6th Ward Update

Today I spoke to allies of both Kacie Starr and Patrick Cacchione's, but did not speak to the principals themselves.

Here's what's going on, as best as I can tell: Both Starr and Cacchione have been actively soliciting residents to join the ward organization prior to its endorsement meeting on January 18.

The 6th is an open ward, so packing the organization with friendly members could sway the endorsement. Furthermore, I have heard (but not confirmed) that both the alderman and Congressman plan to endorse whoever the ward endorses.

Starr recently brought in the names and money (dues are $5) for approximately 100 new members. Cacchione's allies are crying foul. The money is mostly, if not all, in cash, and they feel that there's too much room for manipulation.

Both sides have mentioned the ward's by-laws as a place to settle the dispute, but apparently there's been difficulty locating the by-laws.

The 6th ward executive board will meet on Monday at 5:30pm at Pestalozzi Place (corner of Pestalozzi and Virginia) to discuss the matter. Both Starr and Cacchione serve on the executive board so it should be an interesting meeting.

UPDATE: Starr camp tells ACC that most dues were paid by check, not cash, and those checks were cashed by the ward organization last month.