Alderman Fiske Questions Opponent's Availability

Alderman Fiske Questions Opponent's Availability

EVANSTON, Ill., April 8, 2013 -- Alderman Judy Fiske, who is running for re-election in the 1st Ward, today called for her opponent, Edward Tivador, Superintendent of Schools in Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, to explain how he could effectively serve Evanston when his employment contract requires him to devote his "entire time" to his school-district job.

According to Tivador's current employment contract, obtained from the school district through a FOIA request, states: "The Superintendent shall devote his entire time, attention and energy to the School District and related professional activities." The only exceptions are related professional activities, which are limited in time and generally require school board approval. The "Extent of Service" section of the contract concludes: "The Superintendent will not jeopardize the functioning of the School District by any lengthy or conspicuous absence for such professional activities."

Alderman Fiske said, "Serving as alderman for the 1st Ward is a full-time job. You have to be available 24/7 to respond to phone calls, e-mails and requests for service. You have to be available during the workday to talk and meet with city staff and persons doing business with the city. And you have to be available in the evenings to attend committee meetings and public hearings and to meet with constituents." She noted that her opponent failed to attend last week's Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, where an important matter of interest to residents of the 1st Ward was on the agenda.

She continued: "I'm not interested in how serving as alderman might affect my opponent's job. That's between him, his school board and the parents in his district. But voters should be very concerned about how the 1st Ward will suffer if its alderman is severely limited by his contract from devoting time to serving our city."

Throughout the race, Alderman Fiske has questioned her opponent's knowledge of the city and familiarity with the workings of its government. She said, "Until he started to campaign, he seems to have never attended a City Council meeting or a quarterly 1st Ward meeting."

She observed that he had never attended an NU-City committee meeting, never attended a Zoning Board of Appeals committee meeting, never attended a Preservation Committee meeting, never attended a Plan Commission meeting, and never attended an Economic Development Committee meeting. She added that a working knowledge of these boards, commissions and committees is essential for any candidate who wishes to represent the 1st Ward.

Alderman Fiske said, "This city is very active politically, yet my opponent has been distinctly absent from the process during the few years that he has lived in Evanston. Now we know why: his contract mostly won't allow it."

Alderman Fiske was elected 1st Ward Alderman in April 2009. She is co-owner of Fit + Frisky!, a retail pet supply store in downtown Evanston. Ownership gives Alderman Fiske the flexibility to respond 24/7 to constituent needs and to interact at a moment’s notice with city staff during their workday.

Alderman Fiske has been an active participant in civic affairs here for more than two decades. She has served the community in many capacities, including president of the Preservation League of Evanston, trustee of the Evanston History Center, founding board member of the Northeast Evanston Historic District Association, treasurer of the Frances Willard Historical Association, founding member of Friends of The Georgian, member of the Kendall College Task Force, and appointee to the Police Services Advisory Board.

Alderman Fiske has written on and spoken frequently to community groups, statewide organizations, and the Evanston City Council about land use and zoning issues that affect the city's residential neighborhoods. From 1985 to 2005, she was a licensed Realtor in Chicago and the North Shore. Five generations of Alderman Fiske's family have lived in Evanston and Wilmette.

For more information, visit www.judyfiske.com. A