Campaign Office Opens on Howard

Huh?

Paula Basta, Independent Democratic Candidate for State Rep. opened a campaign office at Howard and Greenview. www.paulabasta.org

She's a great woman and a friend of mine

If by calling Paula a "real liberal and independent", you mean "her entire campaign is funded by an $80,000 contribution from a single person in the financial commodities industry" then you are spot on!

Oh, and how funny. Just checked out her website.

"Current campaign caps limit political contributions to $5,000 per individual, $10,000 per business, and $50,000 per PAC. Paula supports enforcing and expanding caps on political donations to candidates to help eliminate negative influences of large campaign contributors."

Fortunately, she received her $80,000 donation precisely 3 days before the new caps went into effect. Coincidence? Or clearly going against the spirit of campaign finance caps? And I agree with her point that large campaign contributors have negative influences. Like really, really, really large ones. Like $80,000.

Same old stuff. Not liberal or independent.

People's Republic of Joe Moore? I am sure Paula's campaign just loves having your support.

Not phased by the money argument...Paula is running against the machine. How else to you beat the machine when you don't have machine money. Also, looking at her quarterlies, she has raised money from folks in district too. Not lobbyists. The large donation she got, was from a friend/some one who believes in her. She can still be an ind. voice as she owes nothing to Rahm or Madigan...That donation was legal at the time and is public record. Also, if you look at the donors past contributions to other campaigns, they range from liberal candidates to Anita Avalerez. Kyle, I'm sure her campaign loves having any support...There's a lot of us who hate Joe Moore...

One other thing Pete, how is Kelly Cassidy any different from the same old thing? She is an insider appointed to a state rep seat. She recently moved from Andersonville to Rogers Park and is a carpetbagger...

Max, by resorting to name calling rather than focusing on the issues, you just did a big dis-service to your candidate. Yes, I will still review her platform but am very skeptical that she would be a good representative of my concerns if you are a model of her current supporters.

Nikki, I appreciate your sentiment. But the bottom line is, I'm sick of being told who to vote for by the so called progressive establishment. I am fed up and super excited about this race. I value the environment and our current state rep isnt representing me when she accepts money from clean coal and then goes on record saying she'd support clean coal. I value health care. My current state rep was 1 of 6 to oppose the study of single payer at the state level. I value my grandma and other seniors. Our current state rep opposed stricter regulations of nursing homes. Our current state rep votes with King Madigan over 95% of the time... Our current state rep bragged about a birthday fundraiser in which Madigan and Emanuel attended. My parents are unionized...RE and MM are trying to destroy unions...Disservice to my candidate? If calling her opponent out for who she really is... is a dis-service, then sign me and my whole block up! We are so sick of this insider politics and being demonized by the establishment because god forbid, we stop drinking the cool aid!

@ Max

Your not representing your favored candidate very well, just my opinion, I like Paula Basta, For da record I live in Rep. Harris' district so got no dog in this fight.

But let's talk about the issues..one at a time and back it up with a link if necessary.

Does Rep. Cassidy support "clean coal"? If so to what degree and how? Back it up and kindly keep it civil.

Clean coal...now there is an oxymoron if I ever heard one!

Kelly voted with a majority of her colleagues to pass SB 2169, a bill that allowed a clean coal project to be built.

If look up her campaign report online at Illinois Board of Elections, you'll see she accepted money from clean coal lobby too :(

Max, no one is telling you who to vote for. Once you go into the booth, you can put whoever's name you want in. If you dont like the choices, then there is a write-in box.

As for opposing the establishment, you're just choosing a new establishment, one that will engage in the same politics with different people.

@Max I'm all for fresh views in the political landscape. But for someone who is so tired of the "so called progressive establishment", you sure are spending a lot of time telling us what is wrong with them rather than telling us why your candidate is different, and therefore, better. Talk to me about specific issues.

I think Kelly has had an incredibly progressive and independent voting record. Those stats like "voted 95% with Madigan" can be misleading because of all the tiny unanimous procedural votes. Kelly has shown she will break with her party when it matters most.

She fiercely opposed the CME/Sears tax handout, which Democratic leaders thought was so important to pass they called a special session to pass.

She also worked hard to try and defeat the Comed Rate Hike bill, which would have boosted rates across the state and increased profit. Heck, the machine was so mad her vote was incorrectly cast as "yes" when she left the room, along with several other votes, and they had to fix it when they got back!

I understand your environmental concerns, but the clean coal bill is not a black and white issue. The Environmental Law & Policy Center actually supported it for the conservation measures it took. She is also the chief sponsor to shut down both coal plants on the south side, and is the cosponsor of legislation to stop harmful runoff from factory farms and dry cleaning chemicals.

Kelly has had an exceptional voting record, and a strong background. She has run a constituent office, did legislative work for Chicago's chapter of NOW, and worked in the states attorneys office. I think she's got the perfect mix in her background, and has been an excellent state rep so far. All too often people are quick to use generalized attacks about "the evil machine" without examining the actual candidate.

@Max Going back to the money issue, Paula may not be beholden to another politician but that one large campaign contribution makes her accountable to someone. And I'm not sure I feel comfortable with a state representative who owes practically their entire campaign to one person who I know nothing about. Peter S, also makes a great point, Paula knew and took a position on campaign contribution caps only to turn around dip her hand into the cookie jar before it became illegal. Hypocrisy if I've ever seen it. Don't we want a representative who not only talks the talk but walks the walk.

Nikki is right Max why don't you move from attacking to actually telling people what Paula stands for and what she'll do to help our community. I personally don't support Paula but even if there was the slightest chance that I would support her you have crushed it. Maybe you should check with the higher ups of her campaign before you make another mistake like this again.

You said Kelly voted against a study looking at universal healthcare. Don't think that matters at the point where Kelly is a strong supporter of it and a cosponsor of the bill to actually create it (not study it). Not sure why she would vote against the study, maybe because the uninsured of this state can't wait for another study.

And as for the nursing home regulations, that bill contained a substantial "bed tax" which would almost certainly been passed along to patients. Although some of the regulations were good ideas, the large cost it would have placed on the elderly would have been unacceptable.

You seem to imply Kelly is out to destroy all the unions with Madigan and Rahm. Doesn't make much sense when nearly every single union is endorsing her.... Have any endorsed her opponent? I'll take their word for it when it comes to who will protect them.

All it takes is a second of looking a little deeper to see how shallow your attacks are. And for the last time, "carpetbagger" implies you moved from OUT of the district INTO the district. Kelly has lived in the district for many many years, and moved to Rogers Park because she loves the area. I don't even see an electoral/political reason to do it- there are less registered voters in RP compared to Edgewater... Grasping at straws...

I live in Albany Park, but hope that we can have a serious office for another Occupy movement this Spring. It needs adults from all walks of life to organize with rallies and town hall meetings to be taken seriously. If young people keep setting up tents and beating drums, Wall Street will continue to have the upper hand.

Max, you call Paula an Independent Democratic candidate and Kelly "an insider appointed to a state rep seat." Yes, it is true that Kelly was appointed, but Paula also presented her credentials to the committeemen and women along with many other candidates for the open seat. So, if the committee persons had chosen Paula to fill the seat, would you now be supporting Kelly as the Independent Democratic candidate? I doubt it. I happen to like both candidates and have not yet decided who I'm backing.

You posted first Helen, I was going to say the same thing. Paula was originally going to run against Joe, then backed out when she was told she had a chance to be appointed. When she wasn't selected she vowed to run. All of which is perfectly fine, except it is hard to now to throw that allegation at Rep. Cassidy when Paula was angling for that job and appointment herself.

I think people have to take what "Max" has to say with a grain of salt. The profile was just made today, he is regurgitating the push poll that came out the negative campaign tactics Paula's campaign has been testing. It is hardly new stuff or for that matter true.

I think everyone on blogsphere has to take everything with a grain of salt. For more information on Paula you can visit her site. www.paulabasta.org. Please, visit Kelly's too. The difference is night and day. As for the money argument, sure it was a large sum but it came from a friend and supporter of Paula. How else can someone attempt to make a stand when the entire system is stacked up against them. As for doing Paula favors on here.. If one person's blog comments are enough to steer you away, then our democracy is in shambles.

Ah, yes, the poll, Kyle. Generally, I love to participate in political polls, so I agreed to answer the guy's questions. There were many of them, and they became increasingly biased. It became clear that this was a poll on behalf of Paula's campaign, dishing out negative "information" about her opponent in the form of questions. I told the pollster off and hung up. That kind of tactic, along with Max today, are pushing me more into Kelly's camp. Everyone is welcome to come to hear both candidates at Loyola Park on Wed. night at 7:35, although only members can vote:
http://chicago.everyblock.com/announcements/jan12-ivi-ipo-endorsement-session-49th-ward-open-all-4656015/

Helen, aka a "push poll." Do you know that the incumbent is a baby-eater, and do you approve of eating babies?

Yeah, well, the questions weren't quite THAT bad, Bill...but close.

Every politico does polls. My friend in Edgewater got one from Kelly's camp blasting Paula saying she is depriving seniors of services by campaigning. Barbra Moore spoke out against Paula saying she never heard of her... Really? The woman who married an alderman 4 years ago? I love Barbra and think she'd be a better alderman than her husband but my point is...Everyone 'sh** talks'. Again if someone's blog comments are enough to deter anyone from considering a candidate... Our democracy is in shambles. Unlike some people here, I don't work for a candidate.

One is often judged by the company they keep, Max. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion. And, BTW,you don't even seem to know how to spell the name of the alderman's wife, but, even if you did, I wouldn't believe your comment about what she supposedly said.

Helen a friend of mine attended and NDFA meeting where BM said it...

Helen, a friend of mine attended an NDFA event where BM spoke*

Max, I don't think anyone is casting their vote purely on what they read on this site. It's not meant to be a definitive source for information on candidates, and no one would treat it like that.

But it can serve as a basis for discussion that spurs individuals to do their own research. The information presented here can bring forth information people previously did not know, and they can do the research to figure out the truth.

One of the biggest problems with politics is that campaigns will often push attacks, like all of the ones you outlined above. I'm not sure if you are interning, volunteering or working for Paula's campaign, but I bet we will hear some of those attacks in mail pieces or at our doors.

I clearly demonstrated how your attacks range from gross misinterpretation to outright lies, and you chose to completely ignore my responses, probably because I'm speaking the truth. Will that deter you from using them again? I doubt it.

The residents of the district deserve a positive comparison of their backgrounds and experiences. I think Kelly has an excellent history, working for NOW, a constituent service office and the States Attorney. It offers broad exposure to issues of service, rights, and criminal justice. Her voting record thus far has been phenomenal- opposing tax handouts to huge corporations, opposing taxes and rate hikes that harm the elderly, and helping restore critical services that had been cut.

Let's have a positive discussion. We don't want to hear the same untruthful smear attempts that plague campaigns these days. I truly hope this is not the tone Paula's campaign staff is hoping to set, because it is destructive to our community and political discourse.

I agree a positive discussion should be had. Paula's record speaks for it self. Over 30 years of work in the community on the front lines, fighting for the LBGT community, seniors, and Rogers Park in general. Kelly is an insider, which has its merits but look where insider politics has gotten us. Our state is in such shambles that it's time for an outsider to have a go at it. That's why we have a primary. If the people end up supporting Kelly than so be it. But I think a real election has come to Rogers Park and everyone should look at the choices. www.paulabasta.org

See how easy it is to be positive? I'm glad the tone has changed. Although I would hardly call someone who has been involved in politics for less than a year an "insider". Up until recently they held similar jobs, government positions. Our state definitely has it's problems and I think Kelly has deviated from the political machine time and time again when it favors her constituents.

I look forward to the election. It's been awhile since we had a race like this and it will definitely be interesting.

Bill Savage said: "Helen, aka a "push poll." Do you know that the incumbent is a baby-eater, and do you approve of eating babies?"

LMAO! Thanks for adding a little levity to this thread. :-)

This has been an AWESOME thread and I look forward to reading more before I step into the voting booth.

I haven't made a decision, either, but am eager to learn more about both candidates. Thanks for the info., all of you who have contributed to one of the most civil convos. about politics I've read in a long time. Rogers Parkers are the best. Just sayin' ;-)

She's an insider because she started out as staff for Cullerton and worked for State's Attorney all while only having a high school diploma...Not that lack of education is a problem per say. But it does speak volumes when millions of out of work college grads with political science degrees are stuck because they don't know anyone... As John Daley would say, Don't send me nobody, nobody asked for... Posh polls blow. I don't condone a Basta or Cassidy one. The sad fact is, politics is dirty and gets heated. When someone runs for office they are in public and subject scrutiny. Free game to rag and hate on them. Wether it's a Basta or a Cassidy.... The plain fact is one has been on the front lines while the other is behind the scenes...

Paula began her career as a social worker at Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly in Chicago and later as the parish social worker for St. Clements Parish in Lincoln Park.

These experiences eventually led to becoming Executive Director of H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly). She managed the nearly 30 staff and many volunteers and grew that organization into a million-dollar, multi-disciplinary service agency. This deepened not only Paula’s executive and leadership experience, but also her years-long commitment to making life better for seniors and their families.

As Director of the Chicago Department on Aging’s citywide hotline, Paula learned first-hand both the emergent and long-term needs of the people government is intended to serve. Today, Paula manages one of the busiest senior centers for the City of Chicago – the Northeast (Levy) Senior Center. She also oversees the Northeast Region’s Golden Diner program that provides 4200 meals a week to seniors. She not only keenly understands these needs, but she also works tirelessly through volunteer and advisory capacities to meet the needs of the 4,000 individuals who come through the door of the Senior Center every month.

Paula is also extremely active in the LGBT community. She is the crucial bridge between LGBT organizations and the traditional aging networks. Paula served for seven years on the Board for Equality Illinois and as its Board President from 2005 – 2006 – an exciting time during which the Illinois Human Rights Act was enacted and the groundwork was laid for the recent passage of the Illinois Civil Unions law, resulting in the improvement in the lives of thousands of couples starting in June of 2011.
Paula has taken the lead at the city and statewide level in forging alliances between the traditional aging network and LGBT agencies and organizations. She has helped The Center on Halsted’s SAGE Program become a congregate meal site and supported its move to become a center where LGBT seniors can meet and discuss their issues. She is also the go-to community leader and City representative to whom legislators and council people look to ensure that legislation encompasses vital LGBT and senior issues.

She is currently a member of the Chicago Task Force on LGBT Aging, Cook County State’s Attorney’s LGBT Advisory Council and a Board member of TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network). She was a 2009 inductee into the Mayor’s Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. In 2010, Paula completed the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership as one of only 12 women selected statewide – a program recognized for actively recruiting and developing Democratic women leaders for political office.

Believing that all efforts should arise out of and not simply dictate what constitute community issues and needs, she devoted her earliest efforts to the women’s equality and pro-choice movements, to which she added LGBT and senior organizing
Paula’s knowledge of community needs is broad and inclusive: She has served in member, board and advisory capacities with Partners for Rogers Park, Willye B. White Park, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, the Inter-Community Housing Corporation and her local CAPS program.

Like I said above, there are certain people that are able to succeed without a college degree, through hard work and experience. There's a reason Kelly advanced so far in her career, because she is highly skilled and a strong advocate for the community. And to say Kelly hasn't been at the front lines as well is misguided. Running a constituent office couldn't be more interactive with the community. Same with her work for the States Attorney. Working on creative programs within the states attorneys office and securing grants for those programs helped many people.

I find it hard to believe that you have resorted to simply regurgitating material from Paula's campaign website (without mentioning you didn't write it). This site is meant for discussion between neighbors and community members, not for the obvious promotion of political candidates using nothing but material they wrote. I believe your posts may even violate the comment policy here. Please use your own ideas, not a pre-written block of text written by a campaign.

Every political candidate has to be an insider on some level. To work in the public sphere, to raise the money it takes to run for office, all of that requires insider status of some kind, connections, people willing to write checks so the candidate can rent an office and print up direct mailers and deface the public way with signage that will long outlast their candidacy.

For that reason, we all ought to take a deep breath, agree to take each other seriously, and look deeper than the obvious surface stuff.

What should matter in terms of who you or I choose to vote for is PRECISELY what public programs the official will support, create, advance. That's almost impossible to discover in the mainstream media (what's left of it) so blogs like this are vital for a genuine conversation about candidates. And whether or not they like to eat babies.

Thanks, Peter. I didn't feel like checking but I was pretty sure Max's most recent posts were cut and paste jobs from Paula's website. A clue is that they're more coherent than his writing is. And I guess it's been a long while since most R.P. residents had a race like this for state rep., but not for those of us who live in the northeast corner in what is now in the 18th district. We had 5 candidates last time when Julie Hamos gave up the seat to run for Congress.

Anybody know if their is going to be a debate between Basta and Cassidy?

I think I'm just going to write-in EveryBlock Becca when I vote. Then she can go about the ward reminding people of the posting guidelines.

Jeff- It might happen, but it's difficult because during much of the time between now and the election, the legislature will be in session so Kelly would be down in Springfield.

Max, I applaud your fierce defense of Paula. We need more college students to be passionate about elections. I'm especially impressed because I suspect Peter joined EveryBlock yesterday precisely to counteract you. Bravo! I too support Paula but for me it's because I was at the session where our current rep was chosen. It was a circus of an event planned by the ward committeemen--an unholy trio if there ever was one--who then didn't even listen to the other candidates. Their disrespect was appalling, even leaving the room when other candidates had their 3 minutes. But when Kelly spoke they were all beaming at her with rapt attention. It was clear who the chosen one was. We really REALLY need new committeeman but only one of the 3 is being challenged. Want to loosen the machine's grip on RP? Bounce the Stroger/Madigan/Blago do-nothing democrat who currently holds the seat.

"She's an insider because she started out as staff for Cullerton and worked for State's Attorney all while only having a high school diploma...Not that lack of education is a problem per say. But it does speak volumes when millions of out of work college grads with political science degrees are stuck because they don't know anyone..."

There is no validity to this statement whatsoever. I am a PoliSci major graduating in May, and given my experience as a one and with other PS majors, not just at my school (Lake Forest), but at many schools across the nation, many quite frankly haven't done anything to deserve employment by the time they graduate. Most of them serve on committees at school or on student government (the former which I've done), but very few seem to do much political work in the "real world" before they graduate and then cry when no one wants to hire them.

I've interned for the offices of Moore and Sen. Steans and am currently working on Schakowsky's reelection campaign. I've also campaigned for David Hoffman when he was running for Senate and for Gery Chico when he was running for mayor. It's called gaining experience and let me tell you, working in those offices and on those campaigns has taught me more in five minutes about "politics" than any class I've taken in my nearly four years of college. (Of course though, I still believe these classes are necessary, but you have to think of them as "pre-requisites" to experience.)

Dismissing a candidate solely because they're "an insider" is ludicrous. Working for political offices to gain experience is something we should expect from anyone who wants to hold office. Arguing otherwise is like arguing that we don't want a doctor to treat us because they're an insider to the medical field based on their work as an intern and resident.

I'm not bashing Basta, I don't know her platform short of what was copy and pasted here, but to say that Kelly is a "political insider" and Paula isn't is incredibly naive.

Do-nothing Democrat? Storger/Madigan/Blago? Kelly has fiercely opposed parts of their agenda, including tax breaks for IL's biggest corporations, budget cuts for the most vulnerable citizens, and Comed's massive rate hikes. She's shown a clear streak of independence, and it's obvious she is only beholden to her constituents.

I'd be weary of Max's "fierce defense" of Paula. While he was fiercely defending her in this post yesterday, today his posts seem to indicate he has never heard of her, asking "Whose Paula Basta?" Something definitely seems fishy, but I definitely agree with you we need more college students to be involved, especially in a district with a school like Loyola.

Peter, I know you're hyper-focused on your candidate (or maybe you're just over caffeinated) but if you will re-read my post you will see I was talking about the Ward Committeemen. My dad used to call them ward comedians but it's really not funny what they do. I bet if we were having this conversation in person you couldn't tell me the name of the Stroger/Madigan/Blago do-nothing democrat who currently holds the seat. (Don't feel bad. Neither could most of the 1200+ people who signed his opponent Jim Ginderske's petitions!)

Oops I apologize. I think under-caffeinated is the true reason!

It's no secret I posted Whose PB? I want to generate buzz about this race because I think it's an exciting one. The passion exhibited on this site and discourse is great. While I disagree with you on many things, I think we can both agree that a lively conversation is good for the process...Even if what you think I say is skewed or grossly mis represented...The same argument can be applied to you. Sure, I pasted stuff from a website but your points are suspect as well and while not directly cited from her site.... We both like our choices and will continue to say 'this and that' Ultimately it will be on the people to decide who wins... Which is great! I think this is the first real election in a long time...Not an appointed one shoved in or a landslide victory because some alderman can pull out all the stops!

Hey Max, throw up a photo... for the life of me I can't remember a single Max who has been active in the ward.

Then let's have a lively conversation instead of fake and misleading posts of no substance where you pretend to be a resident curious about "whose Paula Basta". Let's keep it straightforward and honest, because that's what our community deserves.

This is a lively conversation... And Kyle, I can't seem to upload a picture. I tried JPG but the damn spinning icon keeps spinning and nothing seems to happen.
The community is getting what it deserves. The exchange of ideas. You're beef is that I'm fake and misleading. All mood points when you contextualize the fact that this is for conversations about politics and as such are fair game for commentary, opinions, etc. Spin, Lies, Facts are all in the game. You may think I'm misleading but I could frame the argument against you as well. You're comments read like a wiki page. The community deserves? I'll tell you what it deserves.. A new alderman who will stand up for free speech no matter how extreme. A state rep that is elected by the people (Obviously I want Basta) but can live with a Kelly win because at least our community got what it deserved.. An election. The odds are surely against Basta when the entire machine is against her but at least our community will have an opportunity to choose! I motion to shift focus, at least for now, onto the committeeman race. Anyone got a horse in that? I personally think both choices stink. Ones a machine candidate who couldn't get a plus out unless he paid homeless guys to and the other is a quack...I'm leaning toward the quack though because he is into the occupy thing. Does anyone know how fagus feels about it?

feels about occupy that is? Or what about how he plans to awaken the grass roots organizing a pct committeeman is suppose to do?

Thanks for bringing up Rep.Cassidy in your posts. While what you have written has been less then "informative" the comments of others, Cassidy among them, have been much more so. I haven't been following this race because I am just over the boundary in the 13th.

I do however have a lotta friends up there and now I am leaning towards Rep.Cassidy. She seems very honest and articulate....I like that.

The point I think its a little funny is that, at least Rep. Cassidy has come here to engage us on her own. I have yet to see a post from Ms. Basta, only from her supporters.

We will never know if it's truly rep cassidy... Politicos have paid communication staff to manage sites like these, facebook etc. Sorry but I think it's naive to assume it's really her. I would expect no different from Basta.

Max, I talked with Kelly last night about this site; she is well aware of it and doesn't need anyone else to write posts for her. She's quite articulate. To you, spin and lies are apparently all fair game in politics. That's why so many people are turned off by politics. Because Paula seems to attract people like you, for one among several reasons, I was driven into Kelly's camp and voted to endorse her at last night's IVI-IPO endorsement session. Kelly received the overwhelming support from the local members.

So, because Ald. Moore and Rep Cassidy are both engaging us here and the candidate you back is not, then we're supposed to assume that they are not truly them? That seems to be pretty terrible form. For now, I will accept them at face value, and I still see no postings by your candidate. A little late to the game to back track this.

@Helen -- Out of curiosity, was Ms. Basta at the IVI-IPO meeting last night? If so, any chance you were able to ask her if she is familiar with this site? Also, were there discussed issues that came out during last night's meeting that swayed you to support Rep. Cassidy over Ms. Basta?

Was great to see an incredible outpouring of support for Kelly at last nights meeting. IVI-IPO truly is one of the most prominent groups of independent voters and activists, and for them to endorse Kelly with a margin of something like 26-4, I find that a true testament to her record.

Max, I think it's going to be tough to refer to Paula as "the real independent", like you did above, after such a strong show of support like we saw last night.

@Anne, why does his thanking a group for his candidates endorsement make him a "tool"? If it doesnt matter all that much, why do people seek those endorsements? It sounds like you're playing the role of sore loser. Name calling isnt needed or desired here, and is actually not in accordance to EveryBlock's community policy. Please be more civil.

Anne, lets not make up "facts," ok? If you actually knew anything about IVI/IPO, you'd know that one can't simply pay for membership at the door and vote. One has to have been a dues-paying member for 6 months in advance of any endorsement session in order to vote.

I'm sorry for calling Peter a tool, KMQ, but you can call me a sore loser? The fawning over the "incredible outpouring of support" just made me laugh and I couldn't help it. And 'tool' was less mean than 'fool', which was my first response.

I just said you were acting like one. Actually "playing the role of", which in the English vernacular, means "acting like".

All smarmy aside, isnt that what a campaign should do when they are garnering support?

I didn't say Wayne paid for those memberships yesterday Helen. He has a calendar on his desk. These are FACTS, not "facts".

Anne, the only one of Joe's staff at last night's session was Wayne--and he's been involved in politics for years.

Don't I know ;-)

I still consider it an outpouring of support, and if you attended I think the candidate presentations spoke for themselves. I'm not sure who you are supporting, but if you are a Basta supporter I'm assuming your tone would be quite different.

And when the vote is 26-4, buying a couple memberships for supporters isn't going to change much, if that's even what happened.

Joe was there. Ronen was there. Steans and Smith were there. And yes you can buy your membership. So much for independence...

See, Ronan is the perfect example of what's wrong with Illinois Democrats. Announced her retirement as state rep weeks before the petition deadline (her pal Heather with petitions in hand) then went to work for Blago for EIGHT WEEKS as a "consultant" and retired again but with an annual bump in her pension of something just shy of $50,000/yr! It's who you know.

Every time I see her I feel a hand in my pocket.

Nikki, yes, Paula was there and was scheduled to speak first. I spoke with Kelly after the session ended, by which time Paula had left, so, no, I didn't ask her whether she was aware of this site, but I find it inconceivable that she isn't.

Both candidates were fine on the issues that came up. Just so you know how these sessions are conducted, the candidate gets a few minutes for an opening statement and the rest of that candidate's time is spent answering questions from the members. Only one candidate at a time is allowed in the room so that they can't hear each other's presentations.

Why did I choose Kelly? I have known Paula for a few years and like her, but I began to be turned off last year when she converted her "friends" on her personal FB page to "friends" on her campaign page without asking for permission to do so. I thought that showed a lot of gall, especially when I had told her in person that I was leaving my options open in that race. Then earlier this month, I was subjected to the push poll (see above in this thread), a poll Paula's campaign obviously paid for. No one can convince me she didn't know about it. Then, there are the people Paula seems to attract--negative people, some of whom are posting here. And finally, I've heard good things about Kelly's short tenure in Springfield from my current state rep., Robyn Gabel, whom I'm sorry to lose through redistricting.

Thanks for the feedback, Helen. It is most appreciated.

You can't convert friend to fans. You can send them a link and ask them to join/like though... As for the issues, I have to agree with Helen(least from what I heard from people that were there) they both had good answers. Someone spoke up on Paula's behalf talking about her involvement in CAPS and someone spoke up on Kelly's behalf. Both speakers agreed the two are very qualified. And one member even requested that IVI IPO don't endorse either because they're both good. But I digress. IVI IPO is stacked with bought and sold votes. I'd buy it's validity if incumb. and other politicos were void of the process. Again, Steans and her Husband were there, Ronen was there, Fagus and Moore were there, A rep from Jan's office was there... Hardly seems independent to me

I'm sure Paula knows about this because I sent her a link to it just for fun.

Although I loathe to jump back into this conversation, seeing a social media point is just too much to resist.

Facebook allows you to convert personal profiles into pages. (you can't go back though) when you do, your friends move to the page with you.

Now back to your regularly scheduled rants...

Well I guess I learned something new today.
total LOL regularly scheduled rants :)

This is to be expected. If Paula was endorsed, it would be a great day for Independent politics in Rogers Park. Since she was not, it was "a sham and was rigged from the start".

If the IVI-IPO was bought and paid for, they wouldn't have a record of endorsing incredibly independent and progressive candidates.

Yes, Max, Alex, who works for Jan Schakowsky was there representing Jan, who was in Washington, because an endorsement session for Congress preceded the 14th district session. I don't think Alex had a voting card for the 14th district race, though, because I don't think he lives in the 14th district. Only folks with blue cards could vote on the 14th district endorsement; those people had to be members who live in the 14th district. All of the other people you name live in the district. I find your statement that you'd "buy it's validity if incumb. and other politicos were void of the process" patently absurd. IVI-IPO is a political organization and this endorsement session IS a political process; of course politicians are active in it.

Hey everyone, please help us keep this conversation civil. That means no name calling or personal attacks.

http://www.everyblock.com/about/comment-policy/

Thank you.

To Helen: whether or not any of us particularly like it spin and lies are what makes politics both engaging, compelling and disgusting.
If you don't believe me go and see the movie Ides of March.

Full Disclosure: I pasted this. It is a repost from Whose Paula Basta Thread... w/ an additional point.

Peter, you also joined this site recently. How can you claim to be that involved in Rogers Park or politics. Further more, your comments read like a wikipedia page. You are not all that you're cracked out to be. Matt M has creditability issues too. Aside from recently joining, Matt M is listed on Kelly's quarterly as consultant. Unlike Kyle and others on here, you and Matt don't seem to have the history of activism or real concern for rogers park that they do. I admit, I recently joined this site to chime in about the race, but please quit playing this holier than thou stuff.

Max, everyone has to start somewhere so even if Peter and Matt are new to the Rogers Park political scene you can't fault them for that. How recently someone joined this site is hardly a litmus test for their political involvement within their community. Take me for example, I joined recently but I do what I can in the community and observe what is happening in local politics. Under your logic I too shouldn't be involved but I am.

Jessica, I agree with you but the date they joined and the fact that one is paid is suspect. I recently joined too. If you follow my "Whose Paula Basta" Thread in Andersonville neighborhood you will see the whole history that has unfolded :) We have quite the conversation on that one too!

Max, you keep plugging this "Whose Paula Basta" thread, which I haven't seen, nor do I have any interest in looking for it. Do you have any idea what "whose" means? It doesn't mean what you think it does. Based on several of your posts, which contain egregious errors in grammar and/or spelling, I find it laughable that you harp on Kelly's not having a college degree.

A "Loyola student" with such bad grammar is living proof that a college education is over-rated.

I can't seem to find this thread. Does it talk about who Paula is or who she belongs to?
IVI-IPO's rules do not bar elected officials from being members, nor do they bar anyone most of the people who spend their time complaining about the organization instead of being active members. Considering the state rep. endorsement was decided by a group that could fit in my kitchen (well most of them), all I see is that there is plenty of room for much wider participation in the future where the votes of 4-6 electeds are just a drop in the bucket. I unfortunately let my membership expire, so I have nothing to complain about. Neither do all the people who think EB is how things get done. It's a great forum, but unless you pay your dues for real-world organizations, it's just a place to second-guess other people's decisions.

The thread he is referring to was where, after advocating for Paula elsewhere, he impersonated a citizen who was unaware of the race asking "Whose Paula Basta, I keep seeing her signs everywhere!"

And I won't take the time to respond to the stuff you copied and pasted, as there was already a discussion in the other thread. Why you thought it useful to bring that post over here is beyond me.

I agree Paula has served the aging of Chicago, and the LGBT community; the former is her paid profession, the latter is her own community. But give me examples of how she has served the Rogers Park community in general? I'm not aware of anything. If I'm not a senior citizen, or a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person, will she care about me--other than getting my vote? Will she serve my needs? I see nothing in her history that shows her concern for anyone who isn't a senior, or a LGBT. The needs and rights of those populations are important, I agree. But people who are heterosexual and under 65 need representation too. Would she be doing anything for the aging if she wasn't getting paid? From what I know of her, I wouldn't bet on it.

Just became aware of this thread. Based on the comments by some on here, it's little wonder anyone gets into politics.

For the record, I support Paula Basta.

Also, for the record, we have two great candidates running for State Rep. in the 14th District. AND what do we do? We attack each other instead of discussing the POSITIVE merits of each candidate. THEN we wonder why politicians attack each other. As an old PolSci professor pointed out, study after study shows that politicians reflect their constituents ... and change has to come from the latter.

I support Paula because I believe she has more experience ... and in these difficult financial times, I want that life experience in my state rep. Call me an ageist, if you will.

As to the issues, it's ludicrous to suggest that Paula and Kelly are polar opposites on much of anything. They're both liberal democrats!

What I do object to is getting literature in the mail telling me that Paula supports vouchers and is anti-choice. The postmark on this literature comes from Springfield and the Democratic Party ... not directly from Kelly. Politics is nasty business. I would like to think that Paula who have turned down this type of party support had she gotten appointed by committeeman.

As to what Paula has done other than work for seniors (of which we have a large population) and GLBT issues ... since 2005, she has been active in community policing well beyond her block. Her focus is also on kids and improving schooling. But, again, so is Kelly's. Duh! They're both liberal democrats!

I REPEAT ... we have 2 great candidates running!

Paula is someone I have worked with as an area resident to improve parks, go after problem businesses, and gang bangers. Springfield is a mess ... thanks to entrenched politicians. I want someone there representing me that I BELIEVE is more sage and has more life experience under their belt.

P.S. Helen, I signed up for IVI=IPO 5 days before the endorsement sessions and was allowed to vote. There's a great article in the reader about this issue.

Marianne, as a police beat facilitator in the 24th District (Rogers Park and West Ridge), I can tell you that Paula has been active in CAPS since 2005 (when I got involved). I'm told by others she was active before that.

OK, so she's been active in CAPS. anything else? What about her being ready to accept an appointment if the Committee person asked her, then, when someone else got it instead, she all of a sudden wants to propose a bill that will prohibit appointments to fill vacancies? I find that self-serving. Same with this interest of hers to limit terms. She comes up with this right after John cullerton and Mike Madigan endorse her opponent. What is her real objective in proposing such a bill? Could it be the hope to punish Cullie and Maddy for not endorsing her?

(parody warning) Could it be Marianne that you don't want her elected? What's your real objective? (end parody warning)

Jeez, what is this the 3rd grade? Be an adult. You plan on voting for Kelly. Great. I'm not ... but I'm not trashing your candidate. I'm telling you why I'm voting for Paula ... shouldn't you be telling me why you're voting for Kelly?

Hey Y'all: Not to get too superior and all, but can't we have a civilized conversation, agree to disagree, express our ideas without invective and personal attacks? I don't know if anyone else shares my opinion here, but the site has been really negative lately, and I'm pondering a little vacation from reading/posting. If it's all going to come down to insults tossed back and forth based on things that happened long ago, or things written on now-defunct blogs, or just personal dislike or disagreement, well, I can get enough of that on Fox News or from the panhandlers in front of what used to be the McDonald's Express. When was the last time someone posted something positive about Rogers Park on this site?

A challenge to my fellow EBRP folks: everyone post a question about one thing you love about this 'hood. And no dupes: if someone beats you to posting about the Heartland, you have to come up with something else. Let's get the ball rolling in another direction. I'll do so right now myself.

Hi Benard, I was hard on Kevin O'Neil (Beat 2431) when he'd endorse a candidate under the label of a CAPS beat facilitator title on the internet, instead of "Joe Average Citizen."

I applaud your efforts for doing a great job in beat 2424, as a lot of your beat (and ward) neighbors do.

I'm much impressed with the crime number(s) decrease in Feb. 2012 over the previous month of this year.

In that, your internet voice gives your opinion a great deal of weight. And when you accompany that with your internet handle, it gives the appearance you speak for a group.

So, please, when touting a candidate, it would be great if you'd express your endorsement personally. Let the readers know this isn't a CAPS 2424 choice, but yours alone.

Again, great work in 2424. It's a hard beat to manage. You're doing a fantastic job as facilitator. Your neighbors are a lucky bunch to have such a committed contributor to the community living near them.

You have it all wrong, Bernard. I'm not supporting (or pushing) Kelly Cassidy. I know nothing about her. I rarely vote in these little local elections. If you think I'm a shill for Kelly Cassidy, I have to wonder why you're so quick to jump to that conclusion. Could it be that's the kind of politics you are used to?

It's funny how you talk about personal attacks. It's OK for you to attack me though? You don't like what I say, so you become insulting. It's a shame you can't tolerate an opinion different than yours. That's a sign of maturity, you know.

No, I don't want to see Ms. Basta elected. I thought I made that clear in my first post. Based on my personal experience w/ her, I would prefer my tax dollars don't go toward the salary of someone who I believe lacks the character I want to see in anyone representing me. I had this idea others in my community might feel they want to know something about the character of those they elect to represent them.

Maybe I was wrong. Even so, I had the right to share my thoughts, just like you do...and just because you don't like what I had to say doesn't make it admirable for you to be so rude and hostile to me.

Marianne, clearly we are using different dictionaries when it comes to defining "rude" and "hostile."

Hi Craig, thanks for the feedback about the work we're doing in 2424. Appreciate the comments.

Per your request ... my support of Paula Basta reflects my personal endorsement and not that of any organization with which I'm affiliated.

P.S. I originally set up the EB account to address a discussion about police issues. Probably should set up a second one that doesn't have the "( ... )" tag in it.

Apparently so, Bernard. In your dictionary, everything and anything you say is right. And anything I say is rude and hostile by your decree. That's a convenient double-standard you have there, Bernard.

Hi everyone,

Let's please stay on topic and focused on the issues and not each other. I'll need to delete any comments that are personal attacks or other comment policy violations.

Thanks for chiming in, Marina, and welcome to the circus!

Dang, I missed being commenter 100.

I appreciate the info , Kocklochel.

Your joke about the hot dog is funny, but I'm curious too about the point you made previously that Cassidy just moved into the RP. Helen reminded all that Cassidy has lived in the District for quite some time, even if only a short time. So what was your point? Are you suggesting that there is some impropriety with Cassidy's residence eligibility?

Hey if you don't VOTE - You are a HUGE PART OF THE PROBLEM!!

I support Term Limits for ALL elected officials. It would go a long way to end corruption and the never ending search for $$$$$!!!
Two terms and DONE!

Ed, if I didnt like any of the candidates offered, why would I vote for either one of them? How does that make me "a HUGE PART OF THE PROBLEM"?

Why can't I show my displeasure with what is offered by not voting at all?

I get so sick of people getting on my case if I let on I didn't vote. People get so outraged about it. One person told me if I don't vote I have no right to complain. How does that work. In one presidential election a ways back, this person was bugging me to vote, and when I told her I wasn't going to because I didn't like either candidate, she became furious, like she was personally offended. I told her polls in Illinois showed that the candidate she supported was heavily favored, so my vote wouldn't make any difference anyway. So she says the polls were very close in California. I reminded her that my vote in Illinois would not help her candidate in California because the popular vote doesn't matter. She says the most insane thing: she says in a way, it does matter. I said, oh yeah? Tell that to President Al Gore! Oh wait...he isn't president! She was really upset, the ninny. I'm always hearing how incredibly privileged all US Americans are because they have the right to vote. Oh what progress. Yes, we all have the right to vote. Next hurdle: give us candidates we can be glad to support. I agree w/ KMQ...not voting is a legitimate way to have one's voice heard too. The sound of saying "No".

If I was in prison and I was given a choice between two meals--one a plate of dog poop and the other a rotten melon teeming with maggots--I think I would prefer to go hungry. With many elections that is how I felt about the choice before me.

Marianne

Thousands of young Men & Women have died to protect our Freedoms. They died in The American Revolution, the War of 1812, WWI, WWII, Korea, Nam & the Middle East.
One of our Freedoms they protected is the one most of the world is so very envious of; It is our RIGHT TO VOTE - FREELY!

As in ANY ELECTION if you do not like the candidates you can ALWAYS ask For A WRITE IN BALLOT to register your absolute contempt and disgust for a bad slate of candidates.

So, save your lame rationalization for not voting. Ours is a Participatory Republic.

Understand that the political turmoil we have across our country today is in large part due to the fact that approximately only 1 in 4 possible voters are responsible enough to make it to the polls to
vote. An exercise and a right so many have given their lives for.

Every vote is Precious...tell me you don't remember the fiasco in Florida and the Hanging Chads or our very own Aldermanic contest in 2007. It was decided by less than 5 votes per precinct!

So, yes if you don't vote you are unquestionably part of the problem!

I will not waste another word on your distressing point of view.

Ed, I'm with you. I'm a naturalized citizen of the U.S. Perhaps for that reason, I feel it's my obligation to vote in every election: local, national, and even all those judicial posts (thankfully there's now http://voteforjudges.org ).