Our choices in aldermanic races
2nd Ward: Ald. Madeline L. Haithcock faces four strong opponents and a former alderman who was convicted of bribery and extortion. Haithcock has served admirably but, considering the dramatic changes in the ward's boundaries, David Askew, a 36-year-old lawyer who lives in the section of the ward impacted by CHA's transformation plan, has a better chance of blending this far-flung ward into a cohesive neighborhood.
The 2nd Ward includes "hot areas" that have attracted retail development, but too many neighborhoods still struggle without basic amenities, such as grocery stores. Askew pledges to focus redevelopment with a "smart growth" plan, to hold regular town hall meetings and to increase the community's involvement in the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy.
3rd Ward: For the second time, Pat Dowell, a former city planner, will try to unseat Ald. Dorothy J. Tillman. And again we endorse Dowell over the longtime alderman. Although Tillman has been a forceful voice on the reparations issue, she is silent when it comes to questions from critics about the operation of the Harold Washington Cultural Center -- a public facility run by a board she controls.
Dowell has concrete ideas about how to spur economic development in the ward, but also says she will reach out to constituents to find solutions to problems. Another challenger, Mell Monroe, ran an impressive campaign.
4th Ward: Ald. Toni Preckwinkleis one of those people who quietly gets the job done. For example, her sponsorship of an Affordable Housing Set-Aside Ordinance over the mayor's objections showcased her strong leadership skills. She is endorsed over Norman H. Bolden.
5th Ward: Though there are three challengers for this aldermanic seat, Leslie A. Hairstonis an effective leader who works diligently to provide services to her constituents.
6th Ward: Ald. Freddrenna M. Lyle's tenure has not lived up to expectations -- beginning with her moratorium on beauty shops in her ward to her support of the "big-box" ordinance to her recent tepid support for Chicago's Olympic bid. Our pick is Karin M. Norington-Reaves, a law professor and director of a nonprofit organization. Norington-Reaves vows to create advisory councils, to advocate for a Home Equity Assurance Program to stabilize property values while saving sellers from taking a loss, and to establish a comprehensive community resource center to help keep young people off the street.
7th Ward: This ward is the latest battleground between two political heavyweights -- U.S. Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. and Cook County Commissioner and former Ald. William Beavers. Its voters deserve an alderman more concerned about representing them than preserving or building a political base. For that reason, the nod goes to Ron David, a retired Chicago police officer, who has firsthand knowledge of the problems that are beginning to overtake the ward, such as gang crime. Among other things, David would push for a "world class library" and a redeployment of police resources in the ward.
Although Ald. Darcel Beavers was under her father's tutelage as his longtime chief of staff and was appointed by the mayor to fill this seat, she seems ill-prepared to handle the complex housing, development and crime issues in this ward.
At the same time, Sandra "Sandi" Jackson, though obviously an impressive candidate, did not convince us that she is running only to serve the people in this ward.
8th Ward: Because this is one of the few wards where some residents actually brag about the level of city services they receive, Michelle A. Harris is our pick despite being appointed to fill the seat vacated by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger.
9th Ward: Ald. Anthony Beale has evolved into an effective alderman who delivers for his ward. He is endorsed for another term.