Alderman Sawyer has been judicious about supporting the removal of buildings, as too many demolitions result in problem vacant lots in areas.  Alderman Sawyer is working to find investors to rehab properties, and get them back into the hands of homeowners.  Alderman Sawyer has made every attempt to protect the community from unscrupulous outside investors. These investors wanted to buy homes cheaply, and place more transient renters in more of our homes, instead of looking for a long term solution to entice people back to our neighborhood.  As part of this long term solution, Alderman Sawyer addressed the pillars of our community in his first year:  safety, economic development, education, community engagement, and city’s governance.

Safety

Alderman Sawyer knows that the main characteristic of any strong neighborhood is the ability to feel safe.  As often stated, the Alderman’s goal for the 6^th Ward is to be able to walk from your home un-accosted to pick up something you need on a street near you. He wants residents to have the option of stopping to have a good, healthy meal, be entertained and return home un-accosted; all in their own neighborhood.  Safety is a major component of turning this vision into a reality.  In the first year the four districts (3^rd, 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th) have all received new commanders and the term began with the installation of a new police commissioner.  Alderman Sawyer has maintained good communication with police throughout this transition, as well as worked with the implementation of new strategies to combat individuals who refuse to follow the law.  As always this requires your help as well, whether attending your CAPS meetings, being a nosey neighbor or following the number one rule of public safety, “If you see something, say something.”   Alderman Sawyer’s focus has been more on working with neighbors to collect actionable intelligence on crimes to share with the police.  This will help them work towards producing more real convictions in troubled areas, rather than continue chasing the problems from corner to corner.

Alderman Sawyer also believes that in order to keep our neighborhood safe, we as residents need to take our neighborhood back.  Alderman Sawyer has participated in numerous prayer vigils, anti-violence marches and roll calls in troubled areas. He knows that the solution is not for the good people to hide in their homes and shut their doors.  It is important that all good neighbors get to know each other and do things outside in their neighborhood. Forming those relationships will make it easy to correctly identify outsiders and warn them to keep moving. Further, Alderman Sawyer has begun the conversation with community groups about creating residential Special Service Areas (SSAs).  This program would create an additional tax levy on residents.  The funds, which would be controlled by the neighborhood that instituted the program, could be used for private security.  As focused as he remains on safety, Alderman Sawyer knows there cannot just be a policing solution to this problem.  He is working with faith leaders, community groups and local businesses to rebuild the sense of community throughout the ward.  This is also the main reason he has been focused on fixing the educational and economic opportunities in the area. The best form of violence prevention is job availability.

Economic Development

The first directive from Alderman Sawyer is that we need to begin to plan our neighborhoods one area at a time, rather than storefront by storefront.  Our main business thoroughfares need to have an identity, and be planned in a way that does the most for economic development and eases licensing hurdles.  Alderman Sawyer has worked with the Chatham Business Association and is organizing business groups within all of the 6^th Ward major business districts to get together to help the office address the challenges facing small business in this environment.

Alderman Sawyer also held a transportation meeting where he introduced the concept of transit oriented development into the conversation of the 6^th Ward.  As head of the ward that contained or abutted the most red line stops in the city, Alderman Sawyer felt the need to point out the glaring economic loss that was the lack of any real development around our transportation stops.  The lack of this development has contributed to the loss of jobs in the community, decreases safety and home values, and removes a large amount of potential revenue to the city, county and state.

Education

Alderman Sawyer worked to get involved with his schools. He had a goal of changing the fact that the great majority of the schools in the 6^th Ward were on probation.  Rather than jumping to conclusions Alderman Sawyer set out to find the answers because he knew that many of his schools had dedicated and talented administrators, teachers, and parents.  Therefore, the Alderman held a meeting with his principals, to discuss the issues that they were facing including our neighborhood schools, selective enrollment schools, charter schools and turnaround schools.  In his two meetings thus far, Alderman Sawyer learned that much of the cause of the probation battles were unrealistic federal standards that didn’t measure growth, which made catching up more difficult. The high mobility of families, caused by the housing crisis forced students to have to change schools multiple times in their first few years.  Finally, Alderman Sawyer was able to learn about many of the innovative programs that our schools are using, and other schools got ideas of how to better push things forward.  What became key is that much of the neighborhood, including parents and students were unaware of the work being done in our neighborhood schools. We need to address the stigma of attending a neighborhood school so that parents and students will take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them.

Community Engagement

Alderman Sawyer believes that the best way for our community to return to its former status is by rebuilding our neighborhoods, block by block and community by community.  This is why Alderman Sawyer has worked with several groups to establish block clubs, connected newer block clubs with longer serving groups and worked to empower community organizations.  Alderman Sawyer wants residents to know their neighbors and be active in their community organizations. It’s the connection of neighbors and families that make neighborhoods strong, more than political boundaries.  Along those lines, Alderman Sawyer attends the regular meetings of each community organization and many block club meetings as his schedule allows.  It is important that we first understand and feel connected to what is happening in our neighborhood; getting to know our own neighbors to help pre-build the bonds that are fundamental for a community.  Further, Alderman Sawyer has hosted meetings for Block Club Presidents and the Presidents of Community Organizations so that the leadership of these groups can have a bond and share best practices and information.

Alderman Sawyer has promoted protesting particularly when businesses in our neighborhood do not treat us appropriately.  As a former licensing attorney, Alderman Sawyer knows the difference between a good business that needs to come into some compliance, and a problem institution that does not belong in a community.  The constant refrain with some of the problem stores—possessing general business licenses—is that we must put our money where our mouth is and stop supporting these businesses.  As long as you give money to businesses that do not respect you, more disrespectful businesses will follow.  Alderman Sawyer has worked on “stop the violence” marches with the SEIU and demands for community investment with Action Now.  The Alderman is currently standing with Congressman Bobby Rush in the fight for fair jobs from Metra on the Englewood Flyover project.  Alderman Sawyer is determined to do more than just meet on problems; he is ready to stand on the front line with the community.  He just asks that the community stands up with him.

City Hall

With the arrival of Mayor Rahm Emanuel this has been a time for rapid change and a serious discussion about the direction of this city. Alderman Sawyer has been a major figure in these discussions.   He took the fact that he was elected to be independent very seriously, and has been judicious about when he has sided with the Mayor and when he has not.  When it comes to addressing the fiscal challenges, Alderman Sawyer has been guided by the principles that the brunt of the burden cannot strictly be placed on those who can least afford it.  Alderman Sawyer has also fought for investment and the expansion of services in the communities in his ward.  After experiencing a summer of very slow response times by the Bureau of Electricity and the Department of Forestry, Alderman Sawyer worked within the budget process to secure more trucks for each department to get that work completed. 

Alderman Sawyer voted against allowing the city of confiscate income taxes for money owed to the city, as well as the speed camera ordinance because they seemed regressive ways to increase revenue.  He supported the overall budget and the infrastructure trust, because those seemed like well-intentioned vehicles to fund the sorts of major improvements that are desperately needed in the 6^th Ward.  Even with those votes it was a deliberative process where he earned the respect of the Mayor’s office, and often receives individual briefings when he requires more information.  Alderman Sawyer voted against the ward remap, as it has separated communities. His attempt in the process was to maintain single representation of as many middle class wards as possible. However, it was clear that due to a reduction of population, according to the census, there was going to have to be some shifts in ward boundaries.  The balance between protecting overall black representation in the 6^th Ward was difficult, but the best idea would have been to maintain full communities.  As the interests of residents where being ignored for political reasons, Alderman Sawyer could not support the map.  Alderman Sawyer was a co-sponsor of the Clean Air Ordinance, stood against the library cuts, and served on the Mayor’s Aldermanic Sign Task Force. He is also in the working group to increase regulations on metal yards, that have been accepting stolen goods.

In all it has been an excited first year including thousands of service requests accepted through every form of current technology as well as better getting to know our 6^th Ward Neighbors.  Feel Free to come out and join the Alderman tonight at the President's Lounge 653 East 75th Street as he celebrates his first year.

For Media Inquiries Contact:

Lesley Chinn lrchinn33@gmail.com

(773) 746-9044

ALDERMAN SAWYER CALLS FOR STRONGER REGULATIONS ON METAL YARDS

Responding to a spate of metal thefts from occupied homes in Chatham and Park Manor, Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer of the 6^th Ward is calling for stronger regulations and penalties for metal yards in Chicago.  “We have residents fighting hard to maintain their homes and we cannot continue to be undermined by the unscrupulous business practices of a few bad actors,” Alderman Sawyer said.

Currently, scrap metal yards in the city of Chicago do not have to ask any questions before accepting delivery of scrap metal nor keep any records of who or what they pay.  There are already higher penalties for yards that accept property that obviously belongs to the city of Chicago.  Recently many of the older heavy mail box flaps have been stolen from the front of homes in the 6^th Ward.  As a fixture on many classic Chicago homes these are difficult to replace leaving many homes with open holes in their bricks.  There have also been increased reports of back gates being removed.

“I just don’t think it’s too much to ask a business to be a little curious when someone claims to have just happened to find fifteen metal mailbox flaps,“ the Alderman continued.  “This is not a problem we can solve with police; we have to dry up the market.  The regulation of the pawn shop industry deters a great deal of certain thefts by removing the market for the casual thief; we should provide a similar deterrent when dealing with this industry.”

 “Keeping the Music Playing”

Fletcher’s 1 Stop is a small store-front record store, but has a loud history.

The record store has been one of the go-to shops music artists would when they were in town. Fletcher’s is still considered a source for gaining access to the latest music. The extensive collection of hard to find music and new music, from a variety of different musical genres has served as a resource for major music retailers as well as many independent shops throughout the city and beyond.

In January 1953, Fletcher’s 1 Stop was born at 450 E. 75th Street and later moved directly across the street to its current location. Fletcher’s is owned by Mr. and Mrs. E. Fletcher. The business has graced the southwest corner of 75th Street and Eberhart Avenue for many years, 59 years to be exact. Fletcher’s has been apart of many childhood memories and has served as an introduction into the world of music. Many Chicago residents bought their first record at Fletcher's and continued to shop there for music over the years.

Fletcher's maintains a vast collection of music and are always looking for more business. They are currently working on expanding their collection into a download system for all digital music.

Make sure the next time you are driving down 75th street you make a pit stop at Fletcher’s 1 Stop to buy the latest Cd or find that old record you have been looking for but never could find.

457 E 75th Street
Chicago,IL60619-2228
(773) 874-4484

Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Brown Sugar Bakery

"Dangerously Delicious"

If you are looking for sweets that bring back memories of your grandmother’s kitchen, then the 6th Ward definitely has a place.

 Brown Sugar Bakery located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood at 328 E. 75th Street. The Bakery, owned by Stephanie Hart opened eight years ago in 2004.

 Brown Sugar Bakery delivers southern deserts and a number of traditional and non-traditional deserts. They include: cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies, pies and more. Specialty sweets include sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and bread pudding. Nearly 20 whole cake flavors are available, including German chocolate, red velvet, carrot and turtle.

 The bakery offers options such as customized cakes for special events also, orders for holiday deserts.

 “Brown Sugar prides itself on being a part of the joyous occasions among families and creating the taste of sweet memories.”

 The Bakery is always open for new clientele within the 6th Ward and beyond. Expanding the product line into grocery stores worldwide is one of the ultimate goals of the Brown Sugar Bakery.

 Be sure to visit and spread the word about the delectable deserts served at the Brown Sugar Bakery in the 6th Ward.

 For more information, visit their website at brownsugarbakerychicago.com/.

328 E. 75th Street

Chicago, Il 60619

773-224-6262

 Monday - Saturday / 10am - 8pm

Sundays / 12pm - 5pm

For Immediate Release

For Media Inquiries Contact:

Lesley Chinn lrchinn33@gmail.com

(773) 746-9044

ALDERMAN SAWYER VOTES NO ON PLAN TO INTERCEPT TAX REFUNDS

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer voted no on the Mayor’s plan to intercept the tax returns of individuals who are indebted to the City of Chicago.  The Mayor announced this plan as an attempt to collect up to $20 million dollars that the city is owed.  “I am sympathetic to the city’s need to collect money that is owed to the city of Chicago,” Alderman Sawyer said “but I believe that this plan is problematic and could have been implemented in a better way.”

In the need to close the fiscal deficit in the city of Chicago there have been numerous increases in fees, fines and enforcement.  Further new proposals like the speed cameras concern Alderman Sawyer because he sees them as being potentially regressive and creating a larger impact on those who can least afford it. 

“I think about the senior citizens in my ward on a fixed income who didn’t know she even received a ticket until she got the determination in the mail.  I am also aware that many of the people who owe the city money either dispute the fine or can’t afford to pay it.  I am concerned at the regressive nature of many of these policies particularly as I am not seeing the same focus for investment in these neighborhoods.”

Alderman Sawyer has been pursuing a neighborhood based plan for growth that requires some investment that is targeted towards maintaining stable communities by establishing strong accessible transit options, safe high quality schools and strong attractive housing stock.  “The key is that we need to keep solid families that have always been the backbone of communities like those in the 6^th Ward in the city of Chicago.  However, if the city institutes too many punitive measures targeted at the middle class we will not be able to come out of the recession with strong neighborhoods.” 

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer (6th Ward) released this letter about the ward remap today.

January 31, 2012

Dear 6^th Ward Family:

I know there has been a great deal of concern about the ward remap and the effect that it will have on the communities of the 6^th Ward.  First, I would like to mention that the ordinance is silent on an effective date of the new map which means that the ward boundaries will likely take effect for the next city elections in 2015.  Therefore city responsibilities should remain with the current alderman until a new council is elected.  Secondly, I do disagree with the process under which the remap was done and that is why I voted no.   People will continue to debate the Census numbers that drove the process; however, with the numbers being the numbers, our challenge remained how we can maintain strong representation for our communities within city government.

I worked with the Black Caucus map for the goal of maintaining maximum representation of African-American Aldermen in the city council.  While the initial map proposal was not my preference my negotiations were guided by a few core principles.  First, I believe in the strength of communities.  Throughout my entire life I have been focused on the strength of communities and their organizations more than any particular political boundaries.  However, I do share the view that communities get hurt when split by too much representation, and therefore keeping a community wholly in one ward was important to me.  This is why I was working to keep all of Chesterfield, West Chesterfield or Roseland Heights in one ward, whether it was mine or not, and that is why I am against the gerrymandered sections in this current map that needlessly divide natural neighborhood boundaries.

But I also want to be clear that my job is to represent the 6^th Ward.  If you are within those political boundaries, we have a standard of service that we will provide you; however, if you are drawn into another ward that does not mean that an individual on the next block is no longer a neighbor.  One of my major initiatives upon entering office was to promote people attending their local community meetings.  A strong Chatham, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Chesterfield, West Chesterfield, Roseland Heights or Englewood will be a strong community no matter what ward they are in.  An active community pushes their representation for results and votes that representation from office if it does not meet its standards.  The same goes for any other entity, school or business that enters a strong community.  Entities should have a vision and a plan, but they cannot and must not set the standards for the residents of a community.

I have lived in the 6^th Ward my entire life.  I remember when the ward went much further east and when the southern border was anywhere from 79^th to 101^st street.  In all that time the 6^th Ward has always represented a certain standard and that will never change.  It is my honor to continue to serve those that elected me this past May and I know that my strong community partners will benefit the 8^th and 9^th Wards, while I look forward to introducing my new residents to what it means to be in the 6^th Ward.

Sincerely,

Rod

Announcing the Illinois Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship.

The Illinois State Legislators' Black Caucus is giving a scholarship to qualified students.  Details are below and you can email service@6thwardchicago.com to receive the application.

The 6^TH Ward Remembers The Honorable  Eugene Sawyer

Thursday marked the fourth anniversary of the passing of the 44^th mayor of Chicago and former 6^th Ward Alderman Eugene Sawyer.  His son, Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer took time to reflect on the legacy of the former Mayor.

“My dad taught me a great deal about public service and what a privilege it is to serve your community with honor and dignity.” Alderman Sawyer said, “I caught the political bug from my dad, and if it was not for all the time I spent with him growing up, I wouldn’t be in this office today.  I continue to work to meet the high standards he set as a man and I am proud to have the opportunity to live up to some of the real accomplishments that my father made from his time in government. “

Here is a glimpse into the great life of the Honorable Eugene Sawyer…

Born in Greensboro, Alabama on September 3, 1934, Eugene Sawyer was proud of his Alabama roots.   Throughout his early years, he continuously demonstrated outstanding leadership skills. Whether as quarterback of the football team, senior class president and salutatorian of his high school, or as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated helping Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Montgomery Bus boycott, Eugene Sawyer was one of the best and brightest.

In 1957, he moved to Chicago, where he soon was hired as an industrial waste coordinator for the City's Department of Water and Sewers.  He also joined the 6th Ward Democratic Organization, where his talent and diligence led to expanded duties and responsibilities. He was first elected alderman of Chicago's 6th Ward in 1971, and served with honor and distinction in that office under four different mayors for a total of 17 years.

While serving as alderman, he was the first African-American elected official to endorse Harold Washington's candidacy for mayor, and he became president pro tempore of the City Council and chairman of the City Council Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics under Mayor Washington.

Alderman Sawyer became the Mayor of the City of Chicago after the sudden death of Mayor Harold Washington.  This was a heavily tumultuous time for the city and Mayor Sawyer was a voice of calm and reason in the difficult times. Eugene Sawyer was the second African American to serve as the mayor of Chicago, served from December of 1987 until May of 1989.

During his time in office, Mayor Sawyer managed to bring the council together and passed several major progressive initiatives, including, but not limited to:  placing lights in Wrigley Field, an Ethics Ordinance to prevent corruption and one of the first Human Rights Ordinances that protected gay men and women from discrimination and also the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. The Human Rights Ordinance is seen as an important moment in Chicago's gay and lesbian rights movement. Mayor Sawyer also expanded Chicago's governmental outreach to develop cooperative partnerships with business and industry.

More than just an elected official Mayor Eugene Sawyer was always remembered as a very nice man, who cared deeply about his family and his community.  He served as a Trustee at the Vernon Park Church of God and continued as a mentor and inspiration to his own children, his extended family, and the large collection of citizens for whom he made Chicago truly work.

Mayor Eugene Sawyer passed away on January 19, 2008 at the age of 73.

For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact:
Lesley Chinn lrchinn33@gmail.com
(773) 746-9044

ALDERMAN SAWYER VOTES NO ON THE CHICAGO WARD REMAP

Over the objection of Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer (6^th), the Chicago City Council passed the new ward map 41-8.  “Unfortunately this map, despite numerous public hearings, was not one that the public was able to review and provide input” Alderman Sawyer said. “The communities of the 6^th Ward made their opinions clear in the meetings that existed; unfortunately the city council chose to fully disregard the concerns of my community.  This map only benefits a few self-serving Alderman, not the City of Chicago, and definitely not the Citizens of the 6^th Ward.  Nonetheless, I remain committed to the communities of the 6^th Ward and I look forward to bringing our new residents into the family.”

Under the revised 6^th Ward map, the communities of Chesterfield, West Chesterfield and Roseland Heights have been removed from the ward.  The 6^th ward now loses 2 public parks, its top performing elementary school and a high school.  These neighborhoods are a traditionally high voting area and this move greatly affects the voting strength of one of the city’s traditionally highest voting wards.

“There are numerous problems with the process. There was blatant disrespect for the outcome of the last election as certain individuals were determined to disregard the well stated preferences of their community and allowed rules to be broken in the process,” Alderman Sawyer continued.  “I left with an agreement on my map, with particular boundaries that, while not perfect represented what I worked for, only to receive a call this morning to find that my map had been unilaterally changed with no notice to me. This was done in spite of the fact that such an action is in clear violation of the rules set up to govern this process.  There is no way that I could support such egregious actions that disrespected so many of the people who sent me to office, but it is a wake-up call about the priorities of certain individuals and exactly what they think of our community.”

Alderman Sawyer concluded, “Today, when you look at the aldermen who were disenfranchised, the city council sent the residents of Chicago a clear message; if we don’t like who you elected, the concerns of your community will be ignored.  For someone who has spent his entire life in Chicago politics, I can honestly say I have never seen such little regard for the voters of this city.”

Remember, this year the city is asking you to be a good neighbor and shovel your walk.  If you are elderly or need help, you can reach out to your block clubs, 311, the Alderman's Office or the City of Chicago's new website ChicagoShovels.org for help.

If you would like to be a neighborhood volunteer that helps someone keep their walks clean this winter, please call Alderman Sawyer's office at (773) 635-0006, email service@6thwardchicago.com or leave "feedback" on our webpage.