. . . for Chicago aldermen, to match suburbs’ requirement. This is his first defense:

. . . while the standard in Chicago has been at least 2 percent of the number of voters who cast ballots in the last aldermanic election, in most suburbs the standard is 5 percent.

Harmon sees no reason for that discrepancy.

Another defense:

. . . more important, filing petitions is, in the view of Mr. Harmon and some others, an initial test of viability, not only for the candidate but for the candidate’s ability to govern, should he or she actually win. If you can’t successfully obtain 400 or 500 or 600 valid signatures, Mr. Harmon argues, what makes you think you can run and then perform your duties as alderman?

Huh? But incumbents have the money and organization that gives them an edge in passing this test. They caught the eye…

Man stops to let small white dog come up to Jim on bench, who is staked out, 7 a.m. of a Sunday, book at ready. Dog says nothing. Neither does Jim. Owner man says good morning, takes dog away. Good.

Moments later, “Good morning” from woman with another little white dog, also silent, she from a few yards away, not yet abreast of Jim. He looks up and nods with a half wave, looks back down again, she takes her dog away.

Two up, two down in the early-morning Grumpy Jim game. Third person moments later with little black dog. Jim looks up as they approach, sees smiling off-white face of short-haired friendly woman, smiles good morning. Her little black dog, a poodle with no personality, stops before Jim and stares.

“Phoebe, he doesnt want to play,” woman says but does not pull Phoebe away. Instead, she tells Phoebe again…