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Rogers Park News (Public Group) is the largest, and official place for news and conversation about Rogers Park and the 49th Ward, and for news that affects Rogers Park and the 49th Ward.

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Showing posts with label Local Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Leadership. Show all posts

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Serving Without a Title

I’ve never waited for permission to serve my community.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been out here — organizing cleanups, supporting our small businesses, listening to residents, and showing up where I’m needed. I do it because I care. Because Rogers Park deserves people who won’t give up on it.

Recently, I’ve been asked a few times, “Bill, are you going to run for Alderman?”

It’s a fair question. I’ve thought about it. Not because I want to be a politician, but because I want to make sure the people of Rogers Park are heard, respected, and represented — not just during election time, but every day of the year.

Would holding office allow me to do more? Maybe. But I believe you prove yourself long before you run for anything. You earn trust by showing up — consistently, without fanfare, and without expecting credit.

If the day ever comes when I step into that race, it will be because the people of this neighborhood believe in someone who’s already been doing the work.

Until then, I’ll keep at it — just as I always have.

Bill Morton

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Thinking Out Loud

 Tonight I walked along Morse Avenue, past the storefronts I’ve helped promote, past neighbors I’ve seen at community meetings, past the same sidewalks I’ve swept during cleanups. It made me think — about where we are, and where we could be.

I never set out to get into politics. I just wanted to make a difference.

But the more I listen to people in our neighborhood — people who feel forgotten, who’ve lost faith in City Hall — the more I wonder if maybe I should take that next step.

People have asked me, “Bill, are you going to run?” And I don’t have a final answer yet. But I know this: I care deeply about Rogers Park. I care about the seniors who don’t feel safe. I care about the business owner who’s barely making rent. I care about our parks, our youth, and our future.

If I ever run for Alderman, it won’t be for attention. It’ll be because I want to bring the everyday voices of Rogers Park into every room where decisions are made.

For now, I’ll keep walking these same streets, listening, learning, and doing the work — because that’s where real change begins.

Bill Morton

Monday, February 21, 2011

Just Thinking Out Loud About Rogers Park

Hey everyone,

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about where Rogers Park is headed — and what I can do to help. Over the years, I’ve shown up for our neighborhood in lots of ways: helping local businesses get noticed, cleaning up the streets, going to meetings, and listening to what people really want.

A lot of folks have been asking me if I’m going to run for Alderman. Honestly, it’s something I’ve been thinking about more and more.

It’s not about wanting a title or a spot in politics. It’s about making sure the people of Rogers Park have a voice that’s loud and clear — someone who’s already been here, working alongside you.

No decisions yet — just wanted to share what’s on my mind. I’m open to hearing from you all, so let’s keep the conversation going.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of this neighborhood.

— Bill

Rogers Park, I See You

I see the murals fading in the alleyways.
The corner shop that never gave up.
The voices rising at community meetings.
The hands planting flowers in public soil, even when no one said thank you.

I see the mother walking her kids home from school.
The elder waiting too long for the bus.
The artist painting without funding.
The tenant fearing the next rent hike.

I see resilience here.
And beauty.
And potential.

For years, I’ve shown up — not because I had to, but because I couldn’t walk away.
I’ve worked with you, listened to you, and stood by you.

Now I’m listening again.
You’re asking me:
"Will you run?"
"Will you lead?"
"Will you stay with us — but louder, stronger, with a seat at the table?"

I’m thinking about it.
Not for ambition — but for purpose.
Because I believe Rogers Park deserves more than what it’s been given.
Because we’ve built something here, and it’s time others see it too.

Let’s imagine a better neighborhood.
Then let’s build it.

Bill Morton

You Asked: Thinking About Running for Alderman

Q: Bill, are you going to run for Alderman?
A: It’s a question I’ve been asked a lot lately. I haven’t made a final decision yet, but it’s something I’m seriously considering.

Q: Why would you want to run?
A: Because Rogers Park deserves consistent, community-driven leadership. I want to bring the experience I’ve gained through years of local work to the table and make sure our voices are heard.

Q: What would make you decide to run?
A: I want to hear from the community. If residents feel I can represent their interests and help build a better neighborhood, then I’d be ready to take that step.

Q: What if you don’t run?
A: I’ll keep doing the work I’ve been doing — supporting businesses, advocating for residents, and showing up where it matters.

Thanks for your questions and your trust. I’m here to listen and serve.

Bill Morton

What Do You Want for Rogers Park?

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations — at coffee shops, on the sidewalks, at community meetings — and one thing keeps coming up: people want change.

Better services. Safer streets. More support for small businesses. Real representation.

Some neighbors have asked if I’m thinking about running for Alderman. The answer is: I’m listening. I care deeply about this neighborhood and I’m seriously considering how I can serve in a bigger way.

But before anything else, I want to hear from you.

What’s working? What’s not? What do you want for the future of Rogers Park?

Leave a comment. Send a message. Let’s talk. Because if I step forward, I want it to be with you — and for you.

Bill Morton

Friday, February 11, 2011

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

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Listening to the People

One thing I’ve learned over the years in Rogers Park is this: when City Hall stops listening, neighbors start speaking louder.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot from residents—at community meetings, on the sidewalks, and inside our struggling small businesses. The message is clear: people are tired of being ignored. They want their voices heard. They want someone to listen, not just during election time, but all the time.

We have real concerns. Our streets need attention. Our safety is at risk. Long-standing local businesses are barely surviving, and far too many feel like their Alderman has checked out.

We don’t need more political spin. We need responsiveness. We need leadership that listens.

While I have no plans to run for office, I remain committed to using my voice and my time to uplift this neighborhood. Rogers Park is worth fighting for—not just in speeches, but in everyday actions. I’ll continue showing up, advocating for transparency, and making space for the voices too often left out of the conversation.

Our future depends on it.


Bill Morton
Rogers Park Resident & Advocate

Monday, August 10, 2009

It’s Time to Listen

For too long, our concerns in Rogers Park have gone unheard. Real progress starts with listening—truly listening—to residents and acting on their needs. I’m committed to amplifying those voices until change happens.

We deserve leaders who hear us.


Bill Morton
Rogers Park Resident & Advocate

The Power of Community Voices

Our greatest strength is our voices. When neighbors come together, we can overcome neglect and push for real change. I encourage everyone in Rogers Park to speak up, get involved, and demand the leadership we deserve.

Together, our voices will shape a better future.


Bill Morton
Rogers Park Resident & Advocate

Building Bridges in Rogers Park

Rogers Park is a community of diverse voices and stories. Too often, those voices don’t get heard by the officials who represent us. It’s time we build bridges—between neighbors, businesses, and local government.

I’m focused on fostering dialogue and encouraging cooperation to create real solutions. Together, we can make Rogers Park stronger and more connected.

Let’s listen to each other and move forward as one community.


Bill Morton 
Rogers Park Resident & Advocate