Volunteers Need Not Unite

Mayor Lorraine Morton proclaimed the last week of April as volunteer week in Evanston, coinciding with National Volunteer Week.

During that time Evanstonians went all out to clean up trash from beaches and parks, tend and improve gardens at the schools and fix up homes for those in need. A collaboration among Northwestern University, Evanston Community Foundation and Evanston High School recognized 15 volunteers for their contributions to the community.

In addition, the City's Commission on Aging honored a long-time volunteer, and the Evanston Environment Board recognized six individuals and this newspaper for environmental stewardship.

As some of the more visible efforts and recognitions, they are illustrative of the many acts of generosity performed each day by thousands of Evanstonians.

The passion that fuels the activism in this City is legendary.

We know Evanston chugs along because of the fabric of volunteers that underpins every effort in this community: serving on a board or commission, mentoring our youth, being a scout leader or classroom aide, cooking meals or cleaning up in a soup kitchen, creating relationships with a senior citizen or developmentally disabled person, working at one of the City's festivals or just offering to listen to a friend or to help out in the neighborhood.

Often unsung, never unnoticed, you, the volunteers in Evanston, have our thanks and admiration.

There is no need to unite. Your myriad activities make you unique and by your works we know you.

Green Day

Earth Month, April, ended with a bang. On Sunday more than 150 persons abandoned the lure of gardens, parks and lakefront to brainstorm about how to sustain the earth for future generations.

"Can our grandkids trust us? Evanston and Global Warming" was the title, but the afternoon's speeches and workshops for the most part focused on positive and possible changes.

What is required is a radical change of lifestyle, but the workshops showed how that can be accomplished with a gradual but continual changes in our habits and a mindset on sustainability rather than ease and gratification: carrying a canvas shopping bags to the grocery store, for example, walking or biking instead of driving, putting more vegetables and fewer chemicals into the garden.

On the City level, a lot of things are already in motion but maybe need a little boost. One suggestion, made both in Sunday's workshops and previously in the Green Column of this newspaper) is putting more efforts toward enforcing the new energy code. Another was that the City make it easier for small businesses to recycle.

It was an afternoon almost too perfect to want to think about global warming, but it was the kind of afternoon we hope our grandkids will also be able to enjoy.

Distortions

By Charles Wilkinson

Have you ever felt that living in today's world is like looking at a wall of mirrors in a funhouse? I remember the one at Coney Island, laughing my way through it, going from fat to skinny, from tall to tiny, and making contorted, comic-book faces - my eyes as large as moons and my nose and mouth stretched like wads of bubblegum. I emerged still laughing but needing a few minutes to adjust to the reality of myself.

These days the distortions of our world are far from laughing matters. The mounting, daily death toll in Iraq, the genocidal madness in Africa, the seething historical hatreds in the Middle East and elsewhere deform not only our community of nations but every one of us with an unsettling fear of "What's next?"

Poverty, racism, corruption in politics and big business (aren't they one and the same?), even and especially the betrayals of religion, reflect a frightening caricature of who we are and how we live. I do not mean to be negative in my metaphor. After all, what is distorted is essentially good.

But any sane person aware of the violence and angers that permeate our planet has to admit that, though God is in God's heaven, all is not right with our world.

I am not talking about natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, et cetera. I am talking about the tragedies we inflict upon ourselves. What happened at Virginia Tech is only the latest of too many twisted realities in our country that let us know we are light years away from all that we are meant to be.

If there is any good to be gotten from the massacre in Virginia, it is the realization that ours is a culture of violence. Our wars may be distant and though we are told they are meant to keep terror from our land, they do nothing but spawn violence in our nation's soul.

Violence is predictably about anger; anger is rooted in fear; and nothing distorts a person's or a nation's inner peace more than fear. Is it any wonder that we see what we see in the mirrors before us?

Unfortunately, there is no easy or immediate answer to our quandary. If evolution is scientifically correct and we are a people in progress, then despite our quantum leaps in technology when it comes to violence the mirrors tell us we are barely out of the Neanderthal stage of behavior. Far from funny.

When will we learn, ever?

A footnote: Gerald Jampolsky, M.D., has written a classic little book titled "Love Is Letting Go of Fear" that should be in the hands of all of us.

Who?

By Peggy Tarr

It was a small restaurant with the tables close together in order to accommodate as many patrons as possible. A woman sat near me, a cell phone up to her ear. As she waited for someone to answer (I assumed), she softly sang words from a song I remembered my mom singing.

"What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, Since Jesus came into my heart;

I have light in my soul for which long I have sought, Since Jesus came into my heart."

The woman stopped humming. "Miss Andrews? This is Reverend Wright. Uh huh. Never mind how I am. Where were you last night? Uh huh. Uh huh. Did you call a doctor? Uh huh! You couldn't have been that sick then. So how do I know you were really sick? Uh huh! Well, the next time you don't show up, you're off the board." End of conversation.

Rev. Wright dialed another number and continued singing while waiting for an answer.

"Since Jesus came into my heart, Since Jesus came into my heart; Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll, Since Jesus came into my heart."

"Laurie? This is Rev. Wright. I'm fine. Did you get those candles like I told you to? What do you mean we don't need them yet? Did I ask you when we needed them or did I ask you if you had got them? Uh huh! I hope you don't keep putting it off until it's too late. Tell me now if I can't rely on you, and I'll find someone else. Uh huh! We'll see." End of conversation. The reverend continued singing.

"I'm possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure, Since Jesus came into my heart; And my sins which were many are all washed away, Since Jesus came into my heart."

The waitress brought Rev. "Wrong" her food. Rev. Wrong barked, "Did I or did I not ask for an English muffin? Take this toast away and bring me what I asked for." The waitress took the toast away. Rev. Wrong bowed her head and blessed her food aloud. I looked at her and had not a doubt about who had really not come into her heart.

Letters to the Editor

Pigozzi Thanks Supporters
Editor:

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped me with my campaign for the District 65 School Board.
It was a privilege to garner such support from so many people and I was honored by your judgment of my ability to represent the best interest of all our children. I would especially like to thank my campaign manager and friend Dina Berne, who kept everything on task with a great sense of humor.
I was willing to dedicate my expertise and time to District 65; however, I am now looking forward to spending that time with my children. I would also like to congratulate my opponents for a great race. I'm very hopeful that we'll have a good Board that will be able to meet the expectations of our very demanding community, and more importantly focus on our kids.
-- Andrew Pigozzi

Lockhart Thanks Voters
Editor:

I want to thank the citizens of Evanston and Skokie so very much for theirvote and support on April 17.

The support, kindness and dedication I found in many supporters and concerned citizens were wonderful and amazing. It makes me proud to be an Evanstonian.

All along the campaign, I expressed that this responsibility is not about me but about the pursuit of excellence in education for our children.

I am excited and looking forward to working together with the newly elected and current School Board members to continue thegood work of theDistrict. I am confident that together with the administration, teachers, staffand the community we can accomplish great things in the next four years. I am thankful for your confidence in me.

With gratitude,
Bonnie Lockhart

Bailey Thanks Supporters
Editor:

I am writing to thank the Evanston community for the support of mycampaign for District 65 school board. It is hard for me to express my thankfulness to allthose who helpedin the campaign. We began in December with a small group of committed parents and community members and themomentum grew from there.I am also thankful for the many new people I met, the information Igleaned and the opportunities I was given to learnduring the campaign. I am encouraged and energized by the commitment of so many. The beliefthat we can make a difference in Evanston schools for all our children through a collaborative process challenges me to do the best job possible.

Iwill continue to listen andkeepfocused on our goal of excellence. I am committed to all children across Evanston, and toworking collaboratively with my fellow board members, the superintendent, the administration and the community.I am humbled by the supportand energized and challenged by what lies ahead.
Sincerely,

Katie Bailey

Colleton Thanks Voters and Election Workers
Editor:

I want to thank those who worked so hard before the April 17 School Board elections to promote public discussion of Evanston Township High School, its successes and challenges, and the ideas and qualifications of candidates for Board seats.

I also want to thank the citizens of Evanston for allowing me to continue serving on that Board.

We all know there are no silver-bullet solutions or easy decisions for the really hard issues. But we also know we have an excellent school, a promising new administration and a talented, dedicated Board. I'm honored to have a seat on it.
-- Jane Colleton

Wilkerson Thanks Supporters, Voters

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who helped make my campaign for reelection to the District 202 Board of Education a success. It means so much to me knowing that I have so many friends who were committed to my campaign. I am truly grateful for the trust and confidence you have bestowed upon me.

Your support makes it possible for me to continue to play a prominent and decisive role in shaping education issues important in our community.

I know that with your sustained support, District 202 will be a leader in defining what it means to have an education system that truly embraces the social and academic needs of all children. I will continue to advocate for establishing policies that allow the District to gives its best effort to meet those needs. I will also support and respect the talent and expertise of all staff, parents and community members involved in that process.

Thanks again for your confidence in me. I promise that your support and work on my behalf will be rewarded with my best effort at serving the community and its children.

Sincerely,
Mary J. Wilkerson

Early Childhood Educators Commended
Editor:

May 7-11 is Provider/Teacher Appreciation Week, and the board of directors of the Childcare Network of Evanston commends the outstanding work of the early childhood educators in the Evanston community.

These outstanding teachers are dedicated to providing quality education and care for young children as they strive to meet the growing expectations for school readiness for preschoolers. We wish to honor and thank these incredible professionals who give so tirelessly of their time and talents in nurturing our youngest citizens.
-Deb Danson, on behalf of the board of directors, Childcare Network of Evanston

Keep Small Businesses in Evanston
Editor:

As Evanston develops the downtown area, professional office space and affordable store fronts for local, small, independent and single-owner businesses and services are disappearing and being replaced with high-end luxury apartments and glitzy storefronts affordable to "corporate" and chain businesses.

Does Evanston value residents working in the community? We should be doing all we can to provide desirable, affordable spaces to attract our own citizens to work right here in the City, where they can walk, bus or bike to work. The only shop owners who can afford these higher rents are the big name-brand stores that, excepting the welcomed restaurant explosion, drastically change the flavor of our unique shops and boutiques.

One current area under discussion is the large, central block between Sherman and Orrington and between Church and Davis. We are concerned that Evanston has been over-condo-ed and that we are losing the vintage buildings, the independent retailers and the small businesses that give our town its unique character.

Do we really need another expensive tower in downtown Evanston that caters to an exclusive, wealthy retail clientele?

One of the healthiest aspects of Evanston that makes our City desirable is the citizen involvement and community input. Local activists as well as individual citizens regularly post community information in shop windows and store bulletin boards.

Recently, such a posting for a local non-profit was denied by every one of the "corporate" chain stores because of "corporate policy," while similar postings were graciously allowed, almost without exception, at the local and boutique businesses.

Are these "corporate" businesses good citizens within our community, helping to keep an alive, active and informed citizenry? It's hard to imagine the impersonal nature of such policies becoming standard in Evanston.

At a minimum, we should be asking value questions about what kind of community we are building, along with what will be good for the bottom line in the budget. And ideally, we should be building with the triple bottom line (profit, community and environmental sustainability) in mind, lest we look back ten years from now at the building boom and bemoan our lack of foresight.

Let's be leaders in what keeps a community thriving - good services for those who live in the community, great schools, local businesses and jobs, cultural opportunities and, healthy environments that keep attracting vibrant, involved residents.

We are truly creating a situation of professional flight from our downtown area as we greatly diminish the available affordable office space and make it harder for individual entrepreneurship.
-- Robert Mark, Carole Mark, Linda Kruhmin, Carolyn Zezima and Joe Seldess

Garlic Mustard Pull
Editor:

Join us Saturday and Sunday, May 5th and 6th, 2007 for the 17th Annual Garlic Mustard Pull in Perkins Woods. Perkins Woods is part of the Cook County Forest Preserve located in Northwest Evanston between Ewing, Grant and Colfax. We will be in the woods from 9:30 - 12:00. We will also do our annual cleaning of the woods too and need your help!

Libby Hill, the steward of Perkins Woods began pulling Garlic Mustard Weed 17 years ago. Studying for her masters in Environmental Studies at the time, Libby had just learned about this non-native weed. Garlic Mustard is a chief competitor of the native grasses and wildflowers that bloom each spring. This non-native plant will out compete the native plants for space, light, water and nutrients.

Perkins Woods is an extraordinary piece of land that was preserved many years ago for all of our enjoyment. Visitors to this little forest preserve know that every April and May they can see many spring wild flowers. First pops Spring Beauty, then both red and white trillium, may apples and wild geranium.

After noticing garlic mustard in the woods, neighbors helped organize the first garlic-mustard pull. Over the years, friends of the woods have been able to keep garlic-mustard weed in control. Last spring, volunteers noticed that the jack-in-the-pulpits were growing in mass and in new areas in the woods, a solid sign that our spring wild flowers are thriving.

So pitch in and help keep our woods healthy! It is a great way to help the environment and be a part of your community.

Jancy Jerome,
Volunteer, Steward of Perkins Woods

Put Moratorium on Downtown Construction
Editor:

The Downtown Planning Committee, a sub-committee of the Plan Commission, has nudged the frequency of its meetings from monthly to every two weeks.

This nudge came a day after the announcement that developers are in the early stages of proposing a 49-story tower on the Fountain Square block. There is a definite disconnect between the committee's careful, wide-ranging, attentive and occasionally intense discussions about how best to zone and plan Evanston's downtown for the next who-knows-how-many years and the continuing piecemeal approval of projects in the "real- life-goes-on" world of Evanston.

The discussions and reviews of maps, historic significance, zoning and "downtown districting" boundary-line changes in these meetings are thoughtful and rational, as the participants try to balance the economic needs of the times with the will of the residents to remain "Evanston" and not a subsidiary of Chicago in its land planning.

The committee's work deserves to be reviewed, discussed, debated and supported by the community as it works to put a stamp of approval on what Evanston could look and feel like in the coming decades.

It does not deserve to become just another academic exercise in "what if" thinking while the non-Evanstonian developers continue putting their own profit-driven imprint on the actual land sites with their ongoing piecemeal submittals of grandiose plans for our City.
On the City's west side and along Central Street, residents have prevailed and gotten the City Council to impose construction moratoriums on these specific areas, while coherent reasonable planning processes take place and gain,s acceptance from their local communities.

The Evanston's downtown is important to the entire community. So is it not reasonable for a moratorium on "downtown" construction be put in place while the Downtown Planning Committee develops and completes its proposal for what is to be included as downtown, what it should, for the longer term, look like as to criteria for new construction, preservation and re-use of existing buildings.

Currently there is a downturn in the housing market and sufficient current vacant space to occupy the attention of Evanston commercial and business realtors and marketers in the short term.

The time and situation are ripe for putting some coherence into the planning process for the downtown by using the mechanism of a moratorium in regard to consideration of potential planned development projects for the heart of Evanston.

Imposing a moratorium would demonstrate that the citizens' concern about growing condo-mania in more and more skyscraper-like buildings are being heard by the City Council, City staff, and Plan Commission and that the residents' views as a whole still count as the face of Evanston is being planned for the future.
-- Jessica Feldman

Support Peace, Plant a Peace Pole

Editor:
Thank you for mentioning the monthly war protests in downtown Evanston. While many people (even though I don't know any) may object to war protests as being unpatriotic, it is important that we're able to have that voice. But in addition to anti-war protests, and protesting against something, we sometimes have to take a stand for something. For instance, we can work for peace by teaching our children its virtues. And sometimes, they can teach us a thing or two.

As a member and sometimes a Sunday school teacher at First Congregational Church of Evanston, I've become involved in a project to plant a "Peace Pole." Peace poles are monuments planted all over the world in order to spread the message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" and to serve as a reminder for people to keep peace in their thoughts. More than 200,000 poles have been planted in more than 180 countries around the world.

Our church, which will plant a pole on May 6, decided to take on this project. As part of the process, I worked with the children on the subject of peace. Inspired by a couple different children's books, I asked the kids to tell me their thoughts on peace. What does it look like, sound like, taste like? Some of their statementsstunned me. Among my favorites were "Peace feels like being baptized"; "you could build 1000 homes with peace"; "peace tastes like snow on your tongue"; and I think the most appropriate: "Peace sounds like someone listening really well."

I realized then that just as much as I was trying to get the children to think about peace and really learn something as we embarked on this project, I'd learned a thing or two from their young, uncluttered minds. And I think we should all listen really well.
-- Lacey Weil Ogbolumani

Urge Legislators to Require Background Checks for Private Handgun Sales
Editor:

On April 27 in a very close 58-59 roll call vote the Illinois House voted down a basic measure that would have required background checks for handgun sales. HB 758 closes the private sale loophole for handgun sales.

In Illinois, persons buying firearms from private sellers at gun shows must undergo a background check. However, other private handgun sales are not subject to a background check to ensure the buyer is lawfully able to purchase and possess firearms.This loophole allows some buyers to avoid a background check, and could allow convicted felons or other prohibited persons access to handguns.

Requiring private transfers to be conducted through a licensed firearms dealer ensures that the buyer will undergo a background check, and that the transaction will be subject to all other applicable federal, state, and local laws as if the licensed dealer was the actual seller.

If the Illinois General Assembly cannot or will not respond in a climate created by the tragedy in Virginia when will they? There is still time, HB758 could be called as soon as next week. I urge citizens to contact their legislators today and urge their support for HB758.
-Michelle K. Jordan

Referendum Votes Show City Council Has No Mandate
Editor:

No matter how much the partisans on either side will massage the vote results from the April 17 referenda, you, the Evanston City Council, have not received a mandate to move one way or the other regarding the rehabilitation of the present building or the matter of relocation. Therefore it is time for you to step up to your responsibility as decision makers. One thing is clear: judging by the number of voters on the civic center referenda, many of your constituents are interested in the disposal of the subject.
-- John P Petersen

Keep Adult Education Program
Editor:

As I stated in my public comments to the Board on April 16, I am a life-long Evanston resident, Evanston Township High School alum and parent of an ETHS alum. I am also a dedicated Evanston ACE (Adult Continuing Education) student.

My mother, I, and now my daughter - three generations - have taken adult education courses intermittently in the past. I have been enrolled continuously for the past two years, and had planned to do so for the foreseeable future. I have never spoken with anyone in the ACE office (I register online) nor have I affiliation with any special-interest group other than loyal ACE students.

In the week since the email from ACE announcing its closing and notice of the Monday Board meeting, I have attempted to do what I requested of you - obtain facts. I reviewed Board minutes back to July, 2006, using a keyword search for "adult," and looked briefly at the "Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of ETHS" for FY 2005-06. What information I could obtain only clouds the issue further and raises more serious concerns about exactly what is going on and why:

- The only discoverable reference to adult education in the Board minutes is from Oct. 23, 2006, where it is noted that 800 adults enrolled in adult education (though it is not clear that this is ACE) and that $424,219 in federal and state grants were received for this program. I find no mention of an adult education program targeted for poor performance or problematic deficits.

- Revenue from "adult tuition" from pupils, parents and other sources is reported at: $379,479. Expenditures for "Adult/Continuing education programs" are reported at: $812,278 against a budgeted amount of $832,668. $671,868 of expenditures are reported as salaries. Administrative and teaching salary costs are not separated in this report. Other references to grants and benefits are not detailed enough to be easily interpreted in this context.

- Nowhere is the link between handing over ACE - to which there is much objection - and the expansion of dual-credit technical courses - to which no one apparently objects - explained. "ETHS and Oakton now offer ‘dual credit' for a few career and technical education courses taken at ETHS," according to Superintendent Eric Witherspoon in his guest essay (on page 32 of this issue and online at www.evanstonroundtable.com). Why, then, is there suddenly a need to tie ACE to this valuable high school program which is already in place?

- A brief catalogue comparison of the first three classes I found with exactly the same names between Oakton and ACE (Excel, Drawing and Watercolor) showed Oakton's costs are already greater than ACE's in all cases.

- The ACE Program Director stated she believed her program to be running at a surplus of about $20,000. Mr. Stafford reported his financial analysis indicated a $56,000 deficit. It seems odd that a program with a stated revenue goal would be unaware that it is so troubled, and that an apparently significant deficit had not previously come to the Board's attention. Adding benefits to at least one of the program's positions this year in the presence of a shortfall is also inexplicable. Equally absent is any reference to the conceivable causes of the deficit and possible remedies short of program elimination.

- There was a hint at the meeting that a publicly undisclosed personnel or inter-departmental disagreement may be muddying these waters. I must trust that you would not allow a program to be eliminated as a solution to such a dispute.

- Reference was made at the meeting to a grant request which was not filed, ostensibly because someone already considered this proposal a fait accompli.

- No one can be so naïve as to believe a "transfer of program administration" to Oakton would be anything less than program elimination for ACE. As Evanston residents, we already have access to all Oakton programs. Many speakers at Monday's meeting reiterated the concern that the types of classes, dedication of specific teachers and students, and sense of community we now have would be gone. Is there consideration of "transferring the administration of" other ETHS programs to say, New Trier, as an act of fiscal responsibility?

- You must be aware that adult education is learning in its most pure form. We students attend only because we want to gain knowledge or skills. And what a joy for instructors to teach the fully motivated. This is your "win-win" situation, already in place, flourishing, and specific to the needs and desires of the Evanston community.

With extreme gratitude for your public service, I respectfully suggest a thorough analysis of the ACE program be conducted by an independent sub-committee appointed by the Board. It is unfair to ask any of you to make an informed decision on this matter without much more accurate information. Full appreciation to the special needs of the Evanston community should be given. The Latino gentleman at the meeting who spoke so eloquently about the integration of families into the high school through adult education is but one example of these values which do not appear on any financial statement.

It is at least patronizing, if not frankly offensive, to describe this unilateral decision-making process as "exciting times in Evanston." If, indeed, a tough but appropriate, data-driven financial decision must be made, please have the fortitude to make it, defend it with verifiable facts, and live with the consequences. Characterizing this proposed change as anything else only diminishes the stature of the Board and its practices. What is the purpose of a school board if it is not to be actively involved in critical decisions such as these?

Integrity and credibility may not be valued attributes in other areas of public policy; they must remain essential in the administration of our education systems.
-- Sue Whiting

Who's Minding the Store?
To the Editor:

Are our elected representatives representing the interests of the Evanston residents who elected them or the financial interests of developers? We wish we knew. Many of us are distressed to learn that in a closed meeting of the City Council, Focus Development, the developers of Sherman Plaza, presented a plan, with a model, to build a 52 story tower on the triangular block bordered by Church Street, Sherman Avenue and Orrington Avenue. Their plan apparently includes purchasing the building at 708 Church Street and other land parcels in the block. Speculation about what other land parcels are involved, whether any city property is included in the scope of the project, and are there plans to create a TIF district to facilitate the development are everywhere. Efforts to get information from people who should know the answers to these questions have been unsuccessful. What is the truth? It appears that the developer, with the city's acquiescence, is attempting to gain the support of important decision makers before the public has any knowledge of the plan. Then if there is negative citizen reaction to the plan, the people who have already signed on, the City Council and others, will find it difficult if not impossible to respond to their constituents. That is not how representative government is supposed to work.

We are concerned that Evanston has been over-condo'd and we are losing the vintage buildings, the independent retailers and small businesses that give our town its unique character. A 52 story tower in downtown is the last thing we need. The City Council should stop meeting in secret with developers and shine the light of day on these misconceived plans.
-- Marc Beem, Steve and Sandra Waters, Susan Berkowitz, Deborah Bornstein, Joyce Gettleman, Barbara Janes, Margaret Kelly, Dr. Tracy Lewis, Steve Sklare, Dr. Thomas Todd, Nima and Erin Taradji

Council Should Listen to Voters
Editor:

The strong message of Evanston voters regarding the future of the Civic Center should not be distorted by the supporters of a new building.

The counter-referendum proposed by the City Council created a dilemma. The question was deceptive - premised on a gross misstatement of the projected preservation costs.

Some preservation supporters urged votes against the "$31 million" referendum, because it was based on a lie.

The Friends of the Civic Center urged abstention, arguing that we should not vote on a false proposition. Over 1700 voters, 28 percent of those who voted on the Friends' referendum supporting preservation, took this advice and abstained.

I rejected abstention. I feared that supporters of a new building would put their spin on abstention, and not acknowledge it as a protest against a deceptive referendum. Even if few people voted on the "$31 million" proposal, but it lost, these advocates would say the voters rejected preservation. (In third-world pseudo-democracies, when the opposition boycotts unfair elections, the rulers trumpet the near-unanimous popular "support" they get in low voter turnouts).

The "yes" votes on the "$31 million" referendum must be seen as either a statement that voters are willing to preserve the current Civic Center even if it costs this dubious amount, or because we know the figure is false.

There is no ambiguity about the referendum result. Some "no" votes were repudiations of a false proposition, not votes against preservation. The 28 percent who abstained are supporters of restoration and followed the misguided strategy of the Friends. Everyone who voted "yes" supports preservation.

Thus, of the 5962 voters who cast votes on the Friends' referendum (with an astonishing 82.51 percent in favor of preservation), only 2,168 (36.36 percent) voted against paying up to $31 million to preserve the Civic Center. Even some of these "no" votes were protests against the outrage of a deceptive question.

The voters of Evanston have spoken loudly and clearly. The Council represents us, and should heed our voice.
---James K. Genden