John Zbesko's blog

Like the NU Wildcats coming back against the Auburn Tigers, Evanston's branch libraries have  survived numerous budgets. But ultimately, the Wildcats lost and the branches most likely will fall to the current budget crisis. Emails are flying back and forth with requests for volunteers and arguments about the valuable services the branches give to our community.

The yard signs are long gone; the new Council has been seated. Detailed voting data is now available from the Cook County Clerk's office.

After speaking in several forums, filling out multiple questionnaires, and writing a series of blogs, I hope you, the voters, have a good idea of what I would bring and what I would be like as your alderman.

Over the course of this campaign, I have endeavored to articulate my positions and explain my reasoning process. I have spoken at City Council meetings, written blogs and responded to others'. My opponents in the 7th Ward aldermanic race have not been as prolific, but with several forums and multiple questionnaires from various community groups, differences in positions and opinion are beginning to emerge.

Opening statement to Citizens for a Greener Evanston/Evanston Public Library forum:

I want to especially thank Citizens for a Greener Evanston for sponsoring tonight's forum because it gives us a chance to talk about something else besides budgets and zoning, positions and policy.

(Opening statement, League of Women Voters Evanston forum)

Like all the candidates running for an Evanston office, I have lived in Evanston for a long period of time, have been involved in the community and am eager and willing to serve you in elective office. I would like to take this opportunity to explain why I am a unique candidate for 7th ward alderman.

Since the issue of the the firefighters union endorsements has flared up, I would like to describe my interview with the director of the firefighters' PAC.  I was eager to win their endorsement.

Dear friends and neighbors,

For me, running for alderman is the culmination of two decades of community involvement and professional development. I've prepared for this job and timed it in my life. I've taken leadership classes and have flexible hours from my employer. I've run a political organization and I have a public record as trustee of a property tax district.

At the Planning and Development Committee meeting February 9, a zoning change for 912-946 Pitner was introduced.

In my blogs and speeches so far as candidate for alderman, I have emphasized my knowledge and experience, listing intellectual credentials and professional accomplishments. But I realize that a successful alderman must have a heart as well as mind (and both need to be connected to ears.)

Last night (2/3/09), the City Council spent at least a half hour discussing the budget for training for city employees.

Three years ago, I asked Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin for ideas on how I might contribute to public service. He suggested a trusteeship on the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) board.

At the Evanston City Council Budget Workshop on November 17, City staff presented a study on water and sewer cost of service rates and fees. A deficit is projected,

With as many as four new “parks” in Evanston - Central Street, Main & Chicago Avenue, Kendall College,and a piece of the Research Park- the economy has done what the Evanston City Council failed to do, prevent an overbuilding of condo buildings.