Brian White on the 49th Ward

Check out Brian's website at www.brianwhite2011.org

To the Business Owners Who Keep Rogers Park Alive

You open early. You stay late. You pour your time, your money, and your heart into serving this neighborhood — and I see you.

I’ve watched small business owners in Rogers Park fight to survive in a system that doesn’t always listen, one that too often favors the big and well-connected. You deserve better.

Over the years, I’ve tried to do my part — promoting local shops, organizing events, and connecting neighbors to the businesses that make our community unique. I’ve sat across from many of you, listening to your stories and frustrations.

That’s why, when people ask me if I’m thinking about running for Alderman, I don’t dismiss it. I think about you.

I think about how much more we could do with real support from City Hall. With someone who’s already here, who already knows your names — and who’s already stood with you when times were tough.

If I ever take that step, it won’t be to become someone new. It’ll be to better serve the people I’ve already been standing beside — the ones building something real, one customer at a time.

Thank you for everything you do for Rogers Park. I’m here for you — now, and always.

— Bill Morton

Brian White on the 49th Ward

Check out Brian's website at www.brianwhite2011.org

Brian White on the 49th Ward

Check out Brian's website at www.brianwhite2011.org

Tom Westgard threatens to sue Rogers Park in 1,000 Words for runoff election prediction

Former attorney Thomas J. Westgard contacted Rogers Park in 1,000 Words early this morning with the threat of a lawsuit because of a public election prediction that did not favor longtime 49th Ward incumbent alderman Joseph A. Moore.

A copy of the twitter.com link to prediction is as follows:


RogersPark1000 Rogers Park
Bold #49thWard #Alderman #race #prediction from #RogersPark in 1,000 Words http://rp1000.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-49th-ward-prediction.html


Westgard, recently being linked to the James Ginderske aldermanic campaign-fold-for Alderman Joe Moore, stated that "Rogers Park in 1,000 Words is a participant of a growing effort to overthrow Alderman Joe Moore in the coming 2011 Aldermanic election".

Additionally linked to the former The Urban Coaster newspaper with James Ginderske, Westgard's Mountain of Evidence blog has also been utilized in a pro-Moore fashion, bashing those whom are not under the direct control or direction of the incumbent 49th Ward alderman, including the former Don Gordon aldermanic campaign, the current Brian White aldermanic campaign, the current Blane Roberts aldermanic write-in campaign, the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce (note: not the Rogers Park Business Alliance), Lorraine Swanson's Lake Effect News and members of the Park Advisory Councils (located North of Howard Street).

Bill Morton of Rogers Park in 1,000 Words stated that " rather than just a prediction of a run-off in the upcoming 2011 election... After all of these threats and injustices, I am now dedicated to making the run-off a reality. Someone has to take a stand for the our community, and apparently my bold prediction for a 2011 run-off election was not enough".

Brian White on the 49th Ward

Check out Brian's website at www.brianwhite2011.org

Brian White on the 49th Ward

Check out Brian's website at www.brianwhite2011.org

Brian White on the 49th Ward

Check out Brian's website at www.brianwhite2011.org

49th Ward voting

Bill Morton, registered voter in the 49th Ward

It is important to be a registered voter and vote in every election.

•Because your activism, including in reforming the system, will be more powerful if you have voted.

•Because your monitoring of the fairness of the election must begin with voting in it.

•Because there is a real value in not allowing things to get any worse than they have.

49th Ward voting

Bill Morton, registered voter in the 49th Ward

It is important to be a registered voter and vote in every election.

•Because your activism, including in reforming the system, will be more powerful if you have voted.

•Because your monitoring of the fairness of the election must begin with voting in it.

•Because there is a real value in not allowing things to get any worse than they have.

Integrity Matters: Transparency for Rogers Park

Trust is the foundation of effective leadership — and too often, that trust has been broken in city government.

I’ve seen decisions made behind closed doors, conflicts of interest ignored, and communities left out of conversations that shape their future.

Rogers Park deserves better. We deserve leaders who are honest, accountable, and transparent every step of the way.

I’ve spent years advocating for openness — attending meetings, sharing information, and demanding answers.

Recently, neighbors have asked if I’m thinking about running for Alderman. I am seriously considering it, because I want to bring integrity back to City Hall.

If I run, I’ll fight for clear communication, strict ethical standards, and a government that works for you — not special interests.

Together, we can rebuild trust and create a neighborhood where transparency isn’t an exception, but the rule.

— Bill Morton

A Possibility Worth Considering

Over the past few years, I’ve done my best to be a positive presence here in Rogers Park — not because I was asked to, but because I love this community and believe it deserves better.

I’ve worked to support local businesses, bring people together, and call attention to the issues that matter most to our neighbors. I’ve spent more time at community meetings than I can count, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Lately, some people have asked me if I’d ever consider running for Alderman. That’s a big question.

I think real leadership starts before the campaign signs go up. It starts with showing up when nobody’s watching. It’s in doing the unglamorous work — cleaning up a street corner, helping someone find the right resources, or sticking around when an issue gets tough.

I’m thinking seriously about how I can best serve. Whether that’s through a campaign someday or simply continuing to advocate without a title — I’m open to the possibilities. But one thing is clear: I’m here for Rogers Park. Always.

If you’ve ever felt like your voice wasn’t being heard, I hear you. And I’ll keep working to make sure others do too.

— Bill Morton

Bishop's Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2011

For additional information visit the Bishop's Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2011 page or call the Diocese at (773) 721-5383.

The Evangelical Catholic Diocese of the Northwest is “A Welcoming Community of Faith Rooted in the Catholic Tradition”

Bishop James Alan Wilkowski has contributed to our community through his work as a pastoral leader and treasurer of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce. - Bill Morton

Just One Neighbor Thinking Ahead

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately listening — really listening — to people in our neighborhood. Small business owners trying to stay afloat. Seniors who feel forgotten. Young people looking for opportunity. Residents tired of seeing empty promises.

Rogers Park is full of potential, but we can’t keep waiting for someone else to fix things.

I’ve always believed that if something needs doing, we roll up our sleeves and do it. That’s why I’ve stayed involved — whether it’s cleaning up the streets, helping a business get noticed, showing up at community meetings, or just being a steady voice when things go quiet.

Some folks have asked me, “Why don’t you run for Alderman?”

The truth is, I’ve thought about it. Not because I want to be a politician — but because I believe leadership should come from the ground up, not the top down.

I’m not announcing anything today. But if I ever do decide to run, it won’t be about power or ego. It’ll be about bringing our community’s concerns to the front of the conversation — and never backing down from what’s right for Rogers Park.

For now, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: showing up, standing up, and speaking out. If you're doing the same — thank you. We need each other.

— Bill Morton

Why I Care So Much About Rogers Park

Rogers Park isn’t just where I live — it’s where I’ve grown, struggled, worked, and found purpose. It’s where I’ve met neighbors who became friends, and friends who became family.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside residents, business owners, artists, and activists — people who care deeply and fight hard for this neighborhood. I’ve done my best to contribute: supporting local shops, helping organize events, attending city meetings, and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy.

Recently, some folks have asked, “Would you ever consider running for Alderman?”

The truth is — maybe. It’s something I’ve thought about. But for me, it’s not about launching a political career. It’s about staying true to the work I’ve already been doing, and asking whether I could make an even bigger difference from inside City Hall.

Whatever I decide in the future, one thing is certain: I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to speak up, show up, and push for the kind of change that reflects the best of who we are.

If we want better for Rogers Park, it has to start with us. And I’m ready to keep working.

— Bill Morton

Blane Roberts Supports RIF Study and Pushes for Ward-Wide Ballot Referendum

49th Ward- Write-In Candidate, Blane Roberts Supports RIF Study and Pushes for Ward-Wide Ballot Referendum

I am supportive of many options to sustain affordable housing in the 49th Ward. However, absent a comprehensive study on the feasibility of the Rental Improvement Fund-TIF proposal it would not be in the best interest of our community. If elected, I would support and fund the RIF study to determine its feasibility then place such a proposal to the voters of our community as a ballot referendum. Affordable housing is critical for our community and we must get it right!!

Given the lack of leadership by the current State majority party and the incumbent Alderman, we have poisoned the environment by increased taxes. We must review the RIF and other alternatives to sustain affordable housing and not rely on one proposal.

Blane Roberts
Write-In Candiate
49th Ward

Bishop's Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2011

For additional information visit the Bishop's Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2011 page or call the Diocese at (773) 721-5383.

The Evangelical Catholic Diocese of the Northwest is “A Welcoming Community of Faith Rooted in the Catholic Tradition”

Bishop James Alan Wilkowski has contributed to our community through his work as a pastoral leader and treasurer of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce. - Bill Morton

Registered Voter

It is important to be a registered voter and vote in every election.

•Because your activism, including in reforming the system, will be more powerful if you have voted.

•Because your monitoring of the fairness of the election must begin with voting in it.

•Because there is a real value in not allowing things to get any worse than they have.

- Bill Morton

Happy New Year