throughout the world to protect, defend, and insure this most precious symbol of freedom. Working with the men and women of the 40th Ward Democratic Organization, I will do my best to present our candidates' messages to you so you can make an informed decision on election day. Please take advantage of your ability to make that decision. VOTE ON FEBRUARY 5TH!



HEAT SEASON IN CHICAGO The following is a friendly reminder that heat season is here. Heat season in Chicago begins September 15 and lasts until June 1. During this period, landlords or building managers are responsible for maintaining the following minimum heat temperatures:

68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.




COMMUNITY NEWS


CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECRUIT CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCILS The Chicago Public Schools is reaching out to the community, businesses, religious institutions and community groups to aggressively recruit candidates for the 2008 Local School Council elections.

In order to fill all available slots, 6,000 volunteers are needed to serve on the LSCs at the 600 Chicago public schools. The filing period for candidates ends March 12th and the elections will be held on April 17th for elementary schools and April 16th for high schools.

You may qualify to run for the council if you are (a) a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the school, or (b) a person eighteen years of age or older, who resides in the attendance area or voting district of a school, or (c) a full time teacher who spends more then 50% of your time in a school, or (d) a student who attends high school full time.

Parents and community residents comprise the majority of the membership on the II member local school council, (12 - member council in high schools) with six parents and two community residents per school.

Local School Councils play a critical role in the operation of a school, including approving the school budget, monitoring the School Improvement Plan and selecting the school principal. They provide a unique connection among school, home and the community. The LSC sets policies designed to encourage and improve student achievement and encourages other parents and neighbors to get involved in the school. Even if you cannot run as a member of your local LSC - you can vote at your neighborhood elementary and high school and possibly at a magnet school in your community. Your vote is important – your participation is critical. You don't have to be a registered voter - you don't even have to be a citizen - all you have to do is care about the children in your community.

O'CONNOR ACCEPTS NEW RESPONSIBILITIES IN COUNCIL REORGANIZATION Following his election to a seventh term as 40th Ward Alderman, Patrick J. O'Connor was appointed Chairman of the Chicago City Council Traffic Committee. He has served as Chairman of the Committee on Education for nearly 20 years. In that position, O'Connor was instrumental in bringing Northside College Prep to the 40th Ward, securing funding for additions to and or renovation of Mather, Sullivan, and Amundsen high schools, and Jamieson, Budlong, Peterson, Trumbull, Hayt, and Kilmer elementary schools.

Nationally recognized as a leader in public education, Alderman O'Connor has received countless awards from teachers and school administrators alike. In his first year as Chairman, Pat was a key figure in negotiating a settlement to the longest teachers' strike in more than three decades. His efforts as an advocate for education funding in Springfield have resulted in better pay for teachers and an unprecedented period of cooperation between the Chicago Board of Education and labor unions that serve the school children of Chicago.

O'Connor's leadership in school safety issues resulted in the placement of metal detectors and assignment of uniformed police officers in all Chicago high schools. As a member of the City Council, Pat continues to work closely on education issues. He recently secured more than $30 million in funding to be used for a total renovation of Mather High School, his alma mater.

His appointment to Chairman of the Committee on Traffic increases his responsibility in the area of traffic and pedestrian safety throughout the city. The new post includes an appointment to the Chicago Plan Commission (an advisory body that reviews all substantial development proposals in the city).



O'CONNOR SEEKS SEVENTH TERM AS DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEEMAN Alderman Patrick J. O'Connor announced that he will seek a seventh term as 40th Ward Regular Democratic Committeeman. O'Connor is unopposed in his bid to retain the unpaid post as democratic leader in the ward. As a twenty-four year veteran on the County Central Committee, one of his duties is to screen candidates seeking the endorsement of the party, including judicial candidates.

“Involvement in the party has afforded me the opportunity of presenting quality local candidates to the central committee for consideration,” O'Connor stated. “As an attorney it is important to me that we, as a party, ensure the quality of judicial candidates. I appreciate the support and trust placed in me by the Democratic residents of the ward and recognize the serious responsibility of the committeeman seat.”


CHICAGO CARE VAN OFFERS FREE IMMUNIZATION SHOTS Alderman O'Connor, the Chicago Park District, Department of Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois have assembled a free immunization program for babies and young children.

On February 14, April 10, June 12, August 14, October 9, and December 11, 2008 from 10a.m. - 3p.rn., the Mobile Immunization Clinic will be visiting Schreiber Park , 1552 N. Schreiber (773-262-6741) to offer FREE shots. “It is typical that many parents believe that immunizing children in time for school is sufficient to keep them safe, but doctors recommend that all children receive the full series of shots by age two to maximize their protection from disease,” says Barbara Dever, park supervisor of Schreiber Park.

Shots Offered
Polio Vaccine Diphtheria Tetanus,Pertussis - (DTaP)
Tetanus & Diphtheria (td) Measles, Mumps & Rubella
Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B Haernophilus Influenza
Type b (Hib) Vaccine Chicken Pox Vaccine
Pneumoccal-Conjugate Vaccine




40TH WARD ACTIVITIES


A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER Over 400 area children joined Alderman O'Connor in celebrating the holiday season at Northside College Prep on December 15th. Each year the Alderman hosts the event where children realize the magic of the holiday season. Musical entertainment and a sing along are provided by our own Pat Callaghan and Duane West, as the children await the arrival of the guest of honor. Santa Claus attends and provides each child with candy, cookies and toys.

For several lucky children the day was made especially memorable when they were presented Radio Flyer Wagons or brand new bicycles. Rosalva Vasquez, mother of the winning boy and ward resident, smiled widely when her son was announced as the winner of a new bicycle. The winning girl was Detana Zozan who was also awarded a bicycle.

Alderman O'Connor wants to thank all the event sponsors who generously donate candy, toys, and prizes to the event.


FOOD DRIVE SUPPLIES LOCAL PANTRY We are pleased to report nearly five tons of non-perishable food items were distributed to local pantries in December. The items were collected in November and early December for his 21st Annual Holiday Food Drive. Food pantries at St. Gregory Parish, Transfiguration Parish, Care for Real, and Little Brothers of the Poor accepted the donations. “It's a great program for the children involved and the overall community,” Alderman O'Connor stated.

The effort began over 20 years ago when 40th Ward children involved in the Alderman's Junior Guard Program approached him with the idea of a food drive as a way of showing appreciation for his support. Since that time, hundreds of kids from the ward have participated in a door to door food drive on a Saturday during the holiday season. The Chicago Park District Beaches and Pools Unit scaled back the junior guard program three years ago. Hundreds of participants at Leone Beach at the height of the program have dwindled to only a handful, but former Junior Guards from Alderman O'Connor's team remain active in the food drive.

O'Connor estimates the average collection at between four and five tons of food annually. Over the course of two decades that translates to nearly one hundred tons of food, and countless hours of community service rendered by kids from our community.


A TOAST TO THE 40th Friends of the 40th Ward Democratic Organization are once again invited to say goodbye to Winter at Alderman O'Connor's 25th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show. The event will take place Sunday, February 24, 2008 at the Crystal Palace , 2648 W. Dempster in Park Ridge . Tickets are $50.

This year's theme, “A Toast to The 40th” is a salute to Alderman and Democratic Committeeman Patrick J. O'Connor on this silver anniversary of the event. The early primary election in Illinois this year insures politics will not be the focus of the afternoon. The latest fashions for the upcoming Spring and Summer Seasons are highlighted in a one hour runway show. The purse and jewelry sale that precedes the show will return along with raffles and prizes.

Event Chairman Meg Schaefer promises a memorable day for mothers and daughters, and friends and neighbors.




40TH WARD IMPROVEMENTS

LINCOLN POINT PHASE II TO BEGIN THIS SPRING The Chicago City Council approved sale of the former Lincoln Motel property to the Lettvin Development Company in December. The ordinance paves the way for completion of the Lincoln Point Condominium Development located at Lincoln and Whipple. Phase I of the project was completed nearly three years ago. Phase 11 was to begin shortly after but was delayed by legal maneuvering that prevented the city from delivering the property to Mr. Lettvin as provided for in an agreement. During the period of delay, Mr. Lettvin purchased and developed Lincoln Crossing Condominiums at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Bryn Mawr. He also looked at other sites on Lincoln Avenue . “Mr. Lettvin's company builds quality market rate condominium units and prices them reasonably. As a result, he is able to continue building in a tough real estate market. There are still a couple of units left in the Lincoln Crossing project, but overall they sold very quickly,” Alderman O'Connor stated.

Lincoln Point Phase 11 construction will begin in the Spring. A 32 unit building, identical to the existing structure, will be joined by a landscaped patio over the garage level of the building. The garage will provide an additional egress point onto Sacramento , and existing landscape treatments will be continued throughout the project. Pre-construction pricing is now being offered for Phase 11 of Lincoln Point at a sales center located at 5582 N. Lincoln . For information you can call (773) 907-9310, or check out the web site at: lincolnpointcondos.com


EXPANSION OF LINCOLN AND PERTERSON PLAZA APPROVED Bank of America and additional retail space including a Starbucks Coffee Shop, with a drive thru lane, will complete the shopping center located at the corner of Lincoln and Peterson where the new Walgreens store is located. Bank of America will construct a triangular shaped building that will anchor the northwest corner of the site. The bank building will be full service offering walk-in and drive thru capabilities.

Starbucks will anchor the retail space at the east end of the site where Krispy Kreme Donut was slated to build. Krispy Kreme cancelled plans for a store at that location when the company fell on hard financial times following a severe decline in the price of the company stock.

Shopping Center Developer Tom Gamsjaeger worked to expand the site following the loss of Krispy Kreme, and was successful in negotiating acquisition of the Kentucky Fried Chicken site where Bank of America will be built. An additional 10,000 square feet of retail space will be available adjacent to Starbucks. For information regarding this development, please call Alderman O'Connor's Ward Office at (773) 769-1140.


MENU PROGRAM Each ward in the City of Chicago is allocated funds for public improvements annually in the city budget. The Menu Program addresses infrastructure problems such as broken curbs or streets and alleys that need paving. Menu options also include park improvements, lighting, and speed humps. The following is a list of improvements accomplished in 2007 through the program:

Park Improvements
$200,000 River Park : Playground equipment

Park Activities
$5,000 Summer concert and movie series in various 40th Ward parks

Alley Resurfacing
$100,000 Farragut - Bowmanville Western - Oakley Sawyer - Kedzie Berwyn - Balmoral

Street Resurfacing
$100,000 Hermitage Ridge to Granville Hermitage Highland to Devon

Speed Humps
$25,000 Various streets and alleys

Curbs and Gutter Repair
$200,000 - 100 locations throughout the Ward.

Lighting Improvements
$750,000 to be spent throughout the ward which will be an ongoing program until every street in the ward has been addressed

Sidewalk Construction
$150,000 Peterson Ave Western to Ravenswood