2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

To bring positive, honest, intellectual, transparent, unifying, trustworthy change to the 24th ward, where I have resided for 52 years.

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

The entire office needs fixing.

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

My plan is to:
Standing Firm on Addressing Crime
Demanding Fair & Accountable Policing
Crime Prevention by Uniting Each Block in the Ward
Introducing Community Benefit Agreements On Major Projects
Advocating for Sustainable Living Wage Jobs
Encouraging Business Development
Uniting Existing Business and Programs Within its Community
Addressing the Disinvestment In The Community by Connecting Residents with Current City Programs and Resources
Help Create More Social / Recreational Space & Programs for Our Youth
Initiating Trade School Programs
Present, Professional, Courteous, Open, Transparent Governing
Help Create Paths for Ex Offenders Through Restorative Justice
Addressing the Food Desert
Preserving Home Ownership
Initiate the “Stand Up & Stand Out” Program to Protect our Children

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

I plan to have a transparent calendar. An office that is welcoming to all visitors. I plan on holding regular ward meeting across the ward to communicate to all constituents.

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

Yes, with the wards/constituents input.

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

This budget can possibly be massaged, but ultimately I do not want to defund a critical source of the cities safety.

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

No.

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

YES! Absolutely.

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

Chicago should be intentional about gathering the input of the community where the home's will be built. Streamline the permit process. Transparency on who's allowed to purchase and build on the land. Require community benefit agreements for developers. Utilize TIF funds with a "Community Ranked" approach. It is insane to port funds out of the 24th ward that has been neglected for decades to a Rogers Park area. Rank and prioritize funds in blighted communities/areas first, in an effort to balance the field of living.

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

Chicago needs to work harder on recruiting in new police police officers. The current level of of officers inadequate to secure the safety of the city. We as a city need to also work harder to promote city, ward, community and block unity.

How will you ensure that the industrial complex set to be built at Roosevelt Road and Kostner Avenue does not increase traffic, noise and air pollution?

With any industrial complex you can expect an increase all of the above. The best that we can do is push for more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles and equipment.

Should Douglass Park continue to host large music festivals?

Not without the community's approval and an agreed upon community benefit agreement.