Chicago has over 150 TIF districts. King Daley II is not required to report how much money he is making with TIFs, or even to show how he is spending those funds.
A while ago the Reader pulled a Freedom of Information Act request to get access to those numbers and discovered that Chicago makes about 1.5 billion a year from TIFs. 43 cents of every dollar of those funds goes to the 2nd, 27th and 43rd wards (which compose the Loop, parts of the Gold Coast and the near west and near north sides). There is no requirement that TIF funds from one district cannot go to another, more needy district.
King Daley II’s plan to gentrify the poverty and violence-stricken neighbors of his city is to give money to the rich and powerful? Even 2nd Ward alderman Bob Fioretti realizes the massive expenditures in his ward are a terrible waste. He commented that, “We need to shift budget funds to areas of the city that aren’t getting anything and are really hurting.” I thought TIF was about bringing back blighted communities, not lining the pockets of fat cats.
His Lordship might want to consider amending the TIF guidelines to help his failing school system too.
I also endorse moving police officers into troubled neighborhoods. When local law enforcement is seen on the block, in and out of uniform, day in and day out, there will be results. Residents will feel safer and there will be a sense of cooperation between the city and the community. Tio Hardiman, director of the Chicago-based CeaseFire (which brokers ‘cease-fire’ agreements between warring gangs), believes that community teamwork is the very heart of this issue. “Right now, what is lacking in the city is that people involved in violence prevention need to collaborate better.”
Visibility of officers will deter crime. Before going in my 7 year “coma” the town of Cicero was starting a program to address a few of our hot spots. The town was in the process of purchasing properties in higher crime areas and offering officers to live in those properties. If Cicero can do it, why can’t Chicago?
This is the time to act! King Daley II can make the difference, maybe even live up to his ‘title’. But it seems like he’s content with cracking wise-ass jokes, and that just makes him look like the Court jackass… I mean jester.
34 Comments
Will admit that was good.
Dear Betty,
You never cease to amaze me. Great article! Consider running against that nincompoop.
Bravo Betty!
I second the thought of you running against king Daley II. If you need any campaign help, I’ll be the first to volunteer!
You speak nothing but the truth…as you always do!!
Dear Tony,
Thanks for the compliment.
Do you think there is a major snowstorm coming? Ha Ha! The political arena in Cook County is a cesspool of many dangers.
Dear Friends & Acquaintances,
Thank you for keeping daily “wellbeing” checks on me during my recent bout with pneumonia. I am blessed to have so many friends.
You hit it right on Betty! As far as running against king daley – make that unanimous – I volunteer to be on your campaign wagon – you are what Chicago needs.
BETTY, IF YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO I WILL BRING THE GREEK AND WE WILL HAND YOU THE KEY TO CITY HALL …
ITS TIME FOR CHANGE IN CHICAGO BYE BYE DALEY …..
How come you only use Fox News as a source? Betty–would you be willing to acknowledge there are far greater odds of a handgun owner’s firearm being used in an accident with a child or family member than actually using it as defense against a criminal? Or where the crimals get their guns (hint…they steal them from legal gun owners because there are so many).
When you acknowledge simple logic, that this whole idea of “protection” is bunk then you will truly become credible. For most Americans not living in Chatham or Garfield Park, the odds of them having to fend off criminals are about as equal to them winning the lottery or dying in a plane crash. So consider maybe Daley has a point…a “constitutional right” that was passed when Indians were raiding the frontier maybe doesn’t make much sense in 2010.
Dear Logic,
Is Fox News the source? Oh, I did not realize it. Is there an issue with Fox News that you care to address?
I am not an odds maker; therefore, I am not qualified to answer your question about the odds of accidental firearm use. Credibility comes in knowing when you can provide an answer to a question and when you cannot. You seem to be an expert on odds. On the other hand, you could be citing a particular research study in your argument on odds. If so, what study are you citing? Just curious.
Please do not get me started on Daley’s disrespect of our constitution and the United States Supreme Court – perhaps that is why Obama seems to look up to him. The whole idea of disrespecting the Supreme Court reminds me of the painful insult that Obama directed at the justices during his latest State of The Union Address.
Fox News is blatant crap…as is MSNBC. Each leans too far to the opposite side, which is well-known among the general educated public, thus when you solely post videos from Fox News, (as you probably can’t find another network solely supporting your views) you really prove nothing, but bias. A commentator with liberal leanings who posted nothing but MSNBC would probably not be taken very seriously. Make sense? Try CNN.
You may not be an oddsmaker, but your ex husband was. I’m sure if the boys in Elmwood Park were to fix odds on the chance you will use a handgun against a criminal and you made a bet, you would probably have one of the goombahs knocking on your door wanting his money..you will lose. Its very simple.
You are knocking on Mayor Daley for pointing out the obvious: a rule enacted in 1791 makes no sense in 2010. What if it was our constitutional right to tie or ride horses on Michigan Ave? Doesn’t make much sense does it…nor does your gun law. Society has progressed…maybe not people like you, but the vast majority of this country is now educated and refined.
Obama disrespecting the Supreme Court…haha how was that?
Back in 1791 people hunted for food. There was no “police” no “Jewel” and no “semiautomatic handgun.” There were not street gangs, youth violence and inner cities. Maybe you think its fun living in a country where essentially anyone can carry a concealed weapon…that people are as paranoid about “self defense” as they should be about plane crashes (same odds) and a country where “the police” apparently aren’t good enough.
You are using a crime plagued area as an example for why Americans should carry guns. Next time try using Cabrini Green to describe mainstream America…makes as much sense.
Fact is that gun violence exists because of guns. Take away guns and we would probably be killing eachother with sticks and stones, but probably at a less prevalent rate. Its simple logic Betty. Stop the paranoid NRA bullshit.
However that being said, you do make sense with your edorsement of physical police presence in these troubled neighborhoods and parks. Take public housing: The CPD beefed up staffing of the actual tower lobies, and violence plummeted. The CPD went as far as to build a station right in the heart of Cabrini Green…and violence plummeted. So put them in these troubled neighborhoods…build a station in the heart of Chatham, Back of the Yards or K-Town. However…you seem to think that providing all those citizens with handguns, might prove more effective than police. Sure try that…then you move there with your family.
Mayor Daley is the king of a city built on corruption. Sure he’s palling around with the same types you did…he just hasn’t gotten caught yet. There are plenty of things to blast him for…his valiant efforts to rid this city of handguns is not one of them.
Dear Logic,
I was simply searching for video feeds on YouTube.
Look Frank has been dead for a long time, let him rest in peace, please.
King Daley II is not on the Supreme Court and has no business abusing his office by making supreme court decisions from his pulpit.
Have a look at the disrespect Obama directed at the Supreme Court. He is the second president to do it. FDR was the first. Click here: http://video.foxnews.com/v/3993107/obama-slams-supreme-court/?playlist_id=87249
I understand that you have issues with Fox News, but I am merely relying on their video feeds. In case you do not understand, the video feeds show the actual source – Fox News has nothing to do with what Obama said at the State of the Union.
Look Logic; take your issues to the Supreme Court, save us from having to hear about it. Oh wait, someone beat you to it. The Supreme Court will decide what is right.
Sorry Betty but “King Daley” works for Chicago citizens above anyone else…and I’d rather he continue sticking up for us than not stick up for us because a certain government body may feel “disrespect.”
And Frank may be dead…but he hurt a lot of people with his actions…much of that hurt is still alive today.
Are you really mocking Obama for telling the Supreme Court outright that they just passed a law that allows corporations…including foreign corporations to influence our politicians even more than they already do? If so, you should be the only one mocked.
As my name implies, I’m for logic. In this case the simple logic of what this Supreme Court move allows vs. the pointless “respect” “tradition” or “manners” of not “attacking” the Supreme court obviously superceeds.
And you are not showing raw video from Fox News…instead you are showing a commentator presenting snippets that were carefully edited. Who do you think you are arguing here? A child?
And FYI: This outlet obviously slants right…and the tea party is against this Supreme Court move…so use a little logic here about who the readers are before looking aimlessly for ways in which to mock or attack our President…most commend him on his defiant public criticism of this idiodic move(left and right).
Logic is an idiot, “The vast majority of this country is now educated and refined”? If that’s the case why can’t these people behave and stop stealing? Maybe you can find a better site to participate in like “The view” or “F*** for Obama”, or “Democrats who hate America”. Thanks Betty.
Dear Logic,
Disarming legitimate people that have the right to protect themselves is not ‘sticking up’ for the citizens. I wish to defer to my publisher on this point. Please read his article here: http://www.ktfmediagroup.com/home/2010/03/01/daley%e2%80%99s-decries-firearms-wants-to-rob-citizens-of-right-to-self-defense/
As for your interest in attacking a man that passed away many years ago, please name five people that you claim Frank hurt with his actions – that are still hurting today. And share with us details so we can understand what you are talking about. You mention that he hurt ‘a lot’ of people so providing five names should be simple.
People can form their own opinions of the videos that I have published. Please stop worrying about it.
Get outside today before the sun goes down, get some fresh air, and enjoy what is left of the day. Thanks.
Bud are you a member of Hutaree? Your views of fellow citizens are obviously very paranoid, contrived and overall anti-American.
Betty seems to not want to publish my comments…I thought this was an open forum? hmm…
Betty–all one might do is Google Frank Maltese to realize he was a member of the Ferriola Street Crew and engaged in gambling. What do you think happened to his “customers” who did not pay? He worked for men who spent the rest of their lives in prison for murder. Gambling is illeagal in this country for a reason…its not a victimless crime as you seem to think…
I’ve been outside…smelled the fresh air and tasted the sweet summer…I did all of this without a gun. How wonderful to trust in logic and rational thought and accept that the chances of me getting attacked by a criminal and needing a gone are about as good as me getting hit by a meteor. I trust in my government, in my local police force and my fellow citizens. I’d urge other good Americans to do the same…this isn’t the wild wild west…time to stop the paranoia…I can’t imagine going through life that way…so paranoid that I need a gun at all times or else I feel exposed…time for you to get some fresh air I would say.
Dear Logic,
You have failed to name one person that you claim suffers from Frank’s actions today. Therefore, I will not respond to another asinine comment about Frank again.
I have a question for you, assuming that you have a loved one, i.e., a spouse, child, parent, and sibling or life partner. If you entered a loved ones bedroom and found that an intruder was holding a weapon to your loved ones head while trying to commit rape, would you be thankful if you were in possession of a firearm at that split second (my publisher told me to ask you this question)?
What is with the paranoia about your comments being posted? No one is withholding your comments.
Sounds like Logic is a another dumb democrat.
Good work Betty!
When someone chooses a name like logic it seems suspect that their comments will reflect any sort of logic.
Yes Shirley I agree logic is a liberal.
(YOUR COMMENT WAS MODIFIED – insults are not allowed on this thread)
Apparently the right to question logic is an insult.
In regards to your editor’s question, I would ask him what the odds of a situation like that actually happening are, assuming you are not living in Englewood. In reality, the odds are much greater that a loved one might find the firearm (you insist on storing in the house)and have an accident with it that may or may not result in death. You see gun accidents kill 500 kids a year. Far fewer children each year are killed by intruders breaking into their homes. Keep it safely locked in a safe in the garage you say? Well then that kind of defeats the purpose when you need to run past the intruder to get your gun, then locate bullets, and somehow kill him before he does you. Logic.
I’ll ask your editor another question: what makes him think that gunowners, who don’t have experience killing humans, would be able to be effective against criminals who obviously do have that experience and do whatever they can to ensure they are not confronted by you? Again, simple logic.
Yes in 2010, things like dogs, fences, alarm systems, security vendors like ADT (which cost roughly as much as a gun) and have authorities at your house in mere minutes, police, locks, ensuring I live in safe environments…yes these are all much more effective than a gun. Simple logic.
You see I’m not paranoid. Here in 2010, the gun amendment makes no sense.
For the other avid readers…if you were to read my other posts, I’m not a left-wing peace loving liberal. Simply logical.
Dear Logic,
I was hoping that you found a different blog by now.
You keep talking about odds yet you admit that you are not an odds maker. The only source you have cited, as far as I recall, is ‘Google’.
I thought we decided that we would rely on the Supreme Court for this issue (guns).
Some people prefer to walk to work, others like to drive. Some disabled people use one crutch to walk, others use two. Some homeowners like guard dogs and others prefer firearms.
If your silly idea of taking guns away from the honest people should happen one day – next – others like you might want to outlaw fire because fire can create arson, which can cause mass destruction and deaths.
I wish the naive and stubborn people like Logic and King Daley II would focus on the core of the issues relating to violence – parenting and upbringing. Ah, addressing ‘parenting’ and ‘upbringing’ thru awareness and education would cost money. Unlike outlawing guns and fining the honest people that will not hide their gun if the police ask about it.
Sorry Betty…I just have issues with people ignoring logic. The source that I did cite was not Google, but rather the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms & Tobacco (ATF).
Driving to work or using a crutch has no impact on others. Owning a gun that was designed to kill does have an impact. There was no logic used in that statement was there?
Did you just try and compare arson to handguns? That’s not very good logic again Betty. You see here in the United States, arson only causes roughly 495 deaths per year on average (1) Want to take a guess on how many homicides per year that are infliucted by handguns? Try 100,000. Now was that really a logical comparison?
Take a look at how the FBI has compiled various weapons used in homicides…in 2005 alone, guns were responsible for 68% percent of all homicides (2).
Now logic implies that you take away the prevelant instrument used to commit these acts, thus taking away the ease of shooting someone, and the violence problem will dissapear. Parenting and upbrining? How do you suggest we fix that Betty? What do you think is more expensive to tax payers? Taking away guns from residents, or providing “parenting” and “upbringing” classes to those that need it? Logic.
You see its the insistence of those honest people to own guns that allows a grey/black market of illeagal guns to exist. Where do you think they get their guns? Mexico? Nope. Mexican Cartels buy their guns in the US according to the FBI and ATF. Thus American criminals, along with the honest folk, have the ease and access of hundreds of thousands of guns whenever they want. They simply go steal, pay a non-felon to buy them or find a crooked gun dealer. Its too easy.
I’m neither conservative nor liberal…democrat nor republican…simply one who prefers logic to pure BS.
SOURCES:
(1) http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v1i8-508.pdf
(2) http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/offenses/expanded_information/data/shrtable_06.html
Dear Logic,
I am flattered it took you five days to respond to my last comment to you. You are determined to argue with me no matter what point I make. Ropes, knifes, razors, broken glass, bludgeons, etc, are tools for murderers. Get some statistics on those items. I hope that you will be busy for a couple of weeks this time.
Oh Betty don’t flatter yourself…I don’t stalk you that hard. And I already did provide stats on ropes, knifes, razors, broken glass, bludgeons, etc.
Here they are: handguns make up 68% of all homicides in the US. I would assume ropes, broken glass, razors, etc. are all less than 2%. Still want to make silly and ridiculous comparisons to firearms without citing sources?
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/offenses/expanded_information/data/shrtable_06.html
Dear Logic,
Thank you for all your good work in stating your argument. However, the Supreme Court will be making the decision, not us.
Betty-
…. In your criticism of our Mayor going forward, I would urge you to focus on his clout machine, blatant connections to your former Cicero goombahs and various levels of corruption he oversees instead of criticizing one of the few good things he does: taking guns off the streets to curb violence.
I’ll be looking forward to your next post!
Why was my comment edited? I simply noted that….
(YOUR COMMENT WAS MODIFIED – when redundancy compromises the thread space, your repeated comments will automatically be redirected to the authors email address for review. If you provided your correct email address, the author can respond to you via email. Thank you, Joseph Fosco, Publisher)
Thanks Joe and understood. What do you think the boys on Grand Ave and Elmwood Park think about Betty working with you?
Dear Logic,
I have no idea what the ‘boys’ on Grand Avenue think about Betty and me. And I do not care.
Um… Gee Logic 8 murders and 40 shot last weekend and Father’s day weekend nonetheless.
And I thought we had a hand gun ban in Chicago I can’t believe the nerve of these gang bangers in not following this law!
And anyone can clearly see how keeping guns out of law abiding citizens keeps violence in check. I wonder logic do you understand sarcasm?
Actually it was 10 murders and 44 shot.