Candidate for Chicago City Council

Candidate Statement

I’d like to thank WTTW and its viewers for this opportunity.

My name is Atty. Dernard D. Newell, and I am running for Alderman of the 20th Ward in the City of Chicago. The 20th Ward encompasses areas on the south side of Chicago which include Woodlawn, Englewood, Washington Park and the Back of the Yards.

I will bring my vast experience as an attorney, pastor, former IPRA & COPA investigator, and a staffer on both the Senate Judicial Committee for, then, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden and to the late U.S. Senator & astronaut John Glenn of Ohio.

As Alderman of the 20th Ward, it will be critical to know, out the gate, that this office will require me to be an effective legislator and collation-builder. The work of an alderman is not glamorous, but I consider it a calling that requires a love for the people of the community he or she serves, in particular, and the city, as a whole; and a burning desire to improve the lives of the people of Chicago. I take this calling seriously and will continue to draw upon my experience in government, the legal arena & the ministry to make sure all things, large and small, will get done. I believe a transparent, accountable and efficient government is what will move the city forward for all Chicagoans and the 20th Ward in particular.

I embrace and live my life by a quote by Marian Wright Edelman, "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time."

Team Newell’s message is resonating, as seen by our support from the grassroots, business and legal communities but most importantly, the voters we meet going door-to-door along the campaign trail.

Come join us!

Please visit dernardnewellforthe20th.com and be part of our winning team!

I’m Atty. Dernard D. Newell, and I look forward to serving as your next Alderman of the 20th Ward.