Mandera did not respond to messages left at VIP’s and at Custom Companies, the trucking firm in Northlake.
His attorney, Brendan Shiller, the son of former independent Ald. Helen Shiller (46th), said by phone, “I don’t think people are being fair,” but he declined to specify.
On behalf of Mandera, Shiller sent an emailed statement that said, “I am a military veteran that has seen family and friends suffer from ALS, cancer and other ailments where the pain could have been alleviated by medical marijuana. I have proposed a dispensary that will specifically cater to veterans and other properly licensed patients that are in need of care. I look forward to working with the community to making sure that our medical facility becomes a good neighbor and important part of the community fabric. I also look forward to hearing all concerns and suggestions from the community.”
The state, which is now considering who will be granted the 60 dispensary licenses throughout the state, of which 13 will be in Chicago, isn’t just basing it’s decision on the business proposal, a spokeswoman said.