This ranks right up there with candidates who have the audacity to use one time donation of cookies/pastries for a senior citizen party or a nabe event in their lit. It is a token gesture to facilitate a publicity stunt.

I also loathe candidates who pay membership dues to organizations, never show up except around election time, claim in lit they are active members.

I am happy that Cacchione is trying to do something with the empty space! It would be great for the city if we were able to get some of these grocery stores. After reading the press release, it seems to me he is trying to draw attention to the study and the vacancy, as well as drawing attention to his donation.

I want trader Joe's in the City, I like this guy, campaign stunt or not, what have his opponents done to improve the neighborhood.

Wouldn't it be better to outline a detailed plan/policy for redeveloping that site and others in the ward?

The man donated a lousy $100 for a study. He did not take a position, let alone a controversial stand. It's like saying you are for apple pie and Mom.

What was he doing about the site before he filed to run for alderman? What was he doing about it last July? Or July 2005? Or July 2004?

Perhaps if he had given some of the money that he donated to Jim Talent to this study he could have funded it himself... ten times as much!

I know there are many city groups that have been interested in the development of the vacant Foodland location with another grocer. In fact, it is a big issue for the city neighborhoods. I know that Alderman Reed has been working hard to get thing moving in this area. But, is has been the The Gate District, President Steve Zeiger, who has really spear head and executed the work being now with the demographic study. It has been through his effort to collaboration with neighborhood associations to jointly fund this study. So, in short for the last 6 months there has been a plan under way.

What happened to just doing a good deed and letting the deed speak for itself? Why publicize it and send out a press release? To me it looks like pandering for votes, which makes me have a bad taste in my mouth. I am sick of politics being at play on an issues as simple as getting a grocery store to a neighborhood. .

Kevin-- I hear your point, but this press release has drawn a lot of attention to this entire issue and study. I read the press release and I think that Cacchione's camp may have also been trying to draw attention to this whole situation. I think it would be great if the Post picked this story up and discussed the issue. I guess I think that someone who was just blasting out press releases for any minor good deed might have jam packed this press release with other junk that they have done.

Actually Triplett posted on her blog a post regarding the Foodland development over a month ago. She didn't send out a press release nor did she contribute any money to the study. Something she may be smacking her forehead about now, since now Cacchione can go around jawing about how he is working to bring development to the ward. The Foodland issue is a big one in the ward, and is sure to get people's attention

I am confused. The press release states that Cacchione donated money to Gate District East Neighborhood Association and that the president is Steve Zeiger. The Secretary of State's database shows only a not-for-profit called Gate District East Association. According to last two annual reports, most recent filed Aug. 31st, its corporate headquarters is 8206 Airport Rd 63134; President Lori Hickman and Treasurer & Agent Gary Hickman, both at the Airport Rd address; only other board member has been Rita Dreier, 2920 Eads, 63104.

whoa, so I guess this is all made up and fake? or perhaps howard is wrong about something...imagine that.

I admit when I am wrong but I need to know what I am wrong about.

Airport Rd. is the registered agent's address. The most recent filings with the secretary of state's office were made by the previous board; Steve Zeiger is the current president. He is also the main person working on the Foodland site for the neighborhood and P.C. did not seem too concerned about the site prior to this election.