One of the only points of agreement reached in Tuesday’s NU Pic[K]s debate between the candidates for aldermanic elections revolved around their respective priorities upon assuming office, and Northwestern doesn’t seem to be one of them. This is not to say that we will be ignored by the aldermen who represent the wards we reside in. Rather, in the aftermath of financial turmoil and some key developmental decisions, namely the 708 Church Street Tower project, making the university a better place will be low on the agenda for the town’s next aldermen.
All candidates had platforms that drew divisive lines between them and their opponents. But for students voting in the April 7 election, the true question is: who will pay the most attention to us?
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First Ward: Challenger Judy Fiske versus incumbent Cheryl Wollin
Political bullshitting took a back seat to bygones in the debate’s opening act. Despite the reaffirmation of the 2005 lawsuit debacle between the two candidates, both reassured students that they should feel comfortable voting, whatever that means in the scope of their relationship. Where the two differ most, though, is in their vision of downtown Evanston and the reciprocal effects of developmental projects like the 708 Church St. Tower (which would be three blocks away from campus). The record stands: Wollin in favor, Fiske (fervently) opposed.
Fiske, owner of the local “Fit + Frisky,” fears the effects of the tower — to be comprised mostly of condominiums — on the economic vitality of the downtown. Wollin sees small, local entrepreneurs and larger national businesses being capable of successfully working together.
City council was divided, Evanston is divided, these two are divided. With the backing of Wollin, among others, the project was approved. It’s a matter of seeing this support put into action to determine if she warrants another stay at her post. Given the approved time frame for development, this issue will be sticking with us until graduation, whether or not Wollin is here to see it through. Both sides have their arguments, but I’m keeping my hands out of this one. Given the past controversy, I’ll leave it to you to decide. Pretty skylines aren’t everything, but the supposed $136 million tax revenue accompanying the Tower may be something worth fighting for.
Fifth Ward: Challenger Adrian Dortch versus incumbent Delores Holmes
Of the two, Holmes seems more willing to bend over backwards to serve Northwestern’s off-campus students. However, Dortch pledges opportunities to mentor the youth of his ward that may be attractive to a far greater number of students. The two truly differ, though, over the West End Plan, a housing development initiative, which became the highlight of their debate. Holmes had little fear in what she noted was still a conceptual plan while Dortch, looking ahead, felt it would increase taxes and take away from the community institutions and residences already established in the area.
Outside of the overall improvements that each claims they will make to the community, the decisions rests with off-campus students who chose to live in the Fifth Ward, which lies primarily west of Sherman Avenue.
Seventh Ward: Jane Grover versus Kevin O’Connor versus John Zbesko
While money had simply been an undertone in the preceding debates, it was voiced most directly between these three candidates. First came Kevin O’Connor, who while receptive to Northwestern student’s requests, says that we have to “live within our means.” That means our bike paths, sidewalks, and well-kept roads will have to wait on a list below larger priorities, a list that includes improving fiscal management and improving accountability among city officials. While he may be quick to draw the purse-strings, O’Connor seems to be a Northwestern advocate. He sees opportunity in our “intellectual capital” and its potential use for the city, especially in regard to financial issues.
Proving to be a serious challenger to O’Connor, Jane Grover presented herself as a champion of pedestrian issues; for frequent crossers-of-Sheridan-Road, it’s hard not to get behind that. She even mentioned involving Northwestern students on city boards and commissions. How about that activity for your next resume?
The third candidate, John Zbesko, did little to sell himself as an attractive candidate at the forum with the exception of his final question: how do you like to “kick back?” That was the question he posed after Grove and O’Connor’s argument took the tone of assigning financial responsibility and highlighted their own personal dilemma — yard signs.
Grove likes to campaign and O’Connor likes asking tough questions. If you’re tired of politicians, then Zbesko may be your man.
While Northwestern provides a safe respite from many aspects of the real world, the multiple components of the candidates agendas will undoubtedly affect you in your time here. From the look and “feel” of downtown to the safety of Sheridan Road to the socioeconomic diversity of the city, your vote will carry implications for Northwestern as well. The candidates may be mostly catering to other Evanston residents, but this city plays a big part in making Northwestern what it is.