2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am committed to the 5th ward and I have a vision for what the 5th ward could be. I want what I think all residents of the 5th ward want; to be able to walk down the street and feel safe, to put my children to bed without hearing gunshots, to shop, eat, and be entertained in my own neighborhood. I’ve already started doing the work to improve the community from working to increase vaccinations during the pandemic, to creating a violence response team, to collaborating with neighbors to purchase and renovate blighted storefronts. As Alderman, I plan to use the knowledge I’ve gained from community organizing, as an educator, aiding local Alderpersons, leading multiple campaigns, and running my own political firm to continue to lead and advocate for everyone in the 5th ward.

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

I would like to commend Alderwoman Hairston for her years of service. For years she took on the difficult job of navigating Chicago politics and advocating for her constituents, especially Black residents. While I hope to continue that tradition while in office, there is always room for improvement. I will make the 5th ward office community-focused. My constituents will have multiple ways to connect with my office and we will be accountable and follow through on their requests.

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

The issues that will be my priority to address once I’m in office are the issues of crime, along with community and economic development. My office will work to create meaningful youth engagement that is accessible and varied while championing more support for existing organizations and developing a database of available programs. We will work to develop corporate partnerships to bolster job creation and bring more flagship retail to the ward. My administration will work with the police department to enact meaningful reforms and foster a better relationship among my constituents. We will also work to create partnerships with developers to ensure there is more quality affordable housing throughout the ward.

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

My plan to make the 5th ward office more accessible and responsive includes using updated technology, moving the office to a more convenient location, having more meetings in different formats, and implementing the use of focused task forces to deal with the various challenges that the 5th ward faces.

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

I do believe in the tradition of aldermanic prerogative. The alderperson is elected by members of the community to represent their interests. If the alderperson is in touch with the community and puts the interests of the whole community first, aldermanic prerogative can be a powerful tool that ensures the voices of the 5th ward are heard and respected.

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

Their budget should stay the same. I would not agree with reducing funding for the department as I think that would negatively affect personnel and operations. I don’t agree with increasing the department’s budget until they improve their performance and are more transparent with their spending.

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

While I do agree with a progressive tax model for the Real Estate Transfer Tax, I think the $1 million threshold is too low.

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

Yes, and these clinics should be extremely accessible. The city should coordinate municipal services to ensure Chicagoans can receive care in every neighborhood.

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

Firstly, projects that are funded using public money need to include more affordable housing units. I also think the city needs to get more creative with how we approach this problem. Designs that emphasize cost-effectiveness and efficient use of space, like those found in the Tiny House and Container Home movements, should be prioritized.

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

Firstly, more needs to be done to recruit and retain officers. We also need to train and hire more detectives and improve homicide clearance rates. I would also like to see the police department have a more positive presence in the community. I think this can be achieved by reimagining the CAPS office. As an alderperson, I would like to have a greater influence on the hiring process for the District Commander. I feel being involved in the hiring process will help increase confidence in the department and increase cooperation. There also needs to be continued support of community organizations that are already effectively addressing the root causes of crime and violence. Lastly, there has to be better communication and cooperation between stakeholders. The police department, local and state officials, as well as the public need to come together to solve this issue that affects us all.

Should Promontory Point be designated as a city landmark?

Yes.

Should city officials put protections in place to prevent gentrification spurred by the Obama Presidential Center in South Shore?

Yes.

Should city officials do more to protect trees in Jackson Park from being uprooted?

Yes.

What steps should the city take to prevent Chicago’s shoreline from eroding further?

The city needs to consult the proper experts on the subject, devise a plan, and execute it, promptly.