Candidate for Chicago City Council

About the Candidate

Name: Richard Juarez
DOB: Oct. 21, 1966
Family: I have been married for 29 years, with three children, and four grandchildren. All three of my children are happily married and reside in the 22nd Ward.
Occupation: Director of Long‐term Services & Supports at Lawndale Christian Health Center
Political Experience: Worked in Public Health Administration (in particular with older adults). Commissioner of the Special Service Area # 25. City of Chicago’s Age Friendly Commission member.
Website: facebook.com/ElectJuarez22

Candidate Statement

Hello, my name is Richard Juarez; I am a candidate for Alderman for the 22nd Ward.

Issues:
My purpose for running is to advocate for and to represent the needs of all of our residents.

We face issues of safety, economic hardship, and health & wellness.

While this ward generates the city an outstanding amount of revenue, we are not a beneficiary of the necessary resources for healthy families and neighborhoods. We, as the hard-working people of the 22nd Ward contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of Chicago. We work hard for the city, and I intend to make the city work hard for us.

Safety (Seguridad):
Many residents continue to express their concerns regarding safety. I intend to strengthen and support organizations in their efforts to reduce or eliminate high risk behaviors. I’ll demand accountability and transparency through collaboration with our local Police Department.

Education (Educacion):
I’ll facilitate opportunities to create coalitions among schools, community-based organizations, businesses, and houses of worship for greater evidence-based outcomes.

Jobs (Trabajos):
I want to build up our infrastructure by improving our streets, sidewalks, alleys and sewers, including creating commercial roads that will divert diesel-consuming vehicles away from our residential communities.

Qualifications:
My investment in the community has been life-long. My wife and I have raised our children in the 22nd Ward; and now they are raising their own children here as well. We consider it an honor to live and serve in our community.

My education, and personal and professional experiences, have prepared me to successfully manage the responsibilities of the Aldermanic Office.

As alderman, I’ll continue to create opportunities that will enhance the quality of life of all of our residents.

My faith gives me the hope and resolve that we can live in safety, prosperity, health, and wellness.

I welcome your support, thank you.

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

My vision for this office is to have increased accountability, accessibility, and transparency. I will be demanding equitable opportunities for success among all residents. I will strongly emphasize the facilitating of network opportunities and coalition building. Additionally, I will support and encourage synergistic relationships among leaders of business, education, health, government, and the residents of the 22nd Ward.

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

Safety (Seguridad):
Overall, many residents have expressed and continue to express their concerns pertaining to safety. I intend to strengthen and support organizations in their efforts to reduce and/or eliminate high risk behaviors on populations of people they serve.

I will also be demanding accountability and promoting collaboration with our Chicago Police Department.

Finally, I will create coalitions among the many great organizations that serve our neighborhoods (community based organizations, businesses, schools, and houses of worship) for the purpose of creating efficiencies and greater‐evidence based outcomes.

Education (Educacion):
Support of local school and the school’s councils in their efforts to promote student success. Support of organizations that provide workforce development, connecting them to resources at the city, state, and federal levels, in order for them to provide job placement to local businesses.

Promoting healthy lifestyles

Promoting the Arts (music, painting, dance, etc.), as an essential part of a community’s identity, pride, and wellbeing.

Jobs (Trabajos):
Building infrastructure: Improving streets, sidewalks, and alleys by working with City’s streets & sanitation department and the unions.

I want to build commercial roads that will divert diesel consuming trucks away from our residential communities!

I want to promote and create Apprenticeship Programs with unions to allow community residents the opportunities for good paying secure jobs.