West Siders Only

OK, if you live on the fashionable East Side you can take a peek as well.

Election time for WL next Tuesday, West Siders have two candidates to choose from, incumbent Doug Richmond and newcomer Daniel Berglund.

Doug
Originally appointed to take the place of then Alderman Botbyl upon Botbyl's election to Mayor. When Doug was introduced to the BOA, Botbyl mentioned they were friends as was their wives. Holding true to form, Richmond has been an unrelenting supporter of Botbyl, along with Alderman Stevenson.  The result was a number of tie votes requiring the tie breaking vote of the Mayor.  Aldermen Finn and Clark were stymied with this line up.  My personal observation of Doug during the BOA meetings, in a word, Lackluster.  Often silent, few questions, certainly no passion.  In the Star interview of March 29th, projects he favors, replacing the sewage lift stations and secondary water source for the City.  Technically the lift stations are a WLIC project and the water source project has languished, literally, for years.  Not much there.

Dan
Represents what I call the New Generation of WL residents, 30 to 40 year olds, children, recently moved to WL.  They bring a new perspective to our City, both in age and demographics, something I think is needed in our City.  Historically city government has been in the purview of, shall we say, more "mature" individuals (well I hesitate to say seasoned/old/retired because I qualify for all three).  The current BOA has Aldermen Clark and Finn who bring a long history of living here as well as being active in the community.  Dan would bring a nice balance to the BOA, along with Rick Footer...I will get to him tomorrow.

Mayor Botbyl called for change during last year's election, hoping to unseat Finn and Clark.  That didn't happen as they were reelected.  So maybe this year, change will happen.

I am voting for Dan, I recommend (if you are a West Sider) you do too.  East Siders, tell your West Side friends to vote for Dan Berglund.  Time for change.