Alderman faces toughest re-election challenge

February 19, 2007 (WLS) -- Alderman Bernie Stone, 79, has a battle on his hands to keep his seat in the 50th Ward. Stone has served 33 years in the city council.

Bernie Stone is facing three opponents with enough money and outside political support to make it a race by accusing his campaign workers of vote fraud and claiming the 50th Ward on the Far North Side is deteriorating because he has lost touch with the voters. But Stone says the ward is coming back and he is going to win easily because he claims he still works as hard as anyone at City Hall.

"How dare you come in here, you little pipsqueak," said Alderman Bernie Stone, 50th Ward.

Alderman Bernie Stone claims to have the same passion for the job today at age 79 that he had 21 years ago when an argument with alderman and now Congressman Luis Gutierrez prompted one of the most famous outbursts in city council history. But Stone's opponents are not so sure.

"Stone was pictured sleeping on the city council meeting and that might explain why we rank dead last when it comes to city services and city improvements," said Naisy Dolar, 50th Ward candidate.

Naisy Dolar -- a diversity trainer and human relations expert -- has the support of progressive political organizations and Architect Greg Brewer is backed by organized labor. They are accusing Stone of insensitivity to working families by opposing the so-called "big box" living wage ordinance and failing to maintain or develop the ward's business strip along Devon Avenue as the neighborhood changed over the years from predominantly Jewish to heavily Indian, Pakistani and Latino.

"He has thought for himself and his friends and no longer a friend of the 50th Ward," said Greg Brewer, 50th Ward candidate.

"They don't have any idea of what the job is about," said Stone.

Alderman Stone -- who says he was resting, not sleeping in the city council that day -- claims to be reviving Devon Avenue with a series of new projects and services.

"I'm busier today," said Stone.

Stone is categorically denying an allegation by a fourth opponent -- computer consultant Salman Aftab -- that Stone's campaign workers are pressuring residents in the early voting program to cast their ballots for the veteran incumbent even if they support another candidate.

"I don't know how long this has been going on, how many voters they manipulated. I think it is totally unacceptable. This is voter fraud," said Salman Aftab, 50th Ward Candidate.

The Election Board is investigating but Stone says that his campaign workers have not done anything wrong. He is also proud of his vote against the big box ordinance and his unequivocal support of Mayor Daley.

But why not retire and take it easy at the age of 79? Because, he says, there is too much to do and he still has the passion to do it.

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