This is indeed a great day for Park Ridge. My faith in our community is restored. Thanks to Dave Schmidt for putting himself out there - and for taking the high road during the campaign. Thanks to Dave's tireless campaign team, too. Here's to better governance and a political climate that breeds cooperation and positive change for our community. The people have spoken - let's all support our new Mayor in moving Park Ridge forward.
Only can say one word, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to Dave Schmidt and the PRU crew. Great job! You have restored faith that the people can still elect a candidate that is elected by the people.
As for Frimark, as with any elected official, when you loose touch with the majority and rule as a dynasty, you have over stayed your welcome. Not being too harsh, it's just a reality. Now I know Schmidt has a big job ahead of him to fix a few things and turn some others around, but at least the folks of PR have a chance now.
Maybe now you bloggers can get some guts and come out of the shadows of the internet and identify yourselves. But that would probably take too much courage!!
Are we all just speechless? Walking around euphoric?
This victory is sweet in so many ways. Mostly, from my perspective, it is a strong statement to our current aldermen, all but one of whom endorsed Frimark. This victory tells them that they are out of touch with the citizens of PR and what matters to them. It turns out that it wasn't just some of us who felt that way. It was MOST of us, and we turned out to say so. The same goes for the local papers, and for the local politicians who felt compelled to endorse Howard.
How great it is that we have effected this change! Thanks for running, Dave Schmidt. Now go do your thing.
That is saying a lot, Bean. And I know, because I have seen you order one whole side of a menu and devour most of it yourself whilst your cohorts scrambled to eke out a calamari or two. Note to Bean: still have that one last bottle of Veuve in the fridge. Been saving it for just this occasion. Perhaps we can convene at Fear Monger Central Friday or Saturday and consume same. Mr. Monger, are you listening? Judas, can you make it?
p.s. I have it on good authority that Dave wants to thank the U'ground for rattling the cage and getting the people talking. I also know he would rather you retired that steak picture and go with the Sgt. Schultz picture from days gone by.
You earned this victory with your principles, your ideas, your courage and your conduct. And your predecessor earned his loss as well. Poetic justice, I would say.
Nice touch saying you won't be sticking your name on all those Park Ridge signs like your predecessor. Sometimes little things make big impressions. Just don't let the office change you - we want Mayor Dave to be the same guy as Ald. Dave.
But you better be ready for trial by fire from Howard's stooges on the Council, because if they can read the handwriting on the wall they have to know that their day of reckoning is only two year's away - and they've still got so much damage to do.
Well Bean, old friend, it doesn't help that you always order the waitress to put it all in front of you. Next time I'll tell the waitress to put the hot wings down by me. That will at least give me a fighting chance.
Today is a good day, a very good day. I find myself overwhelmed by the unity of this community. For me this has been a very long journey. We have all had a very intersting year with a lot of issues before us. All of which has lead us to today. Throughout this journey I have been blessed to have been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with so many people. Some whom I have known for a long time and some new, all of whom I am proud to call "FRIEND".
I can't believe I am actually quoting this but... It does indeed take a village.
I'm proud of this community and I'm proud of Dave Schmidt!!!
I wonder if Howard called Dave today to congratulate him? That would be the classy thing to do. I don't think Dave will have problems with the alderman...I mean they can't be THAT stupid, can they? They must see the writing on the wall...their days are numbered if they don't start representing the residents.
Howard did call and reportedly was gracious. That does not make up for the incredibly vicious campaign he ran. Nonetheless, it's over. In his own immortal words, let's mooooooooooooove forward.
Hmmm... Bach is not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. "Mr. Napleton you have been terrible to this council and I'm not buying anymore Cadillacs from you!" Seconds later: "Aye" to $2.4 million for Napleton. (But not a single Cadillac more!)
I just wanted to thank Father Carl Morello for making all of this possible! Without his arrogance and childlike temper tantrums, none of this would have happened!
Allegretti has to get something for his $1,500 - unless he's still paying on his original aldermanic appointment ($300 down, $200 on delivery, $1,500 in 4 years?)
2:51 PM makes a good point, 7 aldermen just doesn’t work. We should stop celebrating – there’s a lot more work to do and elected Mayor Schmidt can't do it alone. We’ve got to get back to 14 aldermen to insure representation. And remember, when Dave is sworn-in he loses his ability to vote at city council meetings.
But equally important is the sense of community my wife and I enjoyed while working on the campaign. I have a new appreciation for how many good folks there are in this town.
Couldn't disagree with you more. I think seven alderman should work fine. Chicago has 50 alderman for 3.5 million people. We had 14 for 37,000. I actually supported Howie on this. The problem was he was able to stack the council with 6 lemmings, fortunately Dave was there. After this year I think PR politics is forever changed. I am sure in the wards with the Alderpuppets each one of them will face a stiff challenge in the next election. I think people have learned that elections do matter.
Dave will do fine even if he has a council that may not always agree with him. He will appoint his successor in the first ward which will keep the current balance in check for two more years. Disagreement in government is good and I think unlike Howie, Dave will be fair even with those who oppose him.
anon @ 2:17
How right you are about Father Carl (and the PRMA). The arrogance displayed during the PADS debate got my wife and me off out asses and involved in PR politics. Chances are without Father Carl we might have stayed home on election day. Instead, I was pumped and came home early from work just to make sure I got my vote in for Dave.
Perhaps Howard and his good friend Tony from Des Plaines will have some more time to get tegether and play some golf. Taking odds on whether we'll see the two of them at a blackjack table in the near future.
How wrong you are! And your statement "The problem was he was able to stack the council with 6 lemmings" proves it. That's exactly why Howard led the charge on cutting it - so that he could stack it (and he only needed 4). And when he's gone, it will still be just as stackable. Big mistake.
"After this year I think PR politics is forever changed." Don't bet on it. Anytime there is power and money to be had, there will be sharks around trying to get at it. And even if all the Alderpuppets are challenged in 2011, that doesn't mean that their challengers won't be other sharks looking for their turn.
Getting good, honest government requires constant vigilance and involvement. Frimark may be gone, but his view of government is still alive in the Alderpuppets and his followers.
Everyone who worked on this campaign deserves congratulations, but let's start at the top: PRU, who researched, wrote and designed a report/story five days a week or more for two solid years to wake up the people, create a virtual community of disaffected strangers that turned into a real community, motivated the folks and got them ready to be mobilized in the real world, and kept them motivated, comforted, educated and amused for more than 700 days. Thomas (or Thomasina) Paine has a worthy heir.
PRU, no, I don't think the alderman ran with the intent of representing their residents. I do however, think that they now know they have to if they want to remain alderman. Some will just not care and won't run again anyway; like Ryan, but I think some of them, specifically Bach, do like being aldermen and want to remain. I'm hoping they will shape up a bit.
I don't want your bridge, I just want a little bit of hope. Can you spare me that; please? Pretty please??
davevoter I'm not sure arguing that Chicago 'does just fine' with the number of alderman they have is the best arguement. One could say in Chicago it makes sense to have fewer aldermen so their take is bigger per thie....er, I mean per alderman.
Wondering if anyone read the article in the Tribune yesterday about the companies that are installing the red light cameras. They're making lots and lots of money on the revenue share...
Is it possible that it might be about both??? I know that there are some who will say that cameras in fact cause accidents and that is a legitimate debate. But to say that because the camera company makes money that means there is no safty value is a false argument.
What about companies that make and sell radar guns, or bullet proof vests? What about Tasers? The company went public and the guy made millions.
The safety vs. $$ debate is always around but I have read (and this may require further research to find if this is indeed true) is that at some of these camera locations, the yellow light duration is actually reduced. Now if that is true, it doesnt sound too safe to me...Google time!
This is indeed a great day for Park Ridge. My faith in our community is restored. Thanks to Dave Schmidt for putting himself out there - and for taking the high road during the campaign. Thanks to Dave's tireless campaign team, too. Here's to better governance and a political climate that breeds cooperation and positive change for our community. The people have spoken - let's all support our new Mayor in moving Park Ridge forward.
ReplyDeleteLet me be the first to say congrats to our newly elected Mayor - Dave Schmidt.
ReplyDeleteThank you to all who came out to vote.
Let's hope that we can close ranks and become one family again.
Working together to help make Park Ridge a better place to help raise our children and live in peace.
In his name we also pray....
Thank you.
"For the first time in my adult life I am proud of my city because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback."
ReplyDeleteWay to go Dave!
Way to go US!!!!
Yessssssssssssssssss!
ReplyDeletepolice station refs:
ReplyDeleteref 1 (Egan/citizens)
yes 1352, no 6789
ref 2 (Wsol)
yes 3804, no 4324
we have a NO NO!
Great job to Mayor Dave and all of his many supporters. Now let's get a real police chief in Park Ridge.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Dave, and to the people of Park Ridge. It was a pleasure to support Dave.
ReplyDeleteEvents like this renew (at least temporarily) my faith in the system, the process and the people.
No doubt Dave will try hard, be an honest Mayor, and seek to serve the people. What more can we ask?
what will Frimark sneak thru as a lame duck? what will he approve? who will he appoint?
ReplyDeletethe gypsy knows all
Only can say one word,
ReplyDeleteyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!
Hooray, we got our town back!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Dave Schmidt and the PRU crew. Great job! You have restored faith that the people can still elect a candidate that is elected by the people.
ReplyDeleteAs for Frimark, as with any elected official, when you loose touch with the majority and rule as a dynasty, you have over stayed your welcome. Not being too harsh, it's just a reality.
Now I know Schmidt has a big job ahead of him to fix a few things and turn some others around, but at least the folks of PR have a chance now.
Nice Job Folks
Whoooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooo!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Sir!
ReplyDelete-an SPC parent and Chicago resident
Good Morning Sunshine!!! I am soooo happy today. Congratulations to Dave and his group who worked so hard for a very long time. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThis is hilarious...well done! I don't even live in PR, but enjoy your commentaries and the comments from others...best of luck in the next 4 years.
ReplyDeleteWhen's the swearing in? How much time does Howard have to do damage before he leaves?
ReplyDeleteMaybe now you bloggers can get some guts and come out of the shadows of the internet and identify yourselves. But that would probably take too much courage!!
ReplyDeleteAre we all just speechless? Walking around euphoric?
ReplyDeleteThis victory is sweet in so many ways. Mostly, from my perspective, it is a strong statement to our current aldermen, all but one of whom endorsed Frimark. This victory tells them that they are out of touch with the citizens of PR and what matters to them. It turns out that it wasn't just some of us who felt that way. It was MOST of us, and we turned out to say so. The same goes for the local papers, and for the local politicians who felt compelled to endorse Howard.
How great it is that we have effected this change! Thanks for running, Dave Schmidt. Now go do your thing.
Anonymous 9;05
ReplyDeleteIs that your real name ?
I am blissed out!
ReplyDeleteThis is better than an all-you-can-eat buffet!
;)
That is saying a lot, Bean. And I know, because I have seen you order one whole side of a menu and devour most of it yourself whilst your cohorts scrambled to eke out a calamari or two. Note to Bean: still have that one last bottle of Veuve in the fridge. Been saving it for just this occasion. Perhaps we can convene at Fear Monger Central Friday or Saturday and consume same. Mr. Monger, are you listening? Judas, can you make it?
ReplyDeletep.s. I have it on good authority that Dave wants to thank the U'ground for rattling the cage and getting the people talking. I also know he would rather you retired that steak picture and go with the Sgt. Schultz picture from days gone by.
anonymous @ 9:05---I WAS outed last night, if you were at Uncle Dan's!!!!!! our new mayor outed me...
ReplyDeleteIs it just me, or did the air seem cleaner and fresher this morning? Great job Dave!
ReplyDeleteU.E.O. --
ReplyDelete-- Of, by and for the people.
And we'll go with our Schmidtzkrieg graphic until something more inspiring strikes our PRU.TECH.
Congratulations, soon to be former Alderman Dave.
UEO,
ReplyDeleteYou gotta be faaaaaster!
Looking forward to toasting a successful grassroots campaign!
Congratulations, Mr. Mayor-Elect.
ReplyDeleteYou earned this victory with your principles, your ideas, your courage and your conduct. And your predecessor earned his loss as well. Poetic justice, I would say.
Nice touch saying you won't be sticking your name on all those Park Ridge signs like your predecessor. Sometimes little things make big impressions. Just don't let the office change you - we want Mayor Dave to be the same guy as Ald. Dave.
But you better be ready for trial by fire from Howard's stooges on the Council, because if they can read the handwriting on the wall they have to know that their day of reckoning is only two year's away - and they've still got so much damage to do.
Well Bean, old friend, it doesn't help that you always order the waitress to put it all in front of you. Next time I'll tell the waitress to put the hot wings down by me. That will at least give me a fighting chance.
ReplyDeleteI think FMC is open one of those nights. But even an FM has to check with the missus to be sure!
ReplyDeleteWE GOT OUR TOWN BACK!
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who volunteered, came out, knocked on doors, made phone calls, stood out in the cold, and gave up their personal lives.
We proved that a community of people can come together for a common cause and accomplish anything!
Now, lets stay together and get ready to take back our wards in 2011!
See you in 2011!
Today is a good day, a very good day. I find myself overwhelmed by the unity of this community. For me this has been a very long journey. We have all had a very intersting year with a lot of issues before us. All of which has lead us to today. Throughout this journey I have been blessed to have been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with so many people. Some whom I have known for a long time and some new, all of whom I am proud to call "FRIEND".
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I am actually quoting this but... It does indeed take a village.
I'm proud of this community and I'm proud of Dave Schmidt!!!
Thanks for the ride, It's been great!!!
I wonder if Howard called Dave today to congratulate him? That would be the classy thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Dave will have problems with the alderman...I mean they can't be THAT stupid, can they? They must see the writing on the wall...their days are numbered if they don't start representing the residents.
Anon@1:53 --
ReplyDeleteDo you really believe a majority of this council sought these seats because they ever intended to represent the residents?
On another subject, we've got this great bridge we'd like to show you. You'll love it.
They aren't that stuoid???
ReplyDeleteBach showed up at Dave's celebration last night talking about how well he has worked with Dave in the past!!
Howard did call and reportedly was gracious. That does not make up for the incredibly vicious campaign he ran. Nonetheless, it's over. In his own immortal words, let's mooooooooooooove forward.
ReplyDeleteTo quote Forest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does." Just look at their actions.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... Bach is not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. "Mr. Napleton you have been terrible to this council and I'm not buying anymore Cadillacs from you!" Seconds later: "Aye" to $2.4 million for Napleton. (But not a single Cadillac more!)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to thank Father Carl Morello for making all of this possible! Without his arrogance and childlike temper tantrums, none of this would have happened!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mayor Schmidt!!
ReplyDeleteI saw Frimark's car late last night with a "Bonita Springs or bust" sign attached.
Well done Park Ridge...well done.
Basking in the glow of last night's win! Damn, it is sweet!
ReplyDeleteNext challenge is to get the council back to 14 aldermen/women. 7 simply isn't working.
Allegretti has to get something for his $1,500 - unless he's still paying on his original aldermanic appointment ($300 down, $200 on delivery, $1,500 in 4 years?)
ReplyDeleteanon @ 2:17--the same goes for Mr. Frank dePaul @ MSW.
ReplyDeleteHey Howard,
ReplyDeleteI here Wrigley is hiring peanut vendors!
Easy folks!! What is one of the things we try and teach our kids on the athletic fields - be good winners!
ReplyDeleteWHAT-ever
ReplyDelete2:51 PM makes a good point, 7 aldermen just doesn’t work. We should stop celebrating – there’s a lot more work to do and elected Mayor Schmidt can't do it alone. We’ve got to get back to 14 aldermen to insure representation. And remember, when Dave is sworn-in he loses his ability to vote at city council meetings.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mayor-elect Dave. We are all very proud of you and your efforts and look forward to new leadership in our town.
ReplyDeleteThe Schmidt really hit the fan last night for Howard!
"Paul Chevlin said...
ReplyDeleteGreat job to Mayor Dave and all of his many supporters. Now let's get a real police chief in Park Ridge."
And no "special" pension/pay give-aways like Howeeee did with the last booted "Chief"
The incumbent is now uncumbent.
ReplyDeleteBut equally important is the sense of community my wife and I enjoyed while working on the campaign. I have a new appreciation for how many good folks there are in this town.
I also think Dave supporters are better looking.
S. Macko:
ReplyDeleteThank you!! You made my evening.
Wow Macko, how did you get that?
ReplyDeleteThat was supposed to be a SECRET rehearsal for tonight's City Council meeting!!!
Actually I like this version of the song.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIgjworez2u&feature=related
anon @ 2:51
ReplyDeleteCouldn't disagree with you more. I think seven alderman should work fine. Chicago has 50 alderman for 3.5 million people. We had 14 for 37,000. I actually supported Howie on this. The problem was he was able to stack the council with 6 lemmings, fortunately Dave was there. After this year I think PR politics is forever changed. I am sure in the wards with the Alderpuppets each one of them will face a stiff challenge in the next election. I think people have learned that elections do matter.
Dave will do fine even if he has a council that may not always agree with him. He will appoint his successor in the first ward which will keep the current balance in check for two more years. Disagreement in government is good and I think unlike Howie, Dave will be fair even with those who oppose him.
anon @ 2:17
How right you are about Father Carl (and the PRMA). The arrogance displayed during the PADS debate got my wife and me off out asses and involved in PR politics. Chances are without Father Carl we might have stayed home on election day. Instead, I was pumped and came home early from work just to make sure I got my vote in for Dave.
He Gone!
ReplyDeletehttp://video.google.com/videosearch?q=hey+hey+hey+goodbye&hl=en&emb=0&aq=0&oq=hey+hey+hey+#
I know I am being a bad winner but . . .
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX7wtNOkuHo&feature=player_embedded
Perhaps Howard and his good friend Tony from Des Plaines will have some more time to get tegether and play some golf. Taking odds on whether we'll see the two of them at a blackjack table in the near future.
ReplyDeletedavevoter:
ReplyDeleteHow wrong you are! And your statement "The problem was he was able to stack the council with 6 lemmings" proves it. That's exactly why Howard led the charge on cutting it - so that he could stack it (and he only needed 4). And when he's gone, it will still be just as stackable. Big mistake.
"After this year I think PR politics is forever changed." Don't bet on it. Anytime there is power and money to be had, there will be sharks around trying to get at it. And even if all the Alderpuppets are challenged in 2011, that doesn't mean that their challengers won't be other sharks looking for their turn.
Getting good, honest government requires constant vigilance and involvement. Frimark may be gone, but his view of government is still alive in the Alderpuppets and his followers.
Everyone who worked on this campaign deserves congratulations, but let's start at the top: PRU, who researched, wrote and designed a report/story five days a week or more for two solid years to wake up the people, create a virtual community of disaffected strangers that turned into a real community, motivated the folks and got them ready to be mobilized in the real world, and kept them motivated, comforted, educated and amused for more than 700 days. Thomas (or Thomasina) Paine has a worthy heir.
ReplyDeletePRU, no, I don't think the alderman ran with the intent of representing their residents. I do however, think that they now know they have to if they want to remain alderman. Some will just not care and won't run again anyway; like Ryan, but I think some of them, specifically Bach, do like being aldermen and want to remain. I'm hoping they will shape up a bit.
ReplyDeleteI don't want your bridge, I just want a little bit of hope. Can you spare me that; please? Pretty please??
davevoter I'm not sure arguing that Chicago 'does just fine' with the number of alderman they have is the best arguement. One could say in Chicago it makes sense to have fewer aldermen so their take is bigger per thie....er, I mean per alderman.
ReplyDeleteWondering if anyone read the article in the Tribune yesterday about the companies that are installing the red light cameras. They're making lots and lots of money on the revenue share...
ReplyDelete11:53 - OMG, thanks for pointing this out. I can't believe companies are making money! Those profiting scoundrals must be stopped!
ReplyDelete3:28pm... not the point... all of the politicians keep saying it's all about safety... soooo not true... it's all about the $$$'s.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that it might be about both??? I know that there are some who will say that cameras in fact cause accidents and that is a legitimate debate. But to say that because the camera company makes money that means there is no safty value is a false argument.
ReplyDeleteWhat about companies that make and sell radar guns, or bullet proof vests? What about Tasers? The company went public and the guy made millions.
OK... sorry... it's primarily about the $$$...
ReplyDeleteThe safety vs. $$ debate is always around but I have read (and this may require further research to find if this is indeed true) is that at some of these camera locations, the yellow light duration is actually reduced. Now if that is true, it doesnt sound too safe to me...Google time!
ReplyDelete