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

What If I Ran?

What if someone who’s been showing up for Rogers Park every day — no spotlight, no funding, no agenda — decided to run for Alderman?

What if the campaign wasn’t built on promises, but on years of real work: helping small businesses, organizing neighborhood cleanups, advocating for seniors, attending every community meeting possible?

What if leadership came from someone who already knows the streets by name, who knows where we’ve been overlooked, and who believes we can do better — together?

I’ve been thinking about that question more and more lately.

I’ve never needed a title to get involved. And truthfully, I still don’t. But maybe it’s time we imagine what Rogers Park could look like with someone in office who already lives the job — someone who’s not learning the community, but already serving it.

If I ever take that next step, it won’t be a leap. It’ll just be the next block on a path I’ve already been walking.

Let me know what you think.

— Bill Morton