2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I have represented the residents of the 29th ward and city with integrity and a directed agenda to reduce violence in the 29th ward and economically develop the ward. We have been successful at both, with more that $250 million in current development producing jobs for residents and working with stakeholders and police to reduce violence in the ward. Violent crimes are down 33% in Austin, much of which lies within the 29th ward and 45% over a six-year period. I will continue to seek to provide economic opportunities for the residents and improve the quality of life for ward residents and continue to increase mental health education and treatment over the next four years.

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

I believe that our office does well with constituent communications. Prior to the impact of the Covid pandemic, we held in-person twice per month community meetings as well as weekly ward nights. We participate in participatory budgeting which allows our residents to assist in directing infrastructure projects and community development project in the amount of $1 million annually and we send monthly newsletters to keep our residents informed. I believe that the pace of providing constituent services could improve. Often times city services are delayed due to the number of requests throughout the city which makes providing services in a more efficient manner challenging.

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

Although we have had tremendous success with reductions in violent crimes, public safety remains a top priority in the 29th ward. I would encourage the implementation and use of verified technology in reducing gun violence to include the use of gun recognition and detection technology, which is quite different from sound-based detection. I would also consider the roll-out of incentivizing communities most impacted by violence with community-based grant programs that are designed to encourage community engagement and that are goal and performance based.

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

We have returned to our twice monthly in-person community meetings and continue to have weekly ward nights where residents have a one-on-one time and I also maintain a social media site whereby my constituents communicate with me and my staff.

Do you believe in the tradition of aldermanic prerogative, which gives each City Council member the final say on issues in their ward?

I believe that aldermanic prerogative is quite important in addressing the needs of the ward and the ward residents. As such, ward residents should be given deference through aldermanic prerogative in the process of zoning and development within the ward.

Should the $1.9 billion budget for the Chicago Police Department increase, stay the same or decrease?

Approximately 95% of the budget allocated to the Chicago Police Department reflects salaries. This budget should not decrease in that the department size should remain at an operational strength of 13,500 officers. However, our department pays an extraordinary amount in civil lawsuits each year. As were better train our officers and implement effective policies, law settlements will be reduced and those allocated funds can be diverted and reinvested in other resources.

Should the city raise the Real Estate Transfer Tax on properties sold for more than $1 million to fund programs to help unhoused Chicagoans?

Although I am an advocate for the residential real estate tax, believe there needs to be further conversation around the impact on the real estate market with imposing such a tax and the amount the the tax would be able to generate in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable residents.

Should the city open and operate mental health clinics to provide free care to Chicagoans?

Yes.

How should Chicago build the 120,000 homes it needs for low- and moderate-income Chicagoans?

It is important that we use resources that does not burden homeowners to address the needs of affordable housing in the city. For example, the city and state has seen record sale in the recreational cannabis industry. It is important that we lobby our representatives in Springfield to incrementally increase the city sales tax rate applied to purchases and earmark the adjusted revenue to. Also, it is expected that the Chicago casino would produce revenue following its development. Revenue from this source could also be incrementally applied to assist in the needs of affordable housing development.

What do you see as potential solutions to address the number of shootings in Chicago?

Chicago must remain strategic and innovative in its policing crime reduction initiatives. I would encourage the implementation and use of verified technology in reducing gun violence to include the use of gun recognition and detection technology, which is quite different from sound-based detection. I would also consider the roll-out of incentivizing communities most impacted by violence with community-based grant programs that are designed to encourage community engagement and that are goal and performance based. We must also expand on educational equity, job development and mental health treatment and education to address violence. I have further proposed, with my colleagues, the creation of an Office of Gun Violence Prevention that would be centrally focused on reducing violent crimes.

What should the City Council do to stop the drop in the city’s Black population?

We must continue to provide reasonable solutions in providing affordable residences and implements Chicago's Keeping the Promise ordinance and Homes for All ordinances. These measures should be couples with a stay of rising property tax increases in a concentrated effort in reducing violence in communities that see the largest increase in residence leaving the city. Our Invest South West initiative has been instrumental in increasing development to help secure neighborhood stability and increase job. This investment could be coupled with a community investment program to allow community engagement and investment in community development.