Candidate for Chicago City Council

About the Candidate

Name: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
DOB: Feb. 18, 1989
Family: Partner Brian
Occupation: Alderman
Political Experience: Volunteer on various progressive campaigns, community organizer, political staffer, and elected Alderman.
Website: carlosrosa.org

Candidate Statement

Hello! My name is Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and it is an honor to represent you and our neighborhoods of Albany Park, Avondale, Hermosa, Irving Park, and Logan Square as Alderman of the 35th Ward.

I was elected four years ago with 67% of the vote with the support of a grassroots movement, and a commitment to take on the rich and powerful special interests at City Hall and put our neighborhoods and working families first.

Together, our movement opposed Mayor Emanuel's massive property tax increase and won $20 million in property tax relief for our most vulnerable families.

Together, we changed City code to ensure our trans sisters and brothers and friends could use the restroom facility of their choice, and that Chicagoans of all backgrounds were protected from abuse or coercion for their perceived immigration or nationality status.

Together, we organized coalitions and united neighbors to bring improvements to every part of our ward - a new playground in Hermosa, a new library with senior citizen affordable housing in Irving Park, a new Belmont Blue Line stop in Avondale, a new multi-family affordable housing development in Albany Park, and new development, like a boutique hotel with $17 an hour jobs in Logan Square.

And together, we put local zoning and budgetary decisions in the hands of the people of the 35th Ward, and are leading the way in equitable, inclusive, and transparent local decision making.

But perhaps most importantly, our greatest accomplishment is that together, we spoke boldly for change in Chicago, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel is out.

We are on the verge of transformational change in our city - we now have an opportunity to pass legislation and implement reforms that were blocked by an administration deaf to our concerns.

I am running for re-election because of everything we have accomplished and everything we will accomplish. In my second term I will continue to be a strong, independent, and bold voice for our working families, just as I have been in my first. And together, with your support, the 35th Ward will continue to be a leader in our citywide movement to win a government that is truly of by and for the people, a government that works for many, not a rich and powerful few. Thank you! Si se puede!

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

I am running for re-election because of everything we have accomplished and everything we will accomplish. In my second term I will continue to be a strong, independent, and bold voice for our working families, just as I have been in my first. And together, with your support, the 35th Ward will continue to be a leader in our citywide movement to win a government that is truly of by and for the people, a government that works for many, not a rich and powerful few. Si se puede!

What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?

The biggest issue facing Chicago is the need for revenue, and the city’s failure to enact progressive revenue. In order to fully fund our public schools, fully fund our pensions, provide city services, invest in our neighborhoods, and ensure we are improving public safety and improving Chicagoans quality of life we need to raise revenue. I am fighting to tax the rich and ensure we stop corporate handouts.