Letters to the Editor | August 2009

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the Gazette’s letters column are those of the letter-writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Gazette’s editors. We also reserve the right to edit letters for space

Dear Editor

In last month’s Gazette, a page-one article reported that Alderman James Balcer (11th Ward) ordered a wall to be painted over at 31st and Morgan Streets. This action was taken in response to numerous complaints by neighbors and members of the larger community citing that what had been painted on the wall was graffiti.

While Alderman Balcer’s actions represented the people of our ward and beyond, we have since become aware that his proactive work was met with some criticism.

With all due respect to the individual who painted the wall in question, enough neighbors found offense with it that we believe Alderman Balcer indeed did the right thing. When what some consider art conflicts with what others consider the common good, the latter should win…especially in light of several recent incidents of violence in the immediate area.

Alderman Balcer continues — as he has throughout his tenure — to make his primary concern the wellbeing of the community he serves. Kudos to Alderman Balcer for acting on behalf of his constituency.

We are grateful that he, despite some resistance that has since surfaced, had the gumption to preserve the beauty and secure the safety of this fine neighborhood. We remain grateful.

God bless the gifted artists in our community — and we are fortunate to have many — who utilize their God-given talents to beautify our surroundings; the writers of this letter stand in defense of their
constitutional rights. We stand more firmly, however, in defense of the rights and safety of property owners and citizens who found this particular expression of “art” blasphemous, provocative of violence, offensive, or at the very least, less than wholesome.

Respectfully,

Rev. Daniel Brandt, Rev. Donald Craig, Rev. Dennis Ziomek
Hands Across Halsted