And we quote from this week's Journal and Topics article, Bullying Charges Fly:
"I was shocked that businesses would become politically active, possibly hurting their business," Frimark said."
WARNING! Some material may not be suitable for more sensitive viewers.
Mayor Howard launched his first mayoral campaign by holding a rally in front of Park Ridge's preeminent landmark business, the Pickwick Theatre, complete with his name splashed across the marquee.
Shocking!
Mayor Howard then used a photo from the rally, in the campaign mailer you see scanned and copied above. We've whited-out the bullshit in the side panel and, but for that, the photo is unaltered.
Shocking!
Mayor Howard launched his 2009 mayoral campaign inside Morningfields Market on Devon Avenue in Park Ridge.
Shocking!
Relax, stay warm, and have a good weekend!
65 comments:
Touche.
This was a fish-in-a-barrel response though grannysmiths are being compared to red delicious.
A political candidate renting out a business for a campaign function isn't the mirror image of a business hosting a grass roots campaign to halt the action of the city council.
I'll give Howard Pry-mark a "One Big Toe in the Mouth" rating out of a possible "Entire Foot".
Shocking... the Mayor holds a fundraiser at Uncle Dan's.
Shocking... the Mayor collects petition signatures outside of Dominick's, Jewel and Wags.
Shocking... if this keeps up the businesses in Park Ridge are gonna be hurtin'.
Here's what's shocking... the Mayor thinks there is one person in Park Ridge stuipd enought to beleive the bullshit he spouts out of his fat pie hole.
Howard... PLEASE QUIT BULLSHITTING US!!!
I am sorry PRU, you are usually exceptionally on target, but here you are wrong. Let me explain...see, Mayor Frimark MAKES the rules and ENFORCES the rules, but they do not apply to him. Ever.
I am generally a less harsh critic of Frimark then many who post here but even I cannot fail to see the hypocrisy here!!
His quote in the paper was "I do not want to see business in PR hurt by political activity in their business". He then goes on to admit to doing the same thing himself.
Well thanks Howard! How nice that you admit it. Of course what I was looking for is not an admission but an explanation for the obvious hypocricy. On the weekend this whole thing broke Alderman Dave was trudging through the heavy snow in the fourth ward door to door. He was talking and listening to PR residents and asking for their signatures. Meanwhile I was asked for my signature from one of your representatives in front of Walgreens on Cumberland. This is virtually the same thing you were "protecting" the ice cream store from.
Did you ask the CEO of Walgreens if he wanted to get involved in politics???
I have talked to you personally and I know that you lament the sometimes extreme position taken by the blogs. I do agree that on some issues there is room for an honest diffrerence of opinion.
However, it seems to me that in the way this whole incident has been handle, your motives are so obvious that there is no room for discussion.
I cannot help but to compare this to the on going Bush fairwell tour. Like him, you are insulated in your own little world. You refuse to see, or cannot see the implications of your own behavior.
It's really classic Howard. What's next? Expressing outrage that an elected official would give the name of his business in his official profile on the City's web site?
Why did you white out whatever that was on the sign?
This is not just hypocrisy. This is messing with our livelihoods. Frimark's bent on spending millions of dollars on a police station that will ultimately raise tax money we could otherwise save for retirement or children's education.
This is not just about fiscal irresponsibility, either. Frimark's set a dangerous precedent for restriction of speech in Park Ridge. If he gets re-elected, it will get worse.
Remember how the aldermen were scratching their heads, trying to figure out why residents think city government doesn't listen to them? This is a great example. Not only don;t they listen, but now if you have an opinion, you have to look over your shoulder to see if a cop agrees with you.
That's damn scary, and I don;t think I'm being dramatic.
PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!
Hey...it's politics. Do as I say, not as I do! Do we expect more? Yes! But we will have to wait to April to express our displeasure. 3 months!!
but, see...
it's not that frimark is *just* being hypocritical here. and it's not that he's *just* using this lame "shock" thing as a means to threaten local businesses away from being politically active in ways that he doesn't approve of.
nope. there's more to it than that.
because, see, the premise is so completely flawed, so totally counter to our ideals of democracy and freedom of expression, that it represents a threat to the American Way.
of course businesses should be politically active. of course they should. in fact, most leaders of businesses would tell you that they have a fiduciary responsibility to be politically active.
what howard is doing here amounts to an attempt to strip businesses of their constitutional rights. it's not *just* hypocritical and dirty, but it's a violation of the public trust and represents a failure to live up to the oaths he took to serve in the best interests of the community.
i'm outraged. i was already going to vote against howard, but now i'm going to actively work towards ousting him from office and i will agitate to have him brought up on charges.
As somebody has posted here before: Howard gives insurance salesmen a bad name.
But what he's really saying with all of his shenanigans is that he thinks the voters of Park Ridge are too stupid, shallow and memory-impaired to let any of this affect how they vote.
And up until now, he's been right.
So I guess we should not go to the local businesses that host Howie events? The Pickwick? Uncle Dan's? Morningfield's? Is that what it's coming to?
Frimark--stop this nonsense.
you really shouldn't quote him on anything he says.
Corporal Citizen,
Nay...Howard Frimark's whole foot, ankle and shin are in his fat mouth on this one.
Howard Frimark "launched his 2009 mayoral campaign inside Morningfields Market"...
...and what did that "launch" ential? Gathering signatures on his candidate petitions...so he could have his name on the ballot.
What were Joe Egan and his group attempting to do at Oberweis...? Gather signatures on their referendum petitions...so they could have the question on the ballot.
That's Red vs. Golden...both of the Delicious variety...
Genius--the word you are looking for is "intimidation."
Don't be silly 11:28. I believe the lesson here is... if it's good for the goose it's good for the gander. To suggest that it's not o.k. to include local businesses in politics...unless it's for "one" party(or person) and not the other, is follish.
Flipside... if ANY candidate requires use of a business to enhance their campaign...through fundraising etc.. and that candidate chooses a business outside of P.R. wouldn't the gripe then be, why would a P.R. candidate be going outside of local businesses to conduct any such things?
So Howie parks his butt inside a nice warm local business to collect his signatures but when a citizens groups tries to do the same thing, after going door to door, he blocks their effort.
Then there is Alderman Schmidt who is going door to door. Taking himself to the voters instead of waiting for the voters to come to him.
I know who will be my choice for our next mayor.
Anonymous 1223,
The "excuse" for going to any business outside of Park Ridge would probably be that any such business is a member of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce...as many businesses outside Park Ridge are...
Local businesses should be able to feel free to make accomodations for ALL their customers, irrespective of politics...is there any local business foolish enough to believe ALL their customers agree on ALL issues...?
The Oberweis nonsense about thinking this was some sort of straw poll versus a referendum petition is nothing but puckey...because, at least according to Wikipedia, "A straw poll or straw vote is a vote with nonbinding results..."
Gee, that sure does sounds a lot like a non-binding referendum vote to me...
Boycott the Pickwick!!
Boycott Oberwies!!
Boycott Morningfields!!
Boycott Uncle Dans!!
I wonder which businesses get their insurance from ol' HOwie??
Anon@3:55 --
The Crew hopes that nobody will boycott any of these businesses. We believe you will be engaging in the same type of bullshit Mayor Howard has steeped himself in.
the boycott against Uncle Dan's for supporting Frimark & hosting an event is already on. It's too late to stop it.
Anon@4:29 --
We think any action like that against the Uncle Dan's is dead wrong.
Good lord, I cannot stand that man. At this point I'd just about vote for Fr. Morello for mayor over Howard, the F@ck.
Anonymous at 448,
You perceive a difference between the two?
Anonymous January 16, 2009 3:55 PM:
I don't agree with the boycotting of a business just because it hosts, favors or even promotes one candidate or another.
But you have touched on something that is very significant: How many of those businesses does Frimark sell insurance to? I believe that as the City's liquor commissioner he has had to abstain (no pun intended) from a number of liquor commission votes on licenses and the like because he sold the businesses their insurance.
I also wonder if he sells the insurance to the Taste of Park Ridge?
that's more of a question for Pat Fitzgerald / Lisa Madigan.
For some reason I didn't know this but I learned that originally Frimark's insurance office was at 1300 Touhy and I had Granparents, who both passed away in the 1990's that lived at the condo at 1301 Touhy which probably would have been across the street.
Of course it didn't matter since he wasn't a household name back then.
Though I wonder if anyone in their building had Frimark for their insurance?
Bean,
We agree, simply because a business, such as a local eatery, wishes to accomodate a political gathering, for the sake of doing business, this in no way should fordge a boycott. Be careful if you do because your candidate of choice may choose a local place to hold one of his own, would you then feel the same about boycotting that place as well? Just think about it before you act.
Punishing a local business for doing business is silly, most business owner look at a political fundraiser the same as they do a birthday party. $$$$$$$. Would you stop going if someone you didn't like booked a bithday party and the business owner accomidated that?
I agree with you, but isn't that what Frimark did?
My family and I just went to Uncle Dan's and we really liked it. It's a great addition to the Park Ridge Restaurant scene. We want busineses like these to stick around Park Ridge - so don't harangue them!
All of this noise about petitions and police stations id just smoke. They are just taking away from the real issue we face....eminent danger to life and property from planes. We have the potential of 438,000 planes per year threatening our community. If you want to boycott ....boycott Pioneer Press. They couldn't get out to cover the letter writing campaign of our school children, but found time and space to endorse the whole slate of Democtraic candidates. Our local businesses deserve beter than suffering because of political snipping.We must focus on ridding ourselves of the scourge of negligent politicians who are derilict in the execution of their duties.
Dave Schmidt for mayor.
Ditto that -- Dave Schmidt for Mayor.
Anonymous January 17, 2009 12:21 PM.
If you mean that, then you should be a Schmidt supporter, because Frimark is about as negligent as you can get without being in a coma - except when he's trying to cut a deal for one or another of his buddies (see millions for Napleton, variances for Heinz and Norwood/Adreani, etc.)
If Howie plays his cards - right!
and who is about to crowned Park Ridge princess " Little Christine"
this Monday night at the mtg....
he may win the election?? Right...wrong!!
Many have been screwed when led down that path of good intentions.
Your next Howie.....enjoy it!
Anon@1221:
"...eminent danger to life and property from planes..." ??? Really?
Is the sky really falling?
Why was it not a safety issue when flying over Maine East, Franklin, and the Hospital? And Maine South is almost as close on the 22L approach as the 27R.
Call it like it is and just say you want the noise and nuisance on the other side of town. But it is no more or less a safety issue than it was last year and for the last decades...
I support efforts to get soundproofing and other things done to help with that approach, but suddenly claiming that we're all in danger NOW is ridiculous.
some people are just silly.
I don't recall anyone putting up a large enough stink about Maine East, Franklin, or the hospital.
Take a look at the altitude. All it takes is a flock of birds or a wind sheer to bring a plane down.
Yes, eminent danger is in your back yard too! Have you investigated where the two new runways will be flying over? Your new found peace and quiet won't last long.
Did anyone attend the ORD REST meeting today? We did. We volunteered to help....tried to...
got involved....were now told we were "too passionate and not politically correct enough" to work with them. Cherry picking volunteers is the name of that tune. Christine....a lady who has sincere P.R. interests at heart, or just another Democratic plant in this town? Time will tell. Mr. F. just lost our support. We will take our volunteer time into Schmidt's camp.
Anon@820:
Which 2 "new" runways are you referring to? There are theoretically 3 new ones to come and 2 of those are at the South end of the field. The other wold go between the newest one (27R) and the current Higgins corridor (27L). BOTH 22L and R will still be in operation when weather patterns dictate.
Anon@820:
As far as the altitude, the glide path is the same as the 22R approach, so the altitude at Franklin is about the same as it would be at Belle Plaine and Greenwood...
anonymous @ 817--what does that mean that they are "cherry picking" people? did you volunteer and they said they didn't want you to help? I dont' understand.
Does anyone have a review of the meeting?
Dear 12:21
You are right..thank you for pointing the error of my ways. I'm not only going to vote for Schmidt, I'm going to pour all of my "passion" into seeing that he is elected. Yes, we were told that we were not wanted. We would "better serve our community by acting as private citizens".
One runway will effect Touhy.438,000 planes a year will effect ALL of us. You may not want to help South siders, but at least do all you can to prevent further expansion.
Dream on, you're not gonna stop the expansion.
That's a laugh.
On a different note, wasn't Frimark questioned about his financial interests in the uptown development some years ago? If my bad memory serves me didn't he tell the citizens of PR to shove it? Maybe I have it wrong and he made full disclosure but I missed it. I'd still like to see what kind of money he's raking in on that project...
Better get the soap ready.
We felt that we needed a
bath after that Westen Ave used car
sales pitch on Saturday.
I guess Christine could charm
Howie right out of his socks.
Well maybe so, but lets charm him
right out of office ..better yet.
The crowning comes Monday night!
Oh what shall you wear!!!
Anon@1037:
-How will any runway affect Touhy? 27R is the NORTHERNMOST runway. There wouldnt be much effect North of the current Belle Plaine Corridor. Another one is slated for south of there (probably around Glenlake-ish near Mary Seat of Wisdom)
-The 438,000 planes will NOT affect everyone the same. Any traffic that runs on 27R will not be on 22R. When they arent over my house, they'll be over yours...So dont make this out to be a NEW volume. It may be increased but it's not all in one place. When weather dictates, they will still use 22R/L. Also, 22R and 27R are the exact same length; so they should see the same type of planes.
-I'm wouldnt mind helping the southsiders but to what end? I dont mind speaking up for increased soundproofing and other such things but I dont think any attempt to stop or minimize traffic is going to come from speaking up now. The time for that has long past and we all know who dropped the ball.
-And Im not so sure about fighting further expansion. 27R is here NOW! One of the only hopes of minimizing traffic over your house is if they build the 2 south runways. Then they may possibly be at a condition where less may be routed to 27R. But you can fight the 27C since it will add more traffic between 27R and L. That would make sense and now may be the time to do it (if it isnt too late already). Let those near MSOW know that they are next and they should do something now! (and everyone from there to Res...)
Lastly, it is total BS though that you were told NOT to help. I dunno what can be done but maybe something? Whatever it is, all who want to help should be able to. [paraphrasing here]..."I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend... your right to say it..."
By the way we weren't the only ones told to take our passion home. Christine then introduced the chair people. Two who will take our position....one said she was temporary chair....makes one wonder if she was just a warm body.
Typical Democratic action surround yourself with girlfriends...no independent ideas or plain talkers welcome. A bit manipulative???? The Dems think we are all fools that they can spin around and spit out!!! Oh, this is gooood future meetings will follow Parlimentary proceedure..more control.
WHO said you were "not wanted"?
anonymous at 936--your words are true paranoia. It's not "Dems" that are ruining this town, it is the Friends of Frimark.
what does the person who keeps saying that someone will be "crowned" on Monday night mean? who are they referring to and why will this person be "crowned?"
In answer to Anon Jan 18 10:34 AM --- at the COW meeting, the mayor mentioned that he would appoint the ORD-REST group to head-up some new committee to look into airport problems or something.
Daley's air force
is doing its job.
300 - 400 planes a day.
Now the ground force ( Dems )
are here.
Watch out.....
Anon@4:28 --
We aren't too sure about the Dem ground forces in PR. But we are damn sure we've got the equivalent of the French army in charge at PR city hall on this one.
hey PRU--is it true that the Tribune is doing an article on Frimark?
Anon@8:43 --
We have no idea. But we have seen some interesting visitors logged on our meter.
ORD-REST Underground
I guess tonight's mtg will be very interesting.
Seems as though we have a million dollar power point presentation that will rock the city council right out of their budget.
Seems that we have an interesting conflict of interest too that has not been brought to the surface until now.
I believe they call it a hidden agenda!
Does the name Norwood Park Builders ring a bell ?
How about Mayor Daley's machine
and his very protective super secret comte for the IOC ?????
Wake up Howie before she takes our wallet(s).
The pie wagon will pull up tonight in front of the city council pretending to fight Daley's air force.
Get out your check book fellow tax payers and watch the magic begin!
PS Anyone have a " come to visit Park Ridge during the 2016 games
T- shirt yet!! Let's see those planes landing in formation:
- Touhy ave
- Belle Plaine
- Over the JFK/Chicago
- Over Norridge/Chicago
I'll bet Howie has already fallen asleep on this too!
I'm so confused!
anon 8:27 PM:
Before you take your support away from ORD-Rest and give it to Alderman Dave, you had better consider that they are not mutually exclusive. Alderman Dave serves on a committee and is a member of the "terrible" group you refer to.
Just like "Communists" weren't behind or infiltrating every organization during the 1950s,
"Democrats" aren't behind ORD-REST.
First of all, Illinois Republicans sold their souls to the Daley Machine (and later, to Little Richie personally) to form what Kass calls "the Combine" back when Big Jim Thompson was governor, and they've been in bed with the Chi-town midget ever since.
So if you want to blame anybody for O'Hare, by all means blame Daley. But don't forget the rest of the Combine, including Jim Thompson, Jim Edgar, Denny Hastert, Big Bill Cellini, Big Bob Kjellander, etc.; and the national Republicans like John McCain, et al. who demanded O'Hare expansion because O'Hare delays affect traffic all around the country.
And hold onto your checkbooks, because ORD-REST wants City funding and Frimark and Friends want to give it to them.
Wait, you have been rejected from the Island of Misfit Toys???
Wow, you REALLY must be out there with your opinions not to get to play the reindeer games.
If it was truly the Democrats running the show, EVERYONE would be included, so that can't be.
Maybe it IS you?
As for City Funding for ORD-REST - AKA Howard pandering for a few votes - I hope some of the Alderman have a spine to say no. Otherwise, the city will soon be spending $650K on "investments" like Peotone again. But maybe Howard has asked someone else for the money? You know, as long as its Fed Money or State Money, its not OUR money.
Paging Mayor Wietcha!
Paging Joe Karaganis!
Your checks are ready at the teller window!
BOHICA!!
Dear 8:47 and 4:14,
Thempson was n.g. from the get go. Ryan is exactly where he belongs. Let's hope Durbin doesn't write anymore "heart felt" letters trying to spring him and spend his time on more constructive endevors....like figuring out how to save his political career after this runway debacal. As for Schmidt helping ORD REST, at least he is attempting to affect change in hopes of helping P.R. Frimark failed in that department. As for ORD REST, we fully support the fine people who are putting forth sincere effort. We just don't appreciate Christine's insulting manipulation.
Here she was laying low in Park Ridge and we did not even know it. She patiently waited, biding her time and then her opportunity came!! They built a runway and and all of our elected, ALL OF THEM, completely dropped the ball - this was her chance!!!!! So she organized a group but it was not really about doing anything. It was about her 15 min of fame,it was about "insulting manipulation".
Other people are in the group as well (elected and elected) but they are different. THey are not like Christine - they are noble!!
What a freakin' joke!!!
I was at last night's city council meeting and heard the ORD-REST lady ask for $100,000 in the first year and then (I think) $300,000 in year 2, with the money to be spent on just about anything that moved.
I'm under the new runway landing pattern and it sucks. But I was also against us getting out of SOC instead of continuing to pour money down a rathole, like Bensenville and Elk Grove have done ever since.
I see a 550 million dollar runway and a new control tower and I have to seriously wonder what can be done, at least for the time being until a new runway might be built further south that they could divert flights to. It doesn't look like lawsuits work (per SOC), and boycotting the Olympics doesn't sound like much of a chance, either.
The aim at the Olympics is meant to hit Daley where it hurts....the pocket and the ego. Maybe he'll listen a bit closer if we throw a sliver into his pole vault.
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