Aldermanic Candidates Face R.A.G.E.

Rashanah Baldwin
Published: January 18, 2011

Aldermanic Candidates for the 3rd, 20th and 6th wards.

Photo Credits:Sam Smith

If you are a Greater Englewood resident living in the 3^rd, 20^th or 6^th wards then you were among hundreds of residents who attended the “Who’s Running?” Candidate Summit this past Saturday, which coincidentally was held on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, at the Englewood United Methodist Church.

Essentially, the summit was centered on questions derived directly from Greater Englewood Residents and members of R.A.G.E. worked feverishly to collect as many questions as they could from the audience members who were seeking answers.

The candidates who participated in the summit included:

3rd Ward

Alderman Pat Dowell

Ebony Tillman

6th Ward

Cassandra Goodrum-Burton

Alderman Freddrenna Lyle

Roderick Sawyer

Brian Sleet

Sekum Walker

Richard Wooten

20th Ward

Alderman Willie Cochran

George Davis

Che “Rhymefest” Smith

Some of the audience questions included the following topics: scandal and corruption in the alderman office; transition of felonies to misdemeanors; job promotions in each ward; candidate’s education platform; and solutions for improving the schools.

Englewood Residents and Candidate Supporters

Photo Credits: Sam Smith

Not all audience questions were addressed, “We knew that time was crucial and order was a must in order to have an effective forum,” said Asiaha Butler, co-founder of R.A.G.E.

John Ellis, long time Englewood Resident mentioned he had never seen anything like the “Who’s Running” Candidate Summit. It was a “genuine summit of sorts I have seen around here and I have been here since 86’, stated Ellis.

After a few snarled remarks from the candidates, the moderator Ray Thompson, Principal and CEO of Thompson Community Relations Group, respectfully regulated the crowd by pointing out the importance of civility.

By 5:00pm the banquet hall of the church was packed with supporters wearing El Che Rhymefest T-shirts and Sawyer supporters holding up large posters displaying “Vote For Roderick Sawyer”. Residents eagerly anticipated answers from the candidates on how they plan to improve Englewood.

Englewood Residents and Candidate Supporters.

Sam Smith

The forum not only attracted residents of Englewood but also Jimi Orange, Project Director of Englewood Neighborhood Recovery Initiative, Dina Everage principal of D.S. Wentworth Elementary school located in Englewood and even Senator Mattie Hunter was among the audience members.

Hunter who has an interest in working with R.A.G.E says, “I have been looking for an organization to work with in the Greater Englewood Community.” Jimi Orange expressed he could feel the rage from the crowd because of the harsh comments made by the candidates directed at each other, but mentioned, "Overall, I believe the forum was very necessary, given the amount of community members coming out in numbers. I think the Aldermen will take a better listen in the future."

In the end there were mixed emotions from the candidates and residents on how they thought the summit turned out. Some expressed the candidates were being persecuted while others expressed their enjoyment of learning about the goals the candidates had for Englewood. One closing question that alarmed many of the residents was the fact that none of the eleven candidates resided in the Greater Englewood neighborhood.

The entire panel of candidates commended R.A.G.E. for hosting a civic summit that educated residents of Englewood.

Among the candidates who expressed their appreciation was Ebony Tillman who'd posted a message on R.A.G.E’s facebook page that read “Thanks for the opportunity to present to our neighbors in Greater Englewood. It was very appropriate that the forum was on Dr.King's birthday, what a great way to celebrate with community organizing. I look forward to working with your group. Peace.”

Words of encouragement were also expressed by fellow candidate Che “Rhymefest” Smith, who said “The R.A.G.E Forum was very informative and eye opening for the Englewood Community. R.A.G.E did an excellent job in making sure we got a chance to state our positions to the people.”

R.A.G.E has not missed a beat in lining up the next summits for the remaining wards in Greater Englewood. Part two of the “Who’s Running” Candidate Summit will be held on January 27^th at the 7^th District Police Station 1438 W. 63^rd from 6pm-8pm for candidates in the 15^th and 16^th ward. The final summit will be February 12^th from 4pm-6pm at the Englewood Mennonite Church located at 832 w. 68^th for candidates in the 17^th ward.

To learn more information visit R.A.G.E Facebook page or email joinrage@gmail.com

Keywords: Alderman Race, Chicago's South Side, Englewood Portal, Englewood Residents, englewoodportal.org, Greater Englewood, R.A.G.E, Rashanah Baldwin

Posted in Community Organizations

Comments

4:29 PM
Feb 6, 2011 Asiaha Butler says:

Hi Dawn, RAGE is hosting its final summit for the candidates of the 17th Ward on Saturday, February, 12th at the Englewood Mennonite Church 832 W. 68th St. from 4pm-6pm. Also check our facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/RAGE-Resident-Association-of-Greater-Englewood/18678498466855

10:31 AM
Feb 5, 2011 Rashanah Baldwin says:

This is not appear to be a blog entry. The photo goes perfectly well with the article because it was taken at the actual event. I do not believe this forum was an looked as an actual debate more a resident driven forum.

10:30 AM
Feb 5, 2011 Rashanah Baldwin says:

10:10 AM
Feb 5, 2011 Dawn says:

Is there any listing of information for people running for 17th Ward?

6:00 AM
Feb 5, 2011 William Kelly says:

The photo that accompanies this blog entry gives the impression of a free for all.
In most well moderated debates the waving of signs is not allowed. It could lead to confrontations among those that have "rage".

2:55 PM
Feb 3, 2011 Barbara Pritchett says:

It is great to have an open forum for the residents in the 3rd, 6th and 20th ward to see what the forerunners have to say to the masses. This election is one that everyone in Chicago should be monitoring. The laws that are written never change. We have never seen any Alderman change an ordinace because it is out dated or just not pracitical. So, can we look forward for new innovative ideas,suggestions and laws to help the masses.

2:48 PM
Feb 3, 2011 Barbara Pritchett says:

It is great to have an open forum for the residents in the 3rd, 6th and 20th ward to see what the forerunners have to say to the masses. This election is one that everyone in Chicago should be monitoring. The laws that are written never change. We have never seen any Alderan change an ordinace because it is out dated or just not pracitical. So, can we look forward for new innovative ideas,suggestions and laws to help the masses.

11:36 AM
Jan 28, 2011 Tesha D. says:

It saddens me that some people are implying that the people of the Greater Englewood community are so uncivilized that a word or a name of an organization can incite irrational actions such as violence. I refuse to think that about any resident of my community.

So, with that being said, I want to discuss the issues. Like, how will existing community organizations and residents will work with elected officials to maximize their impact. Or, are we really supporting our children & youth from "cradle to career"?

Where and when will we have a discussion about these real and pressing issues?

12:22 AM
Jan 28, 2011 William Kelly says:

That all sounds well and good until something pops off, then people will wonder why it happened.

10:46 PM
Jan 27, 2011 Tesha D. says:

I understand that people have a concern about the name R.A.G.E. However, I am more concerned with what those in attendance felt about the candidates responses. Basically, let's agree to disagree and remember why these forums were created in the first place.

7:13 AM
Jan 25, 2011 William Kelly says:

I agree that the name RAGE conjures up images not condusive for a civilized discourse.

6:44 PM
Jan 23, 2011 Asiaha Butler says:

Wow, this is the most discussion I have ever seen on this portal! Thank you all for those encouraging words about the RAGE!! It is very well appreciated and on behalf of RAGE we thank you!

Also, in effort to respect all users of the portal our response to not so favorable comment can be found on our facebook page here: http://www./186784984668555facebook.com/pages/RAGE-Resident-Association-of-Greater-Englewood

Go RAGE!!

5:06 PM
Jan 23, 2011 Jimi O. says:

Very nice article! I believe you captured the essence of the forum, and yes, some will agree and some wont. This is a new day and the RAGE movement is going strong, congrats!

11:42 AM
Jan 23, 2011 Corrinn says:

Great article! You are improving very much, Ms. Baldwin :D
...And score for R.A.G.E.!

9:23 AM
Jan 23, 2011 Sana says:

I want to give you a pat on the back for all your great work! RAGE is exactly the kind of thing that Englewood needs. I hope the community can come together to take positive steps toward change.

12:58 PM
Jan 22, 2011 Mrs. Harper says:

As a long time resident of the 6th ward, this was by far the most civil and well conducted forum I have witnessed in Englewood. It was fair representation of all candidates and the hosts made sure the audience and the panelist stayed in line. I think the name RAGE is very appropriate because when you look at the condition of our neighborhood we should all be full of RAGE! Keep up the good work RAGE, the forum was excellent!

10:23 AM
Jan 22, 2011 Darrah Micah says:

I was at the forum and it was a disgrace, the audience and the hosts. I do not think any other incumbents should came into such a biased and hostile environment.

These "forums" are a set-up geared basically for challengers to get an audience.

The groups' use of the acronym R.A.G.E. is very inappropriate, especially considering the recent violence against the elected official in Arizona and is inciting the crowds in a similar manner.

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