2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I have helped people all of my life and I stand up for what I believe in and work hard for the residents of my ward.

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

I think that my office operates very well. I have hired good staff who are dependable and work hard for our constituents. I make it a point to make myself accessible to my constituents, whether by phone, email or appointment when necessary. If people come in and I am in the office, I see them. As far as legislation, I listen to the people in my ward and do my best to be their voice in the City Council and stand up for their beliefs. I do acknowledge that the turn over time on basic city services (tree trimming, pot holes, garbage carts, etc.) needs to improve dramatically.

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

The major issue facing my constituents and the whole city is crime. Our crime statistics have gone up dramatically and the number of police keeps going down. We need to back our police and show them that we will stand with them and against the criminals. This will be the only way to attract new police candidates. Once people feel safe and the criminals know that they will face consequences, people will feel safer and we will attract business to the city and our neighborhoods. I am a big supporter of police, education and business.

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

My current system works very well. We work with our constituents face to face in the office, by phone, email and FB. I return all of my phone calls in as timely a manner as possible and my staff is diligent in returning emails and phone calls as well as dealing with people who come in to the office. We are one of the few offices that never closed during Covid.

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 do. The aldermen live in their ward and know the needs of the ward and its constituents better than their colleagues. I think it makes sense that they would know what is in the best interests of their ward.

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

It should at the very least stay the same. If we can find money in the budget I would like to see more allocated to the Chicago Police Department. These are tough times and we need to ensure public safety and take our city back!

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 realize that we do need more funding for services for the homeless and mentally ill, I do not think that raising the real estate transfer tax is the way to do it. We need to encourage businesses and wealthy people to stay in our city instead of driving them out.

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

The City should work in conjunction with the state and federal government to improve services for the mentally ill.

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

We should offer more tax incentives for developers willing to build these homes.

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

We need to back and support our police and elect people in positions of authority that will punish criminals instead of releasing them back on the streets. I think we can all see the repercussions that being soft on crime has had on our city, its citizens and our businesses.

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

Yes, I do believe that if a person makes their living working in this city, they should live here. There are many qualified Chicagoans to have these jobs. I also feel that the city residency requirement creates stability in the city. People care about where they live and work.