2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I initially ran for this position because I was a lifelong resident of this ward and wanted to tackle several issues important to our residents and business owners. Since taking office we have begun to address vacant commercial lots, crime, and other quality of life issues. I am running again to build on projects and community partnerships that we have established to bring quality city services, economic growth and safe neighborhoods to the 45th ward.

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

We have done a remarkable job of attracting developers to the community which has in turn created jobs and filled vacant spaces in the ward. I would like to collaborate with the departments to identify ways to shorten response times for constituent requests.

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

Public safety is one of the most important issues in this ward. One of the best tools to combat most criminal activity is employment and structured activities.

During my current tenure, I have worked with local business chambers, businesses and the City’s Department of Planning and Development to advocate for businesses to build and stay in my ward. As a result of that advocacy, we have nearly $500 million of new development in the ward that offer hundreds of entry level jobs that are accessible via public transportation. I intend to work with those companies to host job fairs so that everyone has an opportunity to seek work with these employers.

Additionally, while I have been vocal about properly staffing our police districts, I think it is important to invest in a structure that proactively deters crime such as outreach workers, youth employment programs and other violence prevention services.

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

My office is open for walk-ins, calls or appointments five days a week. Additionally, we routinely communicate various public safety, utility or infrastructure projects or alerts with letters and social media. We visit with residents by door knocking throughout the year and you can often find our team at community events, neighborhood clean-ups or other important ward functions.

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

Residents elect aldermen to advocate on their behalf and vocalize the concerns of the ward at city hall. Those voices are heard when I take a vote, speak to city officials, or speak on the committee floor. The final say is not aldermanic prerogative it’s the prerogative of my constituents.

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

The CPD should be funded at the level needed to ensure safety to all the City’s residents. As with most of the city budget, CPD’s budget is mostly personnel. During my tenure, I have advocated for adequate staffing levels and proper support services and equipment for police officers. I am still a proponent of that but would encourage the department to find savings through other efficiencies.

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

The City has allocated over $100 million in federal funds for homelessness support services. These funds will be used by the Departments of Housing and Family and Support Services for permanent supportive housing, shelter investments, etc. These funds should be exhausted before we vote to raise taxes on constituents.

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

Residents should have access to the network of mental health services provided by the City’s Mental Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Community Mental Health Centers. If there are any mental health clinic deserts, we should work within this collaborative to identify resources and an infrastructure that will provide proper care.

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

The City can build the 100,000+ homes it needs for low- to moderate- income households by utilizing the federal funds currently allocated in the City’s budget for the development of housing units. We can also leverage this opportunity to grow union apprenticeship programs for youth and/or re-entry citizens in order to provide stable, fair paying, skilled job opportunities to all residents.

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

Adequate staffing levels in the police district so that officers can safely respond to shooting calls and appropriate consequences for an offender who has been found guilty of committing a shooting would help with gun violence deterrence.

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?

I have been supportive of TOD’s in Chicago but understand that every neighborhood or transportation hub area is different. If residents are supportive of opportunities to build dense residency buildings that meet the needs of the community and can be integrated into the personality of the neighborhood then I would advocate for those types of projects.

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

Yes, I have worked with Chicago’s Department of Transportation to implement bicycle safety lane measures in some of our busiest traffic corridors and hosted bicyclist safety events. Unfortunately, our ward has seen two bicycle fatalities in the last few years so, it is important that traffic safety is well funded and prioritized. 

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

Although I would encourage people to live and shop in this great city, I would be willing to revisit the City’s residency requirement policy.