About the Candidate
Name: Andrew D. Rowlas
DOB: Jan. 17, 1943
Family: Single
Occupation: Retired educator for 38 years in the public schools of Indiana and Illinois
Political Experience: I have never held a public office before but have been active in politics.
Website: rowlasforward50.com
Candidate Statement
Why am I running?
The current alderman is complacent and has a thin record of achievements.
She has voted with City Hall 98% her first term and in the last 18 months 96%.
I am a progressive, proactive candidate who wants to work with the community and engage more people in our civic affairs.
I will hold regular community meetings and reach out to everyone.
Together we are stronger and better working for the common good.
Some major goals are as follows:
Involve the community in economic planning and development.
Establish participatory budgeting.
Promote the arts and working with other community groups to establish a pan-cultural community arts center.
Support high quality public education.
Promote affordable housing and stabilize neighborhoods from gentrification.
I believe I am the best choice for a better Ward 50 and Chicago.
Visit my website at www.Rowlasforward50.com.
Vote for me on February 26, 2019.
Thank you.
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
I envision a more open and responsive public servant who advocates on behalf of the ward residents and their issues proactively and who listens to their concerns, ideas and needs.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
What I have learned speaking with residents is that one of the most pressing issues facing constituents is the lack of economic planning and development in our ward. We have many empty store fronts on our major corridors and this situation could become worse. People would like to be able to walk to their destinations for goods rather than get in their cars and shop elsewhere. They would like to support local businesses and have more community social life and opportunities.
But what kinds of businesses and services?
I would get more people involved in planning this change and community input for this growth. We will develop a long-range plan with benchmarks to identify what services and businesses are needed and wanted, then work with local developers and realtors to list what spaces we have available to house these businesses and finally actively seek them out.
This will spur a more vibrant civic life, bring revenues and jobs into our area and bring needed tax dollars to fund necessary services, such as schools, street repairs, improvements in safety, recreation, restored library hours.
