Blog Archive

Monday, September 03, 2007

All Politics Is Local

I've been out a few times in the last couple of weeks trying to round up signatures for a nominating petition. In the past I've signed a few but never circulated one. It's tricky to do around here--there aren't that many registered voters to begin with. Then there's the language barrier, then just shyness. And until yesterday I wasn't totally sure of the boundaries for this office, so I think I got a few out-of-bounds signers. I've even encountered two Republicans!

And I'll be hosting our latest attempt at some kind of block meeting tomorrow night. Yesterday afternoon I ran into our precinct captain, who tells me she was going to start a block club with just the homeowners but she never got around to the paperwork. I don't know what we're calling tomorrow night but I intend to invite long-term renters, too. We need to get everyone who's willing to keep an eye out together. I have to make and pass out flyers and clean up the house. I feel very under-energized about this, but I made a promise, so here we go. At least maybe I'll find someone else to go to the CAPS meeting on Sept. 17 since I can't make it.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are you running for office Maritza? Or is it a petition for Esther Golar which i believe you had talked about in one of your posts? If so then count me out because in the past i had tried to even find out what her role was in the community although she wasnt there her assistant had no clue which i thought was a bad reputation in my eyes. I left my name and number to have my question answered and never received a call, plus I wanted to help out in whichever way possible and again nothing from her office. All i received from that encounter were really cheesy fliers that any grammar school kid can come up with. Bottom line i was unimpressed with her services and at times i feel that i could do a better job especially with her lack of credentials for the postition that she holds!

I guess i should try to be more outspoken and maybe be more proactive instead of holding all my feelings to myself. Plus i know the neighborhood like the palm of my hand.

But if you are running for office Maritza let us know because although i dont know you personally i like your outspoken demeanor and you might bring something better to the community!

Your neighbor from 49th street

Maritza said...

Hey, I tried to post a response but it's not up here. 49th Street Neighbor, yes, the petitions are for Esther Golar, not me. I won't be running for office for a long, long time, if ever. And though I understand your frustration about Esther's office and materials, I think that has a lot to do with being a rookie state rep without a lot of money. Prior to taking office, Esther had worked as a community liaison for CAPS, been an organizer for Neighborhood Housing Services in our area (she's still on the Back of the Yards local board) and a Local School Council member at Fulton Elementary. She's done a lot for safety, housing and education in the neighborhood.

And, yes, if you want to get out there and speak up, or even run for office, that sounds great to me!

Anonymous said...

Casual blog observer, here.

For what it's worth, I think Phillip Jackson is planning to run against Rep. Golar.

I can't say I have an opinion about Golar, but I know Phillip Jackson to be a fundamentally good man. He's worked for CPS and the Black Star project and a number of other things.

Just an FYI.

Maritza said...

Interesting, Pez. Thanks for the heads-up.

Since this is a blog and one is supposed to provoke discussion, I will go out on a limb here and say my impression of Phillip Jackson over the years is that he's a lot more talk than action.

My impression of Esther, while more recently formed, is that she's more action than talk.

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