Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Former Aldermen Split on 43rd Ward Candidates Heading Into Runoff

By Paul Biasco | March 6, 2015 2:52pm | Updated on March 9, 2015 8:39am
 Michele Smith (left) and Caroline Vickrey are headed to a runoff in the 43rd Ward.
Michele Smith (left) and Caroline Vickrey are headed to a runoff in the 43rd Ward.
View Full Caption
Provided

LINCOLN PARK — Former aldermen of the 43rd Ward are stepping into the race as it heads to a runoff.

This week former 43rd ward aldermen Bill Singer and Edwin Eisendrath announced their endorsement of Caroline Vickrey.

Friday Marty Oberman and Chuck Bernardini announced their support for Ald. Michele Smith.

In a joint statement, Singer and Eisendrath noted the ward's "long tradition of openness, transparency and independence.

Vickrey, a first-time candidate, is trying to unseat Smith, who is finishing up her first term.

"We are convinced that Caroline Vickrey will honor those commitments," the ex-aldermen said in their statement. "Caroline has a long history as a community leader and has proposed new ideas to move the ward forward."

The former aldermen blamed Smith for not following up on commitments.

"Unfortunately, Michele Smith made many commitments but has not honored them," they said in the statement.

Smith has her own former aldermen in her corner: Oberman, who served as alderman from 1975 until 1987, and Bernardini, who served on the City Council for 12 years.

Oberman is currently chairman of Metra's Board of Directors.

"Alderman Smith has proven to be an open, effective voice for our ward on the City Council," Oberman and Bernardini said in a statement released Friday. "From meaningful financial reform to ensuring our schools' success, Michele has been a tireless advocate for our community."

The runoff election is set for April 7.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: