Candidate for Chicago City Council

About the Candidate

Name: Tanya Patiño
DOB: Sept. 24, 1990
Family: I was raised in an immigrant household. My father has worked as a driver at a manufacturing plant for 27 years. I acquired my strong work ethic from both of my parents. My parents stressed the importance of education and I was able to become the first in my family to graduate from a university. The 14th Ward is home to my family. We have lived here my whole life. I have many aunts, uncles, and cousins that live and work throughout the ward as well.
Occupation: Civil engineer
Political Experience: I have never held a government job. My political experience comes from volunteering for campaigns, including volunteering to knock on doors for Chuy Garcia for Mayor and phone banking for Bernie Sanders for President.
Website: tanyapatino.com

Candidate Statement

Hi, my name is Tanya Patiño and I’m a candidate for Alderman of the 14th Ward. I’m running a grassroots campaign to represent and serve all residents of the 14th ward, and bring strong progressive values to the city council.

I was born and raised on the southwest side and have lived in the 14th ward my entire life. I’m the daughter of hardworking immigrants. I understand my community. I’ve walked every precinct, and have heard from hundreds of constituents who are tired of being ignored by Alderman Ed Burke in favor of powerful political and business interests. I’ll put the interests of my community first.

I’m proud to have earned the endorsement of Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, and State Representatives Theresa Mah and Aarón Ortíz.

When elected I will make sure that neighborhood public schools--schools like Nightingale, Gage Park, Curie, and Edwards--receive the same resources as the new, well-equipped ACERO charter schools that loom over our ward.

I will introduce legislation to make sure that hardworking families, and workers like my father, can enjoy fair wages for their hard work.

I will work to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe, and that Chicago protects its immigrants by becoming a true sanctuary city, with no carve-outs.

I’ll fight for property tax reform that lowers property taxes on working families and makes corporations pay their fair share.

This election presents voters with a real choice in the future of our ward.

Voters can re-elect the humiliated Alderman to his 13th term in office, while he faces FBI charges for corruption and trying to extort money from local businesses.

Or voters can elect someone new like myself, a Latina Civil Engineer with modern innovative ideas to solve our city’s problems and heal our neighborhoods.

My name is Tanya Patiño. I ask for your vote on February 26 for Alderman of the 14th Ward. I will represent ALL of the ward, improve city services and focus on the needs of the community, work to see that city resources are distributed more equitably, and bring much-needed accountability, transparency, and honesty to the office.

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

The incumbent Alderman has brought a great amount of embarrassment to our community. I have heard from hundreds of neighborhood residents who feel disrespected and ignored by their Alderman. When elected I intend to bring much needed transparency and accountability to the ward. I plan to implement top level city services and make them available to residents through innovative means. I will not hesitate to stand up for my community on the floor of the city council. I’ll introduce legislation intended to improve our way of life, not burden it. I’ll fight for my neighbors and the residents of my ward, not downtown interests.

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

There many pressing issues facing our ward and it would be impossible to pick the “top” issue. The top campaign issues I am advocating for are; equitable education & social services funding, funding housing improvements and security to improve residents’ homes and facilitate them remaining in the community, increasing opportunities for and access to good jobs which will also require more frequent and reliable transportation services in the neighborhood, and a greater focus on safety in our neighborhoods. To accomplish that I intend to work to pass legislation such as an Elected Representative School Board, TIF Reform, a reformed property tax system, rent control, a $15 minimum wage, Fair Workweek Ordinance, a welcoming ordinance with no carve-outs, abolishing the gang database and new activities for our youth.