Three years ago, Englewood’s quiet revolution began when Charlotte Bennett Schoen was elected councilwoman of Englewood's 2nd Ward.  The following year, Ken Rosenzweig unseated the incumbent to become councilman of Englewood's 1st Ward.  And last year, Gordon Johnson was elected Councilman-at-Large.  This succession of elections has finally delivered a council majority that's loyal to the people of Englewood and independent of county boss Joe Ferriero's pay-to-play machine.  We believe that Councilwoman Schoen's reelection is a crucial step in maintaining this independence.

Over the last three years, Councilwoman Schoen has displayed integrity, courage and leadership.  After taking office, Schoen led the council in rescinding the costly "Lifetime Free Health Benefits" ordinance.  And last year, she successfully worked to get a downtown developer to tear down illegal construction while avoiding a legal battle that would have been costly to taxpayers.  This kind of judgment and accountability in city government would have been unheard of just three years ago. 

During her tenure, Schoen has displayed the kind of nervy leadership, courageous independence and persistent problem-solving that our municipality needs.  She has fought for transparency in government by opening up the council's executive sessions to public participation and convening monthly meetings in which city department heads answer the public's questions.  Furthermore, Schoen has been a vocal advocate of government oversight.  Last year, she successfully fought to bring the renegade Board of Health under control.  Most recently, she called for more oversight over the massive Flat Rock Square project after the mayor's Planning Board voted to give its developers whatever they wanted at taxpayer expense.

Time and time again, Councilwoman Schoen has demonstrated that her loyalty lies with the people of Englewood and not with government insiders, political bosses and Big Money interests.

In contrast, Mayor Michael Wildes has put up his buddy Marvin Anhalt to challenge Councilwoman Schoen.  Anhalt is the Chairman of the Wildes-controlled Planning Board, appointed to the position after donating $2000 to Wildes in 2004.  Since then, Anhalt has helped Wildes manage the pliant Planning Board, which consistently votes in favor of tax giveaways  to developers and others.  This comes as no surprise, considering Anhalt himself is a local real estate developer.  With Wildes seeking to advance himself  by joining the Ferriero pay-to-play machine, we believe that Anhalt's election would clearly signal a setback to good government in Englewood.

The Englewood Report has no hesitation in endorsing Charlotte Bennett Schoen for a second term as 2nd Ward Councilwoman. The Primary Election is on June 5, 2007.