2023 Chicago Runoff Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

As a long-time resident of South Shore, I know what resources are needed in the 5th Ward to create a self-sustaining community. With years of community organizing experience, I understand what it takes to increase community engagement while developing and maintaining strategic relationships with community stakeholders. If elected as alderperson of the 5th Ward, I will use my skills and relationships to address public safety and economic development while advocating for resources that will enhance the lives of the 5th Ward’s 50,000 residents in South Shore, Greater Grand Crossing, Jackson Park Highlands, Woodlawn, and Hyde Park communities.

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

We must increase the level of outreach and engagement to the residents of our various wards. An informed electorate is a powerful one.

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

The answer to this question is nuanced. While the southern portion of the ward may say displacement is priority number one, the northern portion would undoubtedly say public safety. For the residents of the southern portion of the ward I would work to build upon the work of the various community organizations that have been on the ground of fighting displacement. This would look like supporting something in South Shore similar to the Woodlawn housing ordinance. In regards to public safety, I will work with community residents and both Chicago Police Department and the University of Chicago Police Department to make sure residents feel protected in the ward, and feel safe in their encounters with law enforcement.

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

We will run our office like we have run our campaign with transparency, accessibility, and constant communication. As a seasoned community organizer, community engagement will inevitably become a key pillar of our efforts through community meetings, active communication, and a youth council which will provide a safe space for young people in our community.

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

If the “final say” is done in favor of the community’s wellbeing, then yes. Alderman should have the final say on issues in their ward.

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

Police reform is something I'm very passionate about, and I do not believe that increasing the Chicago Police Department’s budget will lead to needed police reform. Furthermore I'm a supporter of Treatment Not Trauma and quite frankly the money spent on the police budget can be reallocated to other areas of need.

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

Yes — increasing taxes on million dollar properties is a benign solution that will help the homeless population.

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

I wholeheartedly support Treatment, not Trauma. In order to truly remedy the mental health crisis that we are witnessing today, the city must invest both financially and educationally in our mental health systems. Further, I believe the city should partner with non-profit agencies that are rooted in the various communities to help bolster their mental health teams as well. We need to ensure we are allocating funding in the interest of those who suffer from mental health issues in the form of outreach, education, care, and revitalizing mental health facilities.

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

Chicago must build and actively increase the presence of affordable housing for those who need it. Access to safe and stable housing should not be a luxury but a right. Chicago should start by partnering with organizations who are currently working to build and maintain affordable housing.

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

I will work closely with the Chicago Police Department, especially in the 5th Ward, to strategize methods that will effectively address the high level of crime while simultaneously building collaborative and trustful relationships between the Chicago Police Department and the community.

Should Promontory Point be designated as a city landmark?

Yes, I actually believe that Promontory Point should be a state landmark. It’s unique in its presence, and provides a space for all people to admire what so many love about Chicago — the access to nature in an urban space.

Should city officials put protections in place to prevent gentrification spurred by the Obama Presidential Center in South Shore?

Yes. The community must be protected from the streams of gentrification that have already started taking place because of the Obama Presidential Center. Communities should be able to enjoy revitalization in their neighborhoods without the fear of displacement.

Should city officials do more to protect trees in Jackson Park from being uprooted?

YES

What steps should the city take to prevent Chicago’s shoreline from eroding further?

The city must be willing to invest in the environment and create collaborative opportunities that necessitate partnerships between the community, city and federal officials, and the army corps engineers to help prevent lake erosion.