About the Candidate
Name: Neftalie Gonzalez
DOB: Sept. 8, 1964
Family: Single father of two daughters.
Occupation: Owner of Mundo Musical & Opportunity-Oportunidad (Nonprofit Organization)
Political Experience: This would be my third time as Candidate for 22nd Ward.
Candidate Statement
My name is Neftalie Gonzalez and I am running for Alderman of the 22nd ward (this will be my third time running for Alderman). I am 54 years old and I have been a part of the 22nd ward for the past 30 years. I am a former Chicago Police Officer, as a Police Officer I worked and served the 10th district which included most of the 22nd ward. While patrolling the streets of the 22nd ward, I noticed there was a lack of safety in the community due to high gang activity, and how badly kept the streets were. I was inspired to run as Alderman by interacting and listening to the residents of the ward.
I have been helping our youth, with career opportunities for approximately ten years. In 2017, I founded a nonprofit organization called “OpportUnity‐OportUnidad”. This organization is focused on bringing employment opportunities to the residents of the community. It is also focused on mentoring and helping students of the community to find a brighter future. I am also the owner of “Mundo Musical” located in Little Village. “Mundo Musical” frequently hosts musical events with well‐known Latino artist such as Luis Coronel, Gerardo Ortiz and Chiquis Rivera. These events not only bring business to the community, but entertainment as well.
If elected as Alderman of the 22nd ward, 100% of the resources designated to the 22nd ward will be used to benefit the community. The decisions that I make as Alderman will be based on the needs of the community. These needs can range anywhere from putting surveillance cameras to improving the streets of the community. I will be the voice of the people. Whatever the community needs, that is what I will supply to them. I will bring more jobs to the community, increase city services to the ward, create more after school programs for the youth and create additional programs for our seniors.
“It is important that families feel safe in and around their homes, not having to worry about violence in the streets. I want to build a safe community.”
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
I want to build a safe community, and a stronger community by assisting with career opportunities for residents of the 22nd Ward.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
Gang violence is the number one issue in the ward. I have been helping our youth with career opportunities for approximately ten years. In 2017, I founded a Nonprofit organization called “Opportunity-Oportunidad” with the focus on mentoring and helping students of the community to find a brighter future.
