Citizen Action and the New American Populism

Interviewing General Chaney, Charles Roche and Mary Lou Wolff of the Citizens Action Program.

As members of CAP (Citizens Action Program), Bernie Willow, Hazel Montgomery and Stanley Nappolomi all have their questions and concerns about the communities in which they reside and who gave the banks the right to determine which neighborhoods and communities are deteriorating. An outspoken, almost militant member, Bernie Willow, points out that the charters of savings and loans institutions was to loan money out so people could reside in the neighborhoods. Many of the establishments, Willow says, have dropped the word “Loan” from the businesses.

Alderman Dick Simpson discusses his book, "Strategies for Change: How to Make the American Political Dream Work," and his work as the 44th Ward Alderman. He explains the assembly system that now runs the 44th Ward, where members are able to bind him to a vote if the majority decides. He also discusses how the assembly has already changed redlining, the school system, truck load limits, and high rise development within their neighborhood.

Interviewing Paul Booth, Casey Lewan, and Margaret Person at a Senior Citizen's Panel sponsored by Citizens Action Program in Chicago.