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Candidates are Part of Insider Machinations in the Ward
 
When one examines the announced Candidate for Alderman to this time, Harry Osterman,  it is obvious that the methodology of political annointment in the 48th Ward is quite similar to the lines of succession common in England and other European countries. Harry Osterman, announced candidate for Alderman, started his career as a full time assistant to Mary Ann Smith, who inherited the alderman position from Harry's mother Kathy Osterman. He then, in 1999 was appointed to fill Carol Ronen's vacated spot in the Illinois House of Representatives. Now, he wants to inherit Mary Ann Smith's vacant spot on the city council. Its the same old game: insiders just change positions; they are annoited for new positions; and the insider elites in this community maintain their status and their power through time. Forgotten in all of this insider horse trading is the gross damage it does to the community. This is an insular club jealously, and zealously guarding their status, because it benefits them and them alone.
 
These recycled candidates are fueled by campaign donations from a wide array of special interests, and they, if successful do the bidding of these special interests, at the expense of the people they were elected to represent. In the same sentence as  the announcement of Harry Osterman's candidacy, included was a solicitation for campaign funds for the race! It wasn't even possible for his accolytes to separate the two......even for a day or so!
 
Wouldn't it be refreshing to have an Alderman who maintained independence from the special interests; who didn't solicit campaign funds? Who's only actions were based on the considered best interests of his constituents...all of them?
Harry Osterman: "Full time legislator and professional minion since 2000"
 
Given the sorry state of the Illinois economy today, a situation that has been allowed to build over a number of years, it is surprising that any elected official in the state would have the arrogance to even make a public appearance, let alone cast their lot into the race for yet another job. It is clear that anyone who was there and participated, either willingly or as a "go along" type as the state finances deteriorated to the worst in the nation, is part of the problem, not part of the solution. How could a newly announced candidate for Alderman, one of the handful of elected legislators in the state, be our representative for 10 YEARS, and not be held accountable for the sorry state of Illinois today?
 
Should we not expect our representatives, including the veteran legislator Harry Osterman to at least attempt to introduce legislation that addresses our continuing financial fiasco and our questionable governance? If not, then what should we expect Harry Osterman to do as a state representative? to represent? if not, who then should be held accountable for the miserable state of the state of Illinois?
 
Do not the actions, or lack thereof, of Mr. Osterman in his 10 years as legislator give us clear insight of his questionable capabilities as a leader? as an innovator? as an objective, businesslike representative of our area? Or are those attributes  too much to expect of a 10 year legislator?
 
Or is the job of Alderman so different that the inadequacies and lack of substantive performance of Mr. Osterman in his 10 years in Springfield have no relevance for the city job?
 
Honestly, anyone thinking that is clearly part of the problem in the 48th Ward: part of the ingrained insider elite faction. Part of business as usual.....at the expense of our community.
 
 

Legislative Record 2005-2007

 

Accomplishments are a clear cut predictor of future performance. And on this account Harry Osterman's accomplishments are less than awe inspiring. During this period, he was primary sponsor of 62 bills, which resulted in 4 public acts and 58 bills which died on the legislative desk without action.

 

Osterman was more successful in sponsoring Resolutions (voted upon en masse with other agreed upon resolutions). A total of 18 resolutions authored by Osterman were passed including: recognition of the Berghof Restaurant contribution of 107 years in existence and congratulations to True Nature Foods on the expansion of their store.

 

NONE of the bills put forth by Osterman related to any structural issues regarding the deteriorating state financial condition, including expenditures, borrowing, budget cuts or the like. In short, his tenure during this legislative time frame would not make him a standout in any respect.

 

 

Mr.Osterman Wants a Raise

 

Mr. Osterman, the self described full time politician has already booked $57,000 per year plus expenses, and a very nice pension as a result.

 

Now, he wants a salary raise to $110,000 plus expenses and prospectively a very nice pension, making him a double dipper.

 

Why are we enabling him to siphon from the public trough yet again? He didn't do anything in Springfield to earn his money. He certainly won't do anything in the 48th Ward.

 

Isn't it time for a fresh approach to governance? Now, more than ever!

 

 

. Legislative Record 2009-2010
 
The most recent term of our representative in Springfield doesn't reveal tangible leadership insofar as issues of crucial import to our state our concerned. Remember that during this period, we have experienced the ravages of unemployment, massive budgetary deficits, grossly inadequate penison funding,  uncontrolled borrowing and lack of fiscal integrity. The state of Illinois has degraded into a financial laughingstock in the nation, while Harry Osterman sat back and watched.
 
During this time frame Harry Osterman was the primary author of 70 bills. Of those, 44 were simply technical adjustments to existing law. Six bills passed including one that required the tax assessor to publish a list of uncashed checks.
 
As in earlier terms, NONE of the bills put forth by Osterman related to any structural issues regarding the state's financial condition. NONE! Is that sorry record one to be proud of? One that would suggest capability for the job of alderman?
 
Is this the type of leadership, insight and innovation we want from an Alderman? It is more than clear that when it comes to true leadership, Harry Osterman is strictly a "back bencher" who follows, but does not lead. A "back bencher" who does the bidding for Speaker Mike Madigan, as a willing minion. We need an Alderman who leads; who manages who innovates; who thinks.