2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I'm running because I have always been active in the 40th Ward, helping neighbors with quality of life issues and collaborating with them to find solutions. I have held roles such as beat facilitator for CAPS to president of N.E.W. (Neighbors of Edgewater West).

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

What needs fixing is that the role of an alderman should be focused on being available to and communicating directly with residents, keeping their voices heard regarding issues that pertain to the ward — especially quality of life issues.

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

Crime and public safety. Effective communication between ward residents and local police is vital to keeping public safety coordinated and consistent. I would prioritize initiatives that encourage this, and due to my experience working with the CAPS program and being endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, I feel that I would be especially equipped to so.

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

Promptly responding to inquiries, being open and available for face to face meetings, bringing back consistent in-person town hall meetings.

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

Yes, assuming the alderman's say is in line with that of the ward residents.

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

Stay the same. The budget needs to be better organized in a way that allows more officers to be on the streets.

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

Should the city do more to encourage residents to live close to where they work and shop by building dense multi-unit apartment complexes near transportation hubs?

N/A

Should the city prioritize the construction of bicycle lanes and encourage people to use bicycles to commute to work?

N/A

Should city employees continue to be required to live in Chicago? 

N/A