Alcoholism becomes major issue in 16 Ward

April 9, 2007 (WLS) -- Personal problems and community blight are the main issues surfacing in the aldermanic runoff election for Chicago's 16th Ward.

Shirley Coleman has served as alderman in the troubled Englewood community for 16 years. An ordained minister, Coleman claims to have helped her opponent, JoAnn Thompson, recover from alcoholism and homelessness 15 years ago. Thompson is candid about her problems, but she said Coleman had nothing to do with her recovery.

"My recovery represents hope. I wanted the residents to know I'm one of you. We can do better," said JoAnn Thompson, 16th Ward candidate

Thompson, a Cook County correctional officer, said her recovery from alcoholism in the early '90s after the death of her husband symbolizes hope for low-income residents in struggling communities like Englewood. She was also homeless.

Thompson said she was appalled last week when Coleman claimed to have been instrumental in her recovery by offering prayer, counseling and job training.

"God helped me recover, not Shirley Coleman," said Thompson. I think she's a liar."

Thompson also accused Coleman of neglecting the ward over the past 16 years as Englewood became synonymous with crime and blight.

But, Coleman said the community is coming back, and said an example of that is the $100 million construction project for a new Kennedy-King College. Coleman has Daley's endorsement. The two were at the dedication of a new, affordable housing development, made possible with nonunion workers.

"I brought in 500 jobs and the union does not want Englewood to have any jobs nor affordable housing," said Ald. Shirley Coleman, 16th Ward

Thompson supports the so-called 'Big Box' living wage ordinance, which may explain why she's getting money and manpower from the unions and the wrath of her opponent.

"The only opponent I have is the unions. Anyone is out of touch, they'll say, if they don't go along with their program," said Coleman.

"I'm very proud to have union support. Unions represent working families," said Thompson.

Thompson beat Coleman in the February primary, but she didn't get enough votes to avoid a run-off. Since then, Coleman has been endorsed by another challenger and the mayor. So the race feels like a toss-up.

Coleman, by the way, is no stranger to personal tragedy of her own. Her ex-husband was executed in 1995 for rape and murder.

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