My friends and neighbors,
I wish to announce to you – residents of the Second Ward – that I am seeking re-election as your alderman.
There are important matters that still require attention and I believe I owe it to the citizens of our ward and our city to see them through:
· The development of the new commuter parking lot at 159th and Oak, which I did not vote for in the first place, is far from satisfactory for commuters and residents alike. Traffic is a mess several times a day and crime is rampant due largely to the lack of security cameras discussed before the lot opened.
· Crime in the Second Ward has become more of a concern. The problems at the commuter lot could impact the surrounding community. Neighborhood Watch is a valuable tool when crime is on the rise, and I am committed to expanding and improving the program that exists, as well as other crime prevention efforts.
· Flooding still exists on Lorel Avenue and Janet Court . Promises about this, as well as promises to clean up vacant property and improve our most severely broken-down streets and sidewalks, have not been carried out to my satisfaction. Foreclosures have become a major problem not only in Oak Forest, but throughout the country. We must be vigilant to insure that these homes do not become a blight on our community.
· I was embarrassed by the recent controversy about a lack of open government in Oak Forest . As your Alderman, I have always attempted to put out as much information as I can appropriately distribute. If there is even the appearance that secrecy exists in our government, it is a reflection on all of us. The use of e-mail has made the dissemination of information much more efficient, but without your e-mail address it is next to impossible to get info out in a timely manner. Please ask your neighbors with e-mail capability to send their e-mail address to rich2967@hotmail.com. Please feel free to share this with your neighbors.
In 2009, I will continue my work to resolve these issues. I will work to further upgrade our aging streets and water system. And I will speak out whenever I see a wrong that needs to be righted.
After almost 26 years as your alderman, I have no intention of resting until the job is completed. I will not let you down.
Richard Simon
Alderman 2nd Ward
City Of Oak Forest
#1 by anonymous - October 23rd, 2008 at 10:54
you’ve already let us down. You supported and campaigned for Queen Kelly, you are one of the bobbleheads and you need to step down and let us have someone in office that will work for the residents not for themselves
#2 by Anonymous - October 23rd, 2008 at 13:16
26 years is far too long in the same position to try and blame the current mayor for the city’s problems, Rich. Show some accountability and at least admit that you were party to the problems that have now grown into enormous problems for the city.
Step aside and let new leadership in. FYI–If you couldn’t work with OFPW to get the flooding problems solved in the “last” 26 years, then you aren’t qualified to lead the 2nd Ward for the next 4. Crime has thrived under your stewardship in the Ward. The people of the 2nd Ward that I have spoken to are less than thrilled with your promise from the last election, when you promised to “get rid of crime in the 2nd Ward”. What’s your excuse this election????? The economy? Bush? Obama?
#3 by Michelle - October 23rd, 2008 at 13:58
Rich has done nothing but work tirelessly for the good of the people in his ward. It is not an easy job being Alderman but Rich has always tries to do the right thing. Even Aldermen/women have to follow rules and guidelines. They are just one part of the government. I lived in Rich’s ward for 21 years and whenever we had an issue, whether it was sewer, sidewalks, or maintenance, Rich always got us an answer and fixed the problem if it was possible. Yes, his hands are tied on some issues that are beyond his control but we all have to work within our limits. I can guarantee you that he is doing all he can for the residents in his ward and other wards as well. His entire life is dedicated to the city of Oak Forest. Anyone who know’s him personally knows that. I wish him the very best of luck in the upcoming election, he will lead his ward in the right direction as he has done for so many years.
#4 by anonymous - October 23rd, 2008 at 14:58
Well I’ve know Rich a long time too. But I don’t quite see him in the same light. Maybe someone should ask him about his really close ties to Mike Feeley, former PW Super. If he indeed is on the residents side after 26 years he should of been able to do alot more.
Sorry Rich but its time to step down and let someone else really work for the residents
#5 by Anonymous - October 23rd, 2008 at 15:05
Rich Simon, hubba bubba!!!
#6 by Michelle - October 23rd, 2008 at 15:31
anonymous,
Have you ever been on a Board of any type? If you have, then you know that as a single person you do not have a lot of power. It takes a majority group to make things happen. There are many things that happen within government that cannot be disclosed because of privacy laws. It is not possible that the general public can get every piece of information that they would like to have. There are lawyers and laws that tell us otherwise. It doesn’t matter who is sitting at that table the rules would still apply.
The bottom line is this: Rich has a great heart and he tries to do what’s right for his ward. Why else would he put himself in this position for 26 years? He wants to see Oak Forest prosper and he works hard for this community. There is nobody that can doubt that.
#7 by Residents of the 2nd Ward - October 23rd, 2008 at 17:06
HERE, HERE!!
We are All behind you Alderman Simon
Residents of the 2nd Ward
#8 by Anonymous - October 23rd, 2008 at 19:38
We are so glad you are going to continue being our Alderman. We are behind you 100%! If you have signs make sure I get one for the front yard. I am making a copy of this and giving it to my neighbors. No one man can do everything, but you have accomplished many great things as our alderman! My Thanks to you!!!
#9 by Anonymous - October 23rd, 2008 at 23:09
Is anyone running against Rich?
#10 by Kathy - October 24th, 2008 at 06:27
Alderman Simon did work with Mr. Feely during his tenure as Superintendent of Public Works as any responsible Alderman should. Every Alderman on the Council worked closely with Mr. Feely to make progress in their wards. Rich made major accomplishments during that period of time. Ask the residents of Forest Ave. and Grove from 161st to 162nd if the storm sewers they installed make their life easier by picking up the storm water before it enters their homes. Ask the residents on Debra Drive and 163rd St from Debra to Central, and the residents of Margie Lane if life is better when their houses don’t fill up with sanitary sewage. Ask the residents at 157th and Hickory if life is better when the storm water that used to come into their houses now flows through the large storm sewer that P. W. installed. Ask the residents on the entire west end of town if they feel safer since the P. W. Dept ran 3 blocks of 16″ water main through Central Park to insure a constant flow of water to their homes.
As any number of people can attest that, Alderman Simon did not support, or campaign for Mayor Kelly during the last mayoral election. Rich had his own election to worry about and spent the whole time working his own election. He did not put a sign in his yard for either candidate.
Some projects can be accomplished quickly, but other very costly projects are harder to get through the city. That is the reason there are still two unfinished storm projects in the ward that Alderman Simon has worked hard to get done but has been unable to get funding for.
I have not heard Alderman Simon blame the Mayor for not accomplishing the projects. He would have to blame 3 different Mayors. Alderman Simon has only been working on these problems for the past 12 years being as he had taken off from 1987 to 1997. He was not Alderman when these problems arose.
As far as crime is concerned I cannot remember Alderman Simon ever promising to eliminate crime in the second ward. That would be beyond the scope of any alderman, especially if the ward had the highest amount of apartments in the town along with the 3rd ward. Promise was never made it would have been impossible to keep and Rich is smarter than that.
#11 by Anonymous - October 24th, 2008 at 10:18
You can’t announce your re-election until the election has been held, and you won.
#12 by Anonymous - October 24th, 2008 at 11:20
WHATEVER! Please let’s not get so technical, we all understand the meaning of re-elect “to elect for another term” Ald Simon has announce he would like to be re elected for another term, it is all in the same. Let’s not be so nit picky with words.
#13 by Anonymous - October 24th, 2008 at 12:10
Might as well be Anonymous if everyone else does the same.
To Anonymous that said they would give this re-election announcement to all their neighbors. Please don’t do this anonymously!
To Anonymous that asks if anyone is running against Rich Simon. Let ‘em try!
To Anonymous that referred to Rich as Hubba Bubba. Let’s not get carried away!
Rich Simon deserves re-election for several reasons: he honestly speaks his mind; he does seek to be cooperative; he is hard working; and he represents the people of his ward as well as well as any alderman ever has in Oak Forest.
Aldermen should work with all department heads or they would not be serving their ward responsibly. Aldermen should interact with mayors and mayoral candidates in a positive manner to promote cooperation in Oak Forest.
It will take a big person to fill your chair, Rich!
#14 by Patrick - October 29th, 2008 at 14:25
Irregardless of whether you agree with rich on every or any issue. Rich has been there giving his time and effort. One only needs to spend 5 minutes with Rich to see he truly cares 100 percent for the City and residents well being and puts 110 percent in doing what he feels best for the City and working with residents.
Oak Forest is a better place because Rich has given his time.
#15 by Anonymous - October 29th, 2008 at 14:49
1) “irregardless” is not a word.
2)With the state of our city’s finances, hiring practices, foreclosed homes, numerous business vacancies, and mismanaged priorities, I shiver to think what we would be dealing with had Rich not been around for the past 26 years.
No disrespect to Rich, but EVERY alderman needs to get on the side of the citizens, and do it NOW. You get paid $800-900 a month, and we get excuses, higher taxes, less service, and empty promises.
You wanna say Rich is just the best, go ahead. I say they all need to have term limits. Rich should step aside and let someone else finish the job.
#16 by kevin - October 29th, 2008 at 17:03
anonymous,
Why the hell dont you, Here and now proclaim your intent to run against Rich then? You can then lobby the other aldermen/women to put a celing on the terms, you can put in 60 to 70 hours of your own time to get what 800-900. If you think about it: all the b.s you would put up with, Is it worth it????
WHY DONT YOU FINISH THE JOB?
#17 by Second Ward Residents - October 29th, 2008 at 19:52
@ Anonymous & Kevin:
If anonymous lived in the second ward, which we are doubtful of, he would know that the residents of the ward do not want Rich to step down. He has represented us better than any other Alderman in town. He is available all the time and responds to every problem or complaint immediately. Rich, thank you for your service to the residents, and thank you for running again.
#18 by Jim Patrick - October 30th, 2008 at 13:45
I don’t reside in the second ward, but if I did, I would be greatful & respectful of his service to the city. I would still have a difficult decision, being conscious of max allowable utility taxes and need for such, a whopping increase in refuse cost at my home, water rate increase, number of personnel employed by city and everywhere else the city has incresed my cost of living in Oak Forest . None of which, in my opinion, have been adaquately explained by viewing city council meetings. The positive is that the 2nd ward representitive and his cohorts still have some time left to change my opionion.
#19 by Richard Simon - October 30th, 2008 at 14:52
Jim Patrick,
If you would care to discuss the issues you have brought up I would be happy to do so. Please call me at 687-3738 or e-mail me at rich2967@hotmail.com. I believe you are misinformed on some issues, and underinformed on others. You seem to be fair minded and I would like to talk to you.
#20 by Richard Simon - November 3rd, 2008 at 07:33
@Jim Patrick
I consistently provide my comments on various issues to residents of the second ward by via e-mail, as well as other means (e.g. brochures, FYI). I am always available for residents of my ward, or any ward, by phone or e-mail when they have questions or suggestions. Again, if you are interested in my opinion or would like to have a personal conversation, please contact me by e-mail or call me at 687-3738.
#21 by Anonymous - November 4th, 2008 at 16:21
If all fairness to Alderman Simon, he voted against the utility taxes on our gas and electric bills. He did vote for the increase in the telecommunications tax but believed Kelly when she mistakenly called it a 5% increase when in fact it was a 500% increase.
#22 by Anonymous - November 6th, 2008 at 13:22
@Anonymous
Perhaps he should have known the difference but the percentage was quoted by both the mayor and controller and it appeared that the other aldermen all believed it as well since it passed unanimously. I did not intend to discredit the alderman. The correct percentage was pointed out during citizen’s participation.
#23 by Ruth Ensing - November 6th, 2008 at 16:51
@Jim Patrick
Although I am as much against the current contract we have with Nu-Way, I have to correct a couple of statements you made. I watched the council meeting that night and the vote was 5 to 1. Ald. Chinino was in the hospital and Ald. Simon voted no. Toland and Simon questioned the contract, particularly the effect on seniors. Then City Administrator Steve Jones and Mayor Kelly put out RFPs for refuse removal, not the council. Of the 3 proposals, only Nuway offered a senior discount. Again, I think the city could have done a lot better but get the facts straight and blame the right city officials.
#24 by Anonymous - November 6th, 2008 at 17:29
Alderman Simon voted yes on the contract. He voted no on Utility Tax. Vote was 5-1 against him. Alderman Chinino was in the hospital.
#25 by Ruth Ensing - November 7th, 2008 at 10:15
@Jim Patrick
I’m not at all happy with the refuse contract since we were on the sticker program. I spoke against the utility taxes and the telecommunications tax and was rewarded with anonymous obscene mail sent to my home.
I would like to reiterate my appreciation to the creators of this website for giving everyone a voice without fear of retribution.
#26 by Anonymous - November 11th, 2008 at 19:26
We should do something about our 3rd ward alderperson too. Why are we wasting money on more lights and crap on cicero. Could have paved a few more streets around town that are in such terrible shape.
#27 by Anonymous - October 25th, 2008 at 11:47
Nit picky? What a lousy accusation!
#28 by Anonymous - October 26th, 2008 at 08:27
You got something against little people?
#29 by Anonymous - October 29th, 2008 at 20:12
I don’t know about his ward, but the 5th is in need of someone who steps up for residents and keeps us informed. No Crime Watch, no ward meetings, barely anything written in the FYI to keep us up to date…..etc.
#30 by Anonymous - October 29th, 2008 at 23:59
@, In the last twenty-five years, irregardless has become a common entry in dictionaries and usage reference books. It appears in a wide range of dictionaries including: Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged (1961, repr. 2002),[4] The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology (1988), The American Heritage Dictionary (Second College Edition, 1991),[5] Microsoft Encarta College Dictionary (2001), and Webster’s New World College Dictionary (Fourth Edition, 2004)
Don’t be so nit picky
#31 by Eva LaRoche - October 30th, 2008 at 10:48
Anonymous,
I was informed by Nancy Hullinger that she is planning on starting a neighborhood watch in her ward after the holidays.
If you want more information, please contact her directly.
#32 by Anonymous - October 30th, 2008 at 14:03
I’ve lived in ward 5 for over ten years. Don’t you think that Nancy should be the one contacting us? She hasn’t always been our alderman, but she does very little to keep residents informed. I think you need to be in her little circle of friends to get anything out of her.
#33 by Eva LaRoche - October 30th, 2008 at 15:22
Anonymous,
I can’t speak for Nancy, but I would have to assume she will begin contacting the residents of the 5th ward when she is in the process of planning the first neighborhood watch meeting for your ward.
I had offered my help to her in putting it together when the time comes.
#34 by Eva LaRoche - November 3rd, 2008 at 15:00
Anonymous,
I have had a few people from your ward express an interest in starting a neighborhood watch (NW) program, but there doesn’t seem to be very many others interested. One of the major reasons for this is that there is less crime in the 5th ward than those wards that have a high number of participants. Unfortunately, people who are not personally affected by a crime do not tend to get involved. When something happens to them, that is when they decide to join. If more people understood the importance of such a program, they would know that by having one in place can help prevent crime from happening in their neighborhoods.
There is no hard and fast rule that says you cannot begin at this moment a (NW) on your immediate block. All it takes is for you to designate yourself as your block captain and begin by putting a “WE CALL POLICE” sign in the front window of your home. Then visit each neighbor on your block and explain the importance of the neighborhood watch program and to be more watchful than usual for any suspicious activity. If something warrants a call to the police, do not hesitate calling 911. For the program to truly be effective, the majority of the residents on the block need to be willing to participate. Give a NW sign to each neighbor that wants to join and ask them to place it in the front window of their home. If you need signs, just ask me for some. I have some available. Get everyone’s e-mail address and along with yours, e-mail it to me and I will place them on the neighborhood watch e-mail list. It is used to send alerts of any criminal activity in the city, safety tips, crime statistical reports, and general Oak Forest information. Being block captain does not take up too much of a person’s time. Basically, you become the point person on your block for neighborhood watch information.
I have always offered my help to anyone in getting their neighborhood started on the watch program. I am now offering my help to you; you can start as soon as you decide. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. My e-mail address is: eva-laroche@att.net .
Stay safe, stay well!
#35 by Jim Patrick - November 2nd, 2008 at 17:08
@Richard Simon, Thank you Rich. Before that though, would you be oppossed to a little open discussion on some of my post? The issues I refer to are not just my questions and may offer some clearity for more than just myself. I believe we ultimately share the same objective, the betterment of Oak Forest
#36 by Anonymous - November 5th, 2008 at 16:59
@Anonymous,
I’m confused are crediting or discrediting Alderman Simon, are you claiming he was not wise enough to know the difference or what?
#37 by Jim Patrick - November 6th, 2008 at 14:21
@Richard Simon, utility taxes passed unanimously. Why did council believe these taxes were necessary ? It is a punitive tax to a household on fixed income. The refuse contract passed unanimously on the basis of a cow meeting half an hour before council. I’m skeptical of a decision reached that quickly on the city’s biggest franchise! The council previously disbanded the enviormental management committee. That group was point on researching and reporting to council on waste removal and recycling. There were adjustments of present contract available. There were other refuse haulers that were in the area that might have been more competitive, but city hall didn’t RFP them. There are residents recieving refuse service for $10 a month. I have yet to hear why and when we decided a need for a New refuse contract. Ald. Toland asked at council but no member responded. At the time the silence was deafening. If an answer was ever given could it be shared with us? Why do I have to go to the expense of a platt of survery to replace my shed or repair my poarch or fence? I find that excessive. I would appreciate an authoritative truthful response from some one other than the Anonymous clan.
#38 by JCrank - November 6th, 2008 at 21:40
@Ruth Ensing,
FYI - Taken from minutes of January 8,2008
council meeting:
D. Approval of Agreement No. 2008-01-0070A to award a waste
hauling franchise agreement with NuWay/Homewood Disposal. A
Request for Proposal was sent to five haulers in midNovember
with three firms responding and two declining to
bid.
Alderman Simos made the motion to approve.
Alderman Toland seconded.
The Roll Call vote was taken as follows:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Alderman Simos
Alderman Wechet
Alderman Chinino
Alderman Simon
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Toland
Alderman Hullinger
The motion to approve Agreement No. 2008-01-0070A carried 7/0.
Ruth, I’m all for getting facts straight and I will make it a priority during my campaign.
#39 by Jim Patrick - November 6th, 2008 at 23:20
@Ruth Ensing, WASTE MANAGEMENT offered less of a senior discount. 2 firms were based too far away, 2 firms were in the beginning stages of merger/buyout. That left 1 hauler to choose. What a coincidence…When/why did the council decide to scrap the pay per volume ? Where was the discussion? From what I saw none of them knew how or even when it happened ! Ald. Toland’s question to council and Mayor proved that. Council approved contract bid process in 2006 on a consent approval of legislative committee minutes. I suspect they just didn’t realize it. A friend of mine told me how it would be pre-engineered . I was skeptical at first, but he hit it right on the head. He showed me the documents he FOI’d and it is a convincing argument. Where do any funds go that are recovered from recycle material ? Nobody wanted to know that either. If it goes to lower refuse costs I don’t buy it because the city has no idea of amount $ involved. The system that was in place was geared to the homeowner, not the refuse hauler. City council vote changed that !!! The system is now punitive to some of us and it should not be to ANY of us taxpayers. Any thought why Mayor initiated the change ? (I’m not naive enough believe city administrator did anything without Mayor’s direction) All the alderpersons were e-mailed the U.S.E.P.A. web site (months before the vote or the birth of Oak Forest Watch) that gives extensive info on why pay per volume is a solid concept, and we were using it before the government ever endorsed and promoted pay per volume. A new contract only benefited the hauler. Any time any aldermanic rep. wanted to , they could ask that it be revisited at any meeting and I’m willing to bet the hauler would make the necessary adjustments to retain the contract. I don’t understand the unswerving loyalty to the waste hauler. I’m trying to find an example of loyalty to we homeowners/billpayers. As for utility taxes I did not see that discussion so I stand corrected. But when the council realized how penalizing the utility taxes were, ANY aldermanic rep could have done something/anything to try to lessen the burden. Council actions scream louder than words! What’s wrong with a 1.5% utility tax instead of jamming max tax down our throats.
In my opinion, council did the same amout of research on utility taxes as they did the refuse contract and the impact on those of us that are required to live on fixed income. New/old business provides the means. Now to find those that have gonads to do something about both of those particular subjects. To Ruth and JCrank, thank you for the open discussion.
#40 by Jim Patrick - November 7th, 2008 at 10:53
@Ruth Ensing, THAT’S UNFORTUNATE..Anyone reading your posts can understand you have Oak Forest at heart. At least if u ever identify the author, we will be able to recognize the “VILLAGE SLUG” when we see it!