2009 – Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. 

The past year was an eventful journey.  Reviewing the past twelve months, I look back and realize that the world truly moves at hyper speed.  I spent the month of January mending a broken ankle after a tumble down my stairs two days before Christmas in 2008.   February brought about the vote that gave the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield a new tenant.  When Governor Pat Quinn opened the mansion to the public on Lincoln’s Birthday, I hosted a meeting between Brianna Soto, a student from Komensky Elementary and Ben Stechmiller, a student from Hiawatha Jr. High along with their mothers and Quinn to tour the Governor’s mansion. I also worked with the residents in the Komensky School area to resolve major parking issues.   

In March, I worked with the BDC (Berwyn Development Corporation) to open dialogue with Mr. Bushouse, the owner of the Berwyn Hotel, to discuss the improvement of the property and the passing of a zoning resolution.  As the President of the Berwyn Main Street Organization our board attended Main Street Day at the Capitol.  Our booth was visited by State Senator Martin Sandoval and State Representative Lisa Hernandez.  In addition I attended a ceremony at the Polish Museum of America on Kasmir Pulaski Day which featured many guest speakers including Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Judge Aurelia Pucinski.   

By April, as a candidate for re-election, I worked very hard to get the DCOB (Democratic Citizens of Berwyn) slate elected to office.  The month was filled with excitement and anticipation for a new strong voice for the Berwyn residents.  Along with campaigning, I was also involved with the “Think Green” clean up initiative. Using my athletic ability, I successfully faced the newly elected Mayor Robert Lovero as the batter for the first pitch of the Berwyn Little League season.     

May seemed to be the busiest month of all.  With a lot of pending issues put before our new mayor and six new alderman. What many thought would be a challenge turned out to be a very smooth transition.  I attended the Illinois Latino Caucus Cinco De Mayo celebration in Springfield at the Governor’s mansion, was a judge for the Great American Mutt Show and traveled back to Springfield with Lovero and my fellow aldermen to lobby for funding from the General Assembly. I ended the month by honoring our veterans with ceremonies at Berwyn City Hall and Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Stickney.  I also enrolled in a Leadership Course at the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana/Institute of Government and Public Affairs.  It is my great hope that I will graduate in April of 2010.   

June brought about the completion of the Urban Garden Project at the site of the old Berwyn police station at 26th Street and Wesley Avenue.  This was a joint effort between many different groups within the city which produced green space once occupied by gravel and stagnant water.  I proposed to the traffic engineer that we investigate the possibility of aligning our east/west streets with those which are one-way in Cicero to aid in pedestrian and motorist safety.  In addition it was decided that the school playgrounds were opened for the summer which was a long standing request from many of the 4th Ward residents.  I wish to extend great thanks to District 100 for their cooperation in keeping kids on playgrounds and not in the streets.   

The remainder of the summer was very busy with various community activities, block parties and “Lunch in the Park”, a monthly event held in the Berwyn Gardens and hosted by Berwyn Main Street.  This year’s National Night Out event was bigger and better than ever.  The City of Berwyn was honored with an award for being the best program nationwide for a municipality of our size. Congratulations to the Berwyn Police Department and to all of those who make this event remarkable from year to year.   

September was back to business with working on ordinances for composting and rain barrels.  Volunteers from the ward helped compile a list of sidewalks that needed to be replaced.  I proposed that the city look into metered parking on Cermak Road. The city council was visited by Senator Martin Sandoval who presented a check to the city for $10 million dollars and later that month State Representative Dan Burke who yielded to our lobbying efforts and secured $400,000 dollars for Berwyn from the Capital Bill.  I joined in wishing the 318th PAO, US Army Unit, the best for a safe return as they deployed to Iraq. This will be the unit’s third deployment in less then 8 years.   They were escorted from Forest Park to O’Hare Airport by numerous local police and fire departments that included Berwyn.  I expressed to them that the “first round” will be on me when they get home in 441 days.   

October was spent fielding typical phone calls from residents, addressing requests for handicapped signs and preparing the annual Houby Day Parade and the Czech Oasis.  The festival was co-sponsored by the Cicero Chamber of Commerce and by Berwyn Main Street.  This year’s event included great food and a spectacular music program.   

In November, the Clean City Commission was approved by ordinance.  It’s tag line will be “Pride in Berwyn is Picking Up”.  This is a new commission and I know you will see a noticeable change  as residents step up and make the difference in the goal of a clean, green, Berwyn.   

The month of December is always hectic no matter what your career or family demands of you.  That being said it is still one of my favorite times of the year.  Berwyn 8th Ward Alderman Nora Laurto and I will keep the spirit alive as we have instituted a“Teacher’s Closet” to make sure every child has the tools they need to succeed in school.   

I am looking forward to 2010 and if you would like to help in my efforts please contact me via email at 4thward@berwyn-il.gov or at 708 788-6934.

      
Map of the 4th WardMap of 4th Ward

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