Ward 49 of the City of Chicago includes most of Rogers Park and parts of West Ridge.
Bill Morton, registered voter in the 49th Ward
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
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 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
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
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
