City News

A big assist from the ward’s ‘soccer moms’ helped push Shawn Iles over the top in a tight 3d ward race

Bob7 months ago6 months ago03 mins

By Bob Seidenberg Shawn Iles brought experience from a number of past roles to his campaign to succeed Melissa Wynne as the alderperson for the city’s Third Ward. Overnight Shelter Director for Interfaith Action of Evanston, former president of the Evanston Public Library Board, former president of the Evanston Rotary Club, coach in the AYSO…

Two ways to view Mayor Daniel Biss’s victory margin

Bob7 months ago6 months ago02 mins

By Bob Seidenberg Considering the late start mayoral challenger Jeff Boarini got and his lack of name recognition at the start, how should Mayor Daniel Biss’s 62.4% to 37.59% percent victory over the challenger be viewed? Jeff Smith, a longtime observer of Evanston’s political scene, took a crack at that question in a podcast interview…

Mayor Daniel Biss, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, and five incumbents register strong wins for council seats

Bob7 months ago7 months ago01 mins

They’ll be joined by three newcomers, including Parielle Davis, one of the leaders of the fight against Northwestern’s bid to stage large-scale commercial events By Bob Seidenberg Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss appears headed to another four-year term of office, registering 62% of the vote with 44 of the city’s 45 precincts reported, unofficial totals show….

Is it time to consider staggered elections?

Bob7 months ago7 months ago02 mins

By Bob Seidenberg Could the Civic Center be put back in play as the city’s permanent home as a result of today’s election? It’s a long shot but not inconceivable based on the views of some of the candidates running in today’s election. In the First Ward, council member Clare Kelly has been in the…

Longtime political observer Jeff Smith breaks down election choices

Bob7 months ago7 months ago09 mins

Jeff Smith is a longtime observer of the Evanston political scene and one-time candidate himself. With permission, here’s his blog entry which ran on the Central Street Neighbors Association on the candidates he’s supporting in today’s election. The views do not necessarily reflect that of CSNA. By Jeff Smith In some past local election…

Game On! Evanston’s once-in-four years election is headed to voters Tuesday with plenty of candidates and storylines

Bob7 months ago6 months ago028 mins

Mayor’s race produces contrasts around zoning, Northwestern By Bob Seidenberg rseiden914@gmail.com Evanston residents will go to the polls Tuesday to vote in a municipal election that holds significance not only for the next four years of the new council members terms but likely well into the city’s future. Members of the next council will make…

As finish line approaches, candidates in key Evanston ward races play up backing

Bob7 months ago7 months ago09 mins

By Bob Seidenberg Candidates in Evanston’s ward races are sporting endorsements from political leaders, current and former, as well as other less notables, as the race draws close to the April 1 election. In the city’s First Ward, newcomer Stephen Hackney is listing current mayor Daniel Biss and former mayors Steve Hagerty, Elizabeth Tisdahl and…

Pension board leader accuses city of wrongly claiming pension funds as budget expenses

Bob7 months ago7 months ago08 mins

City says other neighboring communities do so as well and that there’s ‘no phantom’ budget item By Bob Seidenberg City says other neighboring communities do so as well and that there’s ‘no phantom’ budget item The city is following a practice used by a number of area communities by including public safety pension funds in…

Council approves lease to create an event venue at Harley Clarke

Bob7 months ago7 months ago15 mins

By Bob Seidenberg The Evanston City Council officially tied the knot Monday on a 40-year lease with the Celadon Construction Corporation, approving the company’s plans to convert the Harley Clarke mansion into a lakeside wedding and event venue, with the capacity to host as many as 150 weddings and other gatherings per year. Councilmembers voted…

Ward change catches one voter by surprise on first day of early voting

Bob7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

First day of early voting converges with change in ward boundaries, causing confusion for some ‘I thought I was going to vote for the Third Ward Alderperson. I was shocked to find out I had to vote in the Fourth Ward,’ one says. By Bob Seidenberg A few Evanston residents apparently encountered confusion Monday, arriving…

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A big assist from the ward’s ‘soccer moms’ helped push Shawn Iles over the top in a tight 3d ward race

Two ways to view Mayor Daniel Biss’s victory margin

Mayor Daniel Biss, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, and five incumbents register strong wins for council seats

Is it time to consider staggered elections?

Longtime political observer Jeff Smith breaks down election choices

Game On! Evanston’s once-in-four years election is headed to voters Tuesday with plenty of candidates and storylines

As finish line approaches, candidates in key Evanston ward races play up backing

Pension board leader accuses city of wrongly claiming pension funds as budget expenses

Council approves lease to create an event venue at Harley Clarke

Ward change catches one voter by surprise on first day of early voting