2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am running because I believe I'm the best fit to serve as 24th Ward alderman. I have the fire and passion along with the fresh ideas that are needed to move my community forward. I have the unique advantage of being the youngest person in this aldermanic race. We often talk about violence plaguing our community and it's my generation that gets left out of the conversation. I believe I am not only a voice for the people but a moral compass to city hall.

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

In observing the office and those who've held the seat in the past, this office has been successful at blowing smoke. We need to ensure that the representative in this seat meets city hall with a list of demands on behalf of the people that focuses first on the economic development of the ward. Likewise we need to focus on creating a participatory government that prioritizes participatory budgeting.

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

The most pressing issue is economic and structural decay. I would focus on creating an equitable distribution of TIFs to be used towards addressing the vacant land in the community. I will also partner with members of state and local government to utilized the Abandoned Housing Rehabilitation Act. This way e can address much of the safety concerns surrounding the abandoned properties in the ward.

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

I would first set up multiple offices throughout the ward so residents don't have to go out of their way to access their alderperson, I would then push to set up block club committees in each precinct to advise the alderperson on issues impacting those precincts. The block club committees would consist of block club presidents.

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

Yes, I believe as a representative of the people the alderman should have a final say as long as their say represents the will of the people.

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

Decrease! In 2022, about 22% of the overall city budget was allocated towards public safety, however, in the breakdown it's not solving public safety issues. Of the entire public safety budget about 60% was allocated towards police which in fact has been at a steady increase for years. Yet violence remained unwavering and ever increasing. There needs to be a reallocation of funds!!!

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

Absolutely!

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

Absolutely!!!! This is and should be considered a HUMAN RIGHT.

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

Use the vacant land in areas that have room to build and also utilize the abandoned properties through eminent domain.

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

This question is nearly impossible to answer without first recognizing the economic implication that produced the violence in the first place.  No single act can sole for gun violence. The economic decay of certain communities plays a huge factor in the gun violence epidemic. We also need to figure out the tunnel by which illegal guns are making it to our streets.

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?

There will undoubtedly be increased traffic and noise. However I will partner with environmental organizations to enact reasonable environmental regulations.

Should Douglass Park continue to host large music festivals?

No! However, if Douglas park continues to host large music festivals, 50% of the proceeds need to go back in to the ward. Likewise 75% of the Jobs should go to 24th Ward residents!