A Conversation Worth Having

One of the best things about Rogers Park is how often strangers turn into neighbors, and neighbors turn into friends. This is a place full of strong opinions, creative energy, and people who genuinely care about where we’re headed.

I’ve spent the last several years working in the background — helping promote our local businesses, attending public meetings, cleaning up our parks and streets, and speaking out on issues that affect us all. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it because I couldn’t stand on the sidelines.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a question more often:
“Bill, have you ever thought about running for Alderman?”

The truth is — yes, I’ve thought about it. Not because I’m chasing a position, but because I believe our neighborhood deserves consistent, community-driven leadership. Someone who’s already been doing the work — with or without a title.

I haven’t made any decisions yet. But I’m listening. And if the people of Rogers Park believe I could make a difference in that role, I want to have that conversation — openly and honestly.

No matter what happens next, I’ll keep working with and for this community. Because Rogers Park matters. Because you matter.

— Bill Morton

One Conversation I’ll Never Forget

A few winters ago, I helped a local shop owner shovel snow off his storefront. He was older, ran the place mostly by himself, and told me business had slowed — not because people didn’t care, but because no one in City Hall seemed to care about him.

We talked for a while. He didn’t ask for handouts. He just wanted to be seen. Heard. Respected. That conversation has stayed with me ever since.

It reminded me why I do what I do — whether it’s promoting small businesses, cleaning up neglected corners of the neighborhood, or showing up to city meetings others ignore. Because people deserve more than speeches. They deserve action.

Lately, more and more neighbors have asked if I’m going to run for Alderman. I’m thinking about it — not because I’m looking for power, but because I want to do more for people like that shop owner, and for every resident who’s ever felt forgotten.

If I step forward, it won’t be for myself. It’ll be for the people I’ve already been standing beside — people who give everything to this neighborhood and ask so little in return.

That’s the kind of Rogers Park I believe in — one where we take care of each other. And if I can do more to make that happen, I’m ready.

— Bill Morton