2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am running in order to ensure that residents of the 12th Ward have safe streets, well-funded schools, opportunities for jobs and business growth, and clean air and parks.

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

The office has a history of organizing large scale events such as giving away 2,000 turkeys and thanksgiving kits, 3,000+ toys to children during the holidays, and over 1,500+ schoolbags to children during back to school fairs. The office will benefit from my implementation of participatory budgeting, the formation of a Zoning council, and the creation of a Youth Council that will allow residents to provide greater input.

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

Public safety is the most pressing issue. It is the number one concern on residents minds. I believe in a proactive approach to crime which has translated to immediate actions taken within a week of becoming Alderwoman. My office is hosting back to back catalytic converter theft deterrent events in February, free of cost to residents. Further, I will be advocating for expansion of ONE Summer Chicago jobs to youth. I’ll be partnering with local businesses to ensure that these opportunities are available to our youth within a short commute of their homes.

I also believe in a results-driven vision. Thus, I am working on the following initiatives:

• Work with CPD to introduce neighborhood “Safety” walks in areas known for activity;
• Creating a Youth Council for students from all 12th Ward schools, ages 14 and up, to create programming for our youth. This council would work directly with my office as both an advisory group and participatory activity with goals to promote programming.
• Heavily promote the City of Chicago rebate program by helping residents fulfill paperwork that allows them to install security cameras for their home.
• Institute Block Clubs per the overwhelming request of residents of McKinley Park. My staff is working to train residents in phone trees and block club practices.
• Connect youth to trade unions for direct access to apprenticeships after high school.

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

During my time as a staffer for Congressman Quigley and the Chicago Department of Public Health, I experienced the importance of community input. For these reasons, I am currently implementing weekly ward nights where residents can come to the ward office with community concerns and a dedicated time to discuss with me directly.

Just last week, my office hosted an Open House where over 60+ constituents came to provide valuable input and concerns.

My initiatives for the 12th Ward, some of which are currently in progress, are:

• Weekly ward nights, in person, to allow residents to discuss their concerns.
• Regular precinct walks for direct outreach to residents;
• Creation of a 12th Ward Zoning Council comprised of homeowners, renters, businesses, students, educators, seniors, and land use experts that will review projects and provide guidance;
• Participatory budgeting for all residents 14-years and older in which residents can submit ideas and then vote on the proposals in order to provide transparency to the Menu process. This will be posted on the Aldermanic Facebook before January 30th.
• A publicly available phone number is currently active for all residents to text concerns, comments, and issues. A number of residents have used this service to ask questions, submit service requests, and even have their street lights fixed!

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

Yes, however, I believe that it must come with greater input from the community. It is for this reason that I will be announcing the creation of a Zoning Council and Youth Council.

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

I believe that it is possible for the CPD budget to stay the same but the resources can be allocated in different forms than years prior. There should be an expansion of Crisis Response Units for crises that do not require police intervention.

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

I believe that the RETT should be raised on properties sold for over $2 million.

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?

I believe we need to be creative about housing solutions. I am proposing we look into small housing options, pre-fab options such as Pallet housing, and modular housing.

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

I believe we need to address the core root of violence (poverty, disinvestment in communities, lack of job opportunities) as well as community policing strategies. The recent state bill banning assault weapons is a start but too often, guns come in from other states.

Should MAT Asphalt continue to operate in McKinley Park, despite its record as a source of pollution?

MAT Asphalt must adhere to all environmental regulations and emissions testing in order to remain permitted by the Illinois EPA. The Illinois EPA must hold a substantive community process in order to hear from residents.