Ward 49 of the City of Chicago includes most of Rogers Park and parts of West Ridge.
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
