Petition Total - 11,012 (UPDATE - 11,187)

We knew this was a quixotic endeavor. 122,000 signatures in 20 days was a near impossibility.

That being said, with no organization, no warning, no real motivation but disgust and anger with a system that has bled the city and taxpayers for decades and an aldercreature talking out of his ass, we managed to motivate a gathering of 11,000 signatures in 20 days. For a blog that generates 10,000 hits a day, that's not a bad showing. 11,000 votes can make a difference.

First up, thanks must be expressed to Sgt. John Northen (retired). John volunteered to collect, bind and submit the petitions. While we didn't reach the magic number, without his stepping up to be the person in front of the curtain, we wouldn't have had even this small showing. Hopefully, he inspires some others to take their place at the head of what may become a grass-roots-type effort the next time around.

Second, the circulators. You weren't willing to take the word of naysayers and pessimists of which there were plenty in our comment sections and in the field. Many of you probably had your doubts (well-founded doubts) but you did the work anyway. The longest journey starts with the smallest steps and this was a small step. A better organization with more time may very well make the difference next time. Hopefully that organization is being created right now.

A special thanks goes out to the Chicago Fire Department. They were overrepresented in their signatures and in their collecting of signatures. A lot of good-natured teasing goes on between our departments along with some underlying resentments. We have to learn that we are on the same side of many issues, and together we can make some lasting changes that will benefit all of us.

And finally, the signers. Whatever your motivation, courage, disgust, vengeance, putting the pen to paper is the simplest and most powerful of acts. Voting is another. Participation is the key and you participated.

We'll be posting on the effort again shortly and where we might be able to take it in the future. Thanks to everyone who participated. Believe us, it wasn't a waste of time. Not by a long shot.

UPDATE: An additional bunch signatures were received by Sgt. Northen this morning. Had this been actually filed this AM with the Board of Elections, they'd have been out of the running, but as we can't file so shortly, we'll add them to the total.

UPDATE: With a final hand delivery, the total became 11,187.