Additional Coverage from WTTW News
- Survey: La Shawn K. Ford on the IssuesFeb. 8, 2019
- State Rep. La Shawn Ford Enters Crowded Race for MayorNov. 12, 2018
About the Candidate
Name: La Shawn K. Ford
DOB: Feb. 28, 1972
Family: One daughter, Tia
Occupation: Illinois State Representative (8th District) and real estate investor
Political Experience: (above)
Website: fordforchicago.com
Candidate Statement
Hello. I’m State Representative La Shawn Ford and I’m running for Mayor of the City of Chicago. I was born in the Cabrini Green housing project, adopted by my grandmother, and raised in the West Side’s Austin community. My family instilled in me hard work, initiative, and perseverance. As a result, I became the first in my family to graduate college. I’ve taught for Chicago Public Schools, am a realtor, and launched a successful real estate firm.
In spite of my success, I was acutely aware of the social, economic, educational, and political problems that adversely impacted disenfranchised communities in Chicago. Too many were left behind. I felt strongly that with the right leadership, we could develop a system that worked for everyone. That’s what made me run for office. I made three self-funded attempts against the democratic machine. Despite the odds against me, I was successfully elected in 2006 to represent the 8th legislative district.
Chicago must turn the page on corruption and begin to heal a broken city.
I am running for mayor because I want to do more, and with your help, we can do more. I understand the needs of the city. I believe that the people of Chicago have the answers to solve problems in their communities. We need all hands on deck to create a Chicago that works for ALL.
I invite you to partner with me in a movement fueled by people to make Chicago one of the greatest cities to live in. We’ll work to:
-Cultivate a thriving, inclusive, fair economy for ALL
-Improve equity in education so that every child has access to quality education
-Build safer communities
-Improve healthcare and quality of life, and
-Demand transparency, equity and accountability of city leaders
Let’s come together as one Chicago, powered by people.
Candidate Q&A
What is your vision for this office?
My vision for this office is to make Chicago a more inclusive city, where we all thrive together. I want the people of Chicago to have a seat at the table so that our beloved city, and all its residents, will be financially stable, healthy, and safe.
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?
Chicago is home to the most diversified economy in the U.S., a key player in every sector from risk management innovation, manufacturing and information technology to health services. Our $600+ billion economy rivals that of nations. We are the 21st largest economy in the world. Chicago accounts for one-fifth (20%) of the world’s global derivatives trading market; that’s twice that of New York (10%) and matching all European exchanges combined (20%). Chicago-based exchanges generated 4.9 billion in annual global derivatives trading volume with a national value of more than one quadrillion in 2017. Despite this powerful, thriving economic base, many Chicago communities suffer from high unemployment rates, violence, and poor quality of life.
As the mayor, the single and most important thing I will do is develop an inclusive economy, one that connects all 77 communities to Chicago’s powerful business sector. My plan to achieve this goal is to:
- Establish Chicago as an advanced manufacturing hub and leader in green technology
- Create a connected workforce by developing the technical skills of Chicago residents
- Establish a social investment fund to promote community entrepreneurship
- Eliminate current fee structures that financially burden city residents (e.g. red light cameras, boots, and high/disproportionate property taxes)
- Collaborate with state and federal government to increase the amount of returning federal dollars, growing the city’s revenue base without increasing taxes
La Shawn K. Ford on the Issues
Ethics
- What type of ban on outside employment for aldermen do you support? A full ban
- What kind of mayoral term limits do you support? Two terms
- What kind of aldermanic term limits do you support? Limits only for committee chairmanships
- Should aldermen control zoning in their wards? No
- Who should make zoning and licensing decisions? The administrative branch
- Do you support a ban on Chicago politicians’ family members getting city jobs? Yes
Education
- What kind of school board do you support? Elected school board
- Are you in support of teachers getting raises in their next contract? Yes
- Do you support a longer school day? Yes
- Do you support full-day kindergarten? Yes
- What type of charter school changes would you like to see? Fewer charter schools
Pensions
- Do you support raising property taxes to help close the pension gap? No
- Do you support hikes in any other taxes/fees to help close the pension gap? Yes
- Do you support pension obligation bonds to help close the pension gap? No
- Do you support a change to the Illinois Constitution to end 3-percent compounded cost of living adjustments (COLAs)? No
- Do you support taxing marijuana sales to fund city pensions? Yes
- Do you support a city casino to fund city pensions? Yes
Crime
- Do you support building a new police and fire academy? No
- Would you hire more police officers and detectives? No
- Do you support raising property, real estate, or sales taxes to help hire more police officers? No
- Do you support tougher sentences for illegal possession of weapons? No
- Do you support tougher sentences for failure to report lost or stolen weapons? No
Transportation
- Do you support building more bus rapid transit lanes? Yes
- Do you support the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) to fund transit upgrades? Yes
Finance
- What action will you take on TIFs? Use TIFs only in blighted areas
- What tax or taxes would you support raising to help fund city government? (Check all that apply) Financial exchange tax, Other
