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Public Safety Workshop TONIGHT
State's Attorney Connects with Ward
Taste of Wrightwood
Dear Neighbors,

I am pleased to announce a breakthrough in our police district’s relationship with the State’s Attorney that should lower crime in our Ward. We all agree that safety is our biggest concern. An integral piece of that is repeat offenders. While we have made many advances in giving police the tools they need to fight crime, there is a disconnect between arrests and the consequences to those committing crimes.

For the first time, the State's Attorney's office will have real-time, direct contact with the 18 th District when arrests are made. This closer connection will impact the charges against offenders and bail decisions. Police can tell the State's Attorney who these offenders are, what their history in the community has been, and any relevant information on past offenses. A strengthened relationship improves the ability of police to get detentions and allow full and consistent prosecution of dangerous and repeat offenders - which is key to keeping our neighborhoods safe.

You may recall the Sun-Times reported on a study we conducted proving too many juvenile offenders were released after serious crimes, only to be arrested again - within a year. As Superintendent Johnson has said this cycle must be stopped.

Overall, gun arrests are up 55% in the 18th District. Carjackings have been cut in half from 2017. But our issues with repeat offenders have stymied efforts to improve public safety. With a more responsive State's Attorney, we are hopeful progress will be made.
Upcoming CAPS Meeting

The next Community Policing Meeting in our area is:

19th District BEAT 1935 
Monday, February 11th
2nd Unitarian Church
656 W. Barry Avenue.
6:30 PM.

Beat 1935 covers the Park West Area and parts of Wrightwood Neighbors. The borders are Fullerton Parkway, Lincoln Avenue, Diversey and the Lake.

Block Club Training

Help you and your neighbors stay safe by creating a block club! Info on the right.
Community Events and Information
Taste of Wrightwood
Monday, February 11, 2019
New Life Church
1110 W. Lill
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Join WNA for the Annual Taste of Wrightwood!
Sample delicious foods from local restaurants and mingle with your neighbors. 

This year we will have food from :

For the most up-to-date information, check the event page on   Facebook .

FREE for Current WNA Members, $5 suggested donation for non-members.
Flooding Concerns Due to Thaw

With our City thawing out from the cold snap last week, melting snow and rain can lead to flooding and clogged sewers. According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, frozen ground is unable to absorb water and snow, and run-off immediately flows to the sewers. Ice can also block storm drains and streams. As a result, flooding may occur when the sewer system becomes overwhelmed from the combination of normal sewage flow, rain water and snow melt.

Here are some tips to minimize flooding in your area:
  • Make sure storm drains are clear and not buried under snow drifts.
  • If your home has a backwater valve installed on the sewer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to ensure that it is functioning properly.
  • Check your sump pump to make sure it is working properly.
  • If your home or area is prone to flooding you may want to remove valuable items from basement floors.
  • Keep your gutters clear. When they are blocked, water will pour over the edges, landing on the ground next to your home. If you have cracks in the concrete wall of your basement or problems with your tile, this water could enter your home.

If you see flooding, report it to 311 immediately.
Interested in Becoming an Election Judge?

There is a shortage of qualified Election Judges. They have many responsibilities and perform several tasks on Election Day, including :

  • Opening the polling place at 6 a.m. sharp and closing it at 7 p.m. 
  • Setting up election equipment.
  • Providing assistance to voters.
  • Signing in voters.
  • Verifying voter qualifications.
  • Distributing ballots/activation cards for touch screen machines.
  • Operating voting equipment.
  • Processing and transmitting votes when polls close.
  • Certifying vote totals.

If you are interested, please go on the Cook County Clerk's website to sign up.
Vote by Mail
Anyone can vote by mail! You can easily sign up on the Chicago Board of Elections website or fill in a paper application. Applications are due before February 21st by 5:00 PM. Apply now to be sure you have enough time to receive and return your ballot by Election Day.  

Remember, Early Vote starts in our Ward on February 11 at 9:00 a.m.
Office Closed on Lincoln's Birthday

Please note the office will be closed on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 in observance of Lincoln's birthday. The office will reopen with our regular business hours on Wednesday, February 13th from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Hope we all have a warmer, drier week,

.




Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman
43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T - F 9 AM - 6 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 |  yourvoice@ward43.org |  www.ward43.org
Text Us for Constituent Services: 773-906-4333