Opinion: Ald. Fiske's Campaign Crosses the Line

Dear Editor,

They say that all is fair in love, war and politics.  But we were also reminded during the 2012 election cycle that the voters determine if one of it’s political leaders has crossed a line or done something that does not reflect the values of the community. In our case, the citizens of the First Ward have what has become a clear opportunity to define the character of our community and the nature of political discourse in our city.

Dr. Ed Tivador, who serves as Superintendent of the Northbrook/Glenview School District #30, has devoted his professional career to education. In the past few weeks, members of Judy Fiske’s campaign team, including her campaign manager, contacted school board members of the Glenbrook/Northbrook School District and local newspapers, in a deliberate attempt to undermine his professional employment relationship.  

An e-mail sent by Judy Fiske campaign staff member to The Glenview Lantern:

“Please know that Mr. Tivador rescheduled a SCHOOL BOARD meeting to attend a candidate's forum at Northwestern University on March 14.  He is running to become an Alderman in Evanston, which is nearly a full time job.  I can not imagine folks in D30 will be satisfied with his performance should be he be elected.    I suspect D30 would see many "rescheduled meetings" in the future.  Most City Meetings occur in the evenings, though there are many weekday, daytime events as well.  D30 taxpayers should be aware of this election.  Mr. Tivador would receive a small salary and benefits should he be elected as well -I suspect that may violate his contract with D30.  He will claim it is a part time job - according to the Mayor of Evanston, she believes any good Alderman works 20 hours per week for the residents of Evanston.  Dr Hardy Murphy of D65 has not ever missed or re-scheduled a school board meeting.”

 “Tea Party” like tactics have no place In the Evanston I grew up in in the 60s and 70s (Would Abner Mikva have allowed his campaign to have done this), nor the Evanston that my wife and I have chosen to raise our kids.

These current actions, combined with her failed alleged voter fraud lawsuit against the City of Evanston and 200 Northwestern students after losing an election in 2005, that cost the City of Evanston and it’s tax payers thousands of dollars in legal fees, demonstrate a pattern of win at any cost for Judy Fiske and her campaign team.

This proves that you should not judge a political candidate by the number of yards signs but by the values they demonstrate during the course of the campaign.  I call on Evanston’s elected officials to publicly condemn Ms. Fiske’s campaign tactics. 

The voters of Evanston’s First Ward have a duty to send a message that such actions shall not be rewarded.  A public servant with a 30-year track record of outstanding leadership, responsible fiscal management and service is the clear choice for 1^st Ward Alderman.  On Tuesday, April 9^th, please cast your vote for Dr. Edward Tivador. 

Peter Lobin