April Chicago Loop News Column

The voicemail message was very clear and the voice was deep and direct. It was unmistakably a man’s voice, sober yet disturbed.
“Way to go Tim,” the man said, “you ran against her for two years and now you’re supporting her. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Apparently not everyone in Chicago was happy with my endorsement of 43rd Ward incumbent Vi Daley, especially this guy who was insulting, obviously angry and more importantly anonymous.
I kept the voicemail, as I have so many others, and listen to it every once in a while to get a certain post election focus. That focus is on a Chicago spring that has been worse than some winters and where carcasses from the February election have been mostly hauled away, mine included. After the runoff elections fade we can all get back to what’s most important; making a difference in the lives of those in need and having fun at all events scheduled this spring and summer throughout the 43rd Ward and the City of Chicago.
The history and traditions of the 43rd Ward are some of the reasons why running for Alderman was so appealing. The Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, the South end of Lakeview and all the unique neighborhoods that make up the 43rd Ward are truly great and bask in wonderful traditions.
In 2007, there will be much to celebrate and much rich tradition to continue. I certainly hope you can join our team at one or all of the following events:
As a nominee for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2007 Man of the Year, it gives me great pleasure to announce the “Cruising for a Cure” event on Wednesday, May 2nd. A hardy crew of cancer fighters will be boarding the Anita Dee II at Navy Pier at 6:30 p.m. for an excellent reason for an excellent boat cruise on Chicago’s Lakefront. Join us for $35 per person and by emailing Kim from LLS at kim.nemire@lls.org.
The Chicago Irish Brotherhood, which I am proud to be Chairman of, is hosting our 6th Annual Youth Burn Camp Fundraiser at RedNoFive on Saturday, May 12th. Tickets are $100 per person and proceeds will benefit the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s Camp I Am Me. More information at chiirishbro.org and ifsa.org.
In the beginning of June we have the “Tale of Two Art Fairs” live on the weekend of the 9th and 10th. North of North Avenue is the 58th Old Town Art Fair sponsored by the Old Town Triangle Association hosted in the wonderfully historic “village within the city.” Proceeds from the Old Town Art Fair benefit a host of local youth groups, schools, and neighborhood preservation projects. It is a refreshingly laid back atmosphere and if you’re an architecture buff, the garden walk is not to be missed. More info at oldtownartfair.org.
South of North Avenue on the same weekend is the 33rd Annual Wells Street Art Festival that is a rockin’ good time hosted by the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association. This weekend hosts a winning combination of great music and all the best eats from some of the best restaurants in the Chicago. More info at oldtownchicago.org.
Thank God for the weekend, because that gives us time to spend at both well organized events.
On Thursday, June 21st, the Gold Coast Neighbors will celebrate their 50 year anniversary with a wonderful festivity capped by a reception at the Chicago History Museum at 1601 N. Clark Street. The evening will begin with tours of historic homes in the Gold Coast area and participants will be transported via the Chicago Trolley Company.
Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune Magazine writer and host of Conversations with Extraordinary People, will emcee the grand finale celebration where guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music and some lively history. Tickets are $125 each and please call 312.360.0386 for more information.
The Honorable Richard M. Daley is the Honorary Chairman of the GCN’s golden honor.
There will be plenty more events throughout the summer that I will promote in this column so keep reading.
As you may have witnessed by our team’s presence at last year’s summer events, we have a lot of good people doing a lot of good things and having a fun time doing so. We would love to have more like minded souls join our happy band of do-gooders and merrymakers too. Please continue to visit our website at www.electegan.com or contact me directly at 312.714.4409 and by email at tim@electegan.com.
Our goal is to establish a volunteer corps who will, throughout the year, pledge to help out at neighborhood festivals, host fundraisers for organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics, volunteer at special events and much, much more.
If you are interested in being part of your community, we can help you get involved.
So as far as the coward who left the anonymous voice mail about me being ashamed of myself, I wish that person would take the long ride with me out to the IFSA Camp I Am Me in June when I get to present a huge check on behalf of the Chicago Irish Brotherhood for those unfortunate burn survivors. The looks in their eyes and the scars on their bodies tell me much about life…
Shame… never. Pride in what we will accomplish in 2007… absolutely. For those out there who want to take shots at my community involvement, keep the anonymous, negative voicemails and emails coming. They’re great to listen to and read. Knowing that there are those who will give an extra effort to do something negative than ever do something positive is more fuel to do what’s right.
Admittedly, staying positive is not the easiest road to take in life and it is surely the most rocky road in politics. But staying out of the mud is a whole lot better karma builder than blasphemy, lying and believing political spin.
Life is good, be a positive player.