Candidate for Chicago City Council

About the Candidate

Name: Elizabeth Shydlowski
DOB: July 21, 1969
Family: My family includes my husband, Mike and our three children: Bella (17), Sam (15) and Jack (11).
Occupation: Fundraising and community relations consultant
Political Experience: 1993-2018

Mayor David R. Langston (D - Lubbock, TX) - Intern - 1991-1993

Inaugural Celebration of Bill Clinton (D), Washington, D.C. – Internship through the Washington Center.

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) - Legislative Correspondent 1993-1995

Executive Director Cook County Republican Party - 1995-2000

Office of the Chief Judge - Donald O’Connell (D) 2001-2003

Office of the Chief Judge - Timothy Evans (D) 2003-2005

State Public Affairs Director - Junior League of Chicago - 2004-2005

Finance Director - Mark Kirk for Congress 2005-2007

Illinois Fundraising Consultant, Marco Rubio for President – 2016

State of Illinois, Rauner Administration - Governor’s Process Improvement Initiative - Healthcare and Family Services (2016-2017)

Website: elizabethfor44.com

Candidate Statement

Hello, everyone. I’m Elizabeth Shydlowski. I’m running for alderman in the 44th Ward, and hope to earn your vote on Feb. 26.

I’m the only parent in this race, and have lived in Chicago for the last 23 years, including the last four in Lakeview.

My desire to serve you—and my story—begin long ago. My dad died when I was 12. And, I remember seeing my mom struggle to obtain survivor benefits from the complicated process and rude staff at the VA and Social Security Offices.

It should never be that way when taxpayers interact with their government -- so for the last 25 years I’ve worked with Democrats and Republicans to improve government for citizens.

That includes working with Maggie Daley, founder of the Frances Xavier Warde school, to raise money for families in need of scholarships ... and Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans to improve taxpayer services.

I’m running because what I see in Lakeview reminds me of what that 12-year-old girl saw many years ago: government not working for citizens but for political insiders, like my opponents.

I will wake up for you every single morning to do three things:

First, create safer streets. Crime and carjackings are too frequent in our neighborhood. We need an alderman who will advocate to keep our community safe and provide the resources officers need to do their job.

Second, we need stronger schools: We must invest more in our children and hold leaders accountable. That’s why I support an elected school board.

Finally, we need sensible solutions. For too long, we’ve been told by Alderman Tunney what isn’t his job, or what isn’t possible.

I will be a full-time alderman who looks for innovative solutions instead of looking at taxpayers as bottomless ATMs. And, I will be a unifying voice and advocate for every adult, child, school, non-profit and business in the 44th Ward.

I hope I can earn your trust and your vote this election. Lakeview deserves a fresh start on Feb. 26, and I would be honored to work for you.

Thank you.

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

As a full-time Alderman for the 44th Ward, I will use my 25-year bi-partisan experience in government, politics, education and non-profits, along with my relationship building skills and tenacity to establish safe neighborhoods, strong schools and sensible solutions in City-Hall. I will also work with fellow Alderman to ensure that the City-Council functions independently from the Mayor’s office, as a truly autonomous legislative body.

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

Crime.

- Ensure that the 19th Police District has every resource available to do their job:

‐ Full allotment of officers

‐ Inventory all available assets and resources made available to the 19th District and ensure we have received and taken advantage of them.

‐ Use data driven analysis with the help of University of Chicago Crime Lab to identify trends and root causes.

‐ Work with community leaders and experts in juvenile offenders and gang activity to identify root cause and create immediate and long-term solutions.

‐ Use texting and social media to push our community action alerts.