About the Candidate
Name: Jacob Ringer
DOB: Aug. 7, 1985
Family: Wife Dana and two sons, Leo and Henry
Occupation: Full-time Candidate for Alderman
Political Experience: I’ve held multiple roles on campaigns in the past building valuable experience of how Chicago politics work culminating in my role as the first chief of staff for the Chief Financial Officer of Chicago. In that role, I learned how government should and should not operate. One of my projects I spearheaded at the city was the creation of digital billboards on the expressway which will raise more than 200 million dollars over 20 years. My unique approach to problem-solving helped the city to find this new revenue stream without raising taxes fines or fees. This experience allowed me to understand the City’s financial problems and the creative solutions that can get it back on track.
Website: ringer4results.com
Candidate Statement
Hi, I’m Jacob Ringer. I’m a proactive leader, a consensus builder. I get results. I believe the only solution to our problems is to encourage growth by addressing crime and taxes. As alderman, I’ll fight for small business, storefronts, and better management of our roads and services.
I will demand more police in our ward and I’ll have their back, making sure they have the resources they need. I’ll ensure that officers assigned here, stay here so they are accountable to our community. Beat cops know when something is out of place and are in a better position to prevent crime from happening in the first place. That’s why we need real community policing to address major crimes and ensure police are available to respond to petty crimes like porch pirates and broken car windows, which I’ve seen drive business away.
I’ve worked in and out of government and as a civic leader in our neighborhood. I am the only person running who has delivered revenue without raising taxes, fines or fees. As chief of staff to the CFO of the City of Chicago, I spearheaded the creation of digital billboards on the expressway which brought in 25 million dollars in its first year and is on target to raise more than 200 million over the next 20. By collaborating with six departments, Aldermen, our business partners, and the State of Illinois, my problem solving helped make this idea a reality and a reliable revenue stream. City Council must look at solutions like this instead of putting further strain on property owners.
With the right leadership, Lincoln Yards is an opportunity for responsible growth. That is why I have met with stakeholders and attended every meeting at every step of the way. I met with Park District CEO Mike Kelly last fall, unlike anyone else.
Final plans must include ample park space, an east‐west bridge at Armitage and No stadium.
I know this neighborhood because I’ve spent my adult life here. I served as president of the Auxiliary board at the zoo, fought tear downs and closures, rallied parents together to help save Chalkboard preschool. This is my dream job, I want to serve my community by fighting for our future together.
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
As a full-time alderman, I will be active and engaged in community issues, especially around reducing crime, attracting local business and filling vacant storefronts. I will be transparent and responsive, bringing back weekly ward night and open office hours and proactively communicating with ward residents when there are interruptions or modifications to city services.
I will be a unifying voice in City Council, working with both new and current aldermen to explore new sources of revenue and creative solutions for more efficient government. My understanding of city finances and the challenges ahead will be invaluable to appropriately evaluate financial proposals. I have personally worked with many of the aldermen and government officials on legislation both in and around government.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
Crime is one of the top issues, if not the number 1, that I hear about in every part of this ward. The first thing we need to do is be involved in the conversations around the issues. I have been attending CAPS meetings in every beat for more than 2 years. Through those CAPS meetings I have gotten to know the beat officers, community members and sergeants in both the 18th and 19th district. Unfortunately, due to our current policing strategy, I still don’t know my beat officers. There is a disconnect between our police and the community they serve.
It’s time to rethink how we do crime prevention in the City of Chicago. We need more cops walking a beat because police should be part of our community. When they are, they know when something is out of place and they are in a position to respond to crimes while they are happening, and more importantly, prevent it from happening in the first place.
