On August 3, 2019, I published a blog about how local civic life at the official level is reflecting national tensions. The heart of my blog (now Part 1 of Public Trust in Evanston, IL: National Cracks being Exposed in Chicago Suburb) is this paragraph: “On July 12, 2019, Evanston’s Mayor put a stake in […]
Evanston, IL
In April 2017, the City of Evanston had local elections. By a very slim margin, we elected a white disaster capitalist as Mayor (with no previous elected experience). By a very wide margin, we elected a young Black advocate for participatory democracy and government transparency as City Clerk (with no previous elected experience). We elected […]
Published in Evanston Roundtable May 30, 2019 print edition, page 8 (slightly edited for readability) One of the best reasons for impeachment is expressed in this recent question Tweeted by Thea Riofrancos, a political science professor: “Need to feel wiser, & more committed to the world-making task of battling climate change & capitalist domination, & building democracy, […]
Questions from an impatient and concerned observer in Evanston, IL Posted December 20, 2018 Update February 3, 2019: See response from Executive Director of CWHL To: Center for Women’s History & Leadership Evanston, IL Attn: Glen Madeja, Exec. Director Dear Mr. Madeja: I think I speak for many when I say that I have […]
On Monday night, Dec. 10, 2018, the Evanston City Council voted 9-0 Monday night to honor the citizens’ referendum to save Harley Clarke by taking imminent demolition off the table. They did this by voting down an appeal of the Preservation Commission’s unanimous rejection of a certificate to demolish. Watching the proceedings via livestream TV, […]
Harley Clarke mansion as public lakefront asset: Preserve or demolish Posted October 14, 2018 How about a good old-fashioned grassroots community meeting? This is a proposal originally made on: — June 6, 2018: to Design Evanston, Evanston Lakehouse & Gardens (ELHG), Evanston Lighthouse Dunes (ELD). I believe that DE submitted my proposal as part […]
Is Economics a Science? Not without Core Courses in “Money Mechanics” & “Public Money” Posted April 23, 2018 Last week, the Department of Economics at Northwestern University announced its unanimous vote to classify economics as a STEM major. Additional approvals are required before the reclassification is implemented, but the article in the Daily Northwestern made […]
Evanston, Illinois – Equity & Empowerment Plan: What happened to “Access”? Early in 2017, the City of Evanston, IL created an Office of Equity and Empowerment. According to the Office’s webpage, “The City of Evanston has embarked on a new mission to more intentionally address issues of access, equity and empowerment. Diversity and inclusion are […]