Munoz will be tough to beat. Salamanca is a young articulate kid, but Gutierrez is teh dark horse here. He’s teh HDO candidate with a last name that carries a lot of weight in this heavily Latino Ward. Munoz will win, but Gutierrez will come in second with over 30%.

Salamanca’s transparent attempt to remold himself as a “community activist” will be his undoing. He describes himself as the Executive Director of a “social justice” organization that he “founded” 2 months ago, but to date, he has produced nothing but hollow-sounding press releases. Munoz has a lock on this. HDO had had a negligible impact in the 22nd ward and will continue to be a non-factor.

I am a lifelong resident of the Little Village (22nd Ward) community and I must chime-in. Munoz has not been taking care of his Ward for years. If you lived in the ward you’d know that his tactics are steeped in intimidation and at times has even been known to use the local gangs to get his politics done. Joaquin Salamanca brings with him an air of vibrant energy and more importantly a long-term vision for the community; something that has been absent in the Little Village. Have you read-up on this young man’s experience? Why would anyone leave the successful technology consulting firm he founded to go into a challenged community? Because he’s about it people. Realistic prediction from someone that personally knows all the candidates, their work-ethic, and their offering… A run-off with Salamanca winning after everything is said and done.

please Latino22, Joaquin is a great guy but he is being used by Marty Sandoval to exact some payback for his recent re-election race. Joaquin would have been betetr served keeping his powder dry for a future race.

Ultimately the sad and underlying truth is that for the past decade the 22nd ward has been neglected far too much due to the ignorance, disengagement and detachment of the current alderman, Munoz. Crime rate has always been an issue along with the garbage that lines our streets. Why is it that when a person like Mr. Salamanca tries to point out the real issues all of a sudden they are only for personal gain, I believe that he is voicing out the opinions on behalf of the people that live there. I for one am a resident who has seen these crimes been commited first hand and we need someone like Mr. Salamanca to be our voice and to be able to take action. It is time for real change not just promises. We must keep in mind that our children are our future and what good would that be if they have to be “jailed” in our homes with the fear of going outdoors – which is the current feeling in the ward. We look forward to the new vision for our community!

I am a long time resident of the 22nd ward too. I have never seen Salamance around the neighborhood at any community events or meetings, etc until recently. I have met Joaquin many times and I never even knew he was from Little Village! What concrete action has he taken to improve the community other than listing community groups on his page, advertising the work of other community groups and issuing press releases? There is no meat to the bones of his “social justice” organization and it comes off as very self-serving and disingenuous. The voters will see through that.

You gotta love the democratic process! I appreciate your observations Educator – and you’re probably right. However, the fact that this guy made it out of the neighborhood in the way he did (from what i hear and read) I cannot for the life in me understand why he would want to take-on the role of city alderman when he’s got something great going for himself already. I’ve read only bits and pieces about him in pubs such as Dinero Magazine – but wouldn’t you agree that there is something to be said about his desire to comeback to the community that reared him? Concrete action? Concrete examples? What about serVvicing orgs like the latino cultural center, LV chamber, UNO, HACIA, spanish coalition for jobs among others. Being the father of three I have to tell you that this guy is certainly someone I’d like to have my kids at least speak to. I’ve already spoken to local leaders and priests and they all seem to think that salamanca really does have a long-term concern and vision for the community. i don’t know about you but geez another four years of the current state of affairs….ah i don’t know.

well, well, well, where should i start i have been living in little village for about 30 years and i drive for a living so i know my city very well. Unfortunatly for me i have a pay that keeps me from flying the coop like thousands of past neighbors. it really sucks to go from neighborhood to neighborhood and see that life is literally passing us up thanks to our current administration who continues to live in the past. thank you joaquin for taking an interest on taking on gangster ricky munoz i know you can defeat him and throw his ass right out the door once and for all. it really is the best for him according to some of his drinking buddies from his favorite bar were all the older retired gangbangers hang out.he is not the cacique he wishes he was. democracy lives cause of people who care! he never earned the job it was given to him did we all forget that or is it that only a few of us are still around from the old days to know that . we need to find a way to keep our people from leaving and start making this a better place to live in. we owe it ourselves to take a stand and vote for change cause if he stays im willing to throw in the towel. i hate to have my kids go trough the childhood i went through im lucky to get old in this place that i love but my kids deserve better on feb 27 im voting for joaquin salamanca cause i do beleive in change he has 100 times better credentials than ricky or gutierrez by the way ,hey chema what do you have to offer just like ricky your office is 1/2 block from each other and neither of you do shit about the gangbangers that hang out by your offices really impressive of you. have your five minutes and stick to selling houses cause the only fame your getting is being the last person to file please please please all who love little village vote salamanca for change. cause im tired of ducking of the gun shots that ring.

I agree that Ricardo Munoz has not been doing his job for the last 20 years because the ones that have been running the show have been Jesus Garcia,Danny Solis and Luis Gutierrez. This was imposed on the residents of the 22 ward, since he was not elected it was handed down to him after he was nothing but a low-life gang-banger. It is time to get him out of office since he is an arrogant beast. On the other hand, Salamanca has not done anything in the community, all he does is send e-mails and promotes night clubs. What will he have to offer the 22 ward? Nothing, maybe host the block parties. Luckily for us we have a winner in Jose Maria Gutierrez, who is an honest and experienced businessman who knows the needs of our community. And, Jose is not being supported by HDO.

has anyone of you tried googling joaquin salamanca? the kid got credentials serious and great ones so don’t knock the guy if your not sure of what your talking about, i’ve read about how he promoted clubs and stuff but does it not show he got what it takes to make people come together because of his efforts, whats wrong with that he gets stuff done thats his job. he and his partner built a great business after graduating from college and has been recognized by many leading business in chicago and he really feels he can make a difference. it shows so give the guy some credit. one thing is for sure many residences want munoz out it’s been time so let’s all do our part and be responsible on showing ricky he is no longer wanted. it really is between salamanca and gutierrez so study both guys before voting and choose the best guy for me it’s salamnca i personally don’t know the kid but he looks like the best candidate so read up on him …..i really can’t beleive there still poeple in little village who think ricky is a good fit. wake up peons and fetch your own bone. the man is done stick a fork in him

before i forget how in the hell does gutierrez think he stands a chance if his own peers from the mexican chamber of commerce are laughing behind his back if they don’t support him how will the people take him serious he should keep his money in his pocket cause his mouth has his foot in it already don’t get me wrong he’s ok as a person but he does not have what it takes to be a leader. keep your money keep it. smarten up your not that dunce plus you don’t meet the height recommendation to be a politician you must be at least 5 feet to reach the podium.

I’ve asked around and none of Joaquins neighbors have seen him in a while. Does he actually still live in the ward?

and you call yourself a pundit sounds like ought to start filing for unemployment the way you sound ,sord of disconnected but thats cool cause the dog woke up and he’s hungry time to hunt. you should be concerned little richard is , and it shows if he did care he would at least fix the delvalle sign it’s been hanging on it’s side for four days already on his building. doesn’t seem he is on top of things right now. his pull has weakened and the trojan horse is under construction. pund on this latino

Augie Salas, Joaquin Salamanca, Ricardo Munoz and Jose Guttierez. I personally believe this marks the first time the incumbent has been faced with a real challenge. My vote is still up in the air. Everyone here can bash each individual because it’s true, no one is perfect. The truth of the matter is that the incumbent has lacked and maybe even lost a bit of passion for his current job. If a higher level of “success” is what he wants, then so be it. But please, give your seat up. Don’t allow your “beloved” community to suffer through the same services, or lack thereof. And Ricky, don’t try and intimidate your way to success. If I want to support someone other than you and place a window sign up, please don’t pay gang members to spray paint my garage. No, but that couldn’t be you, because as soon as I took the opponents sign down, it miraculously ended. I know this much of Augie Salas, if you submit 500 signatures in a race that only needs about 100 to get on the ballot, you have no place in this race. With that said, I don’t rule him out either. Politics shouldn’t be one human “bashing” another; it should be about the community and thoughts to improve it. Augie chooses the bashing. I didn’t know much of Joaquin Salamanca until I did some research on him (GOOGLED). On paper, this kid has what it takes. But lets be honest, can he carry over the success and charisma he built at his company? I sure hope so. As they say in sports lingo, he’s the one with the most potential. And for all those who speak negative of “IJS”, I’d rather read the truth than hide behind it. Regarding Jose Gutierrez, I guess I will simply have to wait and hear what he has to say. I also tried googling him, no results. I know he’s a Little Village businessman, but that’s about it. With all that said, let the best man win.

it’s beautiful to hear an intellectual person speak his mind and make total sense, this is about change so let the best man win. interesting grace you sound like a winner in my book. do your homework and make the best choice as for me salamanca has what it takes. spread the word and let’s get more people involved at the voting booth cause it’s time more latinos get involved in politics . the power is our and i’ts ours to loose.

C’mon…Are you serious? We love our Block Parties 8RZb2nTS…youre not in anyway making joaquin salamanca look bad. He’s the all around favorite…with that said, the whole negative/blasting the opposition aspect of ’politics" is def. on your mind. Do you not have any other material on him? Im sure nothing tops guns and cocaine……………please elaborate

It’s been interesting to read all the commentary regarding the future of the 22nd ward. I stumbled onto this site after doing a look-up on Joaquin. I (obviously) do not know any of you but for the most part this blog is right on track. Fellow bloggers… I have know Joaquin since his years in high school. I was introduced to him by my god son who was at Quigley at the time. At first, yes, his obvious charm lends itself to question his sincerity. I hired him to do (non-prof) work at Association House of Chicago. I have got to say that his are rare god-given gifts. He is def. one of a kind. His never-ending talk about little village community improvement annoyed everyone at the agency. He spent two years working for me before he moved-on to work for a computer company. After years of observing his progress I have to say that I am super impressed with his ability to identify a goal and then go all out to execute on making it happen. Don’t know how many people know this or not but Joaquin was born raised and stayed in little village even after he blew-up after the internet dotcom boom. He is essentially one of the only leading latino authorities and advocates in progress through economics, education and technology. I don’t live in the was but i have to contribute to this convo. Joaquin Salamanca should probably be in New York City drumming-up business for for some multi-national entity. Haven’t seen him in a bit but I will tell you this much – he worked for me. This respectable, even admirable, young-man is truly destined for greatness. Whether it is in propelling little village or building some international business model – he is on. People of Little Village, if you are on this site, I implore – sit down and have a conversation with this individual. You probably already know who I am based on this commentary and that’s fine. You need to know that “foam always rises to the top.” Joaquin Salamanca-as best as I’ve followed- has always gone up and beyond the call with any and all goals and objectives that he has set for himself. I know the gent and his family – a stand-up family of god-fearing, county loving, education-championing values. The kid worked for Chicago Park District before Association House of Chicago worked at Micro-Tech USA went on to work for the premier internet company in the nation built a nationally recognized technology consulting firm. Now he has a true loing-termn vision and wants to invigorate community that fostered him? This shouldn’t even be a questionmark!!! People – this isn’t about what has he done (hands-on community service) in the neighborhood. It’s about one guy’s lifelong journey and experience. He was reared in Little Village considered the priesthood in high school at Quigley moved-on to business school at Loyola (yes financing his college organizing events) and is bringing all his experience back to Little Village. If you are a voter in the ward – this should be a no-brainer. Our children should aspire to be a Joaquin Salamanca when they grow-up. Experience the world of altruism, humanitarianism, business, technology, and the host of other things this guy is involved with -— BUT have enough soul and heart to bring it back to the kids of the community. I’ll end it with this…before you go bad-mouthing Joaquin – please, sit-down and talk to him. He worked for me and some of my colleagues and I guarantee that he is THE ONE for LV. I’ll be posting to this blog in about 12 years and you’ll see what I, my collegues, his family, his market-leading clients, teachers, community supporters, the church itself and law-enforcement authorities are saying about Joaquin. 22 you have a REAL-DEAL in front of you. Vote for change – for for Salamanca.

Amen to “No-brainer” – On February 27, 2006 vote for Joaquin Salamanca. Kids need a role model and someone that is going to genuinely role-up their sleeves, outline a long-term vision and get things done. Another 4 years of the same-ol’…? No way!

If Salamanca is so interested in helping LV, why did he move out? He may be registered on Keeler, but he don’t live there any more…

how stupid do you sound pnputos what a freaking moron you have to give munoz a bit more credit then that don’t you think if salamanca did not live there that munoz is at least smart enought to use that to knock him off the ballot. baboso idiota. im sorry but you had that coming. use your common sense before you give a comment like that…now go change your diaper puto.

Jose Guttierez is the only one that can get this ward running good, lower crime, clean up the streets. He is a smart business owner!

so why is the chamber of commerce for little village supporting SALAMANCA and not guttierrez who happens to be their own treasurer don’t quote me ask him yourself

Taking22nd, did I strike a nerve? Take a deep breath and settle down buddy.

im sorry guy i must of missed my medication so i acted irrational though straight to the point. i do admit i have little patience for ignorance but dude it’s not your fault you lack information but as the days go on please drive up and down the streets and count the signs a few for gutierrez a bit more for salamanca and 0000000000000for munoz it is a new era so choose your best man. salamanca or gutierrez just do your homework maybe we can come together if you care about our little village seriously lets hook up for the best of our people SALAMANCA FOR CHANGE WE DESERVE BETTER WE DESERVE MORE……….. vote early starting feb5-feb27th…. im settled now , now you be responsible and help don’t hurt our peolple you in?

REad through most of these comments and have some thoughts.

First of Mr. Salamanca seems credible because his business creates web sites. So he can freely create web sites that make him look great. Lets give him credit he’s good at making himself appear qualified and intelligent.

For the individual who stated that Salamanca is sacrificing his succesful business to become alderman is sadly mistaken. First off his business is simply creating web sites. From what I see he simply buys 60 dollar templates and sells them for $4,000 to clients who are technically illeterate. I have a friend who had his site done by him and then found his same site somewhere else. That might be smart but its a bit on the “shady” side. I don’t believe he is raking in the dough, in fact if im not mistaken he just moved back to his neighborhood and lives in his parents building. Doesnt sound too succesful to me. Additionally alderman are free to hold other jobs so this is just another pay check for the guy. HDO simply approached him and asked him if he is interested in making 100,000 a year. Of course he would jump on the idea. Of course he wouldnt care who is making this offer. HDO gives latinos a horrible name and its sad that they still hold any kind of power. If Salamanca is the kind of person who will dance with the devil to get what he wants, thats defintely not a role model for any youngster.

For the invidivual who said its not about what you’ve done, you are mistaken. Mr. Salamanca has been about nothing but himself and this is just another example. The launching of his community organization right before declaring his interest in the alderman position is so transparent but he still went ahead with it. Why because most people won’t dig deep enough to see through him. If he truly cared about his community and was active he would not need do do these “shady” tactics.

As far as his vision, do you honestly think his ideas are new? Do you think as alderman he can freely complete these goals. Of course not.

If you want real change in your community it takes action from the community itself. An alderman can only do so much, in the end its up to the people. So start a block club, clean up your alley, educate your kids, join your local school council..etc..etc. Don’t wait for the city to take care of it, be proactive.

That’s all, just wanted to give some thoughts.

Anyone who would take support from HDO has no moral values. HDO gives latinos a horrible name and until we remove that thorn from Chicago, Hispanic politicians will always be ridiculed by the Media.

S