I received the 41st Ward newsletter and couldn't follow the cost-sharing arrangement for its sidewalk program. I wrote back with some questions. Jonathan pointed out that we live in the 43rd, which I do know. It didn't make the figures any clearer.
I think I got onto the list through a fundraiser. In any case, I have started going to ward night. It is near O'Hare, in the Edison Park and Norwood Park part of the city, so I allow time for the drive.
There is an ongoing disagreement about a cul-de-sac and a regular named Rich who now nods when I come in. I bring a folding chair. The staff no longer asks whether I've come to the right place.
At the last meeting the alderman said our friend from the lakefront had thoughts. I had brought comparison tables, laminated because people had spilled coffee on the previous set.
Our own alderman is very responsive, and I have no particular complaint at home. I would still like the 41st Ward's sidewalk figures to make sense. The proposal is due in committee in September, so I will go back for that.
— Ash