Brian White on the 49th Ward

Check out Brian's website at www.brianwhite2011.org

Tom Westgard threatens to sue Rogers Park in 1,000 Words for runoff election prediction

Former attorney Thomas J. Westgard contacted Rogers Park in 1,000 Words early this morning with the threat of a lawsuit because of a public election prediction that did not favor longtime 49th Ward incumbent alderman Joseph A. Moore.

A copy of the twitter.com link to prediction is as follows:


RogersPark1000 Rogers Park
Bold #49thWard #Alderman #race #prediction from #RogersPark in 1,000 Words http://rp1000.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-49th-ward-prediction.html


Westgard, recently being linked to the James Ginderske aldermanic campaign-fold-for Alderman Joe Moore, stated that "Rogers Park in 1,000 Words is a participant of a growing effort to overthrow Alderman Joe Moore in the coming 2011 Aldermanic election".

Additionally linked to the former The Urban Coaster newspaper with James Ginderske, Westgard's Mountain of Evidence blog has also been utilized in a pro-Moore fashion, bashing those whom are not under the direct control or direction of the incumbent 49th Ward alderman, including the former Don Gordon aldermanic campaign, the current Brian White aldermanic campaign, the current Blane Roberts aldermanic write-in campaign, the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce (note: not the Rogers Park Business Alliance), Lorraine Swanson's Lake Effect News and members of the Park Advisory Councils (located North of Howard Street).

Bill Morton of Rogers Park in 1,000 Words stated that " rather than just a prediction of a run-off in the upcoming 2011 election... After all of these threats and injustices, I am now dedicated to making the run-off a reality. Someone has to take a stand for the our community, and apparently my bold prediction for a 2011 run-off election was not enough".

For the Future of Rogers Park

When I think about the future of Rogers Park, I think about the next generation — the kids walking to school, the students working late shifts while studying, the young families planting roots here for the first time.

They deserve a neighborhood where opportunity is real, safety is guaranteed, and leadership reflects their hopes — not just history.

I’ve spent years working to strengthen our community from the ground up. Supporting small businesses. Advocating for fairness. Showing up. Listening.

Now I’m thinking seriously about how I can do more — and what it would mean to serve as your Alderman.

This neighborhood is already rich with talent, diversity, and resilience. What we need now is leadership that brings those strengths together, and builds a Rogers Park that works for everyone — not just today, but for decades to come.

That’s the future I want to help shape. And I hope you’ll shape it with me.

— 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

A Government That Works for You — and With You

Government should never feel like a closed door.

But too often, that’s exactly how it feels — confusing meetings, unanswered emails, important decisions made with little notice or input.

In Rogers Park, I’ve worked to break down those barriers: sharing information, attending meetings most people never hear about, and making space for honest conversation.

People have asked me if I’m thinking about running for Alderman. I am — because I believe we need leadership that puts transparency and participation first.

If I run, it will be with a commitment to open books, open doors, and open dialogue. Regular community updates. Easy access to information. Real opportunities for feedback before decisions are made.

And most importantly, I’ll work to ensure that every resident — no matter your background, income, or voting history — feels welcome in the civic life of our neighborhood.

This is your government. Let’s make it work like it.

— Bill Morton

Every Voice in Every Language

Rogers Park speaks many languages — and that’s one of our greatest strengths.

From Spanish to Urdu, Swahili to Tagalog, our neighborhood is home to immigrant families and individuals from around the world, all contributing to the life and culture of our community.

But too often, I’ve seen language become a barrier — to city services, public meetings, emergency information, and civic participation.

I’ve always believed that true representation means making sure everyone can understand, contribute, and be heard — in the language they feel most comfortable using.

That’s why I’ve worked to build relationships across cultures and advocate for greater access and outreach.

If I decide to run for Alderman, it will be with a promise to push for multilingual communication in every city agency, school, and service — and to ensure that immigrants and refugees are not just included, but empowered.

Rogers Park is one of the most diverse communities in the city. It’s time our systems reflected that reality — fully and proudly.

— Bill Morton