Wednesday, February 27, 2013
A guide to the April 2013 aldermanic race pitting newcomers Ken Barry and James Hortsman against each other, following the removal of incumbent Pete Muscarella and newcomer Greg Simos from the ballot.
With an incumbent knocked off the ballot early in election season, and a newcomer removed for invalid signatures, the 6th Ward alderman seat will be filled by a new face, for a four-year term. CANDIDATE BIOS Early voting begins March 25. Election Day is April 9. Join Patch! Create a free user account and join the discussion about the future of Oak Forest. You'll be subscribed to the free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts. Got a news tip? Email Patch editor Lauren Traut. Take me back to Election Central!
Newcomer Ken Barry faces off against fellow newcomer James Hortsman, for the 6th Ward Alderman seat.
Name: Ken Barry Position Sought: 6th Ward Alderman Campaign Contact Information: What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Taxes. Taxpayers are exhausted. Property values have fallen, yet there has been no property tax relief. In fact, taxes continue to increase. Services have been cut, yet costs for those services are steadily climbing. We must be creative in finding solutions to these problems. We have to cut our expenses to the bone, and additional cuts may be unavoidable. I believe that we must explore all options for additional spending reductions before we consider a reduction in services to our residents—services that taxes pay for and residents expect. We have to alleviate the burden to frustrated …
Friday, January 11, 2013
After a challenge by James Hortsman booted current Ward 6 Alderman Peter Muscarella and challenger Greg Simos off the ballot, the former and remaining candidates react to the change.
Following the removal of two of the four candidates from the April 9 ballot for the Ward 6 Alderman seat, reaction from the remaining and removed candidates was varied. Incumbent Peter Muscarella, one of the two candidates removed, said that being removed from the ballot was definitely a blow, but that it was his own mistake that cost him his spot on the ballot. “I misfiled, I made an error on the application … that is the bottom line,” Muscarella said. “I was wrong by legality, but nothing to be subversive.” Muscarella said the challenge was based on signatures on his petition that were printed, not signed in cursive, which is why the challenge was accepted and he was removed from the ballot. “They criticized printed signatures. We have …
OFRealityCheck
10:32 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Ken Barry is quoted in this article as saying "a better person" implying that Mr. Hortsman is a lesser person... Sorry SomeGuyNamedEd, that sir is a lack of class. Unfortunately for OF Politics, we don't need another Kuspa/ Toland buddy and yes man on the City Council. We need someone who is actually going to look out for the tax payers. I can't guarantee it's either man, but at least Hortsman … more ›