Statement from Alderman Robert W. Puente:

January 26, 2015

The joint statement issued Friday (January 23) by 12 of my Common Council colleagues regarding the comments made by Alderman Joe Dudzik (on a radio program last Thursday -- January 22) was on the mark and I agree with it wholeheartedly.

The statement was drafted and released in a very short time window, and at the time I was not able to obtain a transcript of what Alderman Dudzik said (so that I could see exactly what he said). In addition, I was also not able to obtain a draft of the joint statement to review.

After reading the transcript of comments Alderman Dudzik made on the radio program, I am especially offended by the reference he made to Northridge Mall, and I share the strong belief that the alderman’s comments were divisive, hurtful and just plain wrong.

I will be working with my colleagues to ensure that our focus is fixed squarely on the merits of the streetcar, and that our discussions remain on point and germane to the project.