February 25, 2020
Resident Kimberly Byrne brought up more concerns regarding recreational cannabis. As she listened to pros and cons at a recent meeting, the term “money” was loud and clear, namely, how much money will be made, how it will be made, how profits and taxes will be assigned and distributed, and how important this is to the city right now.
Byrne reminded us of four addiction centers in the city and close proximity of where dispensaries may be planned. She gave several examples of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and how it relates to the numerous vice businesses already here. There was also an issue of risk, the city’s bond rating and how the city caters to special interests.
Longtime resident and former Alderman Allan Stevo gave a searing commentary regarding several concerns. Stevo asked that the cannabis issue be tabled and allow the voters to decide. He expressed that there was an unfair bidding process involving the property at 2427 Burr Oak Ave. He knew of some people who wanted to bid on said property but it was already sold to Beggar’s Pizza. Former Alderman Cantelo (brother of current Ald. Cantelo-Zylman) was buying this property and felt this was an inside job. He requested that deal also be tabled and allow re-advertising to sell the property.
Stevo asked Ald. Bilotto why he led the charge to refuse $5 million from Quorum Health, owner of MetroSouth. He felt that the money could have purchased ambulances, fire trucks, EMT training, etc. Bilotto stated that he answered this already at a previous Community Development meeting. Stevo wanted an answer now and said the residents were holding him accountable and responsible for this. Bilotto thanked Stevo for his comments. The two sparred briefly over “petty politics,” as Stevo did not feel that $5 million was petty. In closing, Stevo asked when justice will ever be served for Robbie Silva and Carlos Salgado. Throughout the commentary, there was audible throat-clearing from the council and Vargas pounded his gavel.
Present were Mayor Domingo Vargas, Clerk Randy Heuser, Attorney Cary Horvath, Treasurer Carmine Bilotto, and Aldermen Annette Alexander, Fred Bilotto, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Candace Carr, William Cazares, Bill Fahrenwald, Tom Hawley, Johnny Hill, Dexter Johnson, James Klinker, and Nancy Rita. Aldermen Kevin Donahue, Mike Mech and Alecia Slattery were absent.
The picture holding the burning cash was really done well. Just like smoking pot. Well done.
Byrne has some very good points. All of the ideas should be discussed in great detail and documented. There might be lots of money involved and it’s best to get the distributions in order ASAP.
Guys like Allan Stevo are important to any community. He keeps the leaders on their political toes, so to speak. They know that he will have some comments about their discussions and they will have to have some answers about important issues. It can be hard for them to make casual decisions with him paying attention. Good for him.
Thank you, glad you liked the picture. One thing for sure, there is only a handful of people that get up to say something at these meetings and usually always the same ones. Also, they’re usually old-school. It definitely takes some nerve. Unless the comments are positive, they don’t show up in the Minutes.