23 Answers

• Reputation: 2 Q&A: 0 0 0 2 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  1 0 I meet the qualifications as stated by the City of Chicago for aldermanic candidates. Additionally, I am the only Candidate that has consistently been involved in‐depth with the issues and concerns of the residents in the 17th Ward. David Moore - 17th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 Freddrenna Lyle - 6th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 Leslie Hairston - 5th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 Anthony Beale - 9th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: -1 Q&A: 0 0 0 1 2 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0 Debra Silverstein - 50th Ward

  0 0 I am a small business owner who works with other local businesses. I know what services are lacking and what businesses need to succeed and grow. The 50th Ward is my home and I am an active member of the 50th Ward community. I know every corner and every block because I have been talking to people for months about their hopes for the future of our part of the City of Chicago. When the incumbent alderman scoffed at business owners who were upset about a new set of parking meters that were installed, unannounced, along the street by their storefronts, I brought the issue to the media and called on the alderman to explain his role in this injustice. The alderman called these small business owners crybabies and I championed their cause. There is a clear choice in leadership styles in this race, and I think our residents will be best served by someone who represents them with compassion and honesty. Lastly, I want to change the way the ward is represented in a more inclusive, open and transparent way. I have a plan to make people proud of their representation in the City Council by setting strict ethics rules for my office and making outreach and community-building my top priorities. Debra Silverstein - 50th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 For many years, I’ve worked with our local aldermen, state legislators, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools (and LSCs), and even developers to resolve many issues in our neighborhood, including redevelopment on 53rd and Lake Park, zoning changes, park usage (and the Olympics), school concerns (such as appropriate technology), and affordable housing. George Rumsey - 4th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0 Gery Chico - Mayor

  0 0 I began my career in public service working for the City Council Finance Committee where I served under four different chairmen. During that period, I developed an aptitude in city finance, as we prepared many difficult and complex budgets. I served as chief of staff to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley from 1992 through 1995. Prior to that, I served as deputy chief of staff for the Mayor. Newspapers have recently editorialized that when Mayor Daley first took office, the city was teetering on the brink of a slow motion decline or a remarkable renaissance. Many have praised Mayor Daley for bringing us back from the brink of decline. I am proud to have helped lead the city during its renaissance. Mayor Daley asked us to think big and act big, and as a result, we achieved big things. When I was chief of staff, we put more than a thousand new police officers on the streets, put the city's fiscal house in order, began rebuilding neighborhoods and infrastructure, and transformed our downtown to world class status. For all of the great strides we made during that short period in history, there were still major fundamental problems facing our city. The U.S. Secretary of Education called our schools the worst in America, and that was a blow to the morale of the city, but even worse ‐ it was probably true prior to 1995. In 1994 the State Legislature acted and gave the Mayor control of and accountability for the Chicago Public Schools. I am proud that he turned to me to be the first School Board President to serve under Mayoral control. From 1995 – 2001 I served as President of the Chicago Board of Education. The challenges we faced at CPS were enormous – beginning with a projected $1.3 billion deficit. Along with Paul Vallas, we slashed thousands of bureaucratic positions, and began targeting resources into the classroom. I personally led teacher and principal recruitment missions because I believe a good education starts with a good teacher, and I never hesitated to fire incompetent teachers who were harming our students. Under my tenure we built over 60 new state‐of‐the art schools, and renovated some 400 others schools to bring them into the 21st century. We created after‐school and summer‐school programs that provided nearly 200,000 students with more time to learn in safe environments. We ended social promotion because I do not believe it is fair or right to pass a student on to the next grade if he or she is not academically prepared to succeed. Test scores rose every year that I was School Board President and when I left, CPS had a more than 300 million dollar surplus and the reform that I began had tremendous momentum. In 2007, Mayor Daley appointed me to serve as President of the Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District. Under my leadership, we balanced three straight budgets and created a surplus by finding new revenues without taxing residents more. We built dozens of new parks, playgrounds and field houses and improved hundreds more in neighborhoods all across Chicago. Two new marinas, Northerly Island and a major new park east of Millennium Park were begun during my term. In March 2010, I was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley to the Board of Trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago, and the Mayor recommended the Board elect me as Chairman. In just one year I began a reinvention program that focused on workforce development and job training so our students were prepared for jobs that employers were actually offering. I balanced a budget that had a projected deficit and we managed to even return over 4 million dollars to property taxpayers. This past October I stepped down as President of the City’s Colleges to run for Mayor. Gery Chico - Mayor answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 First of all, I am the only candidate in this race who understands the needs and challenges of the new Alderman as described above. Secondly, I bring a wealth of professional experience, business knowledge and organizational leadership to the Aldermanic office, and a relentless drive to provide exceptional customer services to the residents of the 7th Ward. I have lived in what is now the 7th ward for over 40 years and it is my deep roots in the community that will guide my actions and compel me to make decisions that are in the best interest of the communities I represent. Gregory Mitchell - 7th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 1 Q&A: 0 0 0 1 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 I’m a resident of the 7th Ward, I understand the issues surrounding the 7th Ward, I’m an active voter, My ability of get the job done, an effective leader, my military, educational and professional background, being part of the City’s working infrastructure for 10 years, and me wanting to do the job of the Alderman. Lionel Martin - 7th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 13 Q&A: 0 0 0 14 1 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0 Bita Buenrostro - 43rd Ward

  0 0 17 years as the general manager of a successful small business with employees has proven my leadership abilities. Integrity. I am a well‐respected member of the community, I know that in Chicago, the best path to success is still hard work rather than back room dealings. . I have run a positive and honest campaign, and I will do the same for the ward office. Fiscal Responsibility, Ward finances are a little different, but I have managed the finances of a successful business well, and like everyone I want to see my tax dollars used wisely. I will fight to keep taxes as low as possible. I will make sure that the city services run as efficiently as possible and that the people of the 43rd ward receive the services that they pay for. Representativeness. I am not a career politician. Like most people, I go to work every day, I deal with parking problems, I get frustrated at CTA issues, and I worry about the safety of my home. I can best represent the majority of the hardworking people of the 43rd ward on the city council. Bita Buenrostro - 43rd Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 1 Q&A: 0 0 0 1 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 I am a practicing attorney, I have worked in government in the office of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. as the Deputy District Administrator so I have worked with many of the issues in how the government interacts with the community. I have worked in politics for over 8 years including national statewide and local races, and I am committed to creating real solutions to the problems in the community that I grew up in. Brian Sleet - 6th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 2 Q&A: 0 0 0 2 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 I feel I am qualified to run because I have and continue to serve the public. I have been committed to block by block organizing since 1998. I serve others every single day. I know families, individuals, and agencies that have benefited from the work that I provide to assist them. Syron Smith - 15th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 1 1 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 I see the needs in my community and have addressed many of them at different times in the past 25 plus years. With my community involvement I have spearheaded marches, provided aid to law officials to find murderers, and have fed the community [with our own finances]. I believe that each community resident should strive to better the community. Faheem Shabazz - 8th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 My previous experience as a Top Assistant to Mayor Harold Washington, My leadership skills and my vision for a Chicago which is economically viable. Bill 'Doc' Walls - Mayor answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 2 Q&A: 0 0 0 2 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0 Miguel Del Valle - Mayor

  0 0 I have thought about running for mayor dating back to my years in the state senate and in my current role as the City Clerk. Upon hearing that Mayor Daley was not going to run for re-election, I declared the next day that I would run for mayor of Chicago. I was the first person to declare my candidacy in this mayoral race, and I will stay in this race until the very end. Electing a new mayor provides the City of Chicago with a historic opportunity to create not just a “city that works,” but a city that works together – through good government, transparency, and democracy. I have consistently supported good government, transparency, and democracy because one of my core principles is fairness. Fairness means people have an opportunity to succeed based on their merits, not who they know or who they gave a campaign contribution to. I am a true Chicagoan. I grew up on the West Side. I graduated from Chicago public schools. I received my BA and MA from a Chicago university. My parents worked hard in Chicago factories to give my close knit family a chance to pursue the American dream. I was drawn to public service. In my early career I worked with several different community organizations, quickly ascending to leadership positions. In 1982, my participation in Harold Washington’s winning mayoral campaign inspired me to run for office. When I ran for the Illinois State Senate in 1986, I put together a remarkable coalition spanning all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. I beat the machine candidate to become the first Latino senator. My record in the Senate was unparalleled. I was known for being able to build consensus and construct cross-party coalitions to pass legislation that benefited all of the people of the city and the state. I retired from the Senate in 2006 as the Assistant Majority Leader. Since 2006, I have been the City Clerk of Chicago. I have cut through the muddle of the entrenched bureaucracy of City Hall to bring real and needed change to a tired system. I have made city services more accessible. I have created a user-friendly website. I have made city legislation and executive orders available online. I have made it possible for videos of City Council meetings to be available to the public. I love Chicago, its people and its neighborhoods. I understand the tremendous complexities that are ever present in the managing of a world class city. I appreciate the balance needed to make the city a great place to live, educate our children, maximize opportunity for all, and foster a creative and positive environment for business. With all the challenges that Chicago is facing, I am tremendously excited at the opportunity to help shepherd this great city into a new era. My unique experience and my passion for Chicago will make me Chicago’s next great mayor. Miguel Del Valle - Mayor answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 1 Q&A: 0 0 0 1 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 My experience both as an engineer and educator provides me a unique perspective on how to solve issues related to creating career opportunities and improving education. My training has enabled me to think outside the box when it comes to other matters, and this city will face some complex issues which will require some creative thought to solve them without resorting to “raising taxes.” Federico Sciammarella - 2nd Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: -2 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 2 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 I am not a politician, I am a real Chicagoan. I have faced many of the same challenges that Chicagoans face every day. I was raised in Cabrini Green by a single mother. I dropped out of high school because of violence. I was laid off as a steel worker. And I have lived and worked in communities that have been plagued by violence, failing schools, and a lack of affordable housing. I have a strong track record of working with residents to improve communities. I have worked with residents to improve public safety. I have worked across sectors to develop affordable housing for families. And I have built coalitions to work across communities to pass policy. I have executive management experience. I grew a $10,000 a year neighborhood organization into a $3.3 million statewide organizing and policy organization. I am a Certified Public Accountant and I have a PhD in management. Patricia Van Pelt Watkins - Mayor answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 It’s no secret that I am younger than all of the other candidates, however, we all approach this honorable task as novices, confronted by the same challenge of replacing a long term Alderman. None of us fully knows or yet fully understands the day‐to‐day issues and rigors to come. But my promise to all residents of the 4th Ward is my complete dedication and willingness to serve. I present myself to you with youth, education, energy; a fearless spirit revved up, prepared and determined to be the Alderman the 4th Ward deserves. Adam Miguest - 4th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 I have over 20 years experience in public service. That includes directing the City’s Graffiti Blasters and cleaning up the First Ward to make it clean and safe for families and businesses. I have been Senior Officer for the Chicago Transit Authority where I have worked with the State Legislature and communities to inform them of services, improvements, and to hear their concerns. At Aspira, Inc. of Illinois, I provided support and mentorship to high school students to insure that they graduated and gained entry into higher education. As Community Relations Specialist with Peoples Energy, I helped community residents identify resources to pay their gas bills. These have provided me with ample experience to effectively manage services and create policies to benefit the residents of the 1st Ward. Deborah Lopez - 1st Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 3 Q&A: 0 0 0 4 1 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 I am an attorney with a masters in tax and I have professionally represented the frail, indigent and those with chronic health needs for over 20 years. I was a social worker with seniors before I went to law school and I worked in nursing homes, for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program [RSVP] and in geriatrics at a medical center. I became involved in programs for young people as I raised my three children in the Fifth ward. My experience with members of our community of all ages uniquely prepares me to be Alderman. Anne Marie Miles - 5th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 1 Q&A: 0 0 0 2 1 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 My experience and direct support in working with community improvements in the areas of youth mentoring, strategic planning with community members to address criminal and disorderly issues, and bring partnership alive between community members and service provider. Richard Wooten - 6th Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: 0 Q&A: 0 0 0 1 1 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 0 It’s my goal to be the most accessible Alderman possible. I want to hear from people. They give me ideas and they inspire to keep going. I’ve been Alderman since March 2010 and have started numerous initiatives and programs that have been universally praised. Please see my website for more details about what I’ve done: http://AldermanMoreno.com I stand on my achievements and have many exciting plans for the 1st Ward over the next four years. Joe Moreno - 1st Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend:

• Reputation: -1 Q&A: 0 0 0 0 1 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Expert: 1 topic Questions for Candidates Follow Following 0

  0 1 The qualifications necessary to run for office are statutory. But that’s not really your question. :) The answer to the unasked question is that of the candidates running I have the skill set best designed to work toward the long term success of Chicago. Jim Bosco - 2nd Ward answered in Questions for Candidates about 1 year ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question New comments are not being accepted at this time.

  Share this answer with a friend: