2023 Chicago Election Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am running for Mayor of Chicago to help our citizens. Too many people are afraid to go downtown or walk in their neighborhoods. My number one priority is to make or neighborhoods safer. I will collaborate with our federal, state, local and citizens to deal with the public safety crisis. I will address the root causes of violence. Also, I am running to lower taxes. As a businessman, I know how to balance budgets and bring businesses to Chicago. Together, we will clean up our city.

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

We have a public safety crisis that must be addressed. High crime and high taxes are causing people to leave Chicago. From 2020-2021 we lost more than 45,000 residents. A large portion of our citizens do not shop in Chicago, the bag tax, water bottle tax, and other taxes drive them to shop in suburban Cook County, Indiana and other places. I will fix our crime and regressive tax system.

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

Crime and taxes are the most pressing issues facing Chicago residents. I will address the root causes of violence, poverty, hopelessness, unemployment, education, and other structural issues. I will support our men and women in law enforcement. I will hire more police, to protect our neighborhoods. I will focus on community policing. I will remove barriers from police being able to do their jobs. On CTA I will bring back the transit police detail and require that they ride our trains and buses. I will require each student graduating from CPS to have a trade. I will work with our communities to build trust between them and law enforcement. Our city will be safe and we will do it together.

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

I will hire the best and brightest staff. I will meet regularly with our citizens in their neighborhoods to hear concerns. Together, we can and will fix the problems that are holding us back. Also, community leaders will be invited to serve on Task Force committees that will help guide decision making.

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

I believe that Alderpersons are close to their constituents and really understand their communities needs. However, as mayor I will work with them to ensure that communities are safe and thriving economically. We must work together to help our citizens and neighborhoods.

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

We need additional police, mental health counselors and other resources. The budget will increase. Our police are over worked and stressed. I will get them the resources they need to make our city safe. Every neighborhood must be safe and I will spend what it takes to accomplish that goal.

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

No, more taxes drives people out of Chicago and hurts businesses. I will take vacant schools and buildings to create housing for the homeless. I will require additional investments in affordable housing. Together, we can provide more housing for the homeless and we must do that. Also, we must provide wrap around services including mental health, healthcare, and job opportunities to help our citizens.

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

Yes, and this can be done working with existing federally qualified community health centers. Our citizens have been traumatized by violence, COVID, and other events. We must prioritize mental health services.

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

The city has vacant lots and buildings that are empty. We must use those resources to build housing for working class Chicagoans

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

We have to address the root causes of violence, poverty, hopelessness, unemployment, parenting, and other structural issues. I will address these issues with our residents. I lost a 20 year old son to gun violence. This is personal to me. We will reduce the number of shooting victims and we will do it together. Please see my website for additional ideas to deal with violence.