As one of those who spoke out against Smith and Arne Duncan at the meeting, I think one thing for certain was accomplished: Smith clearly wants to frame the naval takeover of Senn a "done deal," but the non-business community members present told her otherwise.

Her approach is a Chicago classic: come in with an agenda already achieved (at least in her mind), then propose to "move on" with involvement of a cobbled together "task force" composed of the safe elements who are already on board or will accept her fait accompli. Or so she hopes.

We need to keep the pressure on both within her "task force" charade and in the streets. At least one member of her task force, Lutheran pastor Paul Koch spoke against the navy at the North Shore Baptist meeting, and may be approachable by the SSC. He's at the church on Foster near Paulina.

Mary Ann Smith has provoked opposition previously from historic preservation backers in Edgewater. Daley's darling has a cozy relationship with the developers which has resulted in threats to many historic buildings in the area. Edgewater Historical Society, Kathy Gemperle.