City Council's Old Lion Fight For City Council Den
Opponent Says It's Time For Change
POSTED: 6:17 pm CDT March 29,
2007
CHICAGO -- At
79 years old, 50th Ward Alderman Bernie Stone is the "old lion" of the
Chicago City Council, but he will be tested in a runoff election by a
candidate who is 45 years younger than he is.
Stone, who was first elected in 1973, faces a runoff election on April 17 against first-time candidate Naisy Dolar, NBC5 political editor Carol Marin reported. Stone said he believes someone rigged the election results, which has led to the runoff. When the last 15 precincts were counted late during last month's election, Stone's majority shrank.
Stone admitted that he had no proof that the results were rigged.
"Of
course it's a serious charge," Stone said. "That's the reason I'm in a
runoff. I don't accuse my opponent of doing it, but I'm telling you it
was hacked."
The Chicago Board of Elections said it was not true that anything untoward had happened to the results.
Dolar, who is a Filipino-American, is as old as Stone has been in office, Marin reported, and has not shied away from the electoral fight.
"I believe that Alderman Stone has lost touch with the quality of life of the people in the neighborhood," Dolar said.
In the 50th Ward, Devon Avenue, which has become a veritable United Nations of the North Side, has become a point of debate.
"In our neighborhood, you see economic decline and stores closing every day," Dolar said.
Stone said that was not true, Marin reported.
"Devon Avenue on a Saturday and Sunday is so bustling, you can't get down the street," Stone said.
Thus far, there have been no debates, and a community forum last week turned into a one-sided affair, with Dolar attending -- carrying a picture of Stone, who did not attend because he said it was a pro-Dolar event.
"What they set up there was a fix," Stone said.
According to one resident, Stone's camp passed out fliers telling people not to attend the event.
After a lifetime in Chicago-style politics, Stone said he is not ready to give up his office.
"You wouldn't want to leave your home, either, would you?" Stone asked.
Dolar, though, said it was time for a change.
"I respect the fact that Alderman Stone has been in office for over 34 years," Dolar said. "But just like him, the 50th Ward is my home, too."
Stone, who was first elected in 1973, faces a runoff election on April 17 against first-time candidate Naisy Dolar, NBC5 political editor Carol Marin reported. Stone said he believes someone rigged the election results, which has led to the runoff. When the last 15 precincts were counted late during last month's election, Stone's majority shrank.
Stone admitted that he had no proof that the results were rigged.
The Chicago Board of Elections said it was not true that anything untoward had happened to the results.
Dolar, who is a Filipino-American, is as old as Stone has been in office, Marin reported, and has not shied away from the electoral fight.
"I believe that Alderman Stone has lost touch with the quality of life of the people in the neighborhood," Dolar said.
In the 50th Ward, Devon Avenue, which has become a veritable United Nations of the North Side, has become a point of debate.
"In our neighborhood, you see economic decline and stores closing every day," Dolar said.
Stone said that was not true, Marin reported.
"Devon Avenue on a Saturday and Sunday is so bustling, you can't get down the street," Stone said.
Thus far, there have been no debates, and a community forum last week turned into a one-sided affair, with Dolar attending -- carrying a picture of Stone, who did not attend because he said it was a pro-Dolar event.
"What they set up there was a fix," Stone said.
According to one resident, Stone's camp passed out fliers telling people not to attend the event.
After a lifetime in Chicago-style politics, Stone said he is not ready to give up his office.
"You wouldn't want to leave your home, either, would you?" Stone asked.
Dolar, though, said it was time for a change.
"I respect the fact that Alderman Stone has been in office for over 34 years," Dolar said. "But just like him, the 50th Ward is my home, too."
