Ginderske to Join 49th Ward Zoning Committee

Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to announce I have appointed Rogers Park activist, Jim Ginderske, to the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee. Jim will replace Jay Johnson, who resigned from the committee two weeks ago.

Jim is founder of Neighbors for a Healthy Rogers Park and is a leader in the effort to bring a Federally Qualified Health Clinic to the 49th Ward. As a renter, Jim is also active in promoting tenants rights, and participated in a precedent-setting lawsuit against a condominium developer, resulting in a settlement that garnered nearly a quarter of a million dollars for the tenant plaintiffs.

Most recently, Jim ran against me for Alderman of the 49th Ward. He was a thoughtful and worthy opponent, who avoided personal attacks and ran an issues-oriented campaign. Unlike many candidates for office who are long on platitudes and short on specifics, Jim proffered specific proposals and initiatives. I plan to incorporate many of Jim's ideas in my next term as Alderman.

The 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee is a volunteer committee of neighborhood residents, business people and representatives of the major community organizations, who advise me on all zoning and land use issues that come before me as Alderman. The Committee works hand-in-hand with me to evaluate all applications for zoning changes, variances and exceptions and applications for special use permits and street and alley vacations. All applicants are required to appear before the Committee to defend their applications, and Committee members take their responsibilities very seriously. I encourage active debate among Committee members.

After the public at large is given an opportunity to review and comment on a given proposal, the Committee will make a recommendation to me. I almost always follow the Committee's recommendation.

Jim will provide the Committee with an important perspective. I'm honored he has agreed to serve on the Committee and look forward to his thoughtful contributions.

Sincerely, 

Joe Moore