We are thrilled to have so many wonderful events celebrating my dad this year. If you’re a fan of my father - or a fan of Chicago - I hope you check them out. It really is an honor to be involved in this city and support his legacy.
Rough start to the New Year. We had what appears to be a completely random attempted shooting at the corner of our block around 9:30am at Marshfield and Ohio today. It sounds as if our neighbor was just scraping the snow off his windshield when some guys in a white Kia opened
Last night at the Wicker Park Committee meeting I pushed Alderman La Spata on crime. His response to me was that shootings are down, even though in some areas in our ward, armed robberies were up over 460% compared to the same month the previous year. I challenged him that so
Another smash and grab, or incident of “vehicular violence”, as our alderman has dubbed them, occurred at 5:00 AM this morning on the 1300 block of Milwaukee.
We could have done so much more to prevent this.
I coordinated with the chamber on some proactive measures, but we
@AldermanLaSpata
@sportsrapport
@DanielLaSpata
Since August 1st there have been 176 robberies in the 1st Ward, and 237 incidents of violent crime, according to the violence reduction dashboard. It seems like we should be more focused on community safety and less focused on semantics.
Please support the hard working journalists and employees at the Chicago Tribune today. If my dad was still with us, I’m sure he’d be out there with you. Being a journalist is a tough business, you don’t get into it for the money. But you do deserve to make a fair wage.
Chicago Tribune Guild members are on strike today to give our hedge fund overlords a taste of how we are unafraid of them. Alden pumps up obscene profits by squeezing employees. We break stories. Alden won’t break us. This is Chicago. We know how to fight. We won’t back down.
I am very sad to hear about yet another smash and grab in the 1st Ward. The third this week. The sheer amount of violence and crime in our city is simply unacceptable.
Tomorrow, November 1st, I’ll be gathering with Alderman Villegas, community members, and neighbors who have
A smash-and-grab crew plowed a Jeep into Round Two, a sneaker shop in Wicker Park a few hours ago.
It's the latest in a week-long string of similar crimes in the area and downtown.
Congratulations to Eileen and her whole team. I am so excited about the future you could help bring to Chicago and the county.
And a huge thank you to everyone who worked with me to volunteer, donate, and support her campaign. This was so important - and now we have a tremendous
I’m honored to be the Democratic nominee for Cook County State’s Attorney! Congratulations to Clayton Harris on a hard-fought campaign.
There is so much more that unites us than what divides us. I promise to work tirelessly to help build a safer, stronger Cook County together.
Hi all,
This morning we sent out a letter on Public Safety supported by ten other neighborhood organizations to our alderpeople, Cook County commissioners, the State's Attorney's Office, and the Mayor. I am attaching the image of the letter.
We will host a press conference with
@MilwaukeeAvBike
Excellent question. There’s a lot we could be doing that we just touched on in the GWTCC letter that I won’t rehash here but shared.
But what I did earlier this week after the initial incidents may have helped. We worked with the chamber to get additional heavy planters moved
Things I learned today:
Daniel La Spata’s chief of staff told Wicker Park Committee that the 1st Ward office is designing smarter police patrol routes by having the 1st Ward office staff look at crime statistics and determine where police should be.
I recommended they talk to
.
@nbcchicago
has posted a full recording of the press conference on community safety that we did with Alderman Villegas this morning. Thank you to all those who worked hard with me to put this meeting in motion, to those who attended, and especially to those who shared their
Thank you for saying something. Last night I was thinking, where are our leaders? We need to acknowledge there is a problem and we need to work together to make our City better for everyone who calls Chicago home.
Anyone with a heart, will look at what has happened with Chicago teens for the last 2 nights and feel disgusted, upset and pissed off.
Anyone with a brain, will look at it and realize that we can’t continue on this way.
Our city is only as safe as our least safe child.
COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH
We are moving forward with the meeting on community safety we have organized with Alderman Villegas on Tuesday, the 14th at the Ukrainian Cultural Center (2247 W. Chicago Avenue) at 5:30 PM.
While we had hoped the Mayor
This is beyond unacceptable. It was foreseeable and city leadership did nothing. Our leaders need to wake up now and start finding solutions. No more excuses.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reax to claims shelter where migrant boy died is unsafe: “They’re just dropping off ppl anywhere. Do you understand how raggedy and how evil that is … then you want to hold us accountable for something that’s happening down at the border? It’s sickening.”
This seems like a really reasonable discussion from two parties who have had their disagreements in the past. I hope this becomes more of the norm. We should spend more time moving past disagreements and working together to build a better city. There are significant opportunities
Despite past disagreements with Streetsblog Chicago, Ald. Reilly agreed to talk with us about how the ill-advised plan to kill the Clark car-free dining district came about. He acknowledged that in some of his tweets about Clark, "I did go too far."
Last Thursday, I was a guest at a meeting held at a school in Logan Square, St. John Berchmans (“SJB”). Parents from SJB held this meeting days after an armed robbery occurred in front of the school in the middle of the day.
I agreed to attend to help the community organize and
REMINDER - COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING TOMORROW, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH at 5:30 PM at 2247 W. CHICAGO AVE
We are moving forward with the meeting on community safety we have organized with Alderman Villegas at the Ukranian Cultural Center.
While we had hoped the Mayor would
@AndyPapier
I’ve actually talked about some of the areas we need to improve to start having a greater impact and reduce crime on this site before. We did a letter with a number of community groups requesting information and steps to be taken that you can read here:
COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH
We are moving forward with the meeting on community safety we have organized with Alderman Villegas on Tuesday, the 14th at the Ukrainian Cultural Center (2247 W. Chicago Avenue) at 5:30 PM.
While we had hoped the Mayor
There’s one of either 2 things going on here:
1) The Environmental assessment is horrific; or
2) His staff wanted to create an enormous self-inflicted ongoing PR wound as this story now drags on publicly for 7-20 more days.
Which is it? Tune in next week(s)!
Thank you for your incredible support of our campaign and our fantastic team.
What started as a traumatic experience for Erin and me, has turned into something truly transformative. We have made many friends who will last a lifetime, and your support – and the community’s
"Sam Royko—yes, that Royko—announces bid for 1st Ward alderman
The son of the famed late newspaper columnist is looking to unseat first-term Ald. Daniel La Spata."
@RoykoForChicago
I have had a few people reach out about the gunshots that occurred tonight around Wood & Ohio or Erie & Ohio. I posted comments about it on our community page, the Greater West Town Community Page, on Facebook. If you're in the area and you'd like more updates or want to join the
Reading about the Kennedys was an inspiration for me growing up with an interest in politics. For Monday's
#ClassicRoyko
, The
@Suntimes
chose a column my dad wrote after Bobby was shot. Would love to hear your thoughts.
#Kennedy
#RFK
#RFK50
#Royko
Alderman La Spata, State Senator Aquino, and State Reps Guzzardi and Dina Delgado are hosting a public safety town hall at 1127 N Oakley Blvd. on Tuesday, February 13th at 6pm.
I would strongly encourage anyone who has been impacted by violence or has concerns about our current
Hey Everyone!
Some big news. We have almost reached our goal of raising $300,000 by February 28th. We have done that in part by raising almost $100,000 from over 150 supporters since January 1st. The message is clear - Team Royko is the only option for a better 1st Ward.
Today is the day! Team Royko has worked tirelessly. We’ve knocked on almost 25,000 doors, called 7000 of our neighbors, and spent countless hours engaging with the community to build a better path for the 1st Ward. Today is your chance to do your part, go vote and punch 54 for
@csickness
I’m helping set up at Pulaski Park for the Halloween event they are doing for kids tomorrow but I appreciate the offer. If we are done in time I’ll try to make it over - but it’s not looking likely. Happy to get together and talk after as well. I’ll send you my cell.
Some exciting news on my end. This month I joined Dykema, a full-service Am Law 200 law firm. I'm incredibly excited to join such a fantastic team. At Dykema, I'll be able to offer my clients a full array of legal services - anywhere in the country.
In observation of
#MLKDay
the
@Suntimes
ran my dad's column, "the millions in Dr. Martin Luther King's firing squad". The concerns from when it was published, the day after
#MLK
died, still demand consideration today.
#Royko
#mondaythoughts
#Chicago
Hi Everyone,
We have some exciting news. We now have almost 400 individual donors to our campaign. This number is significant: it showcases our great support from the community.
My father, Mike Royko, who was a columnist for many years prior to his passing, lost his life to a brain aneurysm in 1997. Although I was 9 at the time, I still remember that it was two extremely traumatic events. The first of which occurred while we were vacationing in Florida.
TONIGHT, February 13th, at 6:00 PM - Alderman La Spata, State Senator Aquino, and State Reps Guzzardi and Dina Delgado are hosting a public safety town hall at 1127 N Oakley Blvd.
I would strongly encourage anyone who has been impacted by violence or has concerns about our
Alderman La Spata, State Senator Aquino, and State Reps Guzzardi and Dina Delgado are hosting a public safety town hall at 1127 N Oakley Blvd. on Tuesday, February 13th at 6pm.
I would strongly encourage anyone who has been impacted by violence or has concerns about our current
16-inch softball is a big f**ing deal in Chicago. RIP, Sam. My dad once said that winning his Pulitzer "didn't even compare" to hitting a home run in a memorable softball game.
#Chicago
#Royko
@Cheezborger
#Chicagosoftball
@AldermanLaSpata
@SNiketopoulos
@sportsrapport
@DanielLaSpata
I appreciate that you guys are active in responding on Twitter right now so I’ll try asking here.
Some of your constituents stopped in earlier today about getting bollards or barricades by their shop after what happened overnight at Boneyard and were unable to get any help. I
@chicagobars
From a legal standpoint, I think the logrolling argument is the easier one to make. I'd give Kasper the advantage there. But I'm interested to see what the other side argues.
@progressIL
@DanielLaSpata
You are right on. There were better ways to go about building a coalition to support a ceasefire. Unfortunately the landscape in our city politics is just incredibly divisive now - and the people in charge are just feeding the flames. We need to be building bridges to get the
We had a turn out of more than a hundred people yesterday for the campaign launch. We are so thankful for those who made it out. Our neighbors, friends, and family showed up with a fantastic energy to kick of this campaign. We've included some photos below.
@RoykoForChicago
Reflecting on my feelings and her words, I would highly recommend others read
@emiliaclarke
's piece in The
@NewYorker
and if they can, contribute to
#sameyoucharity
to help others recover from the pain and fear of traumatic brain injuries.
@chicagobars
And realistically, the most condemning signal of how this was drafted could very well be if the board doesn't even appeal.
I also still believe both the electeds and their counsel should have been capable of drafting this in a way that would have completely avoided these issues
@MilwaukeeAvBike
Well I’m not currently campaigning, but I do think a grid that isn’t piecemeal lanes per ward would be excellent. We’d need to use data to determine the best routes to use and work with the community - but I think we could work together to create a much better solution. Always
Had a great time chatting with
@ShiaKapos
for
@politico
about my law firm, Robinson Curley, my goals, & my dad. One of the great things about my dad is he provided me with plenty of inspiration, good stories, & memories.
#Royko
#Chicago
#MondayMotivation
On this Jackie Robinson Day (as is tradition) we share Mike Royko’s legendary column about seeing Robinson’s debut at Wrigley Field. Full column at the link (scroll down).
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Chicago attorney Sam Royko is running for alderman in the 1st Ward. The seat is currently held by Ald. Daniel La Spata.
@RoykoForChicago
Read more here:
@meghanncuniff
I’d highly recommend getting in the neighborhoods and checking out some of the local bars and establishments. My dad used to occasionally frequent Rainbo Club in wicker park with Nelson Algren. May be worth a stop!
@RT_Stewart
Yeah, had a conversation with them and with CPD today. Sounds like they caught the shooters but still getting more details. Will update as we know more. Can confirm the shooting victim was totally random. He is new to the area. It was just wrong place, wrong time - in the middle
For those who have or want to visit the Billy Goat Tavern
@Cheezborger
. Please read this by
@rickkogan
. If you are interested in the columns I've shared of my dad's, rest assured, Rick mentions him at least a few times.
#Chicago
#Royko
#ThursdayThoughts
The first of
#ClassicRoyko
. Looking forward to seeing what other columns the Sun-Times chooses to highlight. Do yourself a favor and check it out, especially if you weren't around the first time it was printed.
@Suntimes
#Chicago
#Royko
#Obama
Sam Royko announced his candidacy Tuesday, emphasizing his work advocating for public safety improvements over the past year and a half through his group, the Greater West Town Community Coalition."
@RoykoForChicago
This does not sound like a misunderstanding. It does not sound like "boys being boys." This sounds like an older male forcibly trying to take advantage and covering a young girl's mouth as she screamed for help.
#KavanaughHearings
#DrChristineBlaseyFord
@notkahnjunior
@AldermanLaSpata
@sportsrapport
@DanielLaSpata
We’re doing more than the Alderman by actually recognizing there is an issue and engaging the community in trying to find solutions. Happy to connect for coffee if you have any ideas that could help.
I do still find the nepobaby thing a weird flex, my dad was a journalist who
Thank you to Chicago magazine for covering the 1st Ward race. It's really great to get the attention, and we know we are picking up steam. Contact us to get involved.
#1stward
#chicago
Great day to cap off the birthday weekend. Breakfast at
@JaniksCafe
, a stop at
#wickerparkfest
, an appearance on
@KoganAfterHours
with
@rickkogan
, and then we grilled dinner for my mom.
Thank you for all the birthday wishes. This was a great one!
Seeing quite a few posts about CTA delays today. Here’s an update from CTA. We have a lot of work to do to make effective and accessible public transportation.
Hey, Chicago. It's election day. This is a big deal. It's actually kind of nice out. May I suggest a walk through your neighborhood to the polls?
And please....join me in voting for
@LightfootForChi
. I am excited about what she could do for this city.
#ElectionDay
#Chicago
@CDRosa
@AldermanLaSpata
What was the basis for CPD denial and why couldn’t this be resolved? This seems like something Alders and CPD should be able to work out, and frankly, something alders should have a significant amount of oversight on. I’m sure everyone can put their heads together and come up
Hi Everyone! Please make sure to check out a copy of the Sunday Edition of the
@chicagotribune
today to see
@rickkogan
's wonderful piece about my announcement as a candidate for Alderman in the 1st Ward.
You can also view it online at: .
@RoykoForChicago
"A Royko in the race. Sam Royko—lawyer, community activist and son of legendary Chicago columnist Mike Royko—is running for 1st Ward alderman."
@RoykoForChicago
@AngiTaylorKISS
I'm not sure what happens to the house that hands out canned vegetables. Not sure I'd want to find out... Put out an empty bowl and make it look like someone took it all? I'm realizing now I may be advocating lying to children.
Something great about the Chicago Marathon is that people can run it to help fund important causes. One of the most important causes we can fund right now, which has touched almost everyone's life in someway, is the battle with cancer.
Election night is coming up fast! Join us at Jack's Wicker Park (located 2056 W Division St.) at 7pm on the 28th for our election night party. Watch the returns come in and cheer on a big Royko victory. To RSVP, please click here:
#1stward
#1stwardchicago
Public Safety/Business Alert:
I am hearing from more than a dozen restaurants and bars that operate from south of Grand Avenue in West Town up to Logan Square that they are experiencing break-ins between the hours of 3:00-5:00 AM where a glass window is smashed and individuals