By Susan Fong
and Marie Balice-Ward
Gazette Chicago asked some local leaders and readers to express their opinions on the publication as it begins its 40th year. Here are some of their responses. Others will be highlighted in upcoming issues.
James A. Balcer, former alderman (11th Ward)
“Gazette Chicago is a great paper. From my appointment in 1997 through to my retirement in 2015, its coverage of the 11th Ward has been always fair and honest. I was never misquoted nor taken out of context. The 11th Ward area included Bridgeport, Armour Park, Canaryville, and at one time McKinley Park, before it was mapped out.
“To Gazette Chicago, happy 40th anniversary! Semper Fi.”
“The paper never failed to reach out whether it was crime, development, and/or a human interest story as well our annual recognition of Veterans’ Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th, and other veterans’ memorials within our ward. Nor could I have been more pleased with how they followed some of my biggest accomplishments such as the relocation of the 9th District Police Station which moved from 35th and Lowe to 31st and Halsted or the redevelopment of Halsted.
Brian A. Bernardoni, senior strategist, Strategia Communications
“I first encountered the Near West Gazette, now Gazette Chicago, as the executive director of the University Village Association (UVA), between 1998 and 2002. The UVA was responsible for neighborhood business and economic development as well as working on public safety matters.
“To be candid UVA positions were often in contrast with the Gazette, who long held a jaundiced eye toward development and the possibility of gentrification. To their credit the Gazette allowed us to argue our points in the news story. I maintained transparency and knew ultimately their voice would be heard in the editorial page where our success in convincing them was mixed.
“Our organization was divided between the wards of four aldermen, who were all heavy hitters. During the mapping process, Taylor Street was divided; which in part was due to aldermen trying to avoid the wrath of my beloved employer Oscar D’Angelo, who was not only a leader of our board but also had the well-earned reputation as the ‘Mayor of Taylor Street.’ That was a challenge for the UVA as well as Oscar.
“Oscar had considerable influence and voice, having served as an advisor to every mayor since Richard J. Daley. He was a giant in the community and formidable.
“In that challenge of divided oversight we saw opportunity. From the development of the Hall of Fame; the FBI HQ; the new streetscape to the work of the IMD and the University Village and ABLA redevelopment, the UVA had hard decisions to make, oftentimes without the direction of local officials who were as vested in Little Italy like us. The board directed me to lead and that’s what we did.
“In being newsworthy, we were aggressive and innovative and did not shy away from producing news; projects and reports that really put us on the top; with citywide acclaim. We strengthened our brand during the period by marketing of the community as Little Italy in a time where our businesses and the NIASHF needed that boost. We removed parking meters and replaced them with pay and display and made the street safer with active participation in CAPS and community prosecution.
“Because of that visibility and growth trajectory, in retrospect, that made the role of the Gazette much more important. We were involved in many aspects of the lives of residents and businesses – much more than sometimes the City. They analyzed our efforts vigorously.
“I always found in their coverage and their stories balanced and at times an understanding of perspective. And without a doubt, they did hold me accountable. I knew as well as the Gazette knew that stakeholders read every page.
“As much as we fought, as much as we disagreed, the Gazette has a depth of understanding of the composition and of the politics of that community. Ultimately development did come to the NWS and I would still say it was balanced and respective of the community and its needs. I would also say despite weathering the doom and gloom of what the Gazette would say about a new development, the closing of a street or the like made me a better and more conscientious public servant.
“Above all the things I’ve learned working with Bill and Mark is the great lesson of providing access is critical to a democracy. The worst thing I think anyone could do is to close the door. The other thing I learned is that you can disagree without being disagreeable. Both Mark and Bill have been to my home and I cherish the long term relationship I have with them all. They have contributed to the betterment of every community they cover.
“Congratulations to the Gazette and its patriarchs. I look forward to reading about everything in my community—warts and all for years to come.
“As a person with roots in the 24th and Oakley community as well as Taylor Street, my family still owns property in the community and I consider it home. I was married in the community and all four of my daughters were baptized there. I’m proud Florence Scala called me the 51st alderman and the UVA Little City Hall during my tenure and above all I’m proud of all the things the UVA and the Gazette worked on together and their support was there when needed most.”
Ryan Bergin, public relations representative, St. Ignatius College Prep
“Saint Ignatius College Prep is honored to have partnered with Gazette Chicago for the past 40 years. The paper has provided outstanding news coverage of our neighborhood and surrounding communities and their journalism has always been of the highest integrity. We are grateful for the opportunity to promote our school’s open house, summer programs, and student achievements in the paper and look forward to the next 40 years.”
John P. Daley, Cook County commissioner (11th district)
“For 40 years, the Gazette has shared the stories of residents and helped bring neighborhoods and people together.
“It has been an influential news source that ensures readers in our communities understand the importance of local issues and current events.
“I’m grateful for all the hard work of the writers and staff at the Gazette.”
Paula D’Angelo, civic leader
“At a time when there was little or no communication instrument for the people of Little Italy, Mark Valentino began with the small newspaper he called the Near West Gazette. This ‘little’ news periodical brought the residents of our community together to discuss the information contained in its pages; to disagree or agree on the articles and editorials. Mark’s Gazette opened neighborhood conversation and helped to identify and create community.
“The Gazette, today, has grown to include nearby neighborhoods. When he began his paper there was (as in any small village community) divisiveness, misinformation, and plain old gossip! A mandated Federal program earmarked our neighborhood as one of five Urban Renewal communities in Chicago. This caused some upheaval. The Gazette was one of the key instruments to identify and inform the public of the changes taking place; it kept dialogue open. Whether in agreement or not, the paper was important in molding opinions on our local issues.
“As the paper expanded, Mark brought on board well trained journalists to gather up and interpret facts on various issues, whether the subjects were political, educational, or human interest stories. One of those dedicated journalists is William Bike, who together with Mark continues to broaden the scope of the Gazette. William is [founding] associate editor and together they continue to inform and present facts which can shape public opinion and be positive instruments of change for the families of our community.
“Kudos, Mark and Bill, for your hard work and dedication. It is no wonder that the Gazette has been the recipient of many awards. May you continue on in your perseverance of honest journalism.”
Pat Dowell, alderman (3rd Ward)
“As the Alderman of the 3rd Ward, I have spoken with Gazette Chicago on many occasions and I have always found their reporting to be fair, quotes always in context, and their articles insightful—which in today’s media landscape is very much appreciated! Thank you to Gazette Chicago for your 40 years of great work covering Chicago for the locals and wishing you the best on the next 40.”
Robert W. Fioretti, attorney at law, civic leader, and former alderman (2nd Ward)
“The Gazette has been an important voice reporting on local news for 40 years. During my eight years as alderman of the Second Ward, I came to respect the Gazette even more for their hyper-local coverage of issues and events impacting the residents and businesses I represented in the Chicago City Council. The Gazette is an important platform to give residents and local businesses a voice in our communities.
“Today more than ever, we need honest, detailed, local reporting to have informed residents. Thank you for your consistent, professional and engaging reporting and all best wishes for your continued success.”
Valinda D. Jones, 45-year member of Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church
“I would like to say congratulations to all of you on the 40th anniversary of Gazette Chicago. Please do keep up the great work that you all have done. I am very proud of all of you. May God continue to richly bless all of you.”
Lori E. Lightfoot, mayor of Chicago
“On behalf of the City of Chicago, I am honored to offer my sincere congratulations to Gazette Chicago on the occasion of your 40th anniversary.
“Since its founding in 1983, Gazette Chicago has worked to bring news, editorials, and profiles of people and organizations to the Bridgeport, Canaryville, Bronze-ville, Chinatown, East Pilsen, Heart of Chicago, Near West Side/Tri-Taylor, South Loop, West Haven, West Loop, and University Village/UIC South Campus communities. Gazette Chicago’s team of veteran journalists work to build bridges among communities, educate and inform readers on events in the city, provide a thorough understanding of politics, and give a voice to residents and business owners.
“Since 1993, Gazette Chicago has won more than 70 local, national, and international journalism awards. I commend and congratulate Gazette Chicago for 40 years of informing and inspiring the greater community. I have no doubt that you will continue to grow in readership.
“Congratulations on this momentous occasion. Best wishes for continued success.”
Bill Lowry, Cook County commissioner (3rd District)
“For 40 years Gazette Chicago has served as a trusted vessel for the dissemination of news and information streaming from Chicago’s political, business, civic, and residential communities. With reporting steeped in integrity and unbiased coverage, Gazette Chicago is a ‘go to’ source for me in my capacity as Cook County Commissioner of the 3rd District.
“Congratulations on many years of being a treasured and valued community partner. Happy anniversary!”
Roger Romanelli, executive director, Fulton Market Association
“The Gazette is vital to Chicago! Keep reading and supporting this amazing newspaper!
“As our association revitalized the Fulton Market area with community members, businesses, and government officials, the Gazette covered every step: Our campaign to build the long-needed CTA Green Line Morgan Station. Our campaign to restore the CTA Lake Street Bus that was taken away suddenly in 1997. (This bus hasn’t been restored yet! We need everyone’s support to get it done; see our website at www.fultonmarketchicago.org.) Our collaboration with Oprah Winfrey to reconstruct the dangerous Randolph Street Planters between Halsted and Ogden. Our call for vital neighborhood infrastructure repairs like fixing 19th-century vaulted sidewalks. Our urgent calls to improve public safety, remove illegal graffiti, and prevent illegal dog poop. Our opposition to City Hall blowing $20 million TIF property taxes on the overpriced Fulton Streetscape that is deteriorated already after two years.
“Year after year—story after story—Gazette reporters and editors bring essential information to you and all Chicagoans. With lots more work ahead to improve our city and neighborhoods, FMA salutes everyone at the Gazette for their great dedication. We need neighborhood journalism and community associations working hand in hand. As Harold Washington would say, ‘Chicago is one city. We shall work as one people for our common good and common goals.’”
Dick Simpson, professor, political science, University of Illinois Chicago, and former alderman (44th Ward)
“Gazette Chicago has been an invaluable and reliable neighborhood voice for 40 years. It has helped to tie together the University of Illinois Chicago, the West Side businesses, and neighborhoods as the community has been transformed and changed. It has chronicled the great events of these years from a local perspective. We are all better informed because of its continuing efforts. I hope it lasts another 40 years and guides us as a global but local community through knowledge, compassion, and information.”
Matt Wos, South Loop community activist
“My family moved to the South Loop in October of 1982, right around the time the Gazette began publishing. During that time I have always appreciated your coverage and insight. Even when I’ve disagreed with a position you’ve taken – and strongly in some cases – it’s always clear you have the best interest of the community at heart.
“If there has been one topic that truly exemplifies the fairness with which you cover issues, I’d have to say that subject was your coverage of Oscar D’Angelo. You always covered him thoroughly, and when he passed away you provided in depth coverage of a man who played such a big role in the history of the community. I got a much better sense of the man—good and bad—after reading the Gazette. It certainly was better insight then anything I read in the dailies, and that is what a community paper should provide.
“Congrats to Mark and Bill and everyone at the Gazette on a truly remarkable milestone.”
Editor’s note: If you’d like to send in your own testimonial, email [email protected].