About the Candidate
Name: Rebecca Janowitz
DOB: Oct. 29, 1953
Family:
- 2 Sons, Aaron and Daniel
- 1 Daughter-in-law, Anne
- 1 grandchild, Alex, age 20 Months
Occupation:
- Lawyer
- Civil Servant
Political Experience: Volunteer on multiple campaigns, including those for Jackie Treynere, Nancy Rotering, Toni Preckwinkle, and Lori Lightfoot
Website: rebeccajanowitz.com
Candidate Statement
Hello, I’m Rebecca Janowitz, and I’m running to be the Alderman of the 43rd Ward.
I’m running because I want to build a full-service office that meets the needs of the residents of the ward, and actually helps them solve their problems, both big and small. Part of that is addressing the recent spike in violence in our community, and I’ll work to ensure that the city cracks down on crime, but also cracks down on the causes of crime, including the lack of opportunity. When the city government works and improves the lives of the people who live here, the entire city prospers.
I want to keep the ward a thriving, desirable place to live, and my first priority as Alderman would be to make sure that development is community centered, and not driven by special interests. I will work to preserve the human scale of the neighborhood by promoting sustainable development and maintaining our architectural heritage.
I spent nearly two decades at a neighborhood law firm before going to work for the 4th Ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle. Since then, I’ve worked for the Chicago Public Schools, the Cook County Sherriff’s office, and then the Cook County Justice Advisory Councils. I have seen the county introduce transparency into the budgeting process. I believe we should adopt that approach, and make sure the residents of the city understand where their money is going and let them weigh in on the process. I’m also a lifelong resident of Chicago, I’ve raised a family here, and I’m excited to see my grandson grow up in my hometown.
I believe my skills and experience will allow me to serve those who live in our community. I founded the Children’s Book Fair and I’ve served on two local school councils. Out of everyone who is currently running to be the Alderman of the 43rd Ward, I’m the one with the background and the track record that proves I’ll help those who live in our ward. My campaign is going to be about listening to the voters of the 43rd ward, and if elected, I will work hard to make sure I’m a voice for them on the city council.
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
The 43rd ward merits a responsive, full service ward office that assists residents from all walks of life. Moreover, the 43rd Ward should be an advocate for a better governed city that directly tackles the most pressing issues facing the city today. The 43rd Ward is uniquely positioned to provide informed expertise on a range of issues, and Alderman should take advantage of the full range of the local knowledge.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
After decades of mismanagement, this city is facing a financial crisis it has never seen before. The number priority of the city council should be to get the city finances on track, and make sure that the budget is going towards paying for our priorities.
We cannot tackle crime, education, parks, traffic, attracting retail, and preserving our unique human scale architectural heritage without having the proper resources to do so. And in order to acquire those resources, we must first ensure the financial health of the city.
