I appreciate Mr. Stine’s comments regarding the plans for the Lincoln Park Hospital site. I am pleased that he attended the panel discussion I hosted on development in the 43rd Ward and I would like to thank him for his kind words regarding that event, which was attended by 200 people. It was my intention to provide balanced views on retail development. I am glad Mr. Stine found that to be the case.

A large group of neighbors asked me to address the development question in the ward. My own research found that there are close to a million square feet of vacant retail space in the ward. Since both hospital proposals include a significant retail component, I felt that to do an overview of retail development issues at our Forum was a good place to begin discussions. I believe we needed to establish that these major planned developments do not exist in a vacuum, but are part of an overall retail issue.

When I ran for committeeman, I said I would promote progressive, fiscally responsible candidates, work to increase voter turnout and educate and inform the voters of the 43rd Ward on issues of importance to them on local, state and federal levels.

I have taken my role of educating and informing the electorate very seriously and have done so on many matters. I researched and reported on how judges are elected and I have reported on the proposed developments at both Children’s Memorial as well as at Lincoln Park Hospital. My constituency has responded very positively to my efforts.

And the letter referred to regarding Lincoln Park Hospital, which is the object of my most recent e-mail, was approved by Alderman Daley — she wants neighbors to sign onto the letter and get it to the Plan Commission. So I am supporting the community in endorsing the letter.

I could not agree more with Mr. Stine that they best way to move forward on development issues is to bring people together and seek solutions that best meet the needs of the community. I believe my forum was a great first step.