2022 Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am a workhorse, not a show horse. Public service is in my bones. My father was involved in the PTA; my mother was involved in our community block club and church activities. I went around with them to attend those meetings. I saw what can happen when the power of people comes together to make changes in their lives. That’s why I became a social worker. I like to have an impact on building communities and making lasting change, so that people can live happy lives.

For me, elected office is the highest form of public service. I am good at connecting resources together with people who need them. I enjoy finding programs or resources and put them to use in the community.

I have a passion for small business development and helping people realize their dreams. I'm someone that likes to do cutting-edge projects like XS Tennis and E-Sports Arena. I enjoy doing difficult things like renovating a landmark building that might otherwise have been torn down, and bringing in a couple of grocery stores to an area that was a food desert. I like fixing things.

I do work to make communities better. That's why I'm running. I believe there are resources at the federal government level that can be brought to bear in a marginalized district like the first congressional district to make everyone’s lives better.

I will add my voice in Congress to protect voters’ rights and prevent gun violence.

What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?

Congress needs to do its job and pass legislation that will help everyday Americans. The First District needs a representative who will bring resources back to the people. I will protect the rights of Illinois 1st district residents - from voting rights to the right to healthcare and a clean and safe environment.

In order to actually pass legislation, members of Congress need to work together across party lines. In City Council, I learned to work with people across the political spectrum to pass legislation and get the budget passed. I will work across party lines in Congress to bring the much-needed resources back to our district.

What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?

One of the pressing issues is the need to better communicate and educate the district on the role the office can play to improve their lives. People want to see and hear from their Representative, even though Congress is in DC. Resources, or lack of resources, transportation, infrastructure, childcare, physical/mental health care and education are some of the most pressing issues facing my constituents.

Economic development is key to solving the problems of my constituents. I will use my background as a social worker, city planner, and Alderman to help businesses flourish, to bring in federal dollars to back up public and private investment, and create a climate for growth throughout the First District in the same way that I have made economic development the cornerstone of my work in the Third Ward.

What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?

We will make sure that we have hours that are convenient for people with different work and school schedules. We will open offices in diverse parts of the district, city, suburban, and rural so that no one has to travel too far to connect with us. My staff will be trained to communicate with different constituents, and the offices will be physically accessible. The staff will reflect the rich diversity of the district.

As an Alderman, helping people solve problems and connecting people with needed resources has been one of my greatest pleasures. I will maintain a robust social media presence including newsletters, online meetings, etc. I will bring the lessons I have learned as an Alderman to Congress.