Story URL: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=176033
Story Retrieval Date: 5/25/2013 7:12:17 AM CST
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32nd Ward candidates look alike, but think differently
by David Charns
Jan 12, 2011
“It’s the property taxes that go to the schools, to the city, the country or just the price of fines,” Waguespack said about what bothers his constituents the most. His opponents gave different answers.
Bryan Lynch, 39, of Wicker Park, said services for businesses are the most pressing issue in the ward. Lynch, a lawyer who represents business and property owners in cases of eminent domain, said he thinks businesses should receive more services from the ward office.
“We need to ease the regulatory burden [on businesses],” Lynch said. “I want the 32nd Ward to be an environment in which businesses know they have a partner in the alderman in becoming a successful business.”
If he becomes alderman, Lynch said hopes to make it easier for businesses to open in the ward, making the process accessible, predictable and consistent.
Brian Gorman, 36, of Roscoe Village said education.
“The constituents in this community are concerned about where their kids are going to school,” Gorman said. “The uncertainty of the education and where their kids are going to school will drive the other challenges in the ward.”
Gorman, the father of a 4-year-old, said he is already looking at which schools his daughter can attend, whether it be next year, or 10 years down the road.
David Pavlik, 29, of Roscoe Village, said service is the candidate’s No. 1 issue. On his website, Pavlik said he pledges to have an open and accessible ward office that will work to resolve constituent problems.
All the candidates agree on one thing: They love living in their neighborhoods.
“If it’s to see a show, I’d want to hit Lincoln Hall,” Pavlik said. “If its to get a good burger, I’d go to North Side on Lincoln Avenue. I also like taking my dog to Hamlin Park.”
“I like to hit up a couple of the parks to watch baseball in the summer,” Waguespack said. “I also like to hit the coffee shops and have meetings with residents and businesses at coffee shops. It’s just good way to pop in and meet people.”
Lynch said his favorite place is Letizia’s on Division. “It’s got a great mix of people, it’s got a different twist, and that’s what great about the immediate area where I live.”
Gorman said his favorite place is the park where he takes his daughter.
“That’s where I met a tremendous number of my neighbors and friends,” he said.
