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	<title>Alderman O&#039;Connor &#187; City</title>
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	<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com</link>
	<description>your neighborhood the 40th ward</description>
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		<title>Mayor Daley&#8217;s Senior Fest 2010</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1710/mayor-daleys-senior-fest/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1710/mayor-daleys-senior-fest/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:34:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1710</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For more information call the Chicago Department of Family &#038; Support...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/seniorfest.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1711" title="seniorfest" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/seniorfest-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>When:</strong> Wednesday August 18, 2010<br />
<strong> Time:</strong> 9:30 A.M. until 2 P.M.<br />
<strong> Where:</strong> McCormick Place &#8211; North Building 24th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Drive</p>
<p>Mayor Daley is hosting his annual Senior Fest event at McCormick Place North on Wednesday, August 18, 2010.  I invite you to join us on the main stage as we celebrate Chicago’s seniors.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Approximately 8,000 seniors are expected to attend this one-day citywide event.  Activities are scheduled to be in full swing by 10:30 a.m., and we anticipate that the Mayor will join us sometime after 11:15 a.m.</p>
<p><strong>Chicago residents age 60 and better c</strong>ome Inside and Enjoy the Fun !!!</p>
<ul>
<li>Raffle Prizes</li>
<li>Bingo!</li>
<li>Picnic Lunch</li>
<li>Game Area</li>
<li>Dance Pavilion</li>
<li>Healthy Aging Pavilion</li>
<li>Senior Artist Pavilion</li>
</ul>
<p>For more information call the Chicago Department of Family &amp; Support Services, Senior Services Area Agency on Aging at 312.744.4016.</p>
<p>The 40th Ward has been given an opportunity for complimentary transportation of our seniors to this years <a href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1710/mayor-daleys-senior-fest/" target="_self">Senior Fest on the 18th of August</a>.  The providers of this service need a guaranteed minimum registration level of 25 participants (maximum – 40 participants) to provide this service for our Ward.</p>
<p>We ask that all Seniors age 60 and better to call the Ward office at  773.769.1140 and reserve their place on the bus for this event.</p>
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		<title>Tips for Avoiding Parking Tickets</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1600/tips-for-avoiding-parking-tickets/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1600/tips-for-avoiding-parking-tickets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:33:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1600</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most restricted parking areas are clearly marked by signs or curb markings, like tow zones]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/meter.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1601" title="meter" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/meter-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Most restricted parking areas are clearly marked by signs or curb markings, like tow zones, residential permit parking, and fire hydrant violations.  There are other restrictions, not necessarily indicated by signs, that motorists are required to know.  These violations include parking in a manner that impacts pedestrian safety, access for persons with disabilities, and traffic flow.  This brochure is designed to discuss some of the lesser known parking violations.<br />
<strong>Violation Descriptions:</strong></p>
<p>Park or Stand on Sidewalk, Park or Stand on Parkway and  Park or Stand on Crosswalk. It is illegal to park on a sidewalk, parkway or crosswalk.  While most motorists know this, some do not know that in a private driveway that requires a vehicle to drive over a public sidewalk you cannot park your vehicle in your driveway with its rear or front extending over the pedestrian sidewalk.  This is illegal, in part, because your vehicle may be impeding the ability of a person in a wheel chair to travel without difficulty on the sidewalk.  Further, pedestrians, including parents or caregivers with strollers, have the right to expect the public way to be fully clear of impediments like parked vehicles.  Similarly, you cannot park with your wheels on the curb.  Vehicles that park with two wheels on a curb can seriously damage the curb.  Further, many residents consider this practice unsightly.</p>
<p><strong>Improper Display of City Sticker</strong></p>
<p>Most Chicago residents know they are required to display current city stickers on their vehicles.  What may be less widely known is that there are specific display requirements for city stickers.  This means that many motorists will be required to remove expired stickers purchased in previous years.  City law requires that your city sticker be placed on the inside of your vehicle on the lower right hand side of your windshield.</p>
<p><strong>Parking a Vehicle 6 Feet or Higher Within 20 Feet of a Crosswalk</strong></p>
<p>If you own or rent a large vehicle like a suburban utility vehicle (SUV) it may be 6 feet or taller.  You may not park a vehicle 6 feet or taller within 20 feet of a crosswalk because other motorists may have difficulty seeing around your vehicle before entering an intersection.  Therefore, this restriction promotes safety for all drivers as well as pedestrians.</p>
<p><strong>Parking a Vehicle for the Sole Purpose of Displaying the Vehicle for Sale<br />
Parking a Vehicle to Make Repairs<br />
Parking a Vehicle To Sell Merchandise</strong></p>
<p>You may not park your vehicle for the sole purpose of displaying it for sale, to make repairs or to sell merchandise.  These restrictions promote quality of life, and the residential look to a community.  Many residents feel that vehicles parked on the public way for these purposes are unsightly</p>
<p><strong>Parking In An Alley</strong></p>
<p>While many motorists know that you are not allowed to park in an alley because traffic flow may be obstructed, some motorists are unaware that this includes parking in front of a garage.  You cannot park your car in front of your garage because this can obstruct traffic flow and obstruct the ability for other motorists to maneuver in and out of their garages.</p>
<p><strong>Wrong Direction or 12 Inches from the Curb</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>This parking restriction is actually a combination of two restrictions.  It is illegal to park in the direction opposite to traffic flow.  For example, most motorists are aware that a one way street requires you to park in the required direction of traffic.  A lesser known restriction is that you are still required to park your vehicle in the direction of traffic on a street that allows traffic in two directions,   For example, on a street that runs north and south with traffic flowing north on the right, and south on the left, parked vehicles on the right must be facing north.  Parked vehicles on the left must be facing south.  This restriction promotes the correct flow of traffic.</li>
<li>You cannot park your vehicle more than 12 inches from a curb.  This restriction is designed to encourage the free flow of traffic by ensuring that vehicles are not impeded by parked vehicles that are too far out into the roadway.</li>
<li>Vehicles sticking out too far into the roadway also have a higher likelihood of being hit or scraped by passing vehicles.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Parking Outside Diagonal Markings<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
Chicago does have parking spots that are marked by diagonal lines.  You must park within these lines so that other motorists can park in spaces next to yours without difficulty.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>Snow Route: 2 Inches of Snow or More</strong></p>
<p>Snow routes are designated with signage by the City on streets with significant traffic flow.  It is necessary for snow plows from the Department of Streets and Sanitation to have access to plow and remove snow from streets with significant traffic.  The ability for the City to quickly remove snow from heavily trafficked streets benefits all motorists and promotes safety and the free flow of traffic.  If you are unsure about how much snow has fallen, err on the side of caution and park on a street without these posted restrictions.</p>
<p><strong>Non-Compliant License Plate</strong></p>
<p>State law requires most vehicles to affix front and back license plates to the vehicles at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground.  For example, you can be issued a ticket if you are displaying your license plate in your windshield.</p>
<p><strong>Parking Prohibited In a Viaduct or Underpass</strong></p>
<p>It is unlawful to park under a viaduct or underpass.  This restriction is designed to encourage the free flow of traffic.</p>
<p><strong>Other Tips For Your Consideration:</strong></p>
<p></strong></p>
<p><strong>Please do not ignore your parking tickets or the mailed notices.</strong></p>
<p>Take action by contesting your tickets or paying your tickets by the “pay by date” on the Notice of Violation.  Avoid additional penalties by timely remitting payment.</p>
<p>Please remember to update your license plate registration with the Illinois Secretary of State or your home state’s vehicle authority every time you move.  Please note, updating your address on your driver’s license does not necessarily mean that your address will be updated on your license plate registration.</p>
<p>If you have questions, please visit us at <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/revenue" target="_blank">cityofchicago.org/revenue</a> or call us at 312.744.7275.</p>
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		<title>Online Summer School Project</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1573/online-summer-school-project/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1573/online-summer-school-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:25:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1573</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chicago Public Schools officials unveiled a new online summer school initiative that will increase the focus on the needs of individual students...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/onlineschool.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1574" title="onlineschool" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/onlineschool-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago Public Schools officials unveiled a new online summer school initiative that will increase the focus on the needs of individual students.</p>
<p>“We all know that providing more students with individual attention is the key to their long term success,” Daley said in a news conference held at Chicago Military Academy, 3519 S. Giles Av.</p>
<p>“To do this we will be embracing technology and online learning more than ever before and that&#8217;s transformative &#8212; something we&#8217;ve never done to this extent before,” he said.</p>
<p>Summer school has been mandatory for students who need it since 1996. This summer, all CPS programs are expected to serve more than 95,000 students in traditional summer school classes and other summer programs.</p>
<p>Daley said the summer online program will transform summer school this year to benefit students at every level and from every background.</p>
<p>“Unless our students are prepared to be part of the modern technology world and use it to their advantage, they are less likely to succeed,” he said. “That&#8217;s why I won&#8217;t be satisfied &#8212; and neither should any parent &#8212; until every child graduates ready to compete in the world economy in the 21st century.”</p>
<p>The online program is split into four different tracks to provide the most individualized instruction possible.</p>
<ul>
<li>7th and 8th graders who need remedial work will be enrolled in pre-algebra and composition courses that will prepare them for core high school requirements. These fully online courses will be available to students from any location. All courses will be taught online by certified instructors.</li>
<li>High school students who have fallen off-track will be able to take credit recovery courses. By re-taking courses they have failed during the school year, students will have the opportunity to get back on track to graduate. These courses will be available at CPS schools offering summer school programs. All courses will be taught online by certified instructors.</li>
<li>Students will have the opportunity to accelerate their learning by taking core courses online during the summer. This will ensure students meet graduation requirements and have the time in their schedule to take advanced course offerings during the school year.</li>
<li>Finally, high school juniors will be able to enroll in independent study courses. These fully online courses will allow students to pursue unique learning options. Many of the courses have been built in partnership with leading Chicago cultural institutions, such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Chicago Art Institute and Broadway in Chicago.</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition to the new online program, CPS will continue to offer many other summer initiatives – all of which have been re-designed to focus more on targeted, individualized instruction. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Freshman Connection, which helps elementary school students make the sometimes difficult transition to high school, and will serve an estimated 11,600 students at 100 locations.</li>
<li>Summer Bridge, for elementary students who do not meet the minimum promotion criteria per board policy. It will serve an estimated 26,500 students in 500 schools.</li>
<li>Extended School year for 4,800 special education students in 125 schools.</li>
<li>9-12 Summer School will serve an estimated 20,000 students at 82 schools.</li>
</ul>
<p>Daley also said that the City’s “<a href="http://youthreadychicago.org/" target="_blank">Youth Ready Chicago</a>” program will provide 2,400 high school students with summer jobs and the “Keep Kids Learning” program will provide 2,500 3rd through 12th graders with full-day academic, social and recreation enrichment.</p>
<p>“Looking ahead, we will continue to reach out to students at every level to keep them learning, to keep them safe, and to get them ready to succeed in the classroom and graduate from high school,” the Mayor said.</p>
<p>“We need our children to learn in a technology based environment and that&#8217;s what we&#8217;re trying to accomplish during the regular school year and during summer school,” he said.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Chicago&#8217;s 41st Annual Pride Parade</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1542/chicagos-41st-annual-pride-parade/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1542/chicagos-41st-annual-pride-parade/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:07:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1542</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[More than 450,000 people are expected to attend the 41st annual spectacle featuring 250 entries such as floats and marching bands...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/prideparade.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1545" title="prideparade" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/prideparade-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>When:</strong> Sunday, June 27<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> Noon<br />
<a href="http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org" target="_blank"><strong></strong></a><strong>Phone:</strong> 773.348.8243<br />
<strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:PrideChgo@aol.com">PrideChgo@aol.com</a><br />
<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org" target="_blank">http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org</a></p>
<p>Grand Marshal of this year&#8217;s parade is country singer/songwriter Chely Wright.</p>
<p>The parade will feature 250 registered entries including floats, decorated vehicles, performance groups, a marching band and walking contingents.</p>
<p>The entries represent community organizations, businesses, governmental officials and individual community members.</p>
<p>Crowd estimates each year are in the hundreds of thousands. So the plans are to line the parade route with barricades on both sides of the street from beginning of the parade route to Diversey. Spectators will be required to remain behind the barricades. In recent years, the City of Chicago has required that several large city parades, including the Pride Parade, line their parade routes with barricades to prevent injuries.</p>
<p><strong>Parade Route:</strong> Step off from the Halsted &amp; Belmont corner, proceeding north on Halsted (to Broadway); then south on Broadway (to Diversey); then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive, in Lincoln Park.</p>
<p><strong>Needs and Special Needs</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org/restroombarricade.shtml" target="_blank">Portable Restrooms</a> &#8211; are stationed along the assembly area (the parade line-up street) and the parade route. They are sponsored by various businesses, organizations and individuals. Included at several locations are restrooms for the physically challenged.</p>
<p>Physically Challenged Area/Wheelchair Accessible Area &#8211; for people who need or want more space: the sidewalks of West Diversey Parkway (near 600 W. Diversey). Traditionally this area of the parade route has fewer spectators than other sections of the parade route. Spectators in these areas generally arrive there early on parade morning to secure their viewing spots. Included there are wheelchair accessible restrooms. The area is also barricaded for better protection.</p>
<p><strong>Ten Tips for Parade Spectators</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>The parade starts at 12 Noon. So, arrive early to find a good spot.</li>
<li>Parking in the area is limited, so walk, take public transportation (or if you must drive, then car pool). For CTA/PACE/Metra transit information, call 773-836-7000; Web Site: <a href="http://www.transitchicago.com." target="_blank">www.transitchicago.com.</a></li>
<li>The parade route (both sides of Halsted Street and Broadway Avenue) will be lined with barricades as required by the City of Chicago. Spectators will be required to stand behind the barricades, not in the street. Besides the parade registrants traveling down the middle of the street, only police officers, other city officials and parade marshals will be allowed in the street.</li>
<li>Alcohol consumption should NOT take place along the parade route. Bring plenty of bottled water and sun screen and dress lightly.</li>
<li>Keep the area clean by using trash barrels.</li>
<li>Since crowds have increased in recent years on Halsted Street, spectators are being asked to try other sections of the parade route to view the parade (for example, West Diversey Parkway or Broadway from Wellington to Diversey). Spectators must watch the parade on the parade route, not in the assembly area.</li>
<li>City ordinance prevents parade participants from tossing items to spectators. Likewise, spectators should not toss items back to parade participants. Spectators are not allowed to walk into the street to get items. Spectators must wait until parade participants come to the sidelines to hand out items. Parade participants are not allowed to hand out items to spectators who are standing on sidewalks in the assembly area. (So, spectators who want sample items must view the parade from the actual parade route.)</li>
<li>Do NOT use high-powered water rifles, &#8220;Super Soakers&#8221; or squirt guns, because they could cause injuries.</li>
<li>Each year when the parade ends, spectators are kept out of the street because the Streets and Sanitation Department removes barricades and begins cleaning the streets. Then, the police reopen the streets to traffic.</li>
<li>As in past years, police personnel and PRIDEChicago marshals will be on hand, but spectators can be a big help by obeying the above rules.</li>
</ol>
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		<title>Free Business Seminars</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1513/free-business-seminars/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1513/free-business-seminars/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:06:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1513</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) reminds entrepreneurs about the upcoming...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/cityhall.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1514" title="cityhall" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/cityhall-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Business Works Seminars will be offered throughout the year:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Thursdays, 5:30pm -9:00pm<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>June 17, 2010</strong> &#8211; Wright College &#8211; 4300 N. Narragansett (Information Below)<br />
<strong>August 19, 2010</strong> &#8211; West Side Technical Institute -2800 S. Western Ave. (Check Website for more Information)<br />
<strong>November 18, 2010</strong> &#8211; Malcolm X College &#8211; 1900 W. Van Buren St. (Check Website for more Information)</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/bacp" target="_blank">www.cityofchicago.org/bacp</a><br />
<strong>Registration:</strong> None</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) reminds entrepreneurs about the upcoming free business works seminar geared towards helping new business owners with access to resources and financing.</span></strong></p>
<p>The seminar will be offered on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett at 5:30 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public, registration is not required.</p>
<p>At the event, entrepreneurs will connect with nearly 30 government and non-profit agencies that assist small businesses with licensing, business planning, small business loan resources, financial incentives and more.</p>
<p>Three workshops will be offered that begin at 7:15pm on how to write a business plan, how to finance your business, and how to use email marketing to boost your business.</p>
<p>“Business Works is a great resource for anybody interested in starting a business. Even established businesses can benefit from the workshops and by connecting with resources to grow an existing business” said Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Norma I. Reyes.</p>
<p>The evenings (June 17, 2010) keynote speaker will be a well known local Chicago business owner Marc Schulman, President  of The Eli’s Cheesecake Company, who will share his business success story.</p>
<p>At the event, entrepreneurs graduating from the Business Start-Up Program will be presented with certificates.  The Business Start-Up Certificate Program, offered by BACP and City Colleges of Chicago, is a free program for entrepreneurs that offers a curriculum of classes that cover all the basics of starting or <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/provdrs/bus.html" target="_blank">Growing a Business. Classes</a> are held at City Hall and are offered twice a week.</p>
<p>The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection encourages and supports entrepreneurial growth throughout Chicago by offering the Business Works seminars in various parts of the city and other programs that provide businesses with resources to grow and succeed.</p>
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		<title>Recycling Partnership With Computers For Schools</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1490/recycling-partnership-with-computers-for-schools/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1490/recycling-partnership-with-computers-for-schools/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:26:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1490</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[June 19, 2010 - 40th Ward Paper Drive. Please call the Ward Office for more information. Telephone: 773.769.1140]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/paperdrive.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1491" title="paperdrive" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/paperdrive-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Mayor Richard M. Daley kicked off the Chicago Neigborhood Paper Drive and encouraged residents to participate in a pilot program for computer recycling.</p>
<p>&#8220;Chicago has set many goals in order to be the greenest city in the nation,” said Mayor Daley during a press conference at the City’s permanent Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Center, 1150 North Branch. “We need residents to get involved. We need people to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles, and recycling is a great way to start.”</p>
<p>The Neighborhood Paper Drive officially begins June 5, 2010 and will last approximately two weeks.</p>
<p>Twenty-four organizations have signed up for the competition that will be encouraging residents to drop-off mixed paper, newspapers/magazines or office paper at designated locations.</p>
<p>At the end of the two weeks, the City’s recycling partners will take the paper to area recycling facilities.</p>
<p>In addition to any revenues from the recyclables, cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000 will be awarded to the organizations that collect the most of each paper type.</p>
<p>The paper drive recycling partners include Allied Waste/Republic Services, Inc., FutureMark Paper Company, Paper Retriever, Recycling Services Inc., and Waste Management, Inc.</p>
<p>The paper drive was first announced on Earth Day, and the City is working with local agencies in hopes of hosting future competitions. At the press conference, Mayor Daley also announced that the City of Chicago has partnered with Computers for Schools, a program by Rebuilders and Recyclers that refurbishes electronic equipment for students and others in need.</p>
<p>“Through this partnership we hope to keep computers out of landfills and put them into the hands of our school children.This is not only a green initiative, but also helps us bridge the digital divide,” added Daley.</p>
<p>Residents in seven neighborhoods throughout the city will receive notices from Computer for Schools regarding pick-up dates and times.</p>
<p>To participate in the effort, residents are asked to leave their old computers and electronic equipment outside their homes. A truck provided by Computer for Schools will drive through the neighborhood collecting the the equipment, similar to other non-for-profit collection drives. Pick-ups will take place between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the neighborhood’s scheduled day.</p>
<p>Previous pick-ups have taken place in the 39th, 35th, and 1st Wards with the remaining dates and wards to include:</p>
<ul>
<li>June 5, 2010 – 19th Ward</li>
<li>June 12, 2010 &#8211; 23rd  Ward</li>
<li>June 19, 2010 &#8211; 40th Ward</li>
<li>June 26, 2010 &#8211;  47st Ward</li>
<li>July 1, 2010 &#8211; 41st Ward</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition to computers, the electronics that will be accepted include: TVs, DVD Players, VCR&#8217;s, PDA&#8217;s, MP3 Players, Video Equipment, &amp; Mobile Phones</p>
<p>&#8220;When we make modern computer and Internet technology available across Chicago, we are improving education, creating a more modern workforce, helping small business and creating hope and opportunity for every Chicagoan,&#8221; said Mayor Daley.</p>
<p>Except for construction and demolition debris, paper is the largest component of the city’s waste stream at 12% by weight. Over 300,000 tons of paper are available for diversion but are being land filled annually. By recycling this material, the city can make serious gains towards the Chicago Climate Action Plan goal of reducing 0.84 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.</p>
<p>The Mayor also reminded residents that they can drop off off household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers and related equipment at the Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Center for safe disposal and recycling.The Waste Characterization Study and the Waste Diversion Study are available online at <a href="http://www.chicagorecycles.org" target="_blank">www.chicagorecycles.org</a>.</p>
<p>For more information on Neighborhood Paper Drives, or Electronic Collection Days, please visit <a href="http://www.chicagorecycles.org" target="_blank">www.chicagorecycles.org</a> or call the Chicago Department of Environment at 312-744-7606.</p>
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		<title>Theater Districts 10th Anniversary</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1443/10th-anniversary-of-chicagos-theater-district/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1443/10th-anniversary-of-chicagos-theater-district/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:36:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1443</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Theater District not only provides entertainment to the residents of Chicago, but it has strengthened our position as a]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/theater.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1444" title="theater" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/theater-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Mayor Richard M. Daley  marked the 10th anniversary of the Chicago Theater District, praising the partnership between the City and theater operators for drawing millions of visitors to downtown Chicago and supporting thousands of jobs for Chicago residents.</p>
<p>“In our ongoing efforts to grow Chicago&#8217;s economy we&#8217;ve taken many important steps. Today we are here to acknowledge one of our major successes &#8212; the creation of the Chicago Theater District ten years ago,” Daley said in a news conference held in the Cadillac Palace Theater, 151 W. Randolph St.</p>
<p>“The Chicago Theater District not only provides entertainment to the residents of Chicago, but it has strengthened our position as a worldwide convention and tourism destination,” he said.</p>
<p><strong>Daley said that:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Chicago has more than 800 stage productions every year which draw more than 5 million theater-goers across the city.</li>
<li>Theater brings tourists, whose dollars support hotels, restaurants, museums, retail stores and jobs for residents.</li>
<li>Theater provides jobs for actors, artistic designers, and all the other people who work in the theater.</li>
<li>Theater attracts new residents who come to the city looking for a vibrant arts scene. It helps Chicago’s reputation as an arts destination grow.</li>
</ul>
<p>“Nowhere are those contributions more evident than in the Theater District, where our vision of a revitalized entertainment area has become a reality through the collaboration of city government with Broadway in Chicago and the League of Chicago Theaters and the Goodman Theater,” the Mayor said.</p>
<p>Daley pointed out that the City has made a strong commitment to the Theatre District with Tax Increment Financing dollars.</p>
<p>He said the City has invested $86 million in downtown TIF funds that have yielded $233 million in private investment.</p>
<p>As a result, the Theatre District has generated an additional 1,000 performing arts jobs here between 1997 and 2009. The four downtown theaters operated by Broadway in Chicago alone have accounted for more than $114 million in stage labor payroll over the last 10 years.</p>
<p>It is estimated that Broadway in Chicago has an annual economic impact on Chicago of $750 million and that Broadway in Chicago productions support more than 9,200 jobs in the City of Chicago.</p>
<p>Daley said the City’s support of the Theatre District has helped renovate landmark theaters and has helped support infrastructure and streetscaping improvements in the neighborhood.</p>
<p>“The Theater District experience speaks volumes about how a public-private partnership can help rejuvenate one of our neighborhoods,” the Mayor said.</p>
<p>“Make no mistake – without the investment and support from the City and the hard work of our Theater District partners, the Loop wouldn’t be as vibrant a place as it is,” he said.</p>
<p>He said that between 1997 and 2008, the Loop saw a 53 percent increase in hotel rooms and 20 percent increase in meeting space.  New hotels added services catering to theatergoers and retailers alike. Formerly vacant office buildings have been redeveloped into modern condos, hotels and student dorms.</p>
<p>“While many other cities have seen their downtowns fade away over the last half century, Chicago’s keeps getting better and busier despite the recession. I think there’s no more vibrant part of what makes up Chicago than our theater community,” Daley said.</p>
<p>“Ten years ago, we believed we could make the historic center of Chicago’s theater scene come alive again. And working together, we have done just that &#8212; and strengthened Chicago&#8217;s role in the global economy at the same time,” he said.</p>
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		<title>CTA Safety Cameras</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1438/cta-safety-cameras/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1438/cta-safety-cameras/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 14:05:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1438</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having cameras at every station is a valuable tool, both for security purposes and from an operations perspective as well.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cta.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1439" title="cta" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cta-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago Transit Authority officials said that by May 31, one or more safety cameras will have been installed at every one of the CTA&#8217;s 144 rail stations. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MayorDaley#p/u/0/lF9BOP8u-Xg" target="_blank">YouTube Video</a></p>
<p>&#8220;We have reached an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make our transit system as safe as it can be. We know that cameras deter violence in our neighborhoods. They can be equally effective on public transportation,&#8221; Daley said in a news conference with CTA officials held at the Paulina station on the Brown Line.</p>
<p>The Mayor also said that by the end of the year CTA plans to have nearly 3,000 cameras installed system-wide.</p>
<p>&#8220;Having cameras at every station is a valuable tool, both for security purposes and from an operations perspective as well. Real-time video is available to CTA&#8217;s Control Center and can assist in the event of a service disruption,&#8221; said CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez. &#8220;The CTA is committed to putting the tools in place to increase the safety of its customers and employees, and reaching this milestone is a step in the right direction.&#8221;</p>
<p>Daley said that since 2002, the CTA has made great progress in upgrading its infrastructure to include the addition of safety cameras. And so far this year, they have installed about 550 cameras, increasing coverage to more than 1,800.</p>
<p>The Mayor pointed out that the CTA station cameras build on many previous steps the City has taken to create a camera safety network that helps law enforcement and emergency personnel in their mission of serving and protecting residents.</p>
<p>He said:</p>
<ul>
<li>There are thousands of cameras including Police Observation Devices, Homeland Security, Chicago Public Schools, CTA, airport and private cameras integrated into the network.</li>
<li>Together, these cameras form the largest wireless camera integration platform in the United States. The Police Department says cameras have played a role in more than 4,500 arrests since 2006.</li>
<li>The cameras enhance the capability of the City&#8217;s Office of Emergency Management and Communications to communicate with police, fire and CTA personnel in real-time, which is a tremendous asset to first responders.</li>
</ul>
<p>&#8220;And, most importantly, Chicago residents have embraced the cameras. Every day, we receive requests for more cameras from neighborhoods all around the city. And people complain if a camera is going to be removed,&#8221; Daley said.</p>
<p>The CTA has received $22.6 million in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds since 2006 to enhance its security and surveillance network and is using a portion of those funds to expand camera coverage on its rail system.</p>
<p>After each station across the system has at least one high definition camera installed, additional cameras will be installed across the rail system beginning with the Loop stations and along the Brown and Red lines by this fall. All stations will have full deployment of cameras by the end of the year.</p>
<p>The CTA is investing approximately $19 million to install and network security cameras across the system. The remainder of the funds will be used to further enhance the security network by improving the video management system.</p>
<p>All the projects will be paid for by a combination of DHS, Federal Transit Administration and Regional Transportation Authority funds.</p>
<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re appreciative that the federal government recognizes the importance of technology – like security cameras – in keeping the system safe,&#8221; said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Terry Peterson. &#8220;These Department of Homeland Security grants are allowing the CTA to make significant upgrades to the security and surveillance network that benefits CTA, its customers and the communities served by CTA.&#8221;</p>
<p>Daley said that later this year CTA will launch a pilot program to see whether it&#8217;s feasible to retrofit CTA&#8217;s rail cars with safety cameras. The CTA&#8217;s new 5000-series rail cars come equipped with cameras.</p>
<p>&#8220;Every day, the Chicago Transit Authority provides more than 1.7 million rides on buses and trains – moving people to and from work and throughout the city. They want a system that provides on-time, safe and reliable service &#8212; one that works for them,&#8221; the Mayor said.</p>
<p>A modern public transportation system is vital to our economic security and to our ability to recruit new businesses and create new jobs. At the end of the day, as the leaders of the CTA agree, what&#8217;s important is that we use every available tool to have a system of public transportation that works for our people,&#8221; he said.</p>
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		<title>Making Government More Transparent</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1412/making-government-more-transparent/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1412/making-government-more-transparent/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2010 14:12:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1412</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[New information has been added to the City’s website that represents another step toward his goal of...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/transparent1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1414" title="transparent" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/transparent1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>New information has been added to the City’s website that represents another step toward his goal of better managing government by making Chicago government more accountable, open and transparent. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTJgW9gJyVw" target="_blank">Video link</a>.</p>
<p>“That’s the kind of government the residents of Chicago want, and it’s the kind of government that I want,” the Mayor said in a news conference held at City Hall.</p>
<p>Two months ago, the City unveiled its new, updated website which provides residents with more information and services online than ever before and in a way that is easier to understand, faster to access and more reliable.</p>
<p>“What we are trying to do with this website is make information regarding government more accessible for Chicagoans,” Daley said.</p>
<p>“Whether a resident is at home or at a public library terminal or anywhere else in the world for that matter, we want it to be fast and easy for them to get information or complete transactions with the city,” he said.</p>
<p>The new online sources of information and data announced to day are:</p>
<p><strong>Statements of Financial Interest</strong></p>
<p>The City has now posted all 2009 Statements of Financial Interests submitted by more than 11,000 City employees. This makes Chicago one of the first cities in the nation to post all ethics statements filed with it online. In the past, these forms were available only by photocopy or email. Neither the State of Illinois nor the federal government makes all filed &#8220;ethics disclosures&#8221; available online. <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/ethics/provdrs/statements_of_financialinterests.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p><strong>Freedom of Information Act Requests</strong></p>
<p>City departments have always posted online a list of documents and information they regularly maintain, as well as information about how to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain those records.<br />
A new state law requires every department to maintain a log of all FOIA requests, including the name of the requestor, a description of the request and the submission and due dates.</p>
<p>The law does not require the log to be posted online, but Daley said the City is going above and beyond what&#8217;s required and taking that extra step to post the logs online &#8212; effective now &#8212; in the interest of transparency and the free flow of information. Chicago is the only government organization in the nation that posts logs for every city department and updates them daily. In the federal government, for example, only two agencies (U.S. Trade Representative and Office of Secretary of Defense) post FOIA logs online and the most recent information available is from 2008. <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/progs/foia.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p><strong>Boards and Commissions Database.</strong></p>
<p>There are more than 150 boards and commissions to which the mayor appoints members, and the website now includes information about the functions and rules of those boards and commissions and their members. <a href="https://webapps.cityofchicago.org/moboco/" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p><strong>Service Request Lookup</strong></p>
<p>There is a lookup function for residents wanting to know the status of their requests for city services. Whether a resident submits the request on-line or through 311, they will receive a service request number and can view information about the status of their issue on the website. The expanded information requests now include: abandoned vehicle complaints, building violations, garbage cart maintenance (black carts), graffiti removal, rodent baiting, sanitation code violations, street lights out, tree trimming requests and tree debris removal. <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/svcs/iwantto.check_status_of.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/svcs/iwantto.check_status_of.html" target="_self"></a><strong>Expanded Payment Information</strong></p>
<p>Since 2004, the City has made available its contracts and contract payments information on-line. Now the City is posting a monthly report of all other payments that are not connected to a specific Department of Procurement Services contract, including payments for utilities, real estate leases, subscriptions, legal expenses and settlements, debt service, employee reimbursements, postage, and other similar types of payments. <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/fin/supp_info/vendor_payments.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p><strong>Economic Disclosure Statements</strong></p>
<p>Beginning in late 2009, the City began piloting an on-line submission form for Economic Disclosure Statements (EDS) – company ownership information required for approval of City contracts. Vendors are beginning to submit the EDS electronically for approval, and that data will now be posted online in an easy-to-use searchable format. Previously to find a vendor’s EDS on the web, a user needed to know the contract information in order to access the copy of the hand-written EDS that was on-line. EDS data will be searchable for newly-awarded contracts and users will have the ability to search by vendor name, company officer and director names, shareholder names and retained party information, among other identifiers.</p>
<p>The City plans to expand use of the electronic and online EDS throughout 2010, and expects to have all EDS’s submitted online by the end of the year. <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/provdrs/comp/svcs/economic_disclosurestatementseds.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p><strong>Daley said the steps announced today build on other initiatives the City has recently announced that make government more transparent, including:</strong></p>
<p>• Posting TIF district information, including three-year estimates of revenue and expenditures on individual projects in each of the 160 TIF districts in the City; <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/tif.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p>• Posting detailed contracts and payment information for delegate agencies that provide social services to city residents. <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dps/provdrs/contract/svcs/payment_search.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
<p>“During these tough times, when people demand greater access to information from governments and businesses, I believe they want us to stand up for them and give them the information they need to make decisions,” Daley said.</p>
<p>“I know we are well on the way to achieving that goal with this new website,” he said.</p>
<p>The website is at: <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/" target="_self">http://www.cityofchicago.org</a></p>
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		<title>Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program</title>
		<link>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1358/mortgage-foreclosure-mediation-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/1358/mortgage-foreclosure-mediation-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2010 12:34:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/?p=1358</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The goal of the mediation program is to deliver critical]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mediation1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1359" title="mediation1" src="http://www.aldermanoconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mediation1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>The goal of the mediation program is to deliver critical services to Cook County homeowners in crisis as early as possible once the foreclosure process begins. As part of the program, homeowners who have received a summons to appear in court will have access to housing counseling and legal assistance at no charge.</p>
<p>With the support and information provided through the mediation program, homeowners in foreclosure will be able to explore their options to either stay in their homes or negotiate a respectable exit.</p>
<p><strong>To schedule a free meeting with a housing counselor – the first step in the mediation process – homeowners who have received a court summons can call our toll-free help line at 877.895.2444 (or 312.836.5222 TDD).</strong></p>
<p>Homeowners who are concerned about their mortgages, but who have not received a summons from the court and are not currently in foreclosure, should <a href="http://cookcountyforeclosurehelp.org/resources/" target="_blank">click here</a> for a list of available resources.</p>
<p>For more information and full program details, please see our <a href="http://cookcountyforeclosurehelp.org/about/" target="_blank">About page</a>. To learn more about the organizations involved in this effort, please see our <a href="http://cookcountyforeclosurehelp.org/partners/" target="_blank">Partners page</a>.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p><strong>Timothy C. Evans</strong><br />
Chief Judge<br />
Circuit Court of Cook County</p>
<p><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://cookcountyforeclosurehelp.org/" target="_blank">http://cookcountyforeclosurehelp.org/</a></p>
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