Harry Osterman Agrees to Bernstein Debate Challenge: October 12

During a face to face meeting the evening of October 12, Harry Osterman took up the challenge of Philip Bernstein to engage him in a series of debates during the campaign for Alderman, 48th Ward. The debates, to be held in a series of venues throughout the ward, will commence after both candidates submit the requisite paperwork for inclusion on the ballot in November, presumably after the November elections, which Osterman is also involved with, as he is running for re-election as State Representative.

"I look forward to these debates, where a thorough airing of issues, problems and solutions that face both the ward and the city can be had, and the candidates can be directly measured against each other head to head" said Bernstein. " I feel confident that my assessment of the key issues facing us, such as massive budget shortfalls, efficient operation of government, ward economic development and the disenfranchisement of the vast majority of the 62,000 residents of the 48th Ward is consistent with the assessment of the voters. I am also confident that I have the plans to address these issues for the betterment of the ward and of the city. I believe that the contrast between Mr. Osterman, a professional politician espousing time worn platitudes and myself, a 'civilian' candidate putting forth direct, unequivocal positions, will be stark" said Bernstein.   

Bernstein Issues Debate Challenge to Harry Osterman: October 9

Philip Bernstein, candidate for Alderman in the 48th Ward today issued a challenge to his only opponent, Harry Osterman to engage in a series of debates throughout the ward. "I challenge Mr. Osterman to debate me on the issues, his record, qualifications and program, my record, qualifications and program and the future of the Ward, in free format interchange and discussion (no moderator). The venues of the debates should be in public locations and should not be associated in any way with the taint of exclusivity and insider dealing of either the block clubs or groups such as ECC" Bernstein stated.

"I am confident that when the voters, the silent majority who are angry at business as usual in this ward and in this city, see for themselves the stark and compelling contrast between me, an independent, self-funded non-politician and small businessman and my opponent, a self-described union funded professional lifetime politician, fighting to keep a job in the public sector, they will have no doubt who the best person to address needs of the ward and the city is, and that person is clearly me" Bernstein continued.

"We offer the voters of this ward a comprehensive program to enhance our position as a ward, as a city. And as importantly, to include as voices all of the residents of the ward, not just a select few insiders with their special interests" Bernstein said. "The information put out by Mr. Osterman can only be characterized as the same, worn

out platitudes that predictably come from the political class, the professional politician. It is time for a change. It is time to put the platitudes up against the substance that I offer. And a series of debates is the way to do it."

"We are awaiting Mr. Osterman's response. In the meantime, please stay at http://bernsteinforalderman.com

for specifics on my positions and programs. And http://votesmart.org to see what Mr. Osterman has accomplished the past 10 years in the Illinois legislature."