Candidate for Chicago City Council

About the Candidate

Name: Theresa Siaw
DOB: Nov. 26
Family: Parents deceased, family in Ghana and one son
Occupation: Director of Business Development at OMNI Healthcare
Political Experience: I have never held office or run before and have just begun the process of earning the support of organized labor.
Website: theresasiaw.com

Candidate Statement

Hello, my name is Theresa Siaw. Currently, I am the CEO of OMNI medical student training, and I am running for alderman of the 26th Ward. I have been a member of the Humboldt Park community as a business owner and resident for more than eight years and have been working tirelessly during that time to help make the changes needed in our community.

As a private citizen, I created programs to benefit children, working families and seniors, as well as women business owners and those in need. The 26th Ward is undergoing more change than nearly every other ward and requires new leadership to ensure every voice is heard.

As a business woman, I see the vast potential in the community, and I want to be a leader who works with all stakeholders to attract more businesses to the ward. We need a leader who is experienced in bringing together diverse groups for the common good.

The 26th Ward is facing a complex set of problems that need to be fixed. We need more affordable housing and our long term residents who have built our community are being priced out, because they do not have a voice. I will be that voice. Humboldt Park ranks 37th for affordable housing, an issue I plan to address immediately.

I have seen first-hand the disconnect between our citizens and the police who are sworn to protect them. As alderman, I want to bridge the gap and find a way to encourage dialogue and increase communication between the police and the community. I want to send a message that we will stand up together to reduce crime.

I plan to work to create safe, educational outlets for our children to help them succeed. Together we face many challenges in the 26th ward and I seek to be the voice for all of us.

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

The 26th ward is a diverse community and we need someone who can be a voice for everyone it represents. Because I am fortunate enough to be successful, I want to give back to the community because I know what it feels like to be in need.

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

As a successful businesswoman who has created jobs in Humboldt Park, I see the vast potential in this community, and want to be a leader who works with all stakeholders to attract more businesses to the 26th ward. We need to make it a priority that the citizens of my ward have the opportunity to spend their money at thriving businesses within our community.

Humboldt Park currently ranks 37th among Chicago neighborhoods in affordable housing options. This lack of leadership on this critical issue needs to be corrected. I will be a tireless proponent for affordable options throughout the ward. It is a commitment we owe to the people of the ward, and to the cultural diversity that makes our community unique and worth maintaining.

We need a leader in the 26th ward who is experienced in bringing diverse constituencies together for the common good. We have a crime problem that is exacerbated by a lack of trust between the police and the community they are sworn to serve. I want to work to find common ground, to bring the community and law enforcement together--along with community stakeholders and social service organizations--to help band together to make our community a safer place to live and work.