Candidate for Chicago City Council

About the Candidate

Name: Samantha Nugent
DOB: April 27, 1977
Family: I am married with three children.
Occupation: Lawyer - Candidate for Alderman 39th Ward
Political Experience: Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM)
Chief of Staff
April 2013-September 2015
Coordinated all administrative, operational, communications and response activities, programs and personnel of DHSEM. Represented Cook County and the Cook County Board President on various regional, state and federal committees related to confidential Homeland Security, Public Safety and Emergency Management matters. Provided emergency response assistance to mutual aid organizations. Coordinated emergency notification and public alert services and oversaw all media activity.

The British Consulate General, Chicago
Chicago, IL
Vice Consul – Political, Press and Public Affairs
December 2006-September 2011
Managed and directed the Midwest Political, Press and Public Affairs team which had oversight over 13 states. Served as spokesperson for the Consulate and oversaw all communications efforts. Oversaw and developed the United Kingdom’s Midwest political strategy. Created and implemented programs for Parliamentary and Ministerial visits to the Midwest. Served as liaison for UK’s counter-terrorism and radicalization program. Acted as conduit between US and UK leaders and maintained relationships with contacts in government, media, academia, and non-governmental organizations.

The Honorable Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General
Chicago, IL
Director of Operations and Counsel, Citizens for Lisa Madigan
April 2006-November 2006
Directed campaign scheduling and advance.

The Honorable Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Mayoral Fellow, Office of the Honorable Richard M. Daley
January 2004-April 2005
Assisted the Mayor’s office in both Chicago and Springfield. Researched proposed and current legislation. Tracked legislation, drafted memorandums, and monitored new initiatives. Created statewide coalitions to work with members of the Illinois General Assembly. Assisted counsel in revising the Chicago Municipal Code and worked with Commissioners and City Council in adopting Code changes.

Additional campaign experience includes:

  • Chicago Advance Staff, President William Jefferson Clinton
  • Barack Obama for Senate – Fieldwork, Kankakee County
  • Hillary Clinton - Chicago Advance Staff
  • Gov. Howard Dean - Advance team Chicago and Iowa
  • Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) – Intern

Website: samanthanugent39.com

Candidate Statement

My name is Samantha Nugent and I am running to be the next Alderman of Chicago’s 39th Ward. I am running to spur economic development, enhance public safety, invest in our local infrastructure, provide quality city services, and support our neighborhood schools. I am a lawyer, a working mother, and an active member of my community.

I have been working in public service for over 20 years. As the former Chief of Staff for the Cook County Department of Homeland Security, I worked with partners across government, business, and non-profit sectors, where I developed programs that helped communities prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters.

I will make it a priority to bring more public safety resources to the Ward. I will partner with the police, fire and first responder community to ensure that they have the necessary resources to do their job. I understand the importance of strong relationships between our first responders and the members of the community they serve.

As Alderman, I will also work directly with City Departments and the Mayor’s office to ensure 39th Ward City Services are being executed in a timely and efficient manner. Residents deserve prompt responses to their inquiries. I will work tirelessly to bring businesses back to our ward so that we can shop locally and invest in our community instead of travelling to the suburbs for our shopping, dining and entertainment needs.

My husband and I are the proud parents of three children – they are our greatest accomplishment. As Alderman, I will work to ensure that students in the 39th Ward receive the necessary resources to thrive socially and academically at school. I support an elected school board and I support including teachers in the conversation surrounding what is in the best interest of the children they are teaching. I served on the school council at my children’s school and I know how hard teachers work to educate our children.

Our community is made up of residents who see our potential to transform and grow into the most vibrant Ward in the City. It would be an honor to represent the residents of Chicago’s 39th Ward. Thank You.

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

My campaign has always been about the 39th Ward. I am running for Alderman to spur smart economic development, enhance public safety, invest in our local infrastructure, provide quality city services, and preserve the quality of life in the 39th Ward. I am a working mom, an active community member, and a trained lawyer. I know how to build consensus and turn ideas into action. I have dedicated my personal and professional life to supporting causes that strengthen communities.

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

Public Safety - As the former Chief of Staff at the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, I have extensive experience working with the police, fire and first responder community. We have seen an increase in crime – and the crime has been more aggressive. This requires an Alderman who understands how to forge partnerships with law enforcement and get them the resources they need to effectively do their job.