About the Candidate
Name: Charles Kyle
DOB: Jan. 29, 1986
Occupation: Education
Political Experience: Former member Cook County Young Democrats, Field Organizer for IL-2 (2018)
Website: charleskyleforalderman.com
Candidate Statement
My name is Charles Kyle and I am running for aldermen of the 7th ward.
If elected alderman I will immediately start working to revitalize the communities of the ward.
I want sustainable business investments throughout every neighborhood of the ward. I want small business owners to have the supports they need to thrive and contribute to the fabric of our community.
Every child deserves a quality education and I will fight to make sure that we have properly funded neighborhood schools. And that a percentage of all new city revenue is allocated for classroom resources.
If elected I would also work to stabilize the housing in our ward. Vacant properties that become eyesores are not a reflection of who we are as a ward and we need to hold banks and landlords accountable.
I am the best candidate for the job because I have shown time and time again my commitment to the Southeast side and the 7th ward. I have hosted numerous events in the ward for youth and engaged the adults of the ward in the civic process by hosting multiple community forums.
If elected alderman I will make sure we have a vibrant and beautiful ward. A ward where children can go outside to play, and residents can walk to businesses in their community that they can be proud of.
Together we can transform our ward into what we want it to be.
Thank You!
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
My vision for the office is to have an aldermanic office that is transparent and committed to the revitalization of the community. One that breaks down governmental processes so that every constituents can understand the issues at hand. I plan on my office space being big enough to hold community meetings for various non-profits and block club organizations. I will hold multiple town hall meetings, calling for special town halls when we are voting on a city budget. I will institute Participatory Budgeting so that the community has a hand in all decision making.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
While the ward has several pressing issues, the biggest issue is lack of development along our business corridors. Our businesses corridors are completely blighted and eyesores to drive pass. As alderman, I would work to remove some of the red tape, which hinders small businesses from opening up. I believe reducing permit and license fees would help spark development. I would also offer tax incentives and create grants for minority small business owners to open up in blighted business corridors. Furthermore, I believe that business and public safety are directly related and with the creation of new businesses we would see a decrease in crime in the ward.
