Gardiner critic targeted with $600 fine for “weeds”

In September 2019, 45th ward resident and vocal critic of Alderman Gardiner, Pete Czosnyka, found himself facing $600 in fines for “weeds”. Czosnyka fought the tickets in court and won a rare victory against the city for weed violations. The “weeds” in question were really native plants, many of which were originally bought from the City itself.

According to the reporter who covered this story, Czosnyka was written the tickets by Andrew Szorc, Alderman Nugent’s Ward Superintendent. This is also an incredibly rare occurrence, perhaps meant to distance Gardiner and his Ward Superintendent Charles Sikanich from what many perceive as a targeted and retaliatory move.