Carol In the News

Carol Moseley Braun Discusses Business Development at Opening of Uptown Office


January 22, 2011 -­‐ -- Mayoral candidate Carol Moseley Braun today opened a neighborhood office at 4711 N. Broadway, in Chicago’s Uptown community. She was joined by local leaders and supporters who marched up Broadway and stood with Senator Moseley Braun as she cut a ceremonial red ribbon and declared the office open and ready to work with the citizens of the 41st Ward.

 

Senator Moseley Braun said cutting the red tape is also what she’ll do as mayor to encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and provide jobs in the neighborhoods. “Communities like Uptown need jobs and resources for economic growth, and as mayor I will make sure the city creates an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses can provide that growth.”


“The way for the city to balance its budget is with an economy that is growing. Entrepreneurs are the key to balancing our budget and creating prosperity for the middle class. Under my administration, the city will stand with entrepreneurs and not with the bureaucrats.”


Lift the regulatory barriers on home-based businesses. Home-based businesses should be allowed to employ up to four people, not just one, and permitted to create products (like greeting cards or stuffed animals or jewelry or crafts) unless it creates a nuisance for neighbors. Ordinances that currently prohibit them from making any products in the home that aren’t sold at retail should be repealed. Allow home-based businesses to sell their products to anyone, including resellers or online, and abolish the ordinance that restricts their ability to sell their products. Allow home-based businesses to display their products to customers as they see fit, and abolish the city ordinance that prohibits them from displaying products on shelves or racks.


Abolish the requirement that retail computer centers get a special license. Currently would-be entrepreneurs who want to rent out computer workstations to the public for a fee must ask the city for permission to open. Given the digital divide and the need for more businesses providing services the people want, we need to abolish this needless license.


Allow street vendors to sell art, flowers and fruits freely. The city should abolish the ordinances that restrict the ability of vendors to not only make a living but bring eyes and ears to the streets as a matter of public safety. It was a food vendor in Times Square who noticed the empty car with a bomb in it, averting a huge disaster. Especially in our higher-crime areas, street vendors are a better crime deterrent than any camera.


Senator Moseley Braun also spoke about the increased momentum of her campaign as indicated in recent polls. Her support among likely voters nearly tripled in the past month, according to a Chicago Tribune poll.


“Our momentum keeps growing as we continue to take our message directly to the neighborhoods,” said Senator Moseley Braun. “Chicagoans want big business to spend millions to provide employment in the neighborhoods, not donate millions to buy an election.”

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