My political activity has always been issue oriented as opposed to party oriented. On the Ward level
I believe that it is possible and desirable to develop effective grass roots representation. As an alderman who would give FULL TIME to representing you,
I believe that we could achieve this. My immediate concerns for the 28th Ward are:
Neighborhood restoration should be supported in all areas of the Ward. I would actively work to secure at least $5,000,000 in Community Development Revenue Sharing Funds for lowinterest, individual re-hab loans. I would work on the reform of the real estate assessment system that currently favor the wealthy, absentee landlord. I would also seek more efficient city services and the diligent enforcement of city real estate codes. I support the “team approach” for citizen participation in urban redevelopment as opposed to mayor Poelker’s plan for appointing a council of 10.
Our neighborhoods can be safer than they are now. I would elicite the support of the older youth in developing outreach services, such as an escort service, and in playing a meaningful role in neighborhood redevelopment. An important part of this plan calls for the development of youth centers. I would also explore ways of making the police more responsive to community needs.
As an educator I would organize with parents, teachers, students and administrators to improve the educational resources of the Ward. I would especially work toward having the Board of Education develop a Community School program in our area.
I am opposed to the unconditional granting of tax relief to large developers. Tax incentives should be tied in with guarantees of concrete benefits to the citizens of the concerned area. I believe that the patronage system should be eliminated and that a reformed civil service system (one that is non-discriminatory) should replace it. It has been estimated that, besides being inefficient, the patronage system costs the tax payers an additional $2,000,000 annually.
Original photograph caption
John D. Flynn, Jr., Independent candidate. The Paper, October 1975, page 8. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Paper, October 1975.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1975_10.pdf, printed page(s) 8; PDF page(s) 8.
