2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am seeking reelection because the 15th Ward needs steady, common-sense leadership that knows how to unite diverse communities around shared goals of safety, city investment, and economic opportunity. I have a proven track record of honest, direct leadership that resonates with my voters.

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

My office handles constituent service very well. We are extremely proactive addressing resident concerns, often before they report them. What needs fixing is the state of the newly drawn 15th Ward's newest communities that were basically ignored by their previous aldermen. I have been aggressively cataloging neighborhood conditions and making repairs to address long-unresolved issues. The impact has been immediate and noticeable by residents.

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

Crime remains the #1 issue for my residents. I look forward to working with a new administration that makes this as much a priority for them as it is for me. I will continue to be the outspoken advocate for victims of senseless gang violence in my ward, not enabling or coddling them, but demanding accountability for the terror they bring to me ward.

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

I am a 21st Century alderman: my residents have my personal cell phone, they DM on Facebook or Twitter, and I have office hours and ward night (which I have not missed in two terms).

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

Yes, alderman are the best representative of their wards and are elected to be the voice of their people.

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

The budget will increase for the next four years because of contractual obligations agreed to by this administration and ratified by City Council. Arguing otherwise is a very misguided.

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

Chicago should commit funds for a dedicated program to address homelessness. The RETT is not consistent and often used for non-housing related purposes.

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

Yes.

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

The City of Chicago should not be in the housing-provider business. Our NFP partners often spend several times more per unit than private construction projects. If the City of Chicago wants to encourage home building, it should continue to find ways to reduce construction price points, end city hall red tape, and encourage clean title transfers of vacant properties.

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

Arrest the shooters & stop making excuses for criminal behavior. Period.

How can the city better serve Spanish-speaking residents?

Chicago has a language ordinance that it is woefully behind implementing for all non-English speaking resident. This must be a commitment of the next administration to achieve what the municipal code demands.

Should the city do more to help undocumented immigrants?

As the great great grandchild of undocumented immigrants, Chicago should push our federal partners to create pathways for citizenship. We should not support systems that keep people as second class citizens to be used as political pawns of the Left or Right.