About the Candidate
Name: Heather Way Kitzes
DOB: Aug. 19, 1970
Family: Husband David, Son Jack, Daughter Lilly
Occupation: Manager of Government and Neighborhood Relations, Chicago Cubs
Political Experience: None
Website: wayforward47.org
Candidate Statement
I’m Heather Way Kitzes. For 13 years, I was the Executive Director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, and for the last 4 years, I’ve served as the Manager of Neighborhood Relations for the Chicago Cubs.
I live in Ravenswood with my husband David, my son Jack and our daughter Lilly. Jack’s 17, and a Junior at a CPS school. Pretty soon, he’ll be off to college. Wherever he ends up, he can tell his new friends about his hometown of Chicago, where he played little league in a City park, rode public transportation to his part‐time job at a family‐owned restaurant, and received a quality public school education.
I want the same for my 3 year old Lilly, but with a little twist. I want her to walk these same city streets and feel a little safer. I want her to play in City parks that are a little cleaner and greener. And I don’t want her to have to deal with the stress of 7th grade, because we’ll have neighborhood high schools that are considered a destination, rather than a fallback option.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Aldermanic offices and City Hall as a neighborhood advocate. I’ve worked on the everyday customer service responsibilities that an Alderman provides: tree trims, rat abatement, business licensing and developing neighborhood zoning policy. And that’s what I think we need more of: a customer service mentality focusing on and paying attention to the needs of our community. As your alderman, I’ll engage & listen, respond & take action.
I’ve been through my own personal struggles. And like many people, I’ve had to start over. This city has its struggles too, but through hard work and sometimes making difficult choices, I know we can overcome it. A unified community working with one thing in mind – our common welfare – can overcome anything.
As Alderman, I’ll do what I’ve always done: Bring people together. I am committed to keeping our neighborhood Safe, Informed, Clean and Vibrant.
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
I will be a 24/7 Alderman focused on the customer service aspects of being an Alderman.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
Affordability of housing in our neighborhood is one the rise, and is driving out middle-class families. I will work tirelessly to ensure that working people can afford to live and build a family in the 47th Ward.
