UPTOWN — Wednesday night, Ald. James Cappleman (46th) met with community members asking them how the city can balance its budget.
"Due to the pension crisis, the City of Chicago's 2016 budget shortfall is expected to be at around $754 million," Cappleman said in an email before the meeting. "As my colleagues and I work together to create real solutions to fill this gap in our budget, it is more important than ever before to have as many creative solutions as possible."
The town hall took place at Temple Sholom, 3480 N. Lake Shore Dr. But for those who couldn't make it, the alderman (or one of his staffers) shared ideas from the crowd on Twitter.
What idea were his followers digging the most? Legalizing marijuana.
"Legalize Marijuana to increase revenue for the City of Chicago"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015Here are other highlights via @JamesCappleman:
"Using crowd sharing to pay for large public benefits like big new parks"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015Reccomendation to use TIF funds to reduce the City of Chicago budget deficit #46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015Make sure amusement tax money is coming back to the 46th Ward #46wardbudgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015Have licenses for bicycles to increase city revenues #46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Have a Chicago Casino" #46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Enforce current laws by ticketing for things like dogs off leash, littering, and shoveling in winter to increase revenue"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Increase fees for street fairs that close streets and require police and streets and sanitation"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Citizen led efficiency and watchdog group"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Incentivize employees to reduce waste"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Movable solar panels to power street lights"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Reduce the number of employees on City of Chicago garbage trucks"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015"Have means testing for senior discounts"#46budgettownhall
— Ald. James Cappleman (@JamesCappleman) August 27, 2015For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
