About the Candidate
Name: Tom Tunney
DOB: Aug. 22, 1955
Family: The Lakeview community
Occupation: Owner of Ann Sathers and Alderman of the 44th Ward
Political Experience: Alderman of the 44th Ward since 2003.
Website: tomtunney.com
Candidate Statement
Good afternoon, I’m 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney. I’ve been a resident and small business owner of Ann Sather’s restaurants for 40 years. I believe in our community and am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. As Alderman, I secured 65 million dollars to improve neighborhood schools, helped to implement IB and STEM programs, and worked with parents, administrators and teachers to advance our schools from failing to Tier 1 and Tier 1 plus. I also worked to secure the last new police station built in our city, secured more police officers within the last four years, and brought in $24 million to improve our parks. Vibrant communities are built around successful businesses and we worked to balance development in Wrigleyville, and built the Mariano’s, Target, Whole Foods, and upgraded and expanded our local hospitals, specifically Advocate Illinois Masonic and Presence St. Joseph's. My work is not done, and I hope I can earn your vote on February 26. Together we’ll continue making Lakeview a safer and more vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
The vision I have for this office is to be the best in the city for constituent services. When residents and businesses have a problem, they should know and trust their Alderman and their office to be able to find solutions in a reasonable time. This, paired with someone who is willing to make the tough choices to be a fair voice in City Council is how we will move our ward and city into a better financial state. I aim to have the best neighborhood in the city, even country, while advocating for financial reform and property tax reform to make sure not only my ward, but the entirety of Chicago remains livable.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
Two of the most pressing issues in the community are education and public safety. As Alderman, I have made education a priority and our public elementary schools have dramatically improved in recent years to become tier one schools. We also continue working to make Lakeview High School a better option for families. I helped to bring both a STEM and IB program to the high school and will continue efforts to make our public schools as strong and competitive so our kids can receive the best education possible. Doing so in a fiscally prudent manner is also important as we continue working to improve finances for the City and CPS. Public safety also remains a top concern, and during my tenure, I secured a new police station in the ward and have advocated for additional police officers. In addition, I have worked closely with law enforcement, business owners, residents and other community partners and we’ve achieved a significant reduction in crime during my time in office.
