JCUA's Aldermanic Candidate Voter Guide

Aldermanic Candidate Voter Guide

JCUA believes the upcoming municipal elections are critically important to the direction our city takes and will have a major impact on what is politically possible in Chicago. Our next mayor and city council must share our values and support the issues JCUA and our community partners care about. We need elected officials who feel accountable to us in order to create an equitable Chicago.

This election is an important opportunity to move forward our immigration justice and police accountability work, as well as our programmatic work with affordable housing and economic development. From the Welcoming City Ordinance, the Chicago Gang Database, community oversight of the Chicago Police Department, reforms to Fraternal Order of Police Union contract, to the proliferation of gentrification in Chicago’s neighborhoods-- so much is at stake in our city.

Please use this voter guide, representing eleven wards across Chicago, to help you and your community learn more about candidates’ positions on issues related to JCUA’s work and mission.

Jewish Council on Urban Affairs 4700 N. Ravenswood, Suite B Chicago, IL 60647 www.jcua.org

Candidate Questionnaire

Candidate Statement Please describe yourself and why you are the best candidate for Alderman of your ward. (Max. 300 words)

Welcoming City Ordinance* The Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance limits collaboration between Chicago police and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), directing the police to disregard ICE warrants and detainers and to restrict ICE access to City facilities and information. The current ordinance includes four exceptions to the general rule to not arrest or hold anyone based solely on an ICE warrant or hold request. These exceptions involve individuals with prior felony convictions, pending felony charges, open warrants, or a listing in the city’s gang database.

Do you support or oppose amending the Welcoming City Ordinance to remove these exceptions? Please state support or oppose and elaborate on your position. (Max. 100 words)

Chicago’s Gang Database* The Chicago gang database is a list of 195,000 Chicagoans who have been “tagged” as gang members. Individuals tagged in the database often suffer harsh consequences, including loss of job opportunities, harsher sentencing, and, for immigrants, detention and deportation (under an exception to the Welcoming City Ordinance). Ninety seven percent of individuals listed in Chicago’s gang database are Black and Latinx. In March 2018, the Office of Inspector General announced its own independent investigation into Chicago’s gang database, confirming advocates’ concerns about the database as a tool to criminalize communities of color, with zero accountability, due process, or oversight.

Do you support or oppose ending the City’s gang database? Please state support or oppose and elaborate on your position. (Max. 100 words)

Police Community Oversight Board The Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability (GAPA) is a coalition of community organizations working in more than 30 wards throughout Chicago, committed to making our neighborhoods safer, improving police practices and accountability, and transforming community-police relations. GAPA’s proposed community oversight fulfills the recommendation as laid out by the mayor’s Police Accountability Task Force, to create a community-driven “oversight board” with “power to oversee CPD, the new CPIA [now COPA] and all police oversight mechanisms.” The ordinance proposed by GAPA, currently in city council, outlines the creation of a Community Police Commission selected by district council members whose role will also involve fostering connections between the police and the community and ensuring regular community input for Commission efforts. The Community Police Commission will make or participate in key leadership decisions, establish goals and evaluate progress, play a role in policy, and promote community engagement and transparency.

Do you support or oppose GAPA’s proposed community oversight of the Chicago Police department? Please state support or oppose and elaborate on your position. (Max. 100 words)

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Chicago’s police officer union, has been operating under an expired contract which perpetuates a code of silence, making it easier for police officers to lie about misconduct. The contract makes it difficult to investigate and be transparent about misconduct, and it allows repeat abusers to burden taxpayers through huge settlement payments without sufficient accountability. The Coalition for Police Contracts Accountability (CPCA) has fourteen recommendations (www.cpcachicago.org/the-recommendations) to reform the police union contract.

Do you support or oppose the recommendations put forth by CPCA? Please state support or oppose and elaborate on your position. (Max. 100 words)

Affordable Housing According to a recent study by the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, while developers in the City have been building new apartments, most of them cater to higher-income renters. Meanwhile, in neighborhoods across the city, Chicago is losing too many lower-priced apartments due to rising rents, conversions of small apartments to single-family homes, and neglect.

What specific strategies will you use to promote affordable housing in your ward, for both rental housing and homeownership? Please share the strategies you would prioritize for implementation in your ward and on a city level. (Max. 300 words)

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism For over 50 years the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) has been committed to our mission to combat poverty, racism and antisemitism.

Please speak to how your candidate is committed to fighting poverty, racism, and antisemitism in Chicago. (Max. 300 words)

*These questions are from the Chicago Immigration Policy Working Group and Campaign to Expand Sanctuary City-Wide Candidate Questionnaire

Candidate Responses Table of Contents Click the links below to go directly to each candidate’s responses. All answers are shown in full, except for those that exceeded word limits. Candidates that did not respond are listed at the end of each ward section.

3rd Ward Candidates 46th Ward Candidates Ald. Pat Dowell (incumbent) Ald. James Cappleman (incumbent) Alexandria Willis Angela Clay Marianne Lalonde 4th Ward Candidates Erika Wozniak Francis Ebony Lucas Justin Kreindler 5th Ward Candidates 47th Ward Candidates Will Calloway Eileen Dordek Ald. Leslie Hairston (incumbent) Jeff Jenkins Gabriel Piemonte Heather Way Kitzes 34th Ward Candidates Matt Martin Ald. Carrie Austin (incumbent) Michael Negron

40th Ward Candidates 49th Ward Candidates Dianne Daleiden Maria Hadden Ald. Patrick O’Connor, Jr. (incumbent) Ald. Joe Moore (incumbent) Maggie O’Keefe 50th Ward Candidates Ugo Okere Andrew Rowlas Andre Vasquez Ald. Debra Silverstein (incumbent) 43rd Ward Leslie Fox Jacob Ringer Ald. Michele Smith (incumbent)

44th Ward Candidates Austin Baidas Elizabeth Shydlowski Ald. Tom Tunney (incumbent)

3rd Ward Candidates

Ald. Pat Dowell (incumbent) Originally from New York, I have lived in Chicago since 1978. I attended the University of Rochester where I received a BA in Developmental Psychology. I earned a MA in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. A former Urban Planner, I was the Deputy Commissioner in the Department of Planning and Development and have served as Executive Director of Near West Side CDC, Mid-South Planning and Development Commission and Public Allies. Elected Alderman in 2007, I have a record of accomplishment in every area from community engagement and service, infrastructure improvements, community safety, economic development, park expansion and improvements to my schools. I’ve sponsored and/or co-sponsored significant pieces of legislation and am growing in leadership potential.

Welcoming City Ordinance Support. As the Chairman of the Human Relations Committee in the City Council, I think the Welcoming Ordinance should be amended. Currently, the advocates and the Mayor’s Office continue to discuss how these exceptions should be addressed within the ordinance. My personal opinion is that all the exceptions should be removed with the possible exception of pending felony charge and open warrants. I am committed, however, as Chair of the Committee hearing the issue to holding an open, fair discussion of the matter and taking a vote of the Committee members.

Chicago’s Gang Database Support. The database disproportionately targets black and latino men and is the vast majority of people on the list have never been arrested of violent offenses, unlawful use of a weapon and drug crimes. These are the offenses that CPD deems gang related and can land an individual on the list. The impact on one’s chance to obtain employment and fair treatment in the criminal justice system is severely diminished by one’s inclusion in the database.

Police Community Oversight Board Support, although I think more discussion is needed on elements of the proposal related to the selection process of members to the oversight board and the specific powers and duties of the board. Clearly more community involvement and oversight of the police department is needed. Of the ordinances presented to the Council for approval, the GAPA version provides the best opportunity to improve police accountability as laid out in the task force report.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract Support. As a member of the City Council Black Caucus, we adopted the 14 demands of CPCA and passed a resolution through the Council. Fundamental changes to the FOP contract are necessary to hold police officers accountable for their policing behavior in our community.

Affordable Housing rd The 3 Ward housing mix currently consist of approximately 30% public or subsidized housing. This is in comparison to 8.5% public or subsidized housing citywide. Keeping with my commitment to housing stock diversity, every community should have their fair share of market rate, CHA and affordable rd housing units. I am proud to carry on that tradition in the 3 Ward. To that end, there are three new ordinances being considered by the City Council to ensure more affordable housing units are distributed to all neighborhoods across the City; The Homes for All ordinance, Development for All ordinance and the ordinance proposed by Ald. Pawar that mandates 20% of all future public housing units be built in low priority areas of the city and requires that planned developments for housing in wards with less than 10% affordable housing go through an evidenced based approval process and be heard by the Plan Commission within 90 days of application or else it is automatically approved. I am encouraged that we as a City are discussing housing equity to help use move towards a better, more prosperous City.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism In my work in the community and in Chicago, I repudiate anti semitism and seek to build bridges to and deepen relationships with all communities. As specific examples, I have worked with JCUA in the rehab of the Rosenwald Courts Apartments and promoted discussions between African American and Jews through my support of the TURN Center sponsored by the Bright Star Community Outreach.

Alexandria Willis Candidate Statement I am a nurse, an advocate, and dedicated community member. Having worked as a clinical nurse, an advocate, and now a population health specialist, I understand how complex taking care of people and communities is. This election is about creating a ward that puts the safety, health, and education of people first over the agendas of developers,corporations and the the mayor. People are at risk of losing their homes because of gentrification, and literally their lives; the first two murders of the year were two blocks away from my home, and the alderman is doing nothing to address the root causes of violence in our community. The core message of the campaign is that every person in the ward, and Chicago, deserves to feel like their local government is investing in them; investing in their health, their housing, and their education. The current alderman takes directions and decisions from developers and city hall, and brings them to the ward; as alderman, I want to empower the people of the community to be making the decisions for what they need and bringing their voices to city hall. I am running for alderman to fight for the well being of our neighborhoods and community members, and bring power to the people.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support removing all of these exceptions. I feel particularly strongly about removing the exemption for the gang database. The gang database wrongfully criminalizes and targets innocent people, such as Catalan-Ramirez, a youth from back of the yards who was wrongfully detained and brutalized. We need to strengthen the Welcoming City Ordinance and protections for immigrants. Also, there are federal detention centers for children in Chicago for children being separated from their parents at the border that people do not know about, and that are not being monitored for how the children are being treated. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed. Chicago’s Gang Database I support ending the city’s gang database. The way it has been used to criminalize young men of color for simply living, going to certain schools, and living in certain parts of the city. It is particularly problematic the way that schools and school data have been used as a weapon in criminalizing these young men. The gang database needs to be shut down and police need to be taken out of the schools.

Police Community Oversight Board The Chicago Police Department has a long history of discrimination and civil rights violations dating back prior to the 1972 federal investigation. I support the creation of a GAPA’s proposed community oversight of the Chicago Police department. It is time to take a serious, hard look at how police are trained and evaluated. Communities must be included in the conversation, and given power to decide what safety means to them. New training and oversight would make the police better equipped to handle challenging situations. Significant attention and resources must be dedicated to addressing the communal trauma in black neighborhoods that have been targeted by, and in many cases terrorized by the police. (12 words over)

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the CPCA recommendations. The culture of secrecy in the police department has cultivated a culture destructive to the community and to the police force. The people of Chicago deserve to be able to trust the institution meant to protect them, and the burden on taxpayers must stop. The money used for these settlements needs to moved to education, youth programs, and equitable development.

Affordable Housing Access to affordable, safe, high quality housing is essential for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Wealthy developers have taken over the political establishment in Chicago - leading to luxury rezonings that push out small businesses and working families. Many Chicagoans who work hard, and are essential to the functioning of the city and its economy, can no longer afford to live in their communities. This is unjust and unacceptable. We must fight for affordable housing, increase access to homeownership, and protect middle and low income owners and renters. As alderman I plan to expand affordable housing by increasing the number of affordable units required in new developments, ensuring that those units are on-site, and eliminating the option for developers to opt out by paying a fine. I plan to support local community organizations in the effort to lift the ban on rent control, and advocate for legislation on a city and state wide level to repeal the Rent Control Preemption Act. It’s important to middle and low income community members on the path to home ownership by increasing access at the community level to mechanisms such as land banks and trusts, limited equity cooperatives, and restricted deeds that can be used to assist families in buying houses and prevent an

unchecked or unreasonable increase in housing costs. Part of this work will be collaborating with existing organizations to provide access to information and education to support and promote homeownership for ward residents. The city council must increase housing options, and protections to avoid homelessness for vulnerable populations such as youth, people with disabilities, those experiencing mental illness, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, seniors, those experiencing chronic illnesses, and those returning from incarceration. I support stronger tenant protections and safety nets for renters to ensure that apartments and houses are maintained, people can afford utilities, and homelessness is avoided in periods of financial strain. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Alexandria, and her entire team, our deeply dedicated to fighting poverty, racism, and antisemitism in the third ward and in Chicago. These issues are especially timely, and important in the 3rd ward specifically. With the reocurring trauma communities of color face being victimized by police, on a larger scale, and the way Laquan McDonald’s murder was covered up by the police, people are hurt and scared. According to a article by The Chicago Crusader, Alderman Dowell received close to $14,000 in campaign donations from Rahm Emanuel less than a month before they approved a $5 million settlement to the estate of Laquan McDonald. Dowell was instrumental in attempting to shut down the NTA school, a school rated +1 and attended by mostly students of color, which was traumatic for the children. As the nation sees a rise in antisemitism, racism, and attacks on people impacted by poverty, it is our job as a community, it is the local governments job, to fight for the people. To show solidarity with people of all religions, races, and income levels.

4th Ward Candidates

Ebony Lucas Candidate Statement th I am Ebony Lucas and I am running for 4 Ward Alderman because th now is the time for 4 Ward residents to elect a leader whose actions th reflect our 4 ward values. During the 10 years that I have lived and operated my business in this community, I have helped hundreds of distressed homeowners reduce property taxes, address housing code violations, and resolve lender issues. I have also assisted residents with resources to purchase new homes. I have the knowledge and experience to increase affordable housing for low and middle-income earners, bring commercial development to the entire ward, and move the Michael Reese project forward with transparency.

I am also a mom of CPS students and an active community member. I started my block club and have provided seminars for other blocks. I built a community garden with my neighbors, am a member of the King College Prep LSC, Clean Kenwood Coalition, and the former president of Mandrake Park Advisory Council. I have worked with CPD to plan programs to keep teens off the streets and sponsored activities to improve the quality of life for seniors. I also stood with parents, students, and teachers of Kenwood High School to demand that our alderman and the CPS board clean the school and upgrade the HVAC system that was filled with mold.

On city council, I will be a voice for TIF reform, an advocate for public school funding, and lead the charge towards environmental sustainability. In the community, residents will have the opportunity to be heard through participatory budgeting, town hall meetings, and open office hours.

We are in a time for transformation in our city and fresh ideas and energy is needed to move us forward over the next 4 years. Our community deserves a qualified, committed, compassionate leader.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support removing these exceptions because they create a system of racial profiling and abuse of power. It also creates a divide in families. Individuals who have prior felony convictions should have the opportunity to lead productive lives after they have served their time. Undocumented residents with pending charges and open warrants should have the opportunity to go through the justice system. If we are truly a welcoming city, undocumented residents should not be subjected to a system that will not provide them with the same criminal procedure as US citizens.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support ending the gang database. According to Chicago police officers with whom I have spoken, many crimes are mislabeled as gang related. The gang database is a tool that is used to racially profile, improperly label, and does not result in a higher incidence of solving crime.

Police Community Oversight Board I support GAPA’s proposed community oversight of CPD. There is a lack of trust between the police department and, particularly, communities of color. In addition, the CAPS program is ineffective in building the bridge of trust. There should be an independent coalition, comprised of community members, to assist with ensuring that there is oversight, accountability, and that we are rebuilding the relationship between the police and the community.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support all of the recommendations put forth by CPCA. I also think that the collective bargaining agreement should include a provision that makes the police department, union, and officers responsible for payment of misconduct suits, and not tax payers.

Affordable Housing I have several strategies that I would like to implement to preserve and promote development of affordable rentals and homeownership. First, the city of Chicago’s building code is more strict than the international building code. My plan is to introduce an ordinance that provides abatement of housing code violation matters on pending rehab projects and mirroring the international building code to reduce the cost of renovating existing properties.

Often, the biggest hurdle to affordable housing is increasing property taxes and utility bills. I support clean energy building requirements to reduce the cost of utilities. I also want to ensure that residents are aware of the city’s trust fund which provides down payment assistance to increase the use of this resource. In addition, I support property tax incentives to developers of affordable rentals and home buyers. Finally, I will advocate for TIF reform and implementation of new streams of income so that we can stabilize property taxes.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Combatting poverty, racism and antisemitism starts with providing equity in education in every th neighborhood. The 4 Ward is racially, economically, and geographically diverse in a way that we are a microcosm of the ward. The lack of high performing neighborhood schools in our ward, however, robs our children of the opportunity to be exposed to the diversity that our community holds. In addition, our ward holds rich resources in its community based, nonprofit, and small businesses. I am committed to creating a space to use the resources already in our community to expose residents to the rich diversity in the ward. I am also committed to meeting with organizations to create programs and opportunities to build community. Strong neighborhood schools and opportunities for exposure will strengthen our community and help to fight poverty, racism, and antisemitism.

Did not respond: Ald. Sophia King (incumbent)

5th Ward Candidates

Will Calloway Candidate Statement I have devoted and dedicated the past several years of my life sacrificially to the cause of social justice and being a voice for the voiceless. I am the only candidate in my race with a substantial track record for championing true grassroots issues. As a community organizer I sharpened and cultivated my ability to bring a variety of different people together from all walks of life to create inclusive/ innovative ideas to benefit the community at large. A skillset that (in my opinion) is unmatched by my opponents. My tenacity, integrity, vision, independence, and my relentless rebuke of public corruption is what not only our 5th ward needs, but our city council. When elected I promise to bring those very values to the alderman’s office. That is why I am the best candidate for Alderman for the 5th Ward.

Welcoming City Ordinance I completely support A Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance, however there are some loopholes in it I believe should be addressed. The exemption of individuals with open warrants are one of them. Although, I am a strong believer in presumption of innocence until proven guilty, it would be misstep of us to not take precautionary steps to ensure we are holding residents accountable for possible offenses they committed at the same time not collaborating with federal entities such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement also known as ICE.

Chicago’s Gang Database The Chicago gang database is a problematic system. Like most community members who are familiar with the database I too feel that it strategically targets minorities and people of color. There is very little to poor oversight on that list. Those that are implicated or listed on the database have no way of getting off the list, some may have no knowledge that there name is even listed on the database. This is an unfair injustice to those who are all on it, and opens a window for bias law enforcement to abuse their police powers. In addition there are community members in our ward who may be on parole or on probation by the courts. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Police Community Oversight Board Yes. I wholeheartedly support GAPA’s proposed community oversight of the Chicago Police Department. I have worked closely with a couple of the orgs that make up of GAPA including IMAN and The Community Renewal Society. They were helpful in assisting myself along with a variety of community organizers in championing justice for Laquan McDonald by advocating for the conviction of Jason Van Dyke. This community driven oversight board is the most appropriate measure in having accountability with law enforcement in the city.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract The Fraternal Order of Police contacts are one of, if not thee most problematic contractual agreements the City of Chicago. It should be ultimately scrapped and replaced by the recommendations by the CPCA. the FOP has been under great scrutiny for their lack of willingness to hold it’s union members accountable for misconduct. Their union contacts has many provisions in it that keeps them from being held accountable this must change.

Affordable Housing I firmly believe in instituting property tax freezes and lifting the rent control ban. These two fundamental way will help ensure that community members will not be displaced from their native neighborhoods.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Our world is in trumblent times. We need leaders that will fearlessly speak to truth to power. Unapologetically hold those in power who abuse their power accountable. I promise to make sure we extract all evil, poverty, racism from the world by galvanizing residence, philanthropic leaders, and community stakeholders from all across the city to make sure Chicago is a welcoming city that addresses and/ provides meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our community.

Ald. Leslie Hairston (incumbent)

Candidate Statement First elected in 1991, I am poised to surpass my political mentor Leon Despres as the longest serving alderman to represent the diverse th South Side 5 Ward. This tenure gives me a uniquely knowledgeable, comprehensive and in-depth perspective on the ward's stakeholders, needs, assets, issues and challenges. I have developed strong relationships with the city agencies, educational institutions, community organizations and businesses that service the ward, which helps me focus on the "real world" potential of proposed solutions. I have learned to navigate through the many points of power that enable me to take "can't" to creative ways to "can." I have established a record of balancing infrastructure improvements, business development, and initiatives to enhance ward residents’ safety, security and quality of life.

I was able to get the first drive-thru Starbucks in Chicago, despite City Hall's obsession with downtown projects. My office collaborated with local organizations to do extensive market research on the ward, which I used successfully in going directly to desired businesses and attending trade events.

Most recently, we saw construction of the Sophy Hotel in Hyde Park, as well as Solstice on the Park, which took 12 years to complete because of the 2008 recession. On the drawing board are a new grocery store, a movie theater and several casual dining restaurants.

I have practiced law both publicly and privately. I served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Illinois and was staff attorney and special prosecutor for the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, where I argued before the Illinois State Supreme Court. I earned my BA at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and JD from Loyola University School of Law. To date, Chicago Federation of Labor, AFSCME, SEIU Local 1 and Chicago Teachers Union are among the organizations endorsing my re-election.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support Chicago’s stance as a “welcoming” city, as well as forms of ID and other proposals that enable access to critical city services and opportunities. I see problems with discrimination based on unproven charges and the severely flawed gang database. However, I also have concerns about amendments that could jeopardize Chicagoans’ general acceptance of the current ordinance as defensible and fair to the majority of immigrants who do not carry the “baggage” of mentioned exceptions. I would also want to first research the legal, administrative and budgetary ramifications.

Chicago’s Gang Database As alluded to above, this data base is severely flawed. It is outdated and based on perceptions. It casts a wide net the snares people wearing certain clothes, associating and living with “suspected” individuals, with virtually no recourse for challenge. I especially oppose it for the discriminatory impact confirmed by the Inspector General’s investigation.

Police Community Oversight Board Two years ago, I authored an ordinance for a civilian review board precisely because I believe that to be a necessary first step in support of the reforms called for in the consent decree. I support GAPA’s proposal and any other that finally deals with the reality that neither the CPD nor mayors have provided the necessary transparency, accountability or positive relationship with communities that suffer the most from negative policing.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract There can be no real reform without addressing the extraordinary power granted through the police contract. It protects the worst behavior, handcuffing superiors, officials and citizens to get rid of bad apples. This hampers the effectiveness, perceptions and community relationships of good police who sign up to prevent and solve crimes. The purpose of the contract is to protect officers, even at the expense of the people whose safety they are paid to protect.

Affordable Housing I have the highest stock of section 8 housing in the city. My main focus is ensuring adequate supportive service for the many former public-housing residents and that landlords adhere to proper maintenance and legal requirements.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Legislatively, as a founding member of the City Council’s Progressive Caucus, I have often been among a handful of officials opposing privatization of services and schools. I have authored and/or co-sponsored ordinances for community oversight of the police department, inclusion of minority and women hiring goals in contracts supported with public funds and reforming the Tax Increment Financing

program to benefit blighted areas as intended. I will continue fighting for municipal programs, policies and practices that particularly support our historically most neglected constituents.

In my ward, economic developments like those listed previously will continue to help those affected by racism and poverty. However, no project can equal the positive impact of the South Suburban Airport on the historical, systemic and devastating racism detailed by the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency, most recently in its 2018 study of economic disparities. The SSA presents the best – and possibly last – opportunity to truly revitalize communities barely touched by the traditional “remedies” of social programs, cannibalistic gambling or big box enterprises and regressive taxes, fees or fines. Four governors – two Republicans, two democrats – brought the SSA to 90 percent ready, as the FAA predicted its need over 20 years ago. Chicago’s last two mayors fought it, choosing instead to throw billions into “modernizing” area airports limited to fulfill the capacity required today or tomorrow.

th Our vibrant Jewish constituency is integral to and integrated within the very diverse 5 Ward. They work, play, celebrate, plan or march shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone else. Faculty and students from the University of Chicago provide resources, as well as serve with advocacy groups on such issues of equality, health and policing. Congregation Rodfei Zedek is a polling place and offers programming open to a variety of seniors and others. Highly rated Akiba-Schechter, the only Jewish school on the South Side, is considered a “hidden gem” by the black, Asian and Latino families who take part in its offerings. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Gabriel Piemonte Candidate Statement Our ward is a place of deep diversity and history, of moments where ordinary folks have rightly been put at the center of public decisions and tragic circumstances where the opposite has been true. The current alderman is watching idly by while we hurtle toward a precipice for many ordinary residents of the ward. We are in a moment of existential crisis. Put very simply, because I see this and have seen it for a while and because I am willing to try to do something about it, I am the best choice in this election. In my professional life, the intellectual training and the civic education one acquires as a reporter and as an editor of a community newspaper is capacious and encompassing. My work as a civic advocate has included community outreach, inspiring participation, and endeavoring to achieve consensus. My work at Save the Shrine NFP, St. Martin de Porres House of Hope and the Hyde Park Herald has provided extensive experience in managing staff and budgets of a size comparable enough to a ward office to be instructive. My job as an editor and as director of Voices and Visions have together given me intimate knowledge of the issues that are important to people of the Fifth Ward. Over my 18 years living in this ward, I have worked to improve the community through grassroots projects and building small-scale institutions meant to build upon our strengths. Here are a few of my efforts: Co-founder, Woodlawn Voices and Visions; co-founder, Coalition to Save the Shrine; Fourth Ward civic meeting series th following the resignation of 4 W ard Ald. Will Burns; board president, St. Martin de Porres House of

th th Hope; and co-developer, Care Free Community Garden (60 a nd Vernon) and Kumunda Garden (65 and Kimbark)

Welcoming City Ordinance The best moral choice is to remove these exceptions. I oppose ICE and consider all ICE directives to be invalid as a matter of law and principle. I am a founder of Families Together South Side, which has th rd staged acts of solidarity in Federal Plaza and marched in the 4 o n 53 P arade to raise awareness about families separated and detained under the Trump Administration’s rules. The current gang database shouldn't be used as the basis of any decision. I think worrying about criminal records is the wrong way to think about who can make a positive contribution here.

Chicago’s Gang Database The gang database must be eliminated. It is a simulacrum of data collection as a means to improve decision making. Why don't we have a database of kids who are suffering side effects of lead poisoning or where children live who have been displaced from their home or school in the last 5 years? Using our city government as a means to marginalize almost 200,000 people living in our communities is the height of perversity. These are our brothers and sisters, and this designation is a badge of otherness. I repudiate it.

Police Community Oversight Board I have read the GAPA proposal and I have read the Citizens Police Accountability Council ordinance and I have to respectfully inform you that I consider CPAC the more effective and far-reaching of the two. I also appreciate the method by which CPAC was developed, which involved a great deal of grassroot collaboration, and I think there has been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to advance it. GAPA feels like a compromise regarding an issue about which we cannot afford to compromise. I hope we can find common ground between these two vibrant groups.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I largely agree with the recommendations of CPCA. There are adjustments I would make to the list. I would want restrictions on questioning to be altered but do not agree that there should be no constraints. I believe that one critical component not mentioned here but that must be a part of negotiations is to shift liability for police misconduct from the city back onto police. I am inclined to think a sworn affidavit is a useful component of a police abuse complaint, but I would want to discuss this point with advocates before taking a position against it.

Affordable Housing Housing is a fundamental issue that runs through my professional work and my advocacy. For example, my work at the Hyde Park Herald and Lakefront Outlook focused on housing, and I routinely called attention to affordable housing issues. My work with We the People Media supported that nonprofit's periodical, Residents' Journal, as well as other housing advocacy work. The important thing, in my view, to keep in mind in pursuing an affordable housing strategy is that we should value what we have as well as adding affordable units to our communities. An alderman who allows public housing to be destroyed without protest and then claims credit for a handful of replacement units is not an affordable housing advocate, no matter what the PR says. We also need a robust system for inspecting housing that is used for Housing Choice Vouchers. Powerful landlords are allowed to keep their units in deplorable conditions while inspectors harass small property owners. We need to provide supportive

services where many HCV holders live. And we need to understand that all housing is adaptable and worth preserving.

New construction has built-in costs that make the level of affordability - even if they are subsidized - less fluid than a property build 50 or 100 years ago that is still in good condition. Nevertheless, new affordable housing development is essential. I think we are too lenient with off-site affordable housing development options. Our laws should only provide for this option under a narrow set of circumstances. I am a firm believer in rent control, having lived in a city where I saw its benefits, and I also believe that we undervalue the potential of cooperative housing and should incentivize its construction. I also think confronting stereotypes about who uses subsidized housing is part of the job of an alderman.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I believe we have an obligation to confront the systemic forces that cause the impoverishment and disenfranchisement of people of color, especially our African American brothers and sisters. We must ensure that voices of all people in our communities are heard, which means putting the most vulnerable at the center of discourse to protect against marginalization. We must also recognize that, beyond voice, economic stability is central to empowerment. We know that assets are systematically stripped away from African American families through a myriad of policies, with the home mortgage fraud that was at the heart of the Great Recession being just one recent example. In Chicago, the unusual degree of power that alderman have over real estate in their wards can be an asset in these cases, however, as communities like ours have many vacant homes and city-owned lots, which are assets that could be put to productive use by transferring ownership to local families who may not otherwise have the means to obtain real estate as a family asset but who will undoubtedly benefit from ownership. This is just one strategy. Wealth must be restored to the African American community as a matter of justice. We must similarly provide opportunity to all who struggle with poverty in our neighborhoods, though I will repeat that we have a special obligation to our African American neighbors. Antisemitism continues to plague our country; it is not limited to neo-fascists. There is a pervasive strain of antisemitism that runs rampant in the African American community, and other pockets of people, behind closed doors, weave conspiracy theories and talk about “those people.” Public condemnation and a public policy of zero tolerance for antisemitism are both essential to fighting this virulent hatred, which we sadly have to consider a chronic disease in modern society.

34th Ward Candidates

Ald. Carrie Austin (incumbent) Candidate Statement After service for 24 years, I believe I am the best suited candidate to continue to be vigilant in laboring a progressive vested interest for the benefit of 34th Ward residents. by promoting economic growth. excellence in public education, local commercial and housing developments, additional resources for traffic safety and infrastructure, apprenticeship training programs/job creation, increase public safety and achieve cost effective delivery of equitable city services.

Welcoming City Ordinance I voted in favor of the welcoming ordinance and fully support its principals. Chicago is a city of immigrants and together we are a stronger society.

Chicago’s Gang Database Information that helps the Chicago Police Department keep our residents and our streets safe is important. However, I too have concerns with how information like that found in the gang database is being used to criminalize African American and Latino people in our city. The City must apply due process in any use of this information to treat persons of color differently than others.

Police Community Oversight Board I have listened to all sides of this important issue and I believe in providing the citizens of Chicago are more active role in improving community-policing relations. There is quite a bit happening already, like our CAPS program, but we definitely need to be doing more. But l would not be honest ifl left my answer there. The Mayor of Chicago has the responsibility every day of his or her term of keeping Chicagoans safe. it is his or her most important responsibility and Chicagoans judge him or her based on the Police Department‘s crime rates. Day to day the actions of the Police Superintendent and every member of the Chicago Police Department carry out this important responsibility. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract As Chairman of the Budget Committee, I am very aware of the impact these police settlements have had on the taxpayers of Chicago. I reviewed your fourteen recommendations and I am generally in agreement with all but one of them. Although l expect to hear from the police on their contract as well and as | always do, I will listen to all sides. Your recommendations seem reasonable and on their face seem to help ensure we have fewer bad actors on the police force. Recommendation #2 would allow for the filing of anonymous complaints. In this country, everyone has a right to face his or her accuser. This holds true for civilians as well as police.

Affordable Housing Single-family homes primarily comprise the 34th Ward. We do have some multi-family buildings. Rents in these buildings remain relatively affordable, however rising property taxes and insurance costs make it difficult for all landlords to maintain their building the standards we expect in the 34m ward. I am also working to bring more multi-family housing to the ward and our first project will serve veterans. l serve on the Housing Committee and voted for the Affordable Requirements ordinance both times it came before the City Council. By requiring residential developers to set aside 10% of their units on non-city funded projects and 20% on projects that have city funding. We should also work with Cook County to resurrect the Class 9 program so that multi-family building owners can receive much needed tax relief when the renovate their building and provide for affordable housing in the building.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Combatting poverty is something I have been committed to for a long time. When I became Budget Chairman, I was able to use my voice to secure more funding for programs that are helping to eradicate poverty. As Alderman, I have provided a number of programs to help impoverished people in my community, from Christmas in the Wards, which helps brighten the holidays for families by providing them with toys, coats, hats and food. With the support of my staff, we also provide prom dresses and tuxedos for high school students so they too can enjoy the evening with everyone else. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Alderman and above all a Christian I strive every day to recognize and reject racism. I defend a person’s right to their religious beliefs and speak out against any act of prejudice against any person based on their religion.

Did not respond: Preston Brown Jr.

40th Ward Candidates

Dianne Daleiden Candidate Statement I have lived most of my life in the 40th Ward of Chicago. I am a single parent and am a homeowner struggling with property taxes, fines, fees and other rising costs that we face living in Chicago. I have a personal, first hand understanding of how our system of regressive taxes, fines, and fees go hand in hand with privatization to drain money from the public which should be invested in neighborhood residents and services.

Over the past decade I have seen our hard-working families, friends and neighbors become profit centers for the downtown corporate and tourism trade. For decades, our City Council has transferred our neighborhoods’ wealth to downtown. Then cynically, through privatization and tax breaks City Hall transfers more wealth to the very corporations who outsource our jobs and receive TIF money that is skimmed from our schools, parks, health clinics and libraries. This must stop.

As a CPS math teacher and the only union member in this race I also know how unemployment, cuts in benefits, health insurance and retirement benefits affect families and children. I will fight for equal pay and equity in all sectors of the job market and in all city and state funded contracts and social programs that affect our communities. I understand that equity and equality are not the same thing. Equity means that people and communities should receive the tools and services that they need to reach a common goal or to achieve as others do. Some communities need more funding and services to achieve equality. I will fight for affordable housing, smaller class sizes, adequate and affordable public transportation, access to affordable health services in all communities, job creation and the elimination of food deserts.

I will continue to bring my passion, experience, problem solving skills and voice to City Council.

Welcoming City Ordinance The Ordinance, enacted 6 years ago basically prohibits CPD from acting as pseudo immigration agents. I oppose the general roundup and deportation of undocumented immigrants. I oppose the roundup and deportation of people based on suspicion. We must do everything we can to preserve one’s rights to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and we must ensure that all people who come to this country are provided due processes. I would eliminate the exceptions to the prohibition against the police doing the work of the federal agencies.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support ending the City’s Gang Database as it is an extension of the lack of trust in a system that needs to be overhauled as part of the police department in general. The Gang Database is a list of names that has been compiled over a period of decades. It is not known to be current or correct. It’s use within our system is questioned as being legitimate or effective. City Council tried to pass an ordinance that called for a halt in adding names to the list until the Inspector General could determine a legitimate purpose for even having or ever using the list by police.

Police Community Oversight Board I support GAPA’s proposed community oversight of the CPD. I feel we have a moral obligation to end systemic violence and all forms of institutional racism in our city. We live in a city where Mayoral prerogative and oversight have proven to be ineffective at combating the code of silence that surrounds accountability of basically any city department. We need to abandon our militarized police force and engage and empower communities through identifying and implementing best practices to rebuild trust.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I am in favor of using recommendations put forth by CPCA to advance reform and regain community trust through increased transparency and accountability. Areas of concern focus on internal investigations whereby unfair advantage given to officers under previous contracts make it impossible to hold officers accountable. As the only union member in the 40th Ward race I think it important to note that the union should be proactive in wanting to achieve trust and transparency in their new contract. A new contract should make it easier to identify police misconduct and support ways to make it harder for officers to lie about misconduct, to promote code of silence that perpetuates discriminatory practices and the destruction of evidence. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Affordable Housing One priority is to make sure that long time residents can stay in their homes. I am in the process of downsizing from a home I love because I simply cannot afford to keep up with the property taxes. I understand the city’s need for revenue, but I know we can raise the money needed to keep up services and educate our children from a source that is more fair than the property tax. One of the reasons that rental properties are disappearing is the conversion of 2 flats into single family homes. Costs, insurance, taxes and purchase prices are making the 2 flat a non-income producing proposition. Even soaring rents cannot cover costs of ownership in our neighborhoods.

We need to abolish TIF. TIF districts have expanded to covering about 33% of the city. This is property tax money that should be going towards schools, libraries and infrastructure. Instead the city and county have become over reliant on regressive taxes and fees to fund our society.

I would also put an end to privatization that robs Chicagoans of income streams and takes public money out of public uses and instead lines the pockets of corporations who have no accountability to taxpayers. The parking meters alone would have erased Chicago’s pension debt. In addition I would work with state lawmakers to amend the constitution and enact a progressive income tax system in Illinois.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I am a coalition builder. I have worked in public service as a social worker, community organizer, volunteer and public board member for all of my adult life. As a social worker I fully embraced the concepts of social justice and equity as catalysts for change in the lives the marginalized communities. As a teacher I am able to address the root causes of poverty and inequity by ensuring equal access to education, fully funded programs and quality instruction and curriculum.

As a community activist In May of 2018 I started a city wide petition drive to get a non-binding referendum on the November ballot that called for the City to hold Public Hearings on the lead in our drinking water. This referendum was on the ballot in many precincts and wards and was voted on favorably by the public.

As a teacher I know that the students I teach cannot afford expensive water filtration systems. I also know that most of my students live in older buildings where the owners will never replace lead pipes unless forced to do so. Our parents' generation eliminated lead paint and not just in our own neighborhoods. Lead paint was eliminated on a national basis. Lead is a poison and is proven harmful to brain, nervous system and over development in children. Our students and families in Chicago deserve better. We should never privatize our water system and we should use our tax dollars to benefit the people of Chicago at all levels.

Ald. Patrick O’Connor, Jr. (incumbent) Candidate Statement I am a lifelong Chicagoan who has lived in my current neighborhood for 52 years. I am married for 41 years with five children and seven grandchildren. I graduated from a Chicago Public High School (Mather), Loyola University and Loyola Law School. I have been the th Alderman of the 40 Ward since 1983. I am a licensed attorney in Illinois since 1979.

I believe voters should vote for me over my opponents because I am the only candidate with a proven record of accomplishments. I understand the issues, the budget process, the interaction between municipal government and state and federal governments, which is important for sustainability of programs and financial resources. I have always worked closely with the th residents of the 40 Ward, have a strong service record, and work well with the local Chambers of Commerce and neighborhood Block Clubs. I understand the needs of the ward, as well as the needs of the city as a whole. Experience is all too often ignored and not valued.

th My top priorities for the 40 Ward are, Economic Development; Budget and Finances (including Pension Issues); Education; Ethics and Transparency; and Public Safety. Local service must be multi-faceted with a broad appeal. Parts of our ward are home to many recent arrivals to the country, and providing social services, health services, and other wrap around programs

must continue to be made available primarily through existing agencies, any of whom I work to provide city funds to.

Our community is statistically the safest neighborhood in Chicago and I would like to continue my fight to keep it safe. I understand statistics are small comfort to victims of crime, so that is why public safety remains a priority.

Our local schools, public, private, religion-based and charter are among the best in the city, with some ranking high up in the state rankings. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Welcoming City Ordinance I support amending the Welcoming City Ordinance to remove these exceptions, except in the case of open warrants, because a critical reason I support Chicago as a sanctuary city is so that local police are not focused on immigration. An open warrant would require the police to take appropriate action. The city is currently working to resolve issues with the gang database so that it becomes a better tool for law enforcement and not a potential one to discriminate with. This is why comprehensive federal immigration reform is critical.

Chicago’s Gang Database I understand this database was a tool in fighting gang violence, however, it has not been effective and has led to many problems, as identified by the Office of Inspector General. One concern with this database is that once a person is tagged in the gang database, it is next to impossible to be removed. The city is currently working to resolve issues with the database as referred to in the previous question.

Police Community Oversight Board I think recent events have shown the need for reform. The Chicago Police Department Federal Consent decree is a beginning. I intend to support the compromised arrived at by the proponents. Trust between the community and people they are sworn to protect and the Chicago Police must be restored.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I agree with the mission of CPCA which is to ensure that a new contract with the city and the police unions do not stand in the way of holding officers accountable. No one is above the law. It is time to end the code of silence. I believe the Federal Consent Decree will also help address these concerns. The city cannot unilaterally impose contract conditions, and most FOP contracts are arrived at ultimately through binding arbitration.

Affordable Housing I believe housing is a universal right. I support an ordinance requiring financial institutions to pay a fee on properties in foreclosure, the proceeds of which would go to support programs to reduce the impact of foreclosures on communities. I support an Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance which requires developers to set aside 20% of residential new construction or rehabilitation for the creation of affordable housing. I support an ordinance to ensure an adequate supply of affordable and accessible family-sized units for families with Housing Choice vouchers. I believe we can find a dedicated funding stream to help with housing and wrap-around services. Job creation is also an essential element.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I entered the political arena because I was raised by parents who valued giving back, human decency and kindness towards everyone. Addressing the critical issues of ending poverty, racism and antisemitism, as well as hatred and bigotry towards, LGBTQ, Muslim and senior citizens is a priority. There are no simple solutions to these complex problems and the best way to address these issues is in a holistic manner because they are often interrelated.

Poverty is addressed through early education and good strong neighborhood schools. The next step is providing jobs that pay a living wage which I helped increase and ensuring health care and housing. Racism is harder to wipe out because all too often people are not even aware that their beliefs, words or actions are racist. Training and awareness and more open discussion on the topic are needed. Implicit bias is real, and people need to be aware and trained to offset this bias.

Supporting and electing diverse office holders ensures representation for under-represented communities. I recently cast my weighted vote in the Lou Lang vacancy for a rabbinically trained individual to ensure that his voice would be included in this all important discussion.

Since 2001 we have seen a huge increase in hate crimes, antisemitism and anti-Muslim rhetoric. Again, expanded education and training is a first step. All too often these are learned behaviors and views and no one should stay silent in the face of racism, antisemitism or any other form of hatred.

Maggie O’Keefe Candidate Statement I'm running because I believe the 40th Ward deserves a public servant who serves the public. The current alderman has been in office for nearly four decades, and in that time he has used his position of public trust to enrich himself and his family. Our neighbors have been left uninformed and uninspired to make change, but I know from going door-to-door for the past year that they are ready to put their energy behind me so that we can build a better, more sustainable future in our ward.

Our ward deserves an accessible elected official who has the energy and compassion to listen to all of our neighbors and connect our community. I am the only candidate in the race for 40th Ward alderman that has built community policy alongside ward residents, and who doesn’t come with a pre-packaged platform. We built our women-led, people-powered campaign on February 1st of 2018, and we have reached voter in every single precinct throughout the ward since then.

My campaign has never been about me or what I alone could do to fix the ward or city, but to inspire our community to roll up their sleeves to build a proactive Chicago side by side. Over the last year, we’ve worked hard with small businesses and residents to draft our 40th Ward Community Safety Plan, 23

we’ve held clothing drives, neighbor playdates, and forums. Neighbors want to be engaged and work together—we simply haven’t had an alderman who has extended that invitation to every person in our ward, not only the people who were close or could afford access to him.

Welcoming City Ordinance Chicago will not truly be a welcoming city until we amend the Welcoming City Ordinance to remove all exceptions. Allowing CPD to work with ICE means that many of our immigrant communities are kept in fear because interacting with law enforcement could lead to the deportation of themselves or their loved ones. That not only is immoral, but also leads to less safe communities and further exacerbates the strained relationship between our police officers and our communities. Every person deserves to feel safe and free from retaliation regardless of their status, and we are all less safe when we allow any person, regardless of the reasoning, to be targeted.

Chicago’s Gang Database Yes, I unequivocally oppose the use of Chicago’s gang database, and any database or registry that attempts to label or criminalize any of our communities. Over 97% of people included in the gang database are black or brown, and it is clear that it has been used to criminalize our communities of color. There have been instances of mistaken identity, and innocent people have been harassed by police, lost their jobs, and have even been deported simply because their name matched that of a suspected gang member on the list. That cannot happen and I oppose its use and the existence of lists such as those in our government.

Police Community Oversight Board Yes, I support GAPA and other measures such as CPAC that aim to establish public oversight of the Chicago Police Department. It has been 50 years since an officer was sentenced for murdering a person while on duty, and it is clear that there is a code of silence within our police institutions and that police cannot effectively and honestly police themselves. An oversight board that is diverse and elected by the public with a fair elections process is one step that we can take that will begin Chicago's path to protecting all people and providing justice as we work toward a police force that is accountable to all.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract Yes, I fully support each of the recommendations put forward by CPCA. Police contracts are currently set up to enable and encourage a system within the Chicago Police Department that allows misconduct and discourages accountability. It is time to elect aldermen who will represent all of the people they serve, and take a moral stand and demand that all measures are taken to fight injustice happening anywhere to any group.

Affordable Housing One of the greatest challenges working families and seniors are facing is trying to stay in the community that they helped build. The 40th Ward has the potential to be a welcoming ward with housing that accomodates all people, but due to decades of misrepresentation, lack of community input and corruption in the form of contributions from major developers within our ward, we have seen the rise of single family homes and a shortage of multi-units that support affordable housing for all. The 40th Ward has lost 139 multi-units over the past twelve years due to single-family home zoning, and so for our ward to continue to grow as a community that truly welcomes all people - regardless of their income - this must change immediately.

I support the Development for All Ordinance which would eliminate “in lieu of” fees and would require developers to include 30% affordable units on site. I will work with the Progressive Caucus in city council to create new policies that support a consistent supply of affordable family-sized units for families, and I am committed to instituting zoning reform in my ward and instituting participatory budgeting so that the voice of my community is active and involved in our ward's conversation of growth and development.

When we ensure that the people who have helped build their community are able to stay in it as it thrives, we help prevent the furtherment of the mass exodus from Chicago. When Chicagoans stay in Chicago, it lessens the burden on taxpayers to pay our debts and obligations, and we will have a more diverse, and therefore more prosperous, city that allows our residents to achieve their potential. The success of all of us is connected, and it is important for us to advocate for equity in a time of regressive ideology and policies that cause harm and single out communities. (Answer cut, exceed word limit)

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the United States, by race and by income. When we are separated from one another, we not only miss out on the chance to experience and learn from our diversity but we also lose more lives, we lose the potential of our children, and we harm our ability to succeed financially as a city. Purposeful and maintained segregation has resulted in a Chicago that is becoming less and less affordable to live, and which is becoming less and less diverse, and we are all feeling the effects.

According to a report by the Chicago Fair Housing Alliance, Chicago aldermen received the power to designate public housing sites in the 1930s, which laid the groundwork for our current state of segregation. Since then, white aldermen, like the 35-year incumbent I am running against, have used their prerogative to keep their majority-white wards as white and as wealthy as possible. They do this by downzoning, and by designating homes as historical landmarks so that new, affordable development cannot be built in their wards.

It is no coincidence, with an alderman like we have in the 40th Ward, that the top three issues facing our residents are safety, education, and affordable housing because he has worked his entire tenure to ensure the system of segregation in Chicago. Our segregated neighborhoods make it easier for vulnerable groups to be targeted with harmful and hateful rhetoric and stereotypes that deepen the divide between us, and which act to excuse the systems of harm vulnerable groups are often trapped within. Not only is this immoral and unjust, but it is a sickness that affects our entire society, not just those who are affected personally, and when we allow our fellow Chicagoans to suffer, we in fact all will suffer even if not in the same way. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Ugo Okere Candidate Statement My name is Ugo Okere. I'm a community organizer, Nigerian immigrant, 40th ward resident since I was nine years old, and I’ve organized for racial and economic justice all over our city. I worked as an organizer of Anakbyan Chicago, served as chairman of Fuerza del Sol, worked in the Chicago City Clerk’s Office and the Chicago Federal Executive Board, and am currently Community Engagement Coordinator with the Evanston City Clerk’s Office.

I’m running for Alderman because I’m dedicated to building a Chicago for all. I’ve witnessed the consequences of leadership that refuses to put a commitment to working people and marginalized groups first. Our public school system is segregated not just by race, but also by class. Black and brown residents are fearful of the Chicago Police Department. And our debts and obligations are balanced on the backs of the most marginalized and oppressed among us. I’m here to push for an elected public school board, equitable school funding, expanded social housing, and community control of local government through participatory budgeting and a community-driven zoning process. As a progressive organizer and democratic socialist, these values are my foundation as a candidate, and I won’t compromise on any of them.

In order to achieve any of those things, we need a candidate with a bold, leftist vision and the experience to back it up. I am the only challenger in this race who has grown up in the ward, and has government experience. I’ve been to Chicago Public Schools in the ward, played in our parks, and worked in municipal and federal government offices. The inner workings of government can oftentimes be a messy web of relationships, jargon and know how. I have knowledge of these webs to make the changes necessary on day one.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support amending the Welcoming City Ordinance. As a Nigerian immigrant myself, I personally understand the struggles immigrants face in coming to this country as they try to provide a better life for themselves and their children. I believe that it is our duty as citizens to fight and stand by our undocumented immigrant sisters, brothers and fellow resistors of all statuses and call to abolish ICE. The child detention facilities along the border have shown ICE’s true violent and inhumane nature and I will do everything I can to keep Chicagoans safe from their grasp.

Chicago’s Gang Database I strongly support ending the gang database. The gang database is a tool of racist and classist oppression and does not serve to end or diminish gang violence. Justice does not come from labeling and condemning other for the color of their skin. Instead, we should be seeking restorative and structural solutions to the violence many of our communities face today, like better funding our schools and working to lift people out of poverty.

Police Community Oversight Board First and foremost, I support the creation of a democratically elected Civilian Police Accountability Council as proposed by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. I believe this is the most transformative option to spur true police accountability and community control of the police. However, if this ordinance does not come to pass, I support GAPA’s proposal and believe that it would work to create more and better oversight of the Chicago Police Department.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support all fourteen of these recommendations and would not vote for a new FOP contract without them. The CPD’s extensive track record of misconduct and abuse of power, highlighted by Laquan Mcdonald’s murder and subsequent cover-up, shows that the department needs increased transparency, oversight, and reform from top to bottom. A new police contract must ensure that the FOP can’t escape that.

Affordable Housing I want to fight displacement and I want to do it alongside the people who already call the 40th Ward home. My housing plan includes implementing a community driven zoning process so that the people who live the 40th can help determine what businesses and developments go up. It also includes passing the Keeping the Promise Ordinance to force the Chicago Housing Authority to improve their transparency and use their resources better to create more affordable housing instead of stockpiling funds.

Additionally, I would help enact the Just Eviction Ordinance, call on state officials to pass Lift the Ban legislation and create mixed income housing opportunities with the input of current residents. I also want to legalize Accessory Dwelling Units to increase the amount of affordable units and I would work to implement a 30% affordable unit ON-SITE requirement in my ward for every new development to ensure that the northside of Chicago provides affordable housing. My goal is that the people who live in the 40th Ward and in Chicago can stay there and those who want to move here, can.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism As a democratic socialist, I believe that the root causes of poverty, racism, and antisemitism are intertwined. It’s no surprise that, at a time when wealth is so unevenly distributed, we’re also seeing a resurgence in white supremacist movements. That intertwinedness is also why people of color are disproportionately impoverished, harmed by regressive, conservative policies aimed at lowering taxes and defunding social services. And that is why one of the 3 core tenets of my campaign is interconnected struggle, alongside equity and co-governance.

If elected alderman, I would attack these root causes on as many fronts as possible. As the 6th wealthiest city in the world, Chicago has the resources to confront head-on issues like poverty, homelessness, a systematically racist school system, anti-semitism, and other forms of oppression. The problem is that our politicians aren’t doing a good enough job of bringing in those resources. I would push for new progressive revenue streams like a LaSalle St. Tax, a Real Estate Transfer tax on homes over $750,000, and a Corporate Head Tax.

With these funds, along with funds raised by reducing the CPD’s budget, I would push to distribute money back to the Chicagoans who need it the most and take aim at all systems of oppressions. That

means reinvesting in black and brown communities on the South Side. That means building affordable housing and making housing for all a priority. That means putting money back into our school system and building new ones instead of closing schools down. That means working with community groups and Chicago residents to stand up against white supremacists and other hate groups, and funding efforts that seek restorative justice. I am dedicated to combating racism, poverty, antisemitism and very other system of oppression that’s currently operating in Chicago. We rise together.

Andre Vasquez Candidate Statement I’m running for alderman because I care deeply about Chicago and my community. I didn't grow up in a political family. As the son of two Guatemalan immigrants who worked harder than anyone should have to in order to give me a better life, I experienced what it meant when government isn't working for the people.

My family was priced out of 5 neighborhoods when I was growing up. I was able to succeed in spite of that, but I believe that no one in our city should experience that kind of housing instability. We all deserve to live in safe, stable, and pleasant neighborhoods, not just the wealthy. After my wife and I had our two sprouts, I couldn’t help but evaluate my experiences and what type of society we are building for the future.

I’ve been knocking doors in the 40th Ward since 2015. My campaign had 57 unique volunteers passing petitions (39% more than the closest challenger and only 10 less than the incumbent), and I collected 1,000 signatures myself, more than any other candidate did individually in this ward. Professionally, I’ve worked in retail sales and management. I ultimately got promoted to an area manager position in charge of 145,000 units in Illinois. In management, I’ve learned how to efficiently work within large bureaucracies and have honed skills that will be valuable in providing responsive, effective constituent services for our neighbors.

I am running for alderman to build a city where every child receives an excellent education, where people feel safe on every block, and where all residents are invested in - where everyone who calls Chicago home feels that as a neighbor they are supported, celebrated, and part of a larger community. I believe that by ushering in a Brand New Council, we can create a city that works for the people instead of at their expense.

Welcoming City Ordinance This issue is incredibly important to me as the son of immigrants from Guatemala. I will fight to defend and expand sanctuary provisions in the city. It is equally important to me that we move from a sanctuary model to a welcoming model. Instead of just promising not to aid ICE, we have to make active efforts to welcome all immigrants to our city, including refusing collaboration with ICE. Being a welcoming city means we welcome all immigrants, regardless of documentation status, to come to our city. We tailor social services to include their needs. We recognize them as full members of the

community. As alderman I will provide resources and referrals through aldermanic office, and will deliberately reach out to undocumented folks about town halls and other meetings.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support ending the City’s use of the gang database. It is a violation of due process to be targeted by law enforcement based on an untransparent and unaccountable targeting system. When we see examples of corruption, racism, and profiling in our current law enforcement system, it’s impossible to make the case that a gang database wouldn’t be another tool in profiling and targeting people of color. It’s how it’s been used and it is equally horrendous that it is used to target immigrants.

Police Community Oversight Board I support the CPAC proposal, but would vote for GAPA and fight to improve it by measures. We need oversight of CPD to correct the many documented wrongs. The history of coerced convictions, policemen extorting folks and participating in organized crime, wrongful shootings, and general everyday misconduct cannot be ignored. We need true police accountability that can be provided by an elected civilian board, but I recognize that we have to continue to progress forward, so I would be in support of signing a GAPA with the goal of pushing for more even after it is enacted. We need to address the root causes in direct manners, as we know that this corruption has existed for generations.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the 14 requirements put forth by CPCA. I believe reform of the FOP contract is crucial to solving the problem of police misconduct in Chicago. Fundamentally, we should hold our police to higher standards and ensure that we have the tools necessary to hold repeat abusers accountable and to begin changing the culture of the Chicago Police Department. The current and past councils have been really inept at negotiating with the FOP and that needs to change. Officers don’t need 24 hours to get their stories straight. Those in our society who have been given the authority to take life should be held accountable the most.

Affordable Housing I grew up in a family that struggled to find stable affordable housing. Living in five different neighborhoods chasing affordable rent meant I had to constantly adapt to new environments. No person, much less families with children, should have to upend their life constantly just to find a place they can afford to live. I will stand up for affordable housing development across the city. I will support direct city investment in housing -- including publicly owned units. I will support fellow aldermen who stand for affordable housing developments in their neighborhoods. If we want to do right by our neighbors, we cannot afford to leave anything on the table.

I support the creation of affordable housing in my ward and across the city in a lot of different ways. I would support: ● Guarantees that some of the foreclosed properties saved through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program are made affordable to families at 40% and 60% of Area Median Income. ● A change to the ARO that would allow for 30% affordable housing, no loopholes for developers to opt out, and requiring any offsite units to be built within the ward so that we can achieve more equitable affordable housing across the city. ● The Homes for All Ordinance which would establish an automatic approval process for affordable housing applications if not acted upon within 90 days.

● The RETT is a one-time tax paid when a property's ownership is transferred. If the RETT was increased only on properties worth over $1 million by 1.2% percentage points, Chicago would raise an estimated $150 million every year in new revenue. This is approximately ten times what Chicago is currently spending on homelessness. ● Lifting the ban on rent control so that we can discuss and find true solutions to this problem

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Housing instability combined with a minimum wage that hasn’t kept pace with the cost of living are major contributing factors to generational poverty. It is important that we address the lack of affordable housing in the city and the ward. I also prioritize that the city and the county continue to raise the minimum in keeping with the realistic cost of living.

From a racial justice lens, we know that black and brown folks are arrested at much higher rates than white people. Those arrests are often the start of repeated and targeted criminalization. Through implementing the CPAC or GAPA ordinance, legalizing cannabis, and vacating previous cannabis convictions we can begin to reduce institutionalized racism in our legal system. Direct tax revenue from cannabis can be directed towards funding investment in the black and brown communities that have been most harmed by cannabis criminalization. This will ensure equitable investment in marginalized communities in the city of Chicago.

Members of my family - my wife and in laws - are Jewish and my relationships with them and other important people in my life have informed and added depth to my understanding of Anti-Semitism - we share a common oppression in the form of white supremacy. It was white supremacy that led a dictator to murder millions of Jews, forever scarring a people. It is that same white supremacy that has oppressed people of color for generations as well. When viewed through that frame, it allows us to appreciate how we truly share a similar struggle.

A few years back I was involved with a “Hate has no home here” Rally in the 40th Ward, after some vandals spray painted Anti- Semitic symbols on Hate Has No Home Here signs in the neighborhood. As a community organizer, it is my firm believe that we are greater for the diversity of our people. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

43rd Ward

Leslie Fox Candidate Statement I am the only candidate who is the parent of three Chicago Public School students. I am the only candidate who has served on the Local School Council. My decades of experience breaking through bureaucracy and getting things done will fuel my ability to deliver for my ward on day one. I have worked with the Chicago Police Department in multiple capacities. As Alderman I will advocate to hire more police officers and move quickly to rebuild the detective’s bureau. People in my neighborhood don’t feel safe walking around during the day. The 43rd Ward has a storied record of independent, progressive leaders. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with either the incumbent or the other candidates on the ballot to replace her. I differentiate myself from those who have been in office and worked under the current administration. In my view, they are responsible for this citywide increase in crime by closing down mental health clinics and closing 50 schools all at once with zero community buy in or involvement. The 43rd Ward and all Chicago residents will benefit from the funding of mental health clinics that were shut down. I am not influenced by the special interests. I am not being funded by Rahm's former staffers or developers. I am running as an independent and have a record of independence to show for it. When I worked at City Hall and I disagreed with the Mayor, I told him. My donors will not influence my votes and I am not running with an eye towards another election. If tough votes make me a one term Alderman then so be it. Serving as alderman is in no way a stepping stone for me.

Welcoming City Ordinance I absolutely support the welcoming City’s ordinance to remove those exceptions. This city was built by immigrants, and what is more, it was made great by immigrants. With the current political climate we must do all that we can to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are protected. Exceptions that allow people who have been listed in the cities unfair and extensive database mean that many latinx people would be targeted who otherwise may have no intention of offending again. What’s more city police should never work with federal immigration enforcement. The current attempts to do so are an overstep of power and the limitations that should rightfully exist between federal and local government. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Chicago’s Gang Database Support. Technology can be used to enhance the safety of our communities or reduce accountability. There comes a time, when even among the best intentions we must realize that initiatives initially intended to cut back on harmful community violence have actually led to an increase in punitive measures against the community. The gang database often rests on reductive notions of crime and punishment, ignoring efforts at rehabilitation and restorative justice processes that include the whole community. While we must crack down on community violence, the more important thing is ensuring that people who have been pushed into

unfortunate circumstances have the chance to grow and make their lives better. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Police Community Oversight Board Support. Absolutely I support a community police accountability board. I have always been in favor of more community policing and that starts with a connection between those who are doing the policing and those who are affected the most. The final piece of this puzzle is to improve the working relationship with the police and the community. This means revitalizing community policing through long term relationships. This board could prove critical to establishing these relationships. If an effective part of policing includes the day-to day cops on the beat, this also means we must stop the practice of assigning police officers to downtown districts instead of their own communities. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract Support. First, I agree that any reforms must be overseen by the courts through a consent decree. In order to win my support, a new contract would have to include a complete overhaul of officer training to focus on de-escalation, changes to the use of force policy that would prevent the use of potentially lethal tasers on fleeing individuals, and real consequences for officers that fail to wear body cameras or abide by the new use of force policies. There are several strategies that would be effective. As part of their training, police should have to complete 20 hours of classes taught by mental health professionals. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Affordable Housing Affordable housing is one of the key issues I am running on in this area. As I have said, one of my goals in running for Alderman is to create a place that is safe and affordable for my children to raise their children. With the current lack of resources in public schools that reality is becoming more distant. However, the other factor is affordable housing. Currently the 43rd ward is becoming wildly inaccessible to working and middle class families. We must ensure a solid stock of middle class housing is made available for the years to come. Much of this has to do with our priorities in planning. We must be cognizant of the way we triple zone lots, leading the way to mansions that could have served as homes for multiple families. We also should encourage some form of rent control through agreements between landlords and owners. I believe that our teachers, our firemen and our police deserve to live in the communities they serve. As it currently stands, the teachers that work in our neighborhoods must travel large distances just to get to their place of work. It creates even greater problems when you consider the transportation gridlock that increases as you force more people to commute. I truly believe that healthy affordable housing options create healthy communities, and we have a responsibility to create a place for middle-class families in our neighborhood.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism In Judaism, there is the long standing notion of Tikkun Olam; the idea that the world is broken into 7 pieces and we must work in solidarity to pick up the pieces and put it back together. I am committed to putting the broken parts of our city back together. This city was founded by immigrants and made great by diversity from all walks of life. The idea that someone would feel discriminated against based on skin color or religion is just as unethical as the insidious forms of racism that hide behind a different face. Predatory lending that targets black and brown home buyers. A lack of city offices in the poorest parts of the city. Legal services that

are mostly inaccessible to those who do not live in our cities downtown district. These are often the faces of racism that we do not focus on, but make the daily lives of black, brown and poor people more difficult across the city. Another thing we must understand is the interconnected ways in which antisemitism and racism are often two sides of the same coin. The same forces that deemed Jews as a separate subclass, work to relegate brown and black people to an underprivileged minority. The outcomes may be different, but the tools are the same.

Jacob Ringer Candidate Statement I’m running because I believe we can do better. I will be leader who prioritizes the interests of our community to get results. I’ll fight for small businesses and storefronts, better manage our roads and services, and protect our character with thoughtful economic development.

Our ward is not immune to the problems of violent crime faced across the City. As a proactive alderman, I will tackle this issue head, producing meaningful results to keep our families safe. We need real community policing. I will demand more police in our budget and that beat officers assigned here stay here so they are accountable to the community.

As alderman I will proactively fight to bring business here rather than waiting for them to leave or locate elsewhere. We can cut red-tape on signs, awnings, outdoor permitting and other ways the City is hindering growth. The same red tape exists across the City but businesses in our ward don’t have the Alderman’s support to cut through it.

I’m the only person running in Chicago who has delivered revenue without raising taxes, fines or fees. The digital billboards I spearheaded as Chief of Staff to the CFO of Chicago have brought in over $40 million already and are projected to raise over $200 million in non-tax revenue over the next 20 years. My unique approach to problem-solving helped make this idea a reality and a reliable ongoing revenue stream. I’ve learned through experience to understand the City’s financial problems and solutions to get it back on track. I’m raising my family here because I love this City. It’s time for us to grow into the neighborhood we deserve. With major challenges facing our ward and our City, we need an alderman who can do more to advocate for our community in a proactive way.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support the Welcoming City Ordinance in its current form. Chicago has many diverse and valuable communities and an immigrant history that should be respected and protected. I do believe that the City’s gang database should be evaluated to ensure that it contains accurate, verifiable information gathered and maintained using objective non-biased criteria and procedures. I believe this database needs to be reformed but could have value if it is curated to only include evidence-based conclusions. In any event, decisions based on the database should be subject to review with a transparent process for individuals to challenge their listing.

Chicago’s Gang Database I believe that the City’s gang database should be evaluated to ensure that it contains accurate, verifiable information gathered and maintained using objective non-biased criteria and procedures. I believe that this database needs to be reformed but could have value as long as it is curated to only include evidence-based conclusions. In any event, decisions based on the database should be subject to review with a transparent process for individuals to challenge their inclusion on it.

Police Community Oversight Board I support an ordinance codifying into law the provisions of the consent decree which implements a suite of ideas to effectively address bad conduct and would go a long way toward improving perception of CPD in the community by addressing concerns raised by proponents of GAPA and other proposed police reform ordinances. I believe the majority of police officers are hardworking and fair and should have nothing to fear from improved training and oversight. This policy supports those officers’ relationship with the communities they serve by restoring public trust and removing bad apples that undermine or abuse that relationship.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract The City and officers shouldn’t be operating under expired contracts. We deserve better. I believe most officers start their day in the mindset of protecting and honorably serving their communities and I’ll support CPD in that goal. I support evaluating and implementing improved use-of-force guidelines, department-wide de-escalation training, analysis and investigation of officer-involved shootings, and researching new ways to reduce future incidents. These policies enshrined in a contract would lead to positive changes internally and begin to restore the police-community relationship. We need these provisions to weed out bad apples that give good cops a bad reputation. I support removing side jobs and incomes that cause conflicts of interests for all public officials including police.

Affordable Housing I recently participated in a press conference where I supported limits on aldermanic prerogative for affordable housing decisions because I support the goals of protecting affordable housing stock and improving housing security across the City as a solution to rising rents and economic inequality in Chicago. Increasing affordable housing stock and overall housing density are two ways to reduce pressure on rising rents and I support policies to achieve those outcomes. I support a mandate for affordable housing as part of developments and "in lieu of" fees only if the funds raised are used for actual affordable construction. For example, we have such a shortage of housing at this point and those funds can build more housing in other areas than it can here. We should have a mix of incentives for developers to use their skills to support CHA for building more affordable units on vacant land on and offsite and policies to ensure that there is an adequate supply of affordable family sized units available to families in the Section 8 Program.

Lastly, we need to work on economic and racial segregation, and to grow through broad-based economic development that will increase incomes so that more people can afford housing. I may have specific policy differences about how to achieve these goals, but I will always be listening and open to practical ideas to address this important issue.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism My family and I have a strong commitment to social justice and addressing social inequality. Both my wife and I have a long commitment to the Night Ministry, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence and other organizations that serve at risk communities. As a practicing Jew, I personally understand the danger and reach of antisemitism and other forms of bigotry. As a matter of public policy, I have been clear and consistent throughout my campaign and in my answers to special interest questionnaires (which I’ve posted publicly on my website) that I support a variety of policies to fight poverty and prejudice.

I support policies to improve and increase public housing like limiting aldermanic privilege on zoning and requiring “in lieu of” fees to go toward more housing instead of the general fund. I will get illegal guns off the streets by improving security on gun cargo and advocating for common-sense gun control legislation. I will equalize access and quality of public services by instituting participatory budgeting in my ward and being an accessible alderman with open office hours and a weekly ward night. I’ll improve local schools across the City with local school plans and standardizing curriculum and policies from highly rated schools to lower performing schools across the district.

In short, I am actively fighting to make Chicago work for all Chicagoans and I am always listening for new ideas to make that vision a reality.

Ald. Michele Smith (incumbent) I’m running again because when we elect a new Mayor, we need, more than ever, strong, experienced representation in our ward. We have stabilized our city’s finances, but the threat of reversal is real. I have a track record of pursuing transparency and accountability Since being elected in 2011, I have a proven record of independent leadership based on community consensus. With public safety issues mounting, we have added 100 new officers in our community and have received Strategic Decision Support Centers in both the 18 th and 19 th Districts, as well as more license plate readers and cameras.

I am an advocate for our schools, ensuring they have the resources to handle increased enrollment and produce quality outcomes. I have brought more than $60 million into our public schools, including an expansion at Lincoln Elementary, and $30 million to repair the 1890s-era Lincoln Park HS, as well as new fields for Alcott Elementary, LaSalle Language Academy and Lincoln Park HS.

I’ve led the fight to establish the Park and Nature Preserve on the Chicago River as part of the Lincoln Yards development. We need a buffer between development and our community to preserve quality of life and maintain property values. Chicagoans deserve a true public park to meet their needs. I want to finish that fight.

I have focused on rebuilding our local playgrounds and improving infrastructure in the Ward. Our economic development plans for our local retail corridors have produced the lowest vacancy rates since before the downturn. I’ve led fights for ethics reform and efficiency, resulting in the transfer of oversight of City Council to the Inspector General, the creation of the Office of Financial Analysis, and City’s Absenteeism Task Force.

I have a record of independence, integrity, and fighting for what is right.

Welcoming City Ordinance I am in support of all of our “Welcoming City” programs.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support an overhauled version of the database which will address the IGs conclusions by placing additional oversight and accountability to the process of adding an individual to the list, in order to balance the rights of every citizen, while ensuring that law enforcement has the most accurate and up to date information needed to address gang violence.

Police Community Oversight Board I am a co-sponsor of GAPA. I have worked for the past year with GAPA advocates to address issues with the ordinance to try to make passage more likely. It has been a positive experience for all sides to consider all concerns and issues together in order to create a better ordinance.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations put forth by CPCA and have signed a resolution in City Council in support of CPCA. As a member of the City Council, I have championed accountability and transparency for myself and my colleagues, as well as in every city department and will continue to do so. I look forward to working with CPCA—as I have with GAPA—to ensure that their proposals result in the most substantive and beneficial reforms.

Affordable Housing rd I worked to ensure the addition of the first affordable housing in the 43 Ward in more than 30 years with the 54 affordable units which are part of the Lincoln Common (Children’s Memorial Hospital site) development. In addition, Lincoln Common will bring the first ever affordable units in a private assisted living facility, which I negotiated with the developer. I will continue to work with developers and the community to find innovative ways to bring affordable options into our community. I have required other developments to fulfill all their affordable units on site.

rd The 43 Ward has a fair amount of affordable housing, including 5 CHA senior housing buildings, a large HUD building, and a private Section 8 hi-rise. In addition, there are three or four low-rise apartment complexes that have been converted to co-ops in which tenants have purchased Section 8 housing projects when the mortgages expired.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism As one of the only two Jewish Aldermen in Chicago, I have taken the lead in protecting against anti-semitism, sponsoring several resolutions in City Council. In 2017, in the wake of Donald Trump’s

election, and the accompanying rise in hate speech, I sponsored a City Council resolution condemning all forms of hate speech and violent actions against Muslims, immigrants and others. The resolution, however, did not condemn anti-Semitism. I had the resolution changed to expressly include anti-Semitism.

I have also co-sponsored many JCUA backed measures in council, including the Relocation Plan Ordinance, which will force developers and building owners that receive public funds to give notice, create a plan and communicate with CHA senior residents before rehabs occur.

Before I was Alderman, I worked with local community groups to organize for on-site affordable housing at the former Children’s Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park. The project is now just beginning to come on line this year, and as Alderman, I am working with community leaders and the developer to ensure that these 54 units are filled.

As a longtime member of Chicago Sinai Congregation, and Social Action Committee Chair from 2004-06, I helped shape the future direction of the congregation’s social action efforts through leadership of our “Face to Face” initiative. The community organizing techniques used in the project ultimately led Chicago Sinai to focus its major Congregational efforts on education (adopting Jenner Elementary School) and Mental Health Care (state law authorizing community mental health centers).

I also worked with the Interfaith Action against Gun Violence to close Bell’s Guns in Forest Park.

Did Not Respond: Derek Lindblom, Steven McClellan, and Rebecca Janowitz

44th Ward Candidates

Austin Baidas Candidate Statement I have spent the last 10 years in public service, working for the Department of Transportation under President Obama and as Associate Budget Director under Governor Quinn. I’ve lived in Lakeview for the last 15 years, and have been active in the community during that time, serving on the boards of the Center on Halsted and Howard Brown Health.

Chicago is facing a crisis driven almost entirely by corruption, a problem that diverts hundreds of millions of dollars from education, public safety, and other basic city services every year. I am the only candidate in the race who is not accepting any money from developers, corporations, or PACs, because I know that is the only way that I can be independent from the influences that have blocked much-needed reform for far too long.

In office, I will fight for a progressive agenda driven by a strong moral conviction that no one in our city should struggle to feed their family. I’ll work to ensure our minimum wage is a living wage, starting with an increase to $15/hour. I’ll work to pass expanded paid family and medical leave and make sure that no parent in our city has to choose between taking care of a sick child and their job. And I’ll work to pass real ethics reform, starting with term limits for city council.

I have seen government work, I know how to get things done, and I have the skill set to tackle the serious challenges we face.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support the removal of all four exceptions from the Welcoming City Ordinance. The City of Chicago must go further than it has in the past to protect our undocumented neighbors, and ensure that everyone has full due-process. The current status quo fails to do that, and must change.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support eliminating the Chicago’s gang database. This database has been used in the past to target communities of color, as shown by the Inspector General’s report, and does little to keep us safe.

Police Community Oversight Board I support community oversight of the Chicago Police department.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the CPCA recommendations.

Affordable Housing I support the Fair House Ordinance, but I am concerned about the number of developers who are buying out of the requirements to provide adequate affordable housing on site. If developers are choosing to pay fees to avoid providing affordable units, then we must raise the fees to ensure that affordable units are built.

I am also concerned about the use of funds that are being set aside, which need to be transparently reviewed. I support reforming aldermanic privilege, which prevents affordable units from being built, as well as legislation that would prevent TIF subsidies from going to developers that do not plan to provide adequate affordable housing options.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Poverty and racism are inextricably linked in Chicago, and can’t be combatted alone. Outcomes in our city are still very much defined by place of birth, as resources and opportunity are not equitably distributed.

The ward system has done much to preserve the unique culture of Chicago, but it has also done much to preserve racial inequities and poverty. As Alderman, I will fight for the interest of my neighbors, and as a part of a larger city. That means working to end the inequitable provision of resources in our city and ending the cycle of poverty that disproportionately affects people of color in Chicago.

It also means tackling corruption in a serious way. Wealthier areas of our city like Lakeview are not immune to the consequences of corruption, but are more able to weather them. The greatest burden is borne by neighborhoods that are robbed of proper funding for schools and basic city services, and who bear the brunt of a police force that does not have proper oversight or accountability.

The systems that perpetuate racism, poverty, and anti-semitism are deeply entrenched in Chicago, and must be combatted through the combined efforts of all Chicagoans, not just the victims of bigotry and hate. As alderman, I will join with elected officials and community leaders throughout our city to take on this challenge.

Elizabeth Shydlowski Candidate Statement As a working parent, and Latina woman, with a 25 year bi-partisan career in public administration, public policy, education, and non-profits, I have the mindset and background to serve the 44th Ward in our district and on the Chicago City-Council as we embark upon this rare opportunity to change the culture in City Hall with a new Mayor and new faces across the board. I support Mayoral and Aldermanic term-limits and pledge to serve a maximum of two terms. I also pledge that I will be a full-time Alderman and will not seek outside employment. I’m running because I will fight for safer neighborhoods,

stronger schools and to stop corruption in City Hall. I will be a unifying and unconditional voice for every adult, child, school, non-profit and business in the 44th Ward.

Welcoming City Ordinance In the interest of public safety, I oppose removing these restrictions.

Chicago’s Gang Database If discrimination is occurring with the current system, we need to take a look at who is being tagged and why. I would support reform and audit measures in order to ensure that only proven threats to society are in the database. I would seek the guidance of the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab on this issue.

Police Community Oversight Board While I unequivocally support community involvement, and the collaboration and exchange of ideas between neighborhood residents and the police department, the police must have autonomy and ultimately, the authority to enforce the law. That said, it is a partnership: just as the residents must trust the police officers to do their jobs effectively, the officers should take into account the concerns of the community. Communication - for example, regularly scheduled community forums - can help ensure that officers do their jobs effectively.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract In the 44th Ward, our immediate issue is to address the uptick in crime — primarily carjackings and theft. My priority as Alderman will be to work with the 19th Police District to identify strategies for crime prevention, data driven analysis of patterns and trends and to create a new community partnership between residents, businesses, schools and non-profits in the 44th Ward. I have reviewed the 14 recommendations and would like to also hear from our 19th District Police Officers about these recommendations and hear their thoughts as I want to provide an informed response.

Affordable Housing Affordable housing for middle class and working class families is critical for the future of the city of Chicago. I favor the recommendation of the Metropolitan Planning Council, which is that each ward strive to meet a goal of offering 10%. For the 44th Ward, this will require a long term plan as MPC and the Chicago Fair Housing Alliance has estimated that the 44th Ward currently falls below 5%. Any such plan, under my leadership, would require that affordable housing expansion be thoughtfully mapped out with input from leaders of each of the neighborhood groups, principals at our schools and the 19th Police District, among others to ensure we are appropriately planning for growth. One simple step to consider would be to reform the current city-owned vacant lot program to be geared toward affordable housing. The city could also explore the construction of modern modular (prefabricated) buildings/housing that has shown to keep housing costs down in other cities across the country.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I have a 25 year career in public policy, public administration, politics, education and non-profit consulting with an emphasis on improving government services and anti- poverty initiatives. As the national fundraiser for the Lab for Economic Opportunity (a partnership between the University of Notre Dame and Catholic Charities USA), I learned first-hand how the very government services that were created to lift people out of poverty, can actually make their situations worse through complicated forms, poor client services and policies and practices that don’t align with the life of individuals living in

poverty. I most recently have been working with the Jack Kemp Foundation on the south-side of Chicago, along with pastors, educators, non-profit leaders and philanthropists to educate the community about Opportunity Zones to help low income communities lift themselves out of poverty. As Alderman, I would ask for a full audit and 1-2 year moratorium on the TIF program. I am concerned about the lack of transparency. TIF funds were intended to help underserved neighborhoods, but became a slush fund for the Mayor. Here in the 44th Ward, I will work to increase the availability of affordable housing and will work with our local non-profits to scale up our anti-poverty initiatives.

Ald. Tom Tunney (incumbent) Candidate Statement I have been invested in my community since I moved to Lakeview 40 years ago and bought Ann Sathers. As Alderman, I have helped secure $65 million new dollars for our public schools and prevented two schools from closing. The improvements we made with the help of parents in the community improved schools from failing status to Tier 1 and Tier 1 Plus. We brought in $24 million for park development and improvements, and currently have the lowest storefront vacancy rate in the city. When I moved here, Belmont was empty and there was extreme disinvestment. I also helped to build the first LGBT affordable housing and keep, improve, and secure over 500 units of affordable housing in my Ward. Through my work, Lakeview has become one of the most desirable places to live. I believe my experience, commitment, and passion for the residents and local businesses makes me the th best candidate to continue serving the 44 W ard. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there is still more to be done. We need to continue working on water quality and improved infrastructure, we need to continue investing in Lakeview High School so families have a competitive option for high school, and we need to continue the work we started by building the last new police station in the city in our ward by bringing in more officers on the beat and in house detectives in addition to the tech hub in the station that was recently implemented.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support the Welcoming City Ordinance—we must remain a safe and vibrant city and supporting immigrants with resources. I also support ending the city’s gang database and no coordination with ICE absent conviction.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support ending the City’s gang database.

Police Community Oversight Board I support GAPA’s proposed community oversight. I also support a complete audit of the Chicago Police department—it is our biggest expense in the city council budget and it is extremely important we know how and where resources are being spent, and that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations and support consent decree.

Affordable Housing I am extremely proud of the affordable housing I have created in the ward, with more than 500 new units created during my tenure. We created the first LGBT affordable senior housing, redeveloped 501 Surf, and helped to secure new units at Belmont and Sheffield for affordable housing for those with mental illness. In addition, with the modernization of the Red/Purple line, all new development must have 20% affordable housing units on site. As my time as Alderman we have not lost any affordable housing units and continue to work on making sure there is options in the Ward. It is beyond time that we end the ability for developers to pay a fee in lieu of building on-site affordable housing when there is an opportunity to build near or on-site of the new development.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I’ve worked my entire adult life to combat hatred in Lakeview—whether it is antisemitism, discrimination against the LGBT community, or racism that creates tension in our community. I believe we need to have a concerted effort to promote opportunity and economic development in every community to help those who have too often been left behind. I support current efforts to raise the minimum wage at the state level. We also need to make sure that we have fair scheduling, paid sick leave, and an investment in smart development and public schools.

46th Ward Candidates

Ald. James Cappleman (incumbent) Candidate Statement I have spent the past eight years taking on complex issues and seemingly impossible tasks in the 46th Ward – and I am proud of what we have accomplished.

I have fought for vital infrastructure improvement projects, like the $203M Wilson L reconstruction, which has transformed a 119 year old facility into an updated station that can serve our community for the next 100 years. I worked to ensure that the rehabilitation of the Uptown Theatre would be a project slated for completion during my term in office – and I am proud that is now a reality. I have fostered the development of Uptown’s Entertainment District, which now includes a $6M Streetscape of the Broadway/Lawrence Corridor and the addition of entertainment venues: Double Door, Baton Lounge, recently reopened Carol’s Pub. We have accomplished all of this while protecting and adding to our current stock of safe, subsidized, affordable housing—the most affordable housing options in the city. Additionally, I know how to facilitate smart economic development that creates jobs for all residents

Welcoming City Ordinance I am supportive of all of our “Welcoming City” programs.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support the IGs conclusions and believe that additional oversight and accountability in the process of adding an individual to the list can be done while still providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to fight gang violence.

Police Community Oversight Board I strongly believe that there is a need for greater transparency, accountability and oversight of our city’s police department. I am supportive of the reforms offered by GAPA and remain committed to ensuring that we continue to seek innovative ways to improve the relationship between the police and the communities which they serve.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract It is imperative that we fix the CPD contract. I look forward to working with CPCA to ensure that their proposals result in the most substantive and beneficial reforms.

Affordable Housing The Uptown community I serve ranks first in the city in terms of HUD housing, with 2,750 units. That’s seven times more than the average amount found in the other 76 community areas within the city. The 46th Ward also ranks first with in terms of having the most Low-Income Housing Trust Fund units that house people with an annual income of less than $16,000; that number surpasses the total number of

LIHTF units found in 28 other wards. Additionally, my ward is home to numerous CHA, Voice of the People, Heartland Alliance, and Mercy Housing units. We also have 50 units of housing for people diagnosed with a mental illness who are also alcohol and /or drug dependent. We still need more affordable housing and I am committed to adding an extra 100 units in 2019. I seek more, but at the same time remain committed to advocate to my colleagues the need to step up and do their fair share as well. The housing crisis is a city-wide issue that requires a city-wide response. I intend to continue to lead on this issue.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I share the JCUA’s commitment to combat poverty and to ensure that in a community as diverse as mine, and in our current political climate, that we stand together against those who would wish to divide us. Uptown, in its diversity, and in our commitment to keeping it an affordable place to live, embodies the principles that drive your organization and my commitment to service.

I also understand that combatting poverty requires permanent solutions, not temporary fixes. That is why I worked with the city to ensure that nearly 100 individuals who were living under the Lake Shore Drive viaducts in my ward were not simply relocated or provided temporary shelter, but instead found permanent housing solutions within our community. I will continue that commitment during my next term.

Angela Clay Candidate Statement As the only candidate from this community the 46 Ward has been home to me for twenty-seven years & home to my family for over eighty years. I graduated from the only High School in our Ward, Uplift Community High School & I am a proud DePaul graduate with a degree in Public Policy & urban studies. As the former youngest President of Voice of The People in Uptown, my passion & life’s work has been dedicated to serving all of our neighbors no matter your nationality, income, religion, or gender.

Because of this amazing community I was able to take advantage of an immense number of resources such as mental health providers, affordable housing, & amazing teachers that came from my same community. All these resources however are currently being eliminated or threatened with extinction due to the obvious change forcing poor, low income and working-class families out of our Ward. Uptown is one of the most diverse communities in the world with over forty languages spoken! In the last two years new developments have honed in on our community, tapped into our public official and used our TIF dollars to strategically change the diversity and culture of the very community that has produced doctors, engineers, activist & professional athletes to name a few.

As your Alderman my goals are simple, keep our community culturally and economically diverse by preserving and expanding affordable housing, use TIF funding in its truest form by investing back into our schools, parks and other community needs, as well as bring economic development that will

employ our youth, homeless & veterans. This election is the deciding factor for the future of our neighbors and our community. The 46 Ward has enough room for everyone to grow & prosper, it’s up to us to stand on the right side of justice to make sure that happens.

Welcoming City Ordinance I oppose amending the Welcoming Ordinance. As a Sanctuary City I believe it’s in our name to give people second chances and we should not punish people who could’ve possibly been entered into our racist gang database. Chicago has the opportunity with a new city council to actually strengthen our stance on protecting immigrants here in our City. As Alderman I would like to see a no exemptions ordinance passed so that our vital resources aren’t being used to harm our immigrant neighbors.

Chicago’s Gang Database I wholeheartedly support ending one of the biggest racial profiling tools this City uses to target Black & Latinx constituents. The gang database is severely skewed and is only based on assumptions of police officers. Many of my neighbors have actually been pushed out of their homes & communities due to just having a negative interaction with the police that labeled them a gang member. This database is often used to target minority youth as they develop into young adults disrupting communities and needs to be demolished.

Police Community Oversight Board I don’t oppose GAPA but I believe that Chicago Police Accountability Coalition (CPAC) is the correct & democratic way to go about it. CPAC directly gives communities to have a direct say in the hiring & firing of the superintendent, the Chicago Police Department contract, and police accountability. We need to make sure our communities are properly protected across this entire city and it comes down to better police training without a Cop Academy misusing our tax dollars, accountability for all misconduct, breaking the known “code of blue” and fostering meaningful relationships with the community.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I wholeheartedly support the fourteen recommendations by CPCA and think they need to be implemented within the first thirty days of the new city council. CPD has cost the tax payers of Chicago a lot of money, a lot of sorrow & trust. Our police officers need to understand that accountability is here and it starts with implementing true community oversight of our police force. The CPD takes up nearly half of the entire City’s budget, not including settlements paid to families of innocent victims. We need to stop settling for human lives equating to a dollar amount to avoid the deeper issues within our police force.

Affordable Housing I would support a rent control referendum forcing the entire State to protect our neighbors from displacement and lift the band on rent control. 71% of the 46 Ward are renters paying almost half of their monthly income just for housing. Without rent control renters are subjected to displacement & debt. Also, the Chicago Housing Authority has a surplus of over 400 million dollars as our homeless brothers and sister make life changing decisions daily just for shelter. This is frankly a disgrace to the city council & as Alderwoman I will fight to push CHA to start spending that surplus on building new affordable housing, preserving affordable housing already in place throughout the city, as well as fighting for more accessible affordable housing units for our handicap neighbors. Housing is a basic human right that all of us need, as Alderman I will ensure that any new upzoning contains 10%-30%

onsite affordable housing. Homeownership is directly related to credit and access to capital, which many low income and working class families struggle with. As Alderman I want to create an inclusive homeownership program that encompasses grants & local Banks to educate families on the steps they need to take to become a homeowner and lend them money once they successfully complete the program. I will also work with local housing non for profits to work with them to get additional private and public funds to continue serve our neighbors needs.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism As a young Moorish woman that grew up in affordable housing I’ve experienced poverty & racism first hand. I’ve been racially profiled & refused service, I’ve had to fight for an education that taught me about my oppressors more than it did about investing, & I’ve seen the detrimental side effects of disinvestment in our youth, immigrants & disabled. As the youngest President of Voice of the People it was critical that I worked with our neighbors to offer meaningful employment opportunities to residents in our Ward, after school programs to at risk youth, as well as educate our community on the importance of a mixed income community. All of these skills are critical in an ever changing community that is seeing the onset of urban gentrification and in order for all of us to survive we need to make sure our community is educated, safe & diverse. The 46 Ward thrives on being a melting pot and as Alderman I will do everything in my power to educate our neighbors through community engagement that bridges gaps and tears down stereotypes. We are all affected when we aren’t all connected, and it starts with education, getting our neighbors involved in community decisions, & holding people who threaten or harm our neighbors accountable for their actions.

Marianne Lalonde Candidate Statement My name is Marianne Lalonde. I am a scientist and a progressive community activist ready to make an impact on my community and the city. I first came to Chicago to pursue a PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern University and fell in love with the city. Immediately after graduating, I had the opportunity to be a science policy fellow for Senator Sherrod Brown and got a taste for public service through that experience. I saw the value of having more passionate scientists in positions to affect change and resolved that I would remain civically engaged when I returned to Chicago. Since moving to Uptown, I have become the president of my block club, served on the Clarendon Park Advisory Council, the Committee to Save Uplift High School (our ward's only public high school), the Lake Shore Drive Study Task Force, and the Sarah's Circle Associate's Board. I feel so fortunate to have had the privilege of participating actively in such a vibrant, diverse, and engaged community. I decided to run for City Council because our current Alderman, James Cappleman, has consistently prioritized luxury development over public services, public parks, and school funding in our ward. He also has a very reactive approach to policing that does not work to prevent the gang-related violence that plagues our neighborhoods. He has to go. I also believe that it is about time that Chicago saw a scientist on its City Council. Scientists are analytical problem-solvers and strong B.S. filters. Also, Chicago should be leading the way on environmental sustainability best practices and we face challenges like lead in our

water that someone with a scientific background can bring specific expertise to solving. I believe I am the right person to take on the challenges and opportunities facing our ward and city.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance and the protections it affords the immigrant population of our city. As the daughter of an immigrant, and someone who aspires to represent a community of immigrants, it is of the utmost importance to me that we remain a “Welcoming City.” Chicago’s laws should apply to all residents of the city regardless of documentation status. I am supportive of amending the Ordinance to remove pending charges, open warrants, and listing in the city’s gang database.

Chicago’s Gang Database I oppose the gang database. Not only is the practice clearly racist and unconstitutional, but there is no proven benefit to labeling people as criminals proactively. Each person should be treated as innocent until proven guilty, regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, or socioeconomic status.

Police Community Oversight Board I support the GAPA ordinance for civilian police accountability. All Chicagoans regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or mental health status have the right to feel safe and protected by a police force that is accountable for its actions, and representative of the communities it serves. disproportionate sentencing and negative day-to-day police interactions have contributed to a growing (and justifiable) distrust of law enforcement.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations put forward by CPCA and would require any new FOP contract to include all of them. I intend to push for clearer language in the FOP contract regarding officer accountability. Among other issues, the current police contract allows officers to change their statements about incidents when they are not provided with audio or visual evidence before giving their initial statements. It also forbids investigators from accessing past complaints against officers with the exception of excessive force and criminal conduct, which ignores important past complaints including racial and sexual abuse, patterns of false arrest, and illegal searches.

Affordable Housing It is imperative to preserve each existing affordable housing unit, to promote the prosperity and dignity of residents by ensuring current units are well-maintained, and to create a development plan that keeps current residents in the ward. For new developers, this means incorporating on- site affordable housing units into their properties rather than opting out by paying into the Low Income Housing Trust Fund. It is also important that larger, multi-bedroom affordable housing units be created that will give neighbors the opportunity to invest in our ward long-term, through raising their families in the 46th ward and supporting 46th ward public schools.

SROs are an irreplaceable housing resource in the 46th ward. Maintaining SROs is cost- effective over time, and many residents rely on SROs for their housing. When SRO tenants are displaced, it negatively impacts not only the residents, but the local economy and creates a higher demand for homelessness services that are already under resourced.

I fully support the Chicago City Council’s Progressive Caucus’ move to take a more active role in controlling the TIF funds. TIF should only be used in areas that are blighted, vacant and/or obsolete, and areas where the project could not move forward financially but for the requested TIF subsidy. I also believe that TIFs should be prioritized for projects that serve the entire community – it is never appropriate to give TIF money to a luxury real estate developer. The right balance for aldermanic prerogative is ensuring that residents’ concerns can still communicated and addressed in alignment with city-wide priorities. I support legislation that will limit the power of aldermanic prerogative to be used to block affordable housing construction. On the rental side, I am in support of rent control, and even collected signatures for the ballot initiative in November of 2018.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism The 46th Ward is an extremely diverse ward racially, ethnically, and economically. Many of the issues facing the ward mirror the issues facing the city as a whole. The demand for affordable housing in our city greatly outweighs the current supply, which has contributed to an increasing homeless population. I believe it is imperative to preserve public services that ensure those in the most dire need have access. Through my work with Sarah’s Circle, a women’s homeless shelter in the ward, I have seen the impact a resource like that can have on a person’s life. We also need to give people an opportunity to put down roots in the ward and build themselves up by providing dignified, larger affordable housing options that encourage families to move to and remain in the 46th Ward.

The polarization of wealth in our city has led to a multitude of issues including youth disenfranchisement and increases in violent crime. City-wide there is a demand for increased investment in resources that benefit our residents, for example, public schools, parks and equitable transit access. Through my candidacy I’ve been able to develop relationships with candidates in other wards across the city to address systemic inequality from a proactive, city-wide perspective. I plan to stimulate the local economy through small business development, especially immigrant, minority, and women-owned businesses via zoning and development policies. Having a strong local economy is proven to improve the holistic circumstances of a community. To fight institutional racism and antisemitism, one has to fight inequality. Hate comes from ignorance, separation, and desperation. I am determined to close the cracks and gaps in our community and our city through equitable access to resources that increase the dignity and harmony of our city.

Erika Wozniak Francis Candidate Statement My name is Erika Wozniak Francis and I am a progressive Democrat running for Alderman of the 46th Ward. I am running for alderman because I see an opportunity to bring new leadership on all levels of government in the City of Chicago. I have been a leader and policy advocate long before I ever considered becoming a candidate. For the past 15 years, I have been a part of the movement to change Chicago. I have been a vocal advocate of raising the minimum wage to $15 and to stopping the misuse of TIF funds. I’m also a nationally awarded Chicago Public School teacher who has seen the misplaced priorities

of city officials firsthand. I’ve seen Chicago’s mass school closures, classroom overcrowding, budget cuts and the harsh effects it’s taken on teachers, students, and families across the city of Chicago. I am running for alderman because the 46th Ward needs a representative who is not afraid to stand up for the interests of its residents, even if that means standing up to the mayor.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support removing these exceptions and adopting the Village of Oak Park’s model in which cooperation with ICE is only permitted with a judicial warrant.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support ending the City’s gang database. The database is riddled with inaccuracies, carries lifelong consequences for those listed, and does not allow for appeals. Recent reports on the gang database show that nearly a fourth of those listed in the database were 17 or younger upon listing. Since 1999, the database has listed nearly 400 kids underneath the age of 12 as gang members. It is more than just inaccurate, it is also unjust.

Police Community Oversight Board I support GAPA’s proposed community oversight. We need to build a relationship of trust and communication between communities in Chicago and the Chicago Police Department in order to foster more effective, ethical policing while also supporting our officers. Increased oversight through GAPA’s proposal will serve to build that relationship by creating a community driven model.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract Yes. I believe that these recommendations would bring forth more opportunities for officers to be honest and accountable without fear.

Affordable Housing The current ARO system allows developers to pay fees and opt out of providing on-site housing. Even after the 2015 ARO update, these problems have continued, pushing the city to re-segregate. While there are new affordable units are being built in the city, they are not being built where residents need them. I support the Our Home, Chicago ordinances package which mandates that 30% of onsite units in new developments are affordable.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I am committed to creating an equitable Chicago. As a Chicago Public School teacher I’ve worked to fight prejudice by writing and teaching curricula that addresses racism and antisemitism with students. I will be just as committed as to fighting these issues as alderman by vocally supporting the aforementioned policies. Additionally, I have been fighting for a $15 minimum wage since long before I decided to run for office and I will continue to fight for a livable minimum wage as alderman.

Justin Kreindler Candidate Statement I am married and have two young children. I have spent my professional life in the nonprofit sector, building strong communities and developing young leaders across Chicago. I am a former board member of East Lake View Neighbors (ELVN), a founding member of the Future of Choice board for Planned Parenthood Illinois Action where he has been a volunteer since 2005, and a past Vice-Chair of the Skyline Council with Landmark Illinois (volunteer since 2011). I am also a practicing Jew.

I have the vision, creativity, managerial experience, and values to lead our community and stand up for what is right in our city council. My campaign and policies are guided by my longstanding commitment to service, transparency, community, equity, and diversity. Over the past 8 years, I have worked closely in a professional setting with ONE Northside, Kuumba Lynx, Alternatives, Uptown United, Sarah's Circle, Walt Disney Magnet School, Courtenay Elementary, Institute of Cultural Affairs, Broadway Youth Center, and the Center on Halsted, all of which are organizations that serve our ward. I have a deep understanding of our community and its assets, and a clear handle on possible new approaches to our community’s challenges. As Alderman, I will focus on building on what works in the 46th Ward. Rather than making ultra-luxury changes to the area, like our current Alderman intends to do, I am committed to ensuring that people who want to continue living in East Lakeview and Uptown can continue to do So.

Welcoming City Ordinance I am proud that Chicago is a welcoming city. Chicago depends on immigrants to drive growth, to pay taxes, to send children to our schools, and to help keep our neighborhoods vibrant. Chicago must do everything in its power to protect our neighbors from unjust policies. I would support removing the gang database from the ordinance, as ProPublica recently reported that even police have “concerns about its fairness and accuracy.” In addition, I would support changes to the ordinance to ensure that someone who overstays a visa or misses an immigration hearing can not be targeted by our police even if a warrant is issued for their arrest. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Chicago’s Gang Database I oppose the gang database as it exists right now. If Chicago is committed to tracking gang activity, it should done by teams of social workers and advocates, not by police. Any database should be open to public scrutiny in a way that protects the anonymity of the person listed. Any such database also needs to have a well developed appeals process so that people who were unjustly added or who have left gang life behind can clear their names.

Police Community Oversight Board More than half of Chicago residents Chicago don’t trust Chicago Police enough to call them for help, let alone help them do their job This distrust points to a system failure that can only be rectified by changing the culture and mindset of our police. I support real and meaningful reform of the police and the implementation of civilian oversight. GAPA is an imperfect ordinance but it represents positive

progress. I favor CPAC’s approach of cutting the mayor out of police oversight; believe that a meaningful compromise ordinances lies somewhere between CPAC and GAPA.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I have read the police contract, and I completely agree with the CPCA recommendations. There are two additions I support as well: First, Article 6, Section 6.1 D should extend the statute of limitations for reopening past investigations depending on the nature of the complaint. 2. I was unable to find a comprehensive maternity or paternity leave policy in the contract. Our police should be a model for strong parental leave policies by offering a three month paid leave for new parents as well as an additional three months at 60% pay.

Affordable Housing Chicago faces a massive shortage of affordable housing units. This shortage cannot be addressed without the participation of all 77 neighborhoods. As Alderman, I would use Aldermanic Privilege to block housing development over 10 units that do not include 20% affordable units and 30% 3-bedroom units. Under our current Alderman, our ward continues to be saturated with ultra-luxury condos. While we welcome our new neighbors, we are seeing our property taxes skyrocket and rents ratchet up to levels unfamiliar to the Uptown and East Lakeview communities. I would use Aldermanic privilege to rebalance housing in our ward: more specifically, I would encourage the construction of mid-market housing through the approval of building permits and re-zoning. This would ensure the economics of mid-market work for all parties involved.

Two possible steps we can take to ensure housing remains mid-market including removing on-site parking requirements in new developments and inviting innovation in construction methods. There is a growing chorus of planners who believe that parking spaces are being included in housing developments at the expense of more reasonably priced housing. Similarly, these planners believe that, over the next five years, the introduction of autonomous vehicles will drastically change car ownership needs and usage. Our ward currently has relatively low car ownership rates of .5 cars per household. As our ward gets younger, those rates will continue to trend down as the need for lower cost housing increases. I understand the political risks of advocating for fewer parking spaces in new developments, but at the end of the day, lower cost housing for people has to be a higher priority than spaces for cars. Next, adoption of modular construction using prefabricated units has shown to be an effective way to keep costs down. West coast firms such as Blokable, Katerra, and OneBuild have all demonstrated that even in high priced, competitive urban markets they can use modular construction to reduce the cost per square foot of housing. (Answer cut, exceeded word limit)

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism As a nonprofit professional, I have spent the last 8 years working to connect young professionals with good jobs in the nonprofit sector, to get on track to complete their college or graduate degree, and to help community organizations across Chicago build their capacity to more effectively serve their communities. While the work of breaking generational cycles of poverty won’t be accomplished in a single generation, with equitable access to quality education and a childhood free from the trauma and stresses of neighborhood violence or housing insecurity we will make substantial inroads. The platform I am running on is built on the understanding that we must do more to ensure that people can afford to, and want to, stay in our community and that we invest in our neighborhood schools. As Alderman, I will prioritize supporting and sustaining our diverse and vibrant community rather than maximizing

developers’ profits.

I am committed to the use of inclusive community benefits agreements. These ensure that when large community projects are proposed, such as the Uptown Theater restoration, that job training, jobs, and community investment are guaranteed for people living in our community. With regard to racism and antisemitism, Andrew Baker Of the American Jewish committee offered thoughtful recommendations for dealing with anti-Semitism in our community. His suggestions that could also be applied to racism, such as when he wrote that we should “acknowledge the sources of anti-Semitism even if it is politically incorrect; target educational programs to those most responsible; protect Jews and Jewish institutions; ...; and continue to battle right-wing extremism.” I have a deep understanding of the systems that reinforce racism and anti-semitism. My work with Public Allies has allowed me to systematically undermine the unconscious hiring biases in the nonprofit world and I am would continue challenging those biases in my work as Alderman.

Did not respond: Jon-Robert McDowell

47th Ward Candidates

Eileen Dordek Candidate Statement As a social worker, a mom and community activist, I know how to get things done and am looking forward to bringing my experience and skill set to work every day as the Alderman for the 47th Ward. I will listen and engage with community members to mobilize resources and create solutions for our community and our city. As a Social Worker, I help people successfully navigate government and bureaucracies, assisting them to navigate systems to meet their needs, not for my own personal gain. As your Alderman, I will prioritize what makes our community vibrant by supporting our small businesses, creating more affordable housing, and promoting a safe and welcoming community. I have been an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community since serving on the founding board of About Fact Theatre in 1996 and currently serve on the Equality Illinois Board. I have fought for reproductive justice as a board member of Personal PAC for almost a decade.

As the Alderman for the 47th Ward, I will be an independent voice, fighting for our progressive values in City Hall. I will: ● Hold the line on property tax increases and end the TIF slush funds that divert tax dollars to downtown developers that should be in our neighborhoods ● Fully fund our public schools and create accountability through an elected school board ● Develop a city-wide affordable housing plan so we can begin to replace lost units, keep our neighbors from getting priced out and make our community more diverse on every level ● Level the playing field for workers and stand up to wealthy special interests

I am proud that my campaign has already received support from U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Heather Steans, State Representative Ann Williams, and MWRD Commissioners Debra Shore, Josina Morita, and Kim Du Buclet.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support amending the Welcoming City Ordinance to remove the exceptions. With the challenges to our current justice system and the inequities that particularly burden black and brown communities, we should not base our immigration decisions on the outcomes of our justice system. The current federal administration has undermined any sense of trust and fairness on immigration policies. It’s family separation policies are abhorrent. I favor a complete Welcoming City Ordinance that protects people in the justice system in Chicago from ICE.

Chicago’s Gang Database As Alderman, I would support shutting down Chicago’s gang database. Not only is this database continuing to marginalize minority populations,, it is full of errors and discrepancies. When this database is used as a reference in our criminal justice system, despite these internal problems, it sets

the stage for judgements to be made on falsehoods. As a social worker, who has worked with vulnerable individuals, I find this to be absolutely unacceptable and I would fight for it to be discontinued.

Police Community Oversight Board It is clear that we need to a change in oversight of CPD and I believe that the GAPA proposal is strong. Meetings with both [names redacted] solidified my view that the process for developing GAPA was thorough, including stakeholders most vulnerable to police brutality, and engaging communities across Chicago. Building a process with buy-in, that focuses on both accountability and improving relations between communities and the police is the best approach to changing our horrible history of policing and addressing the violence that we have in Chicago.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations of the CPCA. Chicago needs an overhaul in our policing to change relations between police and the communities they serve. The lack of trust between police and communities of color is deep, and with gross inequities in our judicial system--like the short sentence for Jason Van Dyke-Chicago needs dramatic changes to start to turn the tide. The CPCA recommendations could start to change the culture within the police and hopefully start to build better relations between the police and communities of color.

Affordable Housing Neighbors are being forced out of their homes because of rising rent prices and those who wish to move or buy a home are finding it difficult to do so in our neighborhood. First, we need to draft a city-wide plan for affordable housing, including specifics on senior living, rent increase stabilization, and streamlining the Housing Choice Voucher program. We also need to update our zoning laws. In the 47th Ward, about 70% of land is zoned for single family housing, which leads to more de-conversions of multi-family housing. We need a mechanism to replace lost number of dwelling by block or neighborhood to stabilize housing numbers in areas that have been particularly plagued with deconversios.

I would also work to reverse the current city prohibition on non-conforming dwelling like granny flats, coach houses, apartments above garages, etc to accommodate smaller, more affordable housing citywide. There are ways that the Alderman’s office can streamline permits for construction on these types of housing. We also need to make sure that this naturally occurring affordable housing stays in the marketplace. Under the current ARO, a fee can be paid, or 10% of the housing construction needs to be designated affordable housing. The 47th Ward in particular, needs affordable housing on site or within the Ward, rather than the funds being placed in the AHOF. And some of that Affordable Housing could be designated to seniors, encouraging developers to purchase and adapt multi-family buildings for seniors. I believe that in larger developments, we could move up to 20% affordable housing if other tools, like CHA funding are engaged.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Chicago is plagued by its history of segregation as the Metropolitan Planning Council’s recent study showed. We continue to pay huge costs, from violence in our streets, to under-educating children of color, economic costs. Our blighted neighborhoods with higher unemployment rates, limited access to

transportation which lack strong neighborhood schools leave swaths of Chicago at a disadvantage. We all pay the price when there is such disparity across our city.

Poverty, racism and anti-semitism thrive when groups are pitted against each other, which has historically happened in Chicago. We have seen Aldermen treat their wards like their own fiefdoms, with a false choice of whether to focus on the ward or the city. I believe the Alderperson’s job is to both serve their community with city services and to work with other Aldermen to make the city better for all Chicagoans.

We need policies that will reduce racism and poverty by engaging community oversight of police, enforcing fair housing, spreading services for homeless throughout the city, reinstating mental health services based on needs in traumatized communities and equitable school funding, for example. Utilizing economic stimulus to benefit actually blighted areas will also help poverty in the city.

It is essential to have a voice on city council to stand up on antisemitism. While views on Israel differ widely, even within the Jewish community, identifying anti semitism as different from critique on the Israeli government is essential. I will not only speak out on antisemitism and ensure that a Jewish voice is in the room, I will bring my Jewish social justice outlook to City Council, driven by my commitment to Tikkun Olam, which I live out in my career as a social worker, helping people and trying to make my neighborhood, my city and my world a better more just place for all.

Jeff Jenkins Candidate Statement I am the best candidate for 47th Ward alderman because the need for transparent, inclusive and ethical government is at an all-time high. One only needs to look at which candidates are taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from out of ward, downtown big money donors and the choice is clear.

I’ve dedicated my life to improving our community and city through my work with schools, parks, animal welfare and more -- not simply in our northside ward, but across Chicago. I have been speaking up and out for the public good, and doing the hard work long before I running for Alderman.

I am the candidate with the most hands-on experience working with people from all backgrounds: trades, elected officials, community activists, parents, and more. I am the candidate who has delivered real results for the ward and the city. Time and again, I match my values with action. I have a long history creating real, measurable results to improve the lives of everyday Chicagoans. I am a homeowner, small business owner, husband, father, artist and active community leader. Together, my wife Julie and I co-founded Midnight Circus in the Parks, our citywide non-profit based in the 47th Ward. This program reaches 20,000 Chicagoans each year all across our city, has raised $300,000 for 47th Ward parks, and $1 million for Chicago parks citywide.

I will a full-time alderman - present in the ward fighting for big and little issues. I will work with chambers of commerce to champion our small businesses and make our ward a destination of choice for shopping, restaurants and entertainment for visitors across the city. I collaborate and fight for safe streets, well-resourced and equitably funded neighborhood schools, affordable communities and a fair and balanced tax system. I have the experience to navigate these challenges for everyone and turn them into real possibilities for more people.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support Chicago’s bold position to pass the “welcoming city” ordinance. The city ordinance is clear - we cannot allow Chicagoans, regardless of immigration status, to fear retaliation for reporting a crime. The safety of our streets is paramount to a thriving city. All Chicagoans - whether or not they are documented - must be able to trust law enforcement and feel safe when reporting a crime. All children should have access to preschool, elementary and high school regardless of immigration status. We are a stronger city when we support our immigrant community.

Chicago’s Gang Database I oppose data-informed policing when implemented without appropriate training, accountability and community engagement. Chicago has structural problems in the police department that need to be addressed. My work with Midnight Circus in the Parks and the Campaign to End Dog Fighting, inform my point of view that strong community relations builds trust. Data can inform trends, but when used alone and without training, data can lead to unconstitutional policing. As alderman, I will demand high standards from our police officers. I support the consent decree and the provisions around community policing, accountability and transparency and data collection, analysis and monitoring.

Police Community Oversight Board I fully support police reform and accountability and will do my part to ensure the consent decree is properly implemented. Better training for police officers in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques are necessary to reduce police misconduct. Improving officer accountability on use of force, overall department transparency in hiring and data, and community policing are critical to police community relations. While we must train and resource our first responders, they also need to be held to the highest standards of conduct. My work citywide has always been about increasing public safety by reducing the root causes of crime.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract In order for the city of Chicago to have the most ethical and effective police force, I will insist on full implementation of - and alignment of the FOP contract - with the consent decree. Police officers have rights in their current contract that supercede the rights of citizens. I support the CPCA recommendation wto reform the police contract and ensure greater transparency and accountability in policing. The FOP contract is usually negotiated behind closed doors. We need more transparency in the process.

Affordable Housing The most pressing issue facing people in the ward is affordability. Seniors and other families long-established in the ward are worried about being priced out. Young families are worried about affording a home as their family grows. Single men and women worry about the rising cost of living,

including their rent. My wife and I moved to this community 20 years ago. Unless things change, we could be forced to leave as well.

As alderman, I will work to expand affordable housing choices. I will fight to increase affordable housing options and require large new developments to include 20% affordable units, up from 10%. I will work to balance the stock of housing options to meet the needs of our diverse 47th Ward residents – from townhouses to transit-oriented development to two-flat preservation to allowing coach houses. My interest in two-flat preservation - saving historic buildings by addressing zoning changes - will allow homeowners to generate rental income and will also create more affordable housing units in the ward. This type of income is good for older adults aging in their homes, and new families looking to settle and build their history in our community.

I will also work with other elected officials to ensure that our new Assessor delivers on his promise of reform, and that includes a fair and transparent property tax system for businesses and homeowners. We need a fair, effective, transparent property tax system to plan for the future. I will also work to advance legislation that prohibits state and local elected officials from holding jobs as tax attorneys. This is a clear conflict-of-interest that must end.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism As alderman, I will commit to fighting poverty, racism and antisemitism in Chicago. My work teaching young men, in their home, how to humanely own a bully breed dog and provide them with concrete skills to become dog trainers is one of my proudest professional accomplishments. I would vote to represent their voice in city council, and bring much needed resources to their communities.

As a family with Judaism as part of our culture and faith tradition, I will be outspoken in the fight against antisemitism.

I will invest in programs that address the root causes of racism and poverty in Chicago including but not limited to: ● Job-training, transitional job programs for formerly incarcerated men and women, the homeless, youth aging out of foster care, and non-native English speakers. ● Support the Fair Workweek Chicago Ordinance. Low income women - particularly women of color - are disproportionately affected by shift work and unpredictable work schedules. Shift work is destabilizing for families and I will work with my colleagues to address this injustice against low income working women and men. ● Stabilizing the economy is the city’s number one challenge in the next four years. Pensions, school funding, equity and poverty are all impacted by these challenges. The city desperately needs new ideas – revenue, innovation, accountability – to bring us through this difficult time. Revenue solutions must take the widening income gap into account. ● Large corporations who benefit from tax breaks must give back to communities and make investments to community programs, early childhood program funding our mental health clinics and domestic violence shelters. Such provisions have to be a part of future proposals as headquarters are recruited to come to Chicago.

Heather Way Kitzes Candidate Statement For 13 years, I was the Executive Director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, and for the past 4 years, I’ve served as the Manager of Neighborhood Relations for the Chicago Cubs.

I live in Ravenswood with my husband David, and our 2 kids Jack and Lilly. Jack is a Junior at a CPS school. Pretty soon, he’ll be off to college. Wherever he ends up, he can tell his new friends about his time growing up in the City. He’ll speak of playing sports in the local park leagues, riding public transportation to his part-time job at a family-owned restaurant, and he’ll be able to talk about receiving a quality public school education.

I want the same for his little sister Lilly, but with a little twist. She’ll also be able to play sports in the local park leagues, but the parks will be th cleaner and greener. Most importantly she won’t have to deal with the stress of 7 grade, because we’ll have neighborhood high schools that are considered a destination, rather than a backup plan

For nearly 20 years I’ve been working as a community advocate. I believe I have the strengths and th skills, compassion and know-how to represent the 47 Ward fairly and accurately at City Hall. I hope to th have your vote on February 26 .

Welcoming City Ordinance I would support removing these exceptions. None of those four exceptions are valid reasons to hold someone based solely on an ICE request.

Chicago’s Gang Database The gang database is discriminatory in nature, and no such database will ever be free from racial bias. I oppose ending the database, but I believe individuals should only be listed in it on the basis of known gang activity rather than speculation, and it should not be used as a predicate for further criminal charges. Instead, it should be used as a guide for City support services to offer these people a pathway out of gang life.

Police Community Oversight Board I oppose GAPA’s plan for community oversight. I think there are many ways for community members to be more engaged and more involved with their local police department, and I encourage people to do so as I’m out campaigning. I also support greater authority for the Inspector General to investigate and review police practices.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract Reform is obviously necessary. Every time the Finance Committee meets, they approve millions of dollars in payments to make up for police misconduct, a penalty to the taxpayer for a job poorly done. I support many of the 14 recommendations included in CPCA’s proposal. I have concerns about a

handful of them, and would hope to work with CPCA to learn more about these before committing to support them.

Affordable Housing We need a comprehensive plan to address this. It can’t be accomplished through piece-meal zoning changes and tax incentives. We should look at developing an Affordable Building Code, that lowers the cost of building affordable units. We should look at zoning changes that allow for Accessory Dwelling Units and Transit-Oriented Developments. We can also look at expanding programs for restoration and refurbishment of older homes

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism I want The City That Works to work for all Chicagoans. We need to do a better job of teaching our children the importance of diversity, and the importance of loving one another. Too often, racism begins in the home. As Alderman, I’ll do what I’ve always done – I’ll bring people together to address the challenges facing our neighborhoods and our city. I believe that a unified community working with one thing in mind – our common welfare – can overcome anything.

The topic of antisemitism in particular is personal for me, as someone who married into a Jewish family and is raising interfaith children. I look forward to working with JCUA to address these systemic issues.

Matt Martin Candidate Statement I’m a civil rights lawyer at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, where I have worked on reforming the Chicago Police Department, protecting LGBTQ rights in the employment sphere, fighting for pay equity for low-wage workers, and opposing Donald Trump’s disastrous healthcare and immigration policies. I currently serve on the local school council at McPherson Elementary; founded our local neighborhood association, the Heart of Lincoln Square; and served on Alderman Pawar’s Zoning Advisory Council. I live in Lincoln Square with my wife, Katelyn, and our three-year-old son, Isaac.

I’m running because our ward and city are facing big challenges on which City Council needs to lead. Every year our property taxes and rents increase, pushing neighbors out of their homes; every school in our ward is underfunded by at least $1 million; and our police department badly needs reform. We can address all of these challenges, but for this to happen, we need bold, innovative policies that reflect the true scope of these challenges, as well as independent leaders who won’t be beholden to the last donor who wrote them a big check or their last political boss, but who will put our communities first.

Welcoming City Ordinance In working at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to oppose the Muslim ban and to support the inclusion of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, I’ve seen how aggressive and unnecessary immigration enforcement activities have chilled immigrants and their families from seeking out the

services they need and, in many cases, are entitled to by law. No one benefits when our undocumented neighbors live in fear of immigration enforcement. Accordingly, I support maintaining and expanding our welcoming city ordinance by preventing immigration officials from entering schools and courthouses to conduct immigration activity.

Chicago’s Gang Database We should completely reconstitute the CPD gang database, which, in its current form, can be used by ICE to unfairly detain our undocumented neighbors and to disproportionately patrol our black and brown neighbors. In terms of specific reforms, the proposals that Ald. Munoz proposed in July 2018 are a good starting point -- particularly with regard to notice and opportunity to challenge a designation, as well as requiring the city’s inspector general to confirm that the database has a valid law enforcement purpose that outweighs harms to purported gang members.

Police Community Oversight Board I support GAPA. As the events surrounding the murder of Laquan McDonald highlighted, our police department badly needs reform. At the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, I helped write the consent decree to hold the Mayor and CPD accountable to a plan for sustainable reform. One critical area on which the consent decree does not focus, however, is civilian oversight. We need City Council to take the lead on this issue, and to do so in good faith, without introducing proposed plans like CCOC and CCPC that are in not tailored to the needs of CPD and the communities it serves.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations put forth by CPCA. Each recommendation relates to a specific failing highlighted in the Report authored by Pres. Obama’s DOJ. We can’t have healthy police-community relations without real accountability within CPD, and we can’t have real accountability so long as these unnecessary and counterproductive protections remain in existence. Going forward, we need our next mayor and city council leaders to advocate publicly and aggressively for these changes to FOP’s CBA. Our city’s health depends on it.

Affordable Housing In the 47th Ward, rental and purchase prices have risen significantly due to the conversion of two- and three-flats into single family homes, tear downs, and speculation. As Alderman, I plan to tackle affordability head-on by requiring that at least 25% of units in all large new developments be affordable, and that such units be located on-site. I will also press the CHA and the Department of Planning and Development to expand the allocation of vouchers to middle- and low-income neighbors, and will support requirements on the size of affordable units to ensure that working class families have access to affordable three- or four-bedroom units. In addition, I will press for revising the city’s zoning code to permit the creation of non-conforming units like coach houses and “granny flats,” which homeowners can use for additional income or for helping house loved ones. Notably, we can find additional funding for affordable housing programs, at least in part, by increasing the transfer tax on property worth more than $1 million. More fundamentally, we need to reform the way that Chicago brings in revenue so that it stops doing so on the backs of those least able to pay. This includes the imposition of regressive property taxes that are pricing working class renters and homeowners out of their communities. Alternative revenue sources include TIF reform, marijuana legalization, a progressive city income tax like those adopted in New York City and Washington DC, and a LaSalle Street tax. We know what the next steps are; we just need the political courage to take them.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism As a civil rights lawyer at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, I have worked on police reform, opposed Donald Trump’s immigration policies, and fought for non-discrimination protections for workers and homeowners. Through this work, I see a city that works well for some but not all -- especially those who lack wealth and political connections. This reality is not a new one, but we can change it if we elect leaders who are committed to bold policymaking and independence. As Alderman, I will continue my work on behalf of all residents, no matter their background, by fighting to bridge the gap between our values and how our government operates. In the 47th Ward, we’ve lost approximately 4,000 housing units between 2000 and 2017, and in parts of the ward, we’ve seen double digit decreases in our immigrant and minority populations. Whether you’re a senior on a fixed income, a recent graduate, or working-class family, you should be able to find and keep a home here in the ward.

I will also work tirelessly to invest in our social services, particularly those concerning education and mental health. City Hall erred badly in closing half of our mental health clinics and 50 schools. It’s immoral to cut government spending on the backs of those who need our help the most. It’s past time to expand funding for these programs -- and to do so even when it’s not an election year.

Finally, we must reform our police department in the ways our communities need and our police officers deserve. Officers should routinely receive top-notch training and supervision, and should be held accountable when misconduct occurs. If City Council is to continue approving over $100 million annually in police misconduct lawsuits, it can afford to stand up and ensure police reform actually occurs.

Michael Negron

Candidate Statement We are at a pivotal moment in our city’s history. Chicago has significant challenges: we must stabilize our finances without taxing our residents out of the city, strengthen schools both in our ward and across Chicago, make our communities safer, and create more opportunity in neighborhoods outside of downtown. Addressing these challenges – both citywide and local – will require fast action by the next mayor and City Council.

With 15 years of experience in public service, I am ready to hit the ground running to advocate for more investment in our schools and infrastructure, work to keep our neighborhoods safe and affordable, and fight for a Chicago that works for everyone. I served in the Navy after college and worked for both President Obama and Elizabeth Warren in Washington DC during the depths of the financial crisis. I spent six years at City Hall where I played a big role in raising the minimum wage to $13 and creating a community colleges scholarship for CPS students who graduate with a B average.

My commitment to this city is rooted in my upbringing. My father moved from Puerto Rico in the 1950s and was an autoworker with no more than a high school diploma. My mom moved from Guatemala, before becaming a citizen and working her way through college to become a Chicago Public Schools teacher.

Today, my wife Coral and I live with our young children in North Center. Our daughter is a kindergartener at Coonley Elementary, where I served as a local school council member for two years. th As a born and raised Chicago raising a young family in the 47 w ard, I am deeply committed to our community and to a city where every resident can thrive.

Welcoming City Ordinance As the product of an immigrant household, I will fight to ensure that Chicago remains a welcoming city to all regardless of country of origin. That means supporting the elimination of the carve outs from Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance to ensure that the city’s law enforcement personnel are not deputized by ICE. Moreover, during my time at City Hall, I successfully advocated for the establishment of the City’s Legal Protection Fund, which has leveraged $1.3 million in investment from the City to serve more than 22,000 Chicago residents. As alderman, I will advocate for continued investment in this program.

Chicago’s Gang Database I believe that there are a number of structural flaws with the Chicago Police Department’s gang database, including the fact that so many individuals listed in the database are completley unaware and that there is no means to appeal inclusion. I support a full investigation into the gang database to assess the fairness of its impact and its effectiveness as a law enforcement tool. I also support the July 2018 gang database reform ordinance (O2018-6403) cosponsored by 44 aldermen, which would create new protections and rights for individuals included in the database.

Police Community Oversight Board I support the GAPA ordinance and believe it should serve as the right framework for ensuring civilian oversight of the police department moving forward. This ordinance strikes the appropriate balance between expanding civilian oversight over the police department while retaining a role for the City Council. Moreover, it is important for the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability to influence policymaking at the police department.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract As the CPCA highlights in its recommendations, the FOP contract contains a number of provisions that the Department of Justice described as “procedural hurdles” to the investigation of complaints against police officers in its 2017 task force report. These provisions range from requiring complaints be filed only via sworn affidavits to allowing officers to amend their incident statements after reviewing video to prohibiting complaints from being investigated or re-opened after 5 years. I will advocate for addressing these barriers in the next FOP contract to be voted on by the City Council.

Affordable Housing My priority as alderman would be to preserve existing affordable housing and, through a combination of existing and new tools, increase the development of new affordable units.

First, I will work with aldermen of wards facing similar pressures to develop new tools to preserve 2-flats and 3-flats, including dedicated financing pools for buyers who commit to keeping these buildings affordable to tax incentives to support their upkeep.

Next, to help encourage the development of new affordable units, I will support authorizing accessory dwelling units or granny flats, and garden apartments. These additional units not only create more affordable housing options for residents, they also allow homeowners and building owners to draw additional income.

Third, I also support a chartered public bank as proposed by Amara Enyia and Ameya Pawar, with a focus on affordable housing. This bank would have the ability to engage in fractional- reserve lending and capitalized by current city affordable housing dollars.

Fourth, to ensure that we are leveraging new developments I will continue to require developers of large projects to build affordable units and push to go above the current 10% to 15% or higher when paired with tax incentives to make these projects sustainable. I will support reforms of the affordable requirements ordinance – which I helped draft as a City Hall staffer – to encourage the development of family units. And to ensure that we aren’t pricing residents out of the ward due to property tax increases, I want to reform the long term homeowners exemption to actually work by making it into a flat 5% cap on how much your property taxes can go up in a year.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Bridging the deep race and class divides in our city is perhaps the central challenge facing the next mayor and City Council. This racial divide, and the resulting concentration of poverty in our city, is the legacy of state-sanctioned and -abetted segregation and discrimination. To address this, we will need to adopt an aggressive strategy to invest in south and west side neighborhoods on multiple levels: schools, services, job creation, infrastructure, and proven violence reduction programs. I will advocate for the next mayor to more strategically invest the more than $190 million in neighborhood opportunity fund dollars anticipated over the next few years – generated by downtown development – to maximize its impact on our neighborhoods. A portion of these funds may be leveraged to create incentives for investors seeking to take advantage of the new Opportunity Zones program created by the federal tax cut bill to invest in targeted neighborhoods. I will support replacing student-based budgeting with an equity formula, similar to the evidence-based formula developed at the state level, to drive more education funding to schools that serve low-income students. I support making reforms to our planned development process to require developers and their contractors to hire workers from south and west side neighborhoods. And I will push for the next mayor and our philanthropic community to scale up jobs plus services programs like READI Chicago to serve more residents.

And given the dark history of anti-Semitism across the world, we must remain vigilant. That is why our next mayor and City Council must make clear that no forms of discrimination of any kind are acceptable in Chicago. As alderman, I will stand firmly against anti-Semitism and discrimination and use my public platform to advocate for inclusion. Did not respond: Gus Katsafaros, Kimball Ladien Angie Maloney, Thomas Schwartzers

49th Ward Candidates

Maria Hadden Candidate Statement We need independent and progressive leaders in City Council that are willing to take responsibility for providing solutions to the problems we face as a city and be held to the highest levels of accountability to rebuild the trust between the public and our city government needed for us to work together to build a just and sustainable city. Our Ward deserves a representative who will be a champion for our public schools and listen when the community votes to freeze charter school expansion via referendum. We deserve a leader who will be independent from the mayor and corporate developers and who will act on behalf of the people of the 49th Ward to foster development without displacement and build a strong local economy. I want to do each of these things, and believe my experience bridging gaps between communities and local government has given me the skills to be successful. Joe Moore has served in this office for the past 28 years, and while there are some good policies he has worked for and initiatives he started that I look forward to continuing and expanding, I believe it's time for new ideas and a fresh perspective. I want to make sure that the residents of the 49th Ward are being centered in decision making especially when it comes to local development decisions and votes on city-wide issues that affect us all. If we want to change how our city works, we need new leadership, and I believe I can be a part of that change.

Welcoming City Ordinance I believe the Welcoming City Ordinance is important legislation and needs to be strengthened to continue to protect all residents in our city. This includes removing exemptions so that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and have access to resources in our city rather than being immediately passed on to ICE for deportation.

Chicago’s Gang Database We must end the City’s gang database, as it is a racist, inaccurate tool that has been and will continue to be used to harm communities of color.

Police Community Oversight Board Yes, I support GAPA, and I also support CPAC. A civilian police review, paired with the new consent decree, will help us move closer to having the transparency and oversight needed in our police department to practice accountability. This increased accountability will help us set higher ethical standards and make sure CPD is serving all Chicagons justly. Our government agencies and departments can’t be effective if people don’t trust them, and a civilian review board will help rebuild that trust.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract As outlined above, I do believe a new consent decree is needed and that the CPCA recommendations are a good first step. Still, there are other recommendations and policies we need to pursue to fully end the code of silence, increase transparency, and hold CPD to account. We must take a multifaceted approach to police accountability and that includes, among other things, reforming the current police union contract.

Affordable Housing Our approach to fostering development without displacement by keeping housing affordable must be multi-faceted. First, we must pass ordinances that are centered on the residents of the city, not the bottom lines of developers. This looks like supporting the “Our Homes, Chicago” ordinance package that includes both the “Homes for All” and “Development for All” ordinances. This ensures that public housing will be preserved on a one-for-one unit basis and that public housing is available in all 50 wards. It also reforms the Affordable Requirements Ordinance to prevent developers opting-out of including affordable units on site in their buildings, ensures these units remain affordable, increases the number of affordable units required with all new developments, as well as other provisions. Second, in addition to passing new policy, I want to work with my community to create a proactive development plan so that we can go to developers and say, “this is what we want to see in our neighborhood,” rather than the current norm of being reactive every time a development is proposed when it seems like all decisions have already been made.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Again, tackling these issues is going to take several different actions. First, we must make sure to support budgets that fully fund equitable education and social services (e.g., mental health clinics, job training programs). By doing so we can begin to address both the immediate and longer-term causes of poverty. Second, we must work together to form better, stronger communities that bring people together. When communities work together to hold each other up, we can overcome differences and promote acceptance of others. Third, we must have local leadership that is will to set an example and represent the voices of all residents, not just who make up the majority of their jurisdiction. The 49 th ward is one of the most diverse communities in our city and all groups of representation within it deserve having their voice heard in our decision making process.

Ald. Joe Moore (incumbent) Candidate Statement My solid record of achievement in the 49th Ward and my experience in city government make me the best candidate for Alderman in the 49th Ward. I have demonstrated a commitment, unmatched by my opponent, to preserve and enhance the cultural, ethnic, racial and economic diversity of my community.

Housing is the key to preserving our diversity. Under my tenure, thousands of units of market rate and affordable housing have been created and preserved. These include 1528 W. Morse, a once

notorious crack house that was converted with my help into an affordable senior housing building, the preservation of the Northpoint Apartments, which provide nearly 400 units of housing for very low income people.

Most recently, I parlayed my chairmanship of the City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate to save the affordable homes of 56 senior citizens when I persuaded the CHA to purchase the Council for Jewish Elderly’s Levy House. I also secured funding to develop 54 units of affordable housing at Clark and Estes and have paved the way for the development of 65 units of CHA housing, the most family housing units in a single development on Chicago’s north side since the implementation of the Plan for Transformation.

I oversee one of the most transparent and inclusive decision making processes anywhere. I was the first elected official in the nation to implement a “Participatory Budgeting” model of democratic participation, in which I gave the residents of my ward the power to determine by direct vote how to spend my $1.3 million in discretionary capital improvement dollars in the Ward.

All the same time, I oversee a ward service office with six-full time professional staff assistants with 58 years of cumulative experience between them, offering hands-on service to some of my most vulnerable constituents. A new alderman, with no seniority or chairmanship, would not have the resources I am able to bring to my ward due to my seniority and committee Chairmanship. (Exceeded word limit)

Welcoming City Ordinance At the outset, it is important to note the carve outs to the Welcoming City Ordinance are seldom invoked. Nonetheless, I support amending the Welcoming City Ordinance to remove the gang database exception, as inclusion in the City’s gang database, as it currently stands, is bereft of any due process protections. I also support removing carve outs for those with prior felony convictions, pending felony charges or open warrants for felonies, so long as those felonies are not crimes involving violence, weapons, human trafficking, terrorist activity or sexual Misconduct.

Chicago’s Gang Database I agree with the Inspector General’s conclusion about the database. It needs to be overhauled to make it as rigorously accurate as possible so as to protect the due process rights of those who may be included in it. Accordingly, I support the MacArthur Justice Center’s recommendations for reforms, including: ● Set clear criteria for adding names to the database; ● Notify people whose names have been added; ● Give people the right to challenge their inclusion on the list; ● Prohibit the police from sharing the list with third parties.

Police Community Oversight Board I support the GAPA ordinance. I am a longtime advocate for community policing, both here in the 49th Ward and all over the city. Successful community policing requires a relationship of trust between the police and those who live in our neighborhoods, especially communities of

color. Including community members directly in police accountability and relationship building is a big step toward moving community policing forward.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations put forth by CPCA. I have a long history of pushing for police accountability beyond community policing. I was a chief sponsor of Burge torture reparations, and I helped put body cameras on every officer, both of which advanced the wider goal of a more accountable police department. Every step we take toward greater police accountability is a good one.

Affordable Housing As I note in my Candidate Statement above, the preservation and creation of affordable housing has always been one of my top priorities, both as Alderman of the 49th Ward and as chairman of the City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate. I have always aggressively promoted to developers in my neighborhood various affordable housing programs, such as low income housing tax credits, HOME and PEAR, and vigorously supported and lobbied for developers who have applied for funding through those programs. But it goes without saying that funds for those programs are limited and competition for them is fierce. They alone are not the sole solution to our affordable housing crisis both in the 49th Ward and citywide. We must also look at other solutions that will help alleviate our housing crisis, including incentives, such as a revamped Class 9 property tax incentive program. Class 9 once proved to be a useful affordable housing incentive in neighborhood, such as Rogers Park, which years ago was undergoing disinvestment. But as the neighborhood revitalized, Class 9 no longer was an attractive incentive for developers to provide affordable housing. This is why I support legislation in Springfield that calls for the creation of a Class 9-like program for developing neighborhoods, such as mine.

I also believe we need to explore the greater use of TIF as an affordable housing development tool. In my next term as alderman, I will convene a task force to look at the possibility of creating a TIF along Rogers Park’s commercial corridors that would be limited solely to the creation of affordable housing and small locally owned businesses.

Finally, I believe we should encourage more transit oriented development. Increasing the supply of housing, especially along our transit corridors, will inevitably drive down the overall cost of housing without needing to use taxpayer subsidies.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism At a time when the so-called leader of our country is using appeals to racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia to advance his own divisive political agenda, people at all levels of government must denounce him and anyone who stokes racial and religious-based fear and hatred. As a representative of one of the most diverse communities in the nation, I am always speaking out against hatred. In the days following Donald Trump's Inauguration, my office led the effort to distribute “Hate Has No Home Here” signs across the ward and sponsored a series of “Know Your Rights Seminars” to advise immigrants and refugees of their rights should they confront immigration authorities. Throughout the years, I have also sponsored and co-sponsored countless City Council resolutions denouncing hate and racism.

In addition to speaking out against hateful speech and racist policies, I’ve devoted my career to fighting poverty. One of my signatures achievements was the Big Box Living Wage ordinance, a landmark piece of legislation I sponsored that for the first time forced a mayor named Daley to exercise his veto pen. Though the legislation fell victim to the Mayor’s veto, it set into motion legislation at the state level that resulted in an increase in the state minimum wage and ultimately the establishment of a first-ever City of Chicago minimum wage. I served on a task force that recommended and established the Chicago minimum wage and I’m now committed to increasing that minimum wage to $15 an hour and establishing a predictable work schedule for low wage workers.

50th Ward Candidates

Andrew Rowlas Candidate Statement I am a retired public school educator who is a progressive and proactive leader. I have the skills to help our community move forward economically, socially, and cooperatively. I have worked with many diverse groups across all cultural, religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and with all age groups. I believe in inclusiveness and will provide a seat at the table for everyone in our Ward. The current alderman has voter over 96% with City Hall. For example, the mayor opposed any discussion of our drinking water safely. I got an advisory referendum on the November ballot in three ward precincts to hold public hearings, they received over 95% approval.

Welcoming City Ordinance I support amending this ordinance to remove these four exceptions because I believe that this denies people access to due process. Each individual case should be taken on its own merits until proven otherwise. Too often demagoguery persists that demonizes groups and strips individuals of their personhood and rights. Eliminating these exceptions frees our police to concentrate their resources on more serious crimes. There is the myth that these persons do not contribute to their communities but this is not ture. Economies in sanctuary cities are stronger on several measures.

Chicago’s Gang Database I support fixing the City’s gang database with is full of errors. According to the MacArthur Justice Center there are four needed reforms: Set clear criteria for adding names to it; Notify persons whose names have been added; Offer a clear procedure for anyone who wants to challenge having their name on this list; Prohibit the police from sharing this list. Obviously, with 195,000 names on it, it needs to be reviewed, updated, trustworthy, reliable, and objective. It can be a useful tool but it needs to accurate and do no harm if it is to be helpful.

Police Community Oversight Board I do favor more community oversight of police work and building closer positive working relations between communities and law enforcement. I believe we need civilian oversight, GAPA includes an accountability factor on two levels. This includes both local community groups and a citywide oversight board. This setup assures a method of policymaking that can assure safer neighborhoods and better community relations.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations promulgated by CPCA. Underlying this is my belief that this can re-establish trust between law enforcement and the public, particularly in minority neighborhoods. I believe in having a city-wide elected oversight group to oversee the police department, its practices, hiring, appointments, etc. The current system puts too much control in the hands of elected officials and this control needs to be given to the public sphere. The fact that we now have a federal consent decree

in effect is proof that we need meaningful reforms to ensure trust and better policing practices. There are fourteen critical proposed changes that need to be enacted to hold errant police officers accountable.

Affordable Housing Affordable housing is an issue which cuts across socioeconomic levels and can affect many persons. I would support eliminating the rent control ban and propose that rents increase no more than the rate of inflation. I think contributing to this problem is the reliance for revenue on negative sources of income such as property taxes. So finding alternative and more progressive revenue sources can alleviate the burden on property taxes and help control homeownership and rental costs. Another problem with neighborhoods that have diminished affordable housing is the decrease in diversity and the possible increase in gentrification.

Poverty Racism and Anti-Semetism These are core structural problems in Chicago and the US. Education is a key to combating these issues to reduce poverty, racism, anti-semitism and sexism. These issues are not confined to lower income persons. I would support raising the minimum wage to $15.00 (the city Council raised it to $13.00) to keep up with the national trend to help people out of poverty. The minimum wage needs to be tied to rates of inflation. We have too many practices that need to be remedied to increase upward mobility for everyone. Raising wages, supporting pay equity, create jobs and job skills, provide paid family and sick leave are some tactics to reduce poverty. As an educator I support investing in affordable, high quality child care and early education. We need to address segregation of minorities and employment opportunities. We need to place more resources into poorer neighborhoods to give them support in times of crisis and to help them get out of poverty.

I support implementing more training programs such as Year End and We Work. Fighting any form of discrimination requires understanding for what purposes these actions serve. At the heart of many of these is “fear” and “unfairness” fear that the “other party” is a threat in some form - economically, socially, politically. We need to address these fears in pragmatic substantial ways that last. We do need to explore how these harmful attitudes and behaviors form in order to confront them. Often having people interact in meaningful ways can break down barriers from the generalized to the specific. We can establish moments of truthfulness and move towards normality and woefulness in relationships.

Ald. Debra Silverstein (incumbent) Candidate Statement Prior to serving as Alderman of the 50th Ward, I worked as a certified public accountant. In 2011, I was elected to serve in the Chicago City Council. Over the last eight years, I have worked tirelessly to deliver on behalf of our neighborhoods. That means a new standard in regard to constituent services. I have backed an agenda in the City Council that supports working families, co-sponsoring more than a dozen pieces of legislation to help Chicagoans, including ordinances increasing minimum wage and

requiring businesses to provide workers with paid sick leave. I have an open door policy and try to always be accessible and inclusive.

Visiting the 50th Ward is the best way to see the results of our hard work. A $15 million Devon Avenue streetscape has breathed new life into one of the city’s most successful business districts. Existing businesses are reinvesting here and new businesses have joined our community..

The 50th Ward is growing as a destination for not only businesses, but also families. A new, $20 million Northtown Library is currently under construction. In my first two terms, I secured $6 million in funding for local parks, including a restored historic fieldhouse and new features at Indian Boundary Park; new walking paths and athletic fields at Rogers Park; new playgrounds, tennis courts, lighting and athletic fields at Warren Park; and we recently dedicated a new passive park at Devon Avenue and McCormick Boulevard.

We’ve invested more than $47 million in local public schools. Those resources provided new construction for an expansion of Decatur and Rogers schools, new playgrounds, security improvements and air conditioning for classrooms.

Welcoming City Ordinance I strongly support the City’s Welcoming Ordinance and have co-sponsored legislation to strengthen it on behalf of Chicago’s immigrant and refugee community. This legislation, which is in committee in the City Council, removes the exceptions listed above. It is apparent that aspects of the city’s gang database are flawed. ProPublica has described its contents as “unverified, subjective and simply wrong.” For example, it appears that individuals in the database have been misidentified and that the database has not been kept current.

Chicago’s Gang Database I co-sponsored legislation that prohibits individuals from being entered into the city gang database. That legislation is currently in committee in the Chicago City Council. I have serious concerns about the current value of the City’s gang database in terms of a public safety tool.

Police Community Oversight Board I support the ordinance proposed by GAPA and have signed on as a co-sponsor. I agree with measures to allow for the Mayor, City Council and members of the District Councils to select members of the Community Commission; for District Council members to be elected on the same ballot as biennial federal elections, providing only registered voters would be eligible; and for the Commission to initiate a process that could result in the firing of a police superintendent.

Fraternal Order of Police Union Contract I support the recommendations put forth by CPCA. I am a strong supporter of the Chicago Police and I have built successful working relationships with our local police commanders. The police contract negotiations are a critical opportunity to codify additional accountability measures for members of the Chicago Police Department. Police shootings and the use of deadly force must be fully investigated in a transparent matter. These recommendations represent important steps toward building better relationships between the police force and our communities.

Affordable Housing The 50th Ward is a place where many Chicago families get their start and we are doing our part to provide additional affordable housing here.

I also support growing affordable housing via the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund and an expansion of the Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental (PEAR) program. Our new library includes a senior housing component.

Existing housing in the 50th Ward is not being traded out for commercial or other types of development. Unlike other neighborhoods on the north side, we are not seeing multi-unit dwellings converted to single family homes and we do not see the number of residential units in the ward decreasing. I have suggested cost-sharing initiatives for developers working on buildings that require the remediation of lead pipes or other health hazards. Additionally, we should determine if a new category of historic properties should be established to allow for renovations without affecting the historic qualities of these properties.

Poverty, Racism, and Antisemitism Our city is a city of immigrants and the 50th Ward is a true melting pot. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but people here feel like they are under attack. The Trump Administration and rising anti-immigrant sentiment has terrified residents of the 50th Ward. I have seen first-hand how people are so scared they are afraid to come to their doors.

In addition, nationally, we have seen a rise in violent crimes targeting people of certain faiths and th members of ethnic groups, and residents here in the 50 Ward are concerned about violent crime locally. We have come together as a community to manage these challenges. That process starts with delivering support and resources. We connected police and other city assets with faith leaders to implement safety measures and security plans to ensure their places of worship are as protected as possible. Open lines of communication with residents are extremely important. We’ve hosted community meetings, public police roll calls and public safety forums and we attend and promote participation in CAPS meetings.

The city must maintain and build on its status as a welcoming city. As alderman, I have made every effort to reach out to our diverse residents and I have supported a municipal ID for immigrants, refugees and others, as well as increased funding for free or low-cost legal advice.

I voted for legislation that opposes local law enforcement handing over to ICE people who do not have serious criminal convictions or outstanding criminal warrants. I support GAPA’s efforts to further protect vulnerable populations. I’ve been a vocal opponent of Trump’s policies and supported the City’s lawsuit against the Trump Administration over efforts to block grant funding over sanctuary city status.

Did Not Respond: Zehra Quadri