Dear Friends,

We are a group of 43rd Ward responsible home-sharing hosts, homeowners and neighbors who, like many of you, have had our blocks and condominium buildings adversely affected by Airbnb. We are writing you about the distressing news that Airbnb, a $31 Billion dollar company, is inserting itself in our 43rd Ward aldermanic race.

We have to ask, why is our Ward the only one in Chicago in which Airbnb is getting involved?

Recent alarming facts have come to light:

  • Derek Lindblom recently took over $13,000 from Airbnb
  • Airbnb Corporate is hosting an event for Lindblom
  • Airbnb is even having paid "community ambassadors" call their hosts and tell them to vote for my opponent.

Meanwhile, the President of Airbnb finally admitted his company does not control its listings:
Michele Smith has steadfastly stood in the way of Airbnb running roughshod over our neighbors. She has fought to preserve the quality of life in our community and enact sensible oversight of Airbnb, making Chicago a leader in tackling the complex home sharing issue. Our Alderman says there are 30 problem short term rentals in our area, and Airbnb refuses to cooperate.

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board praised Alderman Smith saying, 

"Airbnb insists its hosts are regular people who simply have a spare room to rent out on occasion. Browse through Airbnb's Chicago listings, though, and it's easy to spot units that defy any quaint notion of "home-sharing.  Neighbors in some downtown and North Side high-rises say their condo buildings are overrun by irresponsible Airbnb customers who behave more like they're at a Las Vegas bachelor party than in someone's home." 
Chicago loses if Airbnb ordinance ignores residents' concerns - Chicago Tribune
We know that Airbnb fought regulation tooth-and-nail in Chicago. We also know that of the over 400 units in Lincoln Park alone , almost half the hosts have multiple listings, and 73% have almost full time availability, making it very likely that these are not regular people "supplementing their income," but investors.

Michele's opponent's willingness to sell out our interests is a shocking reminder of the differences we face in this election.

If you value the character of our neighborhoods, your right to the quiet enjoyment of your home and the need to continue to press for to make Airbnb a good corporate citizen, we urge you to vote for Ald. Michele Smith.

And whether or not you like Airbnb, we think it's wrong for for a $31 Billion dollar company to try to buy an Alderman. We hope Alderman Smith can count on your support on April 2nd.

Signed,

Bill and Joan Brodsky
Karen Cooper
Bridget Doherty
Diane Fitzgerald
Richard Christenson
Cynthia Vahlkamp
Scott Nations
Wendi Taylor Nations
Brett Reinholz  
Burt Richmond
Kim & Trigg Thorstenson
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