2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am running because I believe committed citizens can work together and bring about extraordinary change. I am a committed citizen ready to work together to make the positive change as the next 5th Ward Alderperson. As an attorney I have the skills to understand how our community operates. As a member of the clergy, I bring a compassionate way of looking at various challenges. I am running to bring the responsive and results-oriented local leadership the community is asking for and deserves.

My candidacy personifies a qualified citizen ready to come off the sidelines to work for and with the people to keep our communities safe. I will work to foster good business development, schools, and access to jobs. When I am elected, I will use my experience to move our community forward to be the safe place we all deserve.

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

The office holds regular meetings with residents and key departments, developers, and other persons of interests to facilitate communication and to get real-time answers to resident questions and concerns. The office could build on technology and communication tools to further connect residents to resources and respond to their concerns.

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

Safety. I will collaborate with the Chicago Police Department, the University of Chicago police, local security patrols, church organizations, block clubs, community activists, community organizations and the residents of the 5th Ward to actualize a Safety Plan, for the 5th Ward. Specifically, I plan to support an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a CPD budget that reflects a decline in crime and increase in clearance rate and promote effective use of surveillance. I also look forward to working with the newly elected district police council persons.

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

I specifically intend to continue fully staffed office hours, regular meetings, improved technology to track concerns, and frequent electronic and telephonic communication.

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

Yes.

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

It depends on how the funds are allocated or reallocated. Any increase in budget should result from demonstrated results and response to constituent input and concerns.

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

This is one option.

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

Yes, where possible.

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

It should build them thoughtfully and timely.

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

I support an Office of Gun Violence Prevention on a strategic scale, and gun buyback programs as a more tactical measure.

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?

Work closely with the Chicago Park District, environmental groups, and private industry to ensure purposeful preservation and smart growth.