IndiaPost.com - Naisy Dolar takes on Bernard Stone in runoff election

India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Alderman Bernard Stone's nearly unchallenged rule for more than three decades could get over now if Naisy Dolar, the city's former Asian American Liaison, holds her ground and wins the runoff election slated on April 17 for 50th ward. Dolar, who has been a resident of the ward for most of her life, was able to push the election into runoff by garnering more votes than any other challenger in the race.

At the same time, Stone was unable to secure more than 50 percent of the ward's vote. "We have ignited the people of the 50th ward, and we have ignited the City of Chicago," she said in a talk to this paper. Dolar's independent grassroots campaign is endorsed by many high-profile individuals and organizations. Endorsing Dolar over Alderman Stone for the 50th Ward race, The Chicago Tribune said, "she has a broad platform for improving her city and community, and she is an energetic political newcomer."

The Chicago Sun-Times stated in their endorsement "the time is right for Naisy Dolar to become the first Asian-American alderman …She's energetic [and] has deep roots in the Devon Avenue area…" Dolar pointed out that under Alderman Stone, the 50th ward ranks last in the city in the amount of dollars allocated for basic infrastructure in the ward such as street resurfacing and lighting, sidewalks, sewers, traffic improvements and parks. Devon Avenue is plagued by broken sidewalks, inadequate lighting and poor streets capping.

Dolar's vision for Devon Avenue is to secure resources to help develop the neighborhood as a regional international marketplace that is also treasured and utilized by local residents.

If elected, Dolar said she would partner with residents and local businesses to:

• Form a Devon Avenue Task Force;

• Make sure that Devon Avenue receives its fair share of city funding for public improvements, including beautification and façade rebate monies;

• Ensure that the Devon Avenue TIF funds are used wisely, to enhance Devon Avenue instead of just the Lincoln Village shopping center;

• Work with the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the newly-established Special Service Area Commission to improve security and sanitation;

• Enlist citywide resources such as the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Tourism Bureau to actively promote Devon as one of Chicago's premier international marketplaces.

• Change the stationery meters on Devon to parking pay boxes, which could potentially create additional parking spaces along the street; "I look forward to strengthening our community on Devon Avenue," said Dolar. "This is a community gem that deserves better support than it is getting now."