Press Release - Bridgeport, Chinatown Community Groups Continue to Push for 31st Street Bus, Address CTA Board

**FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE**

June 28, 7:30AM

Monday evening, Jun 27, members of Bridgeport Alliance and Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community met with 11th Ward Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson, requesting that he sign on to a letter addressed to Dorval Carter, president of the Chicago Transit Authority, and the CTA Board.

The letter [attached] expresses gratitude that the years of work community groups put into lobbying for the restored route paid off, but disappointment that the six month pilot route (first expected to be a 12 month pilot) is lacking in morning commute hours, evening access, and access to the beach, leaving stranded seniors, students, and other active and potentially active community members.  

Upon interview, emphasizing the need for a full bus route, Debbie Liu, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, noted “31st St has changed in the two decades since the original CTA bus #31 has been axed. The demographics of the neighborhoods have changed and more Asian Americans who often are first generation immigrants and may be low-income (and seniors!) have settled in the area. Additionally, there is a trend of people are choosing not to own cars, creating a need for good, reliable public transportation options. The current ‘approved’ bus route is inadequate and will not serve the morning rush hour, the late nights, the weekends and is falling short of our expectations as it does not go to Museum Campus nor Mercy Hospital. We have hopes that we can come to a consensus with elected officials and city agencies to create a bus route and schedule that works for everyone.”

Esau Chavez, an IIT student, noted “I need the 31st street bus route to be better serviced as a resident of the southwest side to better connect me with my university; and as a student to open up shopping and leisure opportunities along the 31st street corridor.”

Benjamin Huey, Bridgeport Alliance member, and Rev. Tom Gaulke, pastor at First Trinity Lutheran Church noted that with the current proposal, people can still not get to church, to meditation, to bible study, or to morning worship services, as the route will not begin until 10AM. 

Quade Gallagher, Co-Chair of Bridgeport Alliance along with Suzanne Goebel, expressed that "the bus is essential for folks looking to move around the neighborhood easily and safely, to get to work, to get to essential services and public amenities. Bridgeport Alliance has made this very clear to Alderman Thompson and we look forward to his continued to support of our campaign and our community."

State Representative elect, Theresa Mah, signed onto the letter earlier this week, and the group is hopeful the the Alderman will sign on this afternoon, after review. 

"I'm excited about working with the Alderman to ensure the needs of the community are met, and we get a bus that will get me and my neighbors to work, play, the beach, hospitals,” said Brian Cerullo, BA member, and Bridgeport resident and enthusiast. 

The group plans to mail the letter to President Carter and the CTA, and to deliver it person, with their officials, at the next board meeting, July 13, 10AM, 567 W. Lake St. 

Format For 11th Ward Aldermanic Forum: Three candidates confirmed

CHICAGO – The Bridgeport Alliance today announced the format for a forum with candidates running for Alderman of the 11th ward. The 2015 election marks the first time in over three decades that an incumbent is not running for the seat. The debate is scheduled to be held January 25 at 3:00pm at First Trinity Lutheran Church at 643 W 31st Street.

“Eleventh ward residents have a clean slate this year,” said Bridgeport Alliance chairperson Ruby Pinto. “During the debate we’re hoping to learn about the candidates and equip voters with the knowledge to confidently cast their ballots on February 24.” 

Each candidate will be given three minutes for an opening statement. Opening statements will be followed by questions that have been submitted by 11th Ward residents. Prior to the forum, candidates were given a list of the topics to be addressed, but not specific questions.

Candidates will have two minutes to answer each question. The event is a forum as opposed to a debate and candidates are encouraged to answer the questions directly.

Questions will be posed in a revolving order so that no candidate is “always first” or “always has the final word.”

To conclude the forum, each candidate will offer a closing statement. After the forum, all are welcome to stay and chat with candidates, enjoy cookies and coffee, and meet neighbors.

Bridgeport Alliance has secured confirmation of attendance from all three candidates vying for the seat including John Kozlar, Maureen Sullivan and Patrick Thompson. The three confirmed candidates have all successfully gained enough signatures to be on the February ballot. 

During the planning phase, Bridgeport Alliance has invited community groups throughout the 11th ward to be co-hosts and submit questions or subjects for discussion during the debate. 

“We’re hoping to turn out a large, diverse crowd,” said Pinto. “The 11th ward is home to large numbers of Asian, Latino and European groups and we want all of them to be able to make informed decisions at the ballot box.”

A voter registration table will also be set up. Volunteers will be on hand to help individuals register to vote. 

Pinto says that the Bridgeport Alliance has secured Chinese and Spanish translators for the debate. “No one should be excluded because of a language barrier,” she said. The debate will also be recorded and made available online after the event for those who are unable to attend. 

In seeking a moderator for the debate, several candidates were vetted. Librarian Rebecca Berg was selected as the moderator for the debate. Berg has helped cull submitted questions and will promote robust discussion on topics important to residents. 

“Our next Alderman has the ability to shape the direction of the 11th ward for years to come,” said Pinto. “Residents have a duty to themselves and their neighbors in February. We’re excited for this opportunity to help set the tone and ensure that the people are heard.”

The forum will be held this Sunday