John Zbesko - Opening Statement to CSNA Forum

Dear friends and neighbors,

For me, running for alderman is the culmination of two decades of community involvement and professional development. I've prepared for this job and timed it in my life. I've taken leadership classes and have flexible hours from my employer. I've run a political organization and I have a public record as trustee of a property tax district.

Tonight, you will hear a lot about experience and qualifications, opinions and ideas. I would like to take  this time to talk about what “Evanston resident since 1986” means.

As I made my way around the campaign coffee circuit, I met a young couple who brought their first-born infant with them. The years rolled back in my mind to when my college senior daughter was a baby.  I remembered what Evanston was like back then. There were two movie theaters, cable TV service was new, downtown Evanston was uncrowded and I had to travel to Wilmette or Skokie to buy a six-pack. I wonder what Evanston will be like when that couple's baby is as old as mine.

Other couples I've met have one or more kids in elementary, middle or high school. They face the same issues I do in keeping their kids safe, active, and out of trouble. I remember sledding down a toboggan run at Leahy Park or skating in an outdoor rink. I moaned about driving to Niles to Chuck-E-Cheese or to Lincolnwood to go bowling and I still moan about driving to Palentine for indoor soccer. Today, I wonder about how we can make Evanston a more fun place for children of all ages.

As I entered the home of one of my coffee hosts, I came across a wall covered with pictures of a family grown up. I reflected upon the two empty bedrooms in my house and what changes in lifestyle I will face in a few years. I can appreciate the appeal of downtown condos for empty nesters and I understand the fear of increased taxes that those on retirement income have.

If you wonder what I would be like as an alderman, I urge you to read the minutes of the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, available on the NSMAD.com website. Those minutes reveal how I and the board are sensitive to environmental issues, to insuring efficient operations and fair employment practices, and getting the most value out of your property tax dollar. The person who appointed me, 7th ward resident Cook Co. Commissioner Larry Suffredin, has endorsed and is assisting me in this aldermanic campaign.

Evanston and our nation face severe economic stress. People in Evanston and the 7th ward are losing jobs and homes. Like President Obama, the new City Council will have extraordinary challenges. The stakes in this election have never been higher.

During tonight's discussion, you will hear lots of different opinions about lots of different subjects. I hope to leave you with three impressions:

the openness of my thinking,
the intelligence of my ideas,
and the sincerity of my motives.

Thank you very much.