In 19 years of freelance and traditional journalism, I've interviewed several politicians, but I…read morecan't recall ever really needing their help PERSONALLY. It was always from a professional perspective. For the most part, I dealt with any business conflict directly with that business. But in a recent situation where it just didn't seem like ANYTHING was getting done in several years with one business that had its license suspended and then reinstated, I realized I was going to have to sit in front of my laptop and start writing to those who could do more than I can. Although the response was a little slow at first because I didn't make it clear in my letter that he was my state rep, as soon as I corrected that error, I appreciate that Olickal's office stepped up to contact me and find out what I needed to know. I don't want to say too much more because my complaint is still outstanding, but the Outreach Director I spoke with had several valid questions and suggestions. I don't know if I'll get the results I want, but I sincerely appreciate that they are at least TRYING to help me resolve my issue, especially considering my own alderwoman hasn't responded at all but always has time to post selfies on Instagram. Be careful who you vote for! Sometimes it takes first-hand experiences for you to pat yourself on the back while voting for some over others. To Olickal's team, thanks for your assistance (so far).

I was in and out. No more than 15 minutes. Had no discrepancies. Found a parking spot with no…read moreissues either. Have to give them five stars.

I went here this morning to put in an order for a social security card. Now this place is located…read moreon North and Laramie which is basically the hood. So the fact that it was the hood AND the social security administration I was ready for it to be a bunch of loud ignorant folks when it actually wasn't. The place was really nice and extremely orderly. When you walk in it can be a little confusing because there are no signs telling you what to do. However, I will tell you (so you won't be wandering around looking lost like me!). When you walk in go to your left to get in line for the computer. When you get to the computer follow the directions on the screen. When you're done it should print out a number for you. Then you should walk to the tables in the back and fill out an application for your card. Then you sit and wait. Someone will call your number over the loudspeaker and direct you to a window and voila! that's it. Pretty easy right? So back to my experience. I think I only had to wait about 5 mins before my number was called. this was surprising because the place was pretty packed. The good thing is that there are like 20 windows (the majority of which were actually open) which means you don't have to wait for one or two clerks to help all 700 of you. When i got to the window the lady was very nice. She saw that my birthday was coming up and she wished me a happy early birthday! I thought that was nice. She was extremely pleasant and quick. I was in and out of there in under 30 mins. :-)

Ali and Nihal 6107 & 17354 are so amazing. I blew a tire in the city and they came over to help me…read moreout. they were kind and helpful and made me wayyy less stressed. all the while still trying to do their actual jobs. they deserve so much goodness in the world

The 3 officers that were there in the front were no help at all officer Zuniga was very rude not…read morereally trying to help or understand seems like he was having a bad day with the arrest he made came in with a attitude not seeming like he was very found of this career he choose. All 3 of the officers are lazy in the front one was eating a chocolate bar while i needed help and than they started to about basketball and sports in my face while i needed help with a report that they couldn't take care of cause they needed officer Zuniga to hold there hand with a attitude.

I really appreciate Leni's approach to governance. She fights for the average person and against…read morebig Trump aligned special interest groups which is why the dark money groups spend so much on mailers opposing her. She is also great at communicating and constituent outreach and services. We are very lucky to have such a people oriented city council membe representing our Ward.

I'd initially shrugged off this office. I contacted them, knowing they weren't my alderwoman but…read morebelieving that the company I was complaining about may be affiliated with their area. The response I initially got was that I apparently (accidentally?) contacted a campaign address. I just assumed that was the end of it and moved on to the next politician. For whatever reason, 10 days later, I got two more responses with VERY HELPFUL tips that educated me on an organization I didn't even know about during my reporting days. I don't know how I slept through the organization they recommended, but I leaped at the chance to contact it to resolve my complaint. I genuinely appreciate that they followed up even after some time because they really could've chosen to ignore me the way my ACTUAL alderwoman is (while taking selfies on Instagram and posting about renaming parks). Instead, they did the exact opposite. They read and responded to my email, and then came back with other ways to assist. Even if the alternate organization cannot resolve my complaint, I respect the effort. Thank you!

Going to any kind of government office is never a fun experience. And I can't say the 27th Ward…read moreOffice is an exception. However, I did have a generally good experience (relatively speaking) with it. The people I interacted with over the phone and in person were polite and professional. They weren't particularly friendly, but they were definitely not unfriendly either. The office is kind of old and run down, and it smells like moth balls. But it's clean. It's accessible via the Chicago bus, or a decent walk from the Chicago Blue Line station. All this pretty much adds up to 3 stars, but the 4th comes in because they are open 9-1 on Saturday! Gov't offices open on a Saturday are few and far between, and I recall having to leave work early during the week when I needed to go to my previous Alderman's office. I don't know much about Ald. Burnett in general, but I know his ward office is open on Saturday, and that's cool with me!

How many people really take the time to get to know their public officials? Some of us do!! Those…read morewho are lucky enough to get someone who will fight on their behalf when it concerns the health and welfare of their community, should say it with gratitude.  Alderman Jason Ervin has shown our community that he has our concerns at the forefront whenever we have come to him with issues.  What more can one ask?  He's knowledgeable in the way our city operates and sensitive to our concerns.  He has always come through for our community when it was within his power. We trust him.

The 28th ward residents are attempting to get improved services. This ward is more than 50% a…read morevacant lot. There are many vacant, abandoned buildings. City services are dismal. Policing is not good. All residents suffer. We are trying to rebuild the neighborhood. Anyone who wants to be an owner occupant can purchase property cheaply from the numerous foreclosure entities. We are on a mission to redirect city services back to the neighborhood. We encourage the alderman to participate in aggressive actions to remedy these problems. Good luck to him.

My department at my company volunteered here before the holidays, and had a blast! We went to help…read moredo some gardening and clean-up around the children's garden and outside the front area. We cut down stalks of plants, took out weeds, planted bulbs and other plants. It was hard work but rewarding. We didn't get to meet any of the kids as it is a sensitive and tough thing to have a one time relationship with a child, and can be overwhelming if you don't know how to handles kids that might have been abused and abandoned. I think it's so great that there's a place like this in the community where kids have a place to go and find support. I would love to come back on an ongoing basis, but it's too far for me to get to. The staff here is warm and friendly, and they were very appreciative of our help. We may be looking to have a long term relationship where we keep going back. I want to go back and check out the fruits of our labor and see the garden in the spring!

I was referred to the Chicago Children's Advocacy after calling the DCFS hotline for assistance …read more After the first interview (April 2017) with everyone which included Mr. A Harris (DCFS Worker), I felt that we (including the children) were going to receive all of the necessary services needed for the children. Mr. Harris also promised to follow-up with me bi-weekly or monthly to keep me informed about the case and provide me with information as decisions were made. Well, Mr. Harris did not keep his word concerning the follow-ups and I did not receive any phone calls even after I left messages (during the last week of September) asking for a return call. During a face to face conversation with him, Mr. Harris was not able to explain why there was no contact made concerning the case. He stated that the ball was dropped, so to me that means that someone is not during their job by fully following through with the notifications to the clients. After expressing my disappointment concerning many of the promised services that never occurred, Mr. Harris was not able to convince me that the Chicago Children's Advocacy is a place that provides the Excellent Services that are listed. As we ended our conversation, I did provide Mr. Harris with two statements that I felt were important: 1. If someone reported that they had concerns about abuse (even chastising), DCFS would be at my home right away doing an investigation (even if the allegations were false). 2. This is why so many children are left without the needed assistance, because someone accidentally dropped the ball so nothing is provided. Mr. Harris could not respond to my statements which left me wondering why and very angry. I think that a supervisor should check with the DCFS workers to make sure that all needed services are provided along with the follow-up calls to all clients. A client should never leave a program that is specifically available for Children feeling angry and not satisfied with the services that they received.

I recently visited the Polish Consulate in Chicago for a passport appointment. The facility itself…read moreis modern and well maintained, and the staff were polite and professional. However, the location is not very convenient for Polish citizens. There is no parking available, and the area makes it difficult for visitors to arrive by car. I had to take an Uber, and even arriving early did not help because visitors are not allowed inside before their scheduled time. Accompanying persons are also not permitted to enter, which can be challenging for elderly individuals or those who need assistance. The building is located right along Lake Shore Drive, and there is no suitable waiting area. People must wait outside, often in very windy conditions, which can be especially difficult during colder months. While I understand security procedures and appointment policies at a consulate, the lack of parking and waiting accommodations creates unnecessary hardship. Perhaps it is time to consider changing the location to better suit the needs of Polish citizens in the Chicago area.

Excellent service! Professional!…read moreWith the greatest team! Friendly and knowledgeable! Very good experience!