2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am running because I am a concerned wife and mother that believes in public service. I am ready to serve the residents of the 6th ward and be their voice in city council. I am ready to give them the attention they deserve from their public servant - transparency, access and solutions. I am ready to serve because as a resident and homeowner in the 6th ward, I am vested in it's growth and stability.

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

The purpose of the office is to be a representation of it's community and to support the needs of the community. With Chicago being a large city, the office is important in allowing residents the ability to be heard, the ability to have a voice and the ability to have someone to call when they have issues regarding city services. What needs fixing is the lack of access, the lack of response, the lack of transparency and the lack of inclusion.

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

The most pressing issue facing my constituents is crime and lack of response to city service requests. My approach to crime is to work block by block to rebuild relationships among neighbors to begin the process of working together to curb crime in our neighborhoods. I would like to create a partnership with law enforcement and the neighborhood blocks and begin to work collectively to find solutions that will allow us to create safer neighborhoods. In response to city service requests, my office will be open during business hours as well as holding weekly office hours that will allow constituents the ability to come into the office and address their concerns. There will be follow-up and accountability for my office.

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

I will be open daily during regular business office hours as well as having weekly hours outside of regular business hours to make sure that all of my constituents have the opportunity to access the aldermanic staff. I will hold monthly meetings to listen to the concerns of the community and those meetings will be held throughout the ward to make it accessible to all residents.

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 there should be transparency in any decisions made on behalf of their ward. An Alderman is voted into office to be a representative of their ward. They should be able to make sound decisions on behalf of the needs and wants of their constituency. There should be an opportunity for the community to be engaged and involved in the process of decisions that will affect the ward. There should also be open communication between business and property owners so that everyone can work toward the benefit of the community.

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

The budget for the Chicago Police Department needs to increase.

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

Raising the Real Estate Transfer Tax should be a consideration (along with other options) to help fund programs for unhoused Chicagoans.

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

Yes, the city should open and operate mental health clinics to provide free care to Chicagoans.

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

One option would be to renovate the many vacant properties throughout the city and turn them into affordable housing properties.

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

Addressing poverty, more activities and programs for young people, address mental health concerns and more funding, hiring and training for law enforcement.

Should the CTA reopen the Green Line train station at Racine?

Yes, the CTA should reopen the Green Line train station at Racine.

What should replace the shuttered Whole Foods grocery store?

Several ideas come to mind to replace the whole foods grocery store. A few are - a grocery store, a produce market, a co-op store, or a shared kitchen. While there is an Aldi a couple blocks down, there is always a need for grocery stores in our community as most of the communities are in food deserts.