21 Answers

• 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: -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 Economic development does not happen on its own. In order to attract businesses, we must clean up the area, put in new lights, repair facades, replace sidewalks and streets, work to reduce crime, and promote our community as an international market place. We must actively seek out and recruit new businesses and we must retain current businesses. One of my first orders of business will be to work with local organizations and business owners to codify a short- and longterm business plan for the 50th Ward. It is my hope this plan would incorporate additional street festivals and community events that can attract visitors and consumers and hopefully new businesses to our ward. I have reached out to people in the city’s office of tourism and professional associations that represent retailers and other business owners. They have committed to helping me open doors to talk with people about bringing new businesses to the area. This 50th Ward business plan should also include a marketing strategy. It is my vision that when people come to Chicago, they make the 50th Ward a prime destination because what we have to offer to the world is a truly unique and special place. I am going to take the initiative and actively pursue businesses to fill the blighted properties, most of which were auto dealerships along Western Avenue. We are all responsible for economic development and the West Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce plays a huge role in this. I want to work with them to help educate shop owners about the resources available to them, specifically the SBIF funds and work to modernize and make our business districts look like places that businesses will want to be. 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: 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 want to see our community as a self sufficient community with residents living in the community who own businesses that employ other residents. This will create a community where our children and residents can socialize, play, and enjoy the activities and resources that are absent in our community. I envision the following: 1) Civic, Community, Business, and Religious organizations meet independently to articulate their vision(s) for the community. 2) Have a representative from each group to meet and implement a planning strategy based on the ideas on which they concur and work to execute the plan. 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 The 4th Ward (my district) has enormous potential for development along Cottage Grove, 35th Street, and the vacant Michael Reese site. I’m committed to hiring local residents first, and having living‐wage jobs. I would also hope to increase the minority/women business set‐aside for any development involving TIF funding. 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 Thanks to the new digital economy, commerce is moving faster than ever. Yet, those who have tried to get something done through City Hall would describe the climate as slow‐moving and lacking any sense of urgency; people sitting back in their chairs, waiting for businesses to knock on the city’s door. We can’t have a city government that is resting on its heels. If Chicago is going to compete in the 21st Century global economy, it’s time we get on our toes. Whether it’s a company unable to have a basic truck route designation changed, a business forced to obtain multiple liquor licenses for one location, or pay fees for decorative lights that overhang its façade (not to mention the haphazard and intermittent way inspections are conducted), the complaint most frequently heard from businesses is that the complicated maze of costly rules and regulations is strangling their growth. It is often said that things get done “in spite of the city.” As Mayor of Chicago, I will create a city government where things get done “with the support of the city.” Immediately upon taking office, I will create a new position, Deputy Mayor for Business Development and Job Creation. The Deputy Mayor will be clearly and directly responsible for developing short‐ and long‐term strategies for creating jobs, restructuring city departments and reducing taxes, fees and paperwork that serve as a disincentive to business. Working with business leaders, leaders from organized labor, the higher‐education community, World Business Chicago, City Council members, delegate agencies, Chambers of Commerce and other key constituents, the city will develop a longterm plan for job creation and economic development that will include quantifiable goals and metrics. The Head Tax—taxing businesses with more than 50 employees $4 per employee per month—is one of the most odious symbols of how we feel about creating jobs. As Chief of Staff to the Mayor, I helped reduce the Head Tax to ease the financial burden on businesses. As Mayor, I will eliminate the Head Tax completely and immediately. Further, Chicago’s future is necessarily linked to the world economy. If we intend to be a globally competitive city, we must increase the city’s efforts to attract global trade and investment. When the Mayor travels, it must be with a purpose. I will take international trade missions and return to Chicago with results—jobs for Chicagoans. As Mayor of Chicago, I will lead with a sense of urgency and a mission that is focused on bringing businesses—small, medium and large—to our city to create jobs for all Chicago residents in neighborhoods throughout the city. My plan to create a city government that is focused on attracting businesses and jobs to our city can be viewed at www.gerychico.com. 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 I am focused on strengthening the economy in the 7th Ward. I love the City of Chicago and want to see it grow but on the whole it is doing much better than we are here in the 7th Ward. Per discussion with business owners in the 7th ward, over the years the negative impact of the decline of the communities that make up the 7th ward in general and on businesses needs to be addressed. Both residents and businesses in the ward have asked for a reduction of both petty and serious crime, improvement in the condition of our streets and sidewalks, and the stabilization of our residential population. Listening to them, I will attack these issues first to best support and promote the economic health of the ward. Additionally, I will encourage and support small businesses, incentives for new business creation and entrepreneurship. Further, I will support infrastructure projects in underdeveloped, disinvested areas of the ward. 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 Conduct real job fairs where there are real employment opportunities and not staged events. Work with both small and large organizations to encourage them to invest their operation in our community. Work with developers that seek to develop in the 7th Ward to offer a pct. Of their work force to be that of qualified workers of the 7th Ward. 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

  0 0 What are your plans to increase job and employment opportunities in the city of Chicago? I will work with the mayor and the new city council on initiatives to increase employment in our city. Whether we need have them relocate here, I will support these actions. In the 43rd Ward, I will work with our small businesses to help them to navigate the city’s license structure and assist them surviving their first year of operation. I will also promote the ward to tourist and convention goers as a place to shop and enjoy a pleasant evening. Tourism dollars will help to keep our small businesses healthy in the 43rd ward. 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 First, people need to be retrained. There needs to be training on new technical jobs and there needs to be a focus on critical thinking because thought based jobs are the future in a global economy. Secondly we need to invest in our neighborhoods and closing the digital divide. The internet and energy infrastructure is so poor in many of our neighborhoods that traditional neighborhood business districts cannot attract and maintain small businesses that would bring services and employment back to our neighborhoods. Finally, the city needs to incentivize financial institutions to invest in neighborhood businesses so that individuals with a solid plan can be properly capitalized enough to survive starting a new venture. 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: -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 0 Chicago needs to become more business friendly in order to attract and retain employers. We cannot force companies to come here and let’s face it, they have choices. So we must show employers that Chicago is a great place to do business. Eliminating the head tax would be a good step in the right direction. 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:

• 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 Once again, I feel the career clubs are critical because in my ward you have too many untrained individuals that must be trained in order to join the work force. Through the career clubs they can begin entry level and work their way into entrepreneurship. A two year ex offender that is in our painter’s club for one year could possible begin his own painting company after a year of learning and gaining clients. 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 will attract new businesses to our ward that are safe and beneficial to our community. -I will provide workshops that will prepare ward residents for employment. -I will to work to get the next Mayor's support of the Green Growth Platform, which focuses on developing clean energy, cleaning up polluted coal plants, improving recycling citywide, conserving water, protecting Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. This in turn will spur job creation and economic growth. -I will to develop an 8th Ward business network for ward business and job referrals. 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: 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 One of my top priorities is to create good jobs and spur economic development. I believe that attracting new employers is necessary to achieve this priority. In order to do this we need to focus on the strengths of Chicago, such as our position as a transportation hub. We need to continue to foster growth in areas where we are already strong, including green industries, high-tech manufacturing, the allied health industries, and other promising economic sectors. We also need to prepare a 21st Century workforce, taking advantage of these niche opportunities. I believe that these are necessary components to attracting new employers and increasing job creation. The next mayor also needs to actively court companies—like the current mayor and governor did with Ford, though they need not be enterprises quite as large as that. Ford leadership specifically noted that the outreach made a bigger difference than any tax benefits or other goodies. We must also create the right environment. The New York Times reported on November 30 that the Midwest is emerging as a center for clean energy. But the states that were attracting plants were Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan; not Illinois. We enjoy the same advantages that they do (workforce, history of manufacturing, universities) but haven’t seen the same investment. Without the right kind of leadership, we’re not just losing out to China, but to our neighbors, in the competition for these emerging industries and the high-paying jobs they create. Attracting these industries directly creates jobs and benefits existing companies in our supply chain. The right political leadership can make that happen in Chicago, in partnership with our universities and the private sector. As such, as mayor I will be committed to reaching out to recruit companies and reaching within to coordinate with existing assets to make Chicago a global leader in advanced manufacturing. No industry is growing faster, adding more jobs, and promises our city more of a strong economic future than the technology sector, if we take advantage of the opportunities. We will make Chicago a world-class innovation economy: we’re going to dream, design, and build the future, right here in our neighborhoods. We have the pieces in place – the universities, the people, the space, and, the desire. Now, we must put it all together. We must make sure we have the best trained workforce in the world. Graduates from our public schools must be ready for college and work. Our community college and workforce training programs must be aligned to industry demand—students should graduate ready for the jobs that you are creating today and tomorrow. Chicago has the great benefit of serving as home to several internationally recognized universities. We must retain the talent being nurtured at our universities and connect them with industry here in Chicago. We want the great engineers, scientists, and innovators being trained in Chicago to stay in Chicago and help take the biotech, nanotech, solar power, and wind power to the next level. To attract and maintain these jobs, we must create an innovation ecosystem in Chicago by connecting our universities, technology and manufacturing companies, and talent so we can become true global competitors. As Mayor I will convene a quarterly innovation round table to bring together private sector leadership, our universities and innovation centers, community-based organizations, and unions. While it will be a chance for me and my administration to listen and learn, the mission of the roundtable will be to transform the city that works into the city that works together. 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: 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 We will utilize $2 Billion dollars of the existing $8.5 billion dollar Capital Improvement Plan to create 100,000 self-perpetuating Private Sector jobs. Specifically, we will identify 2,000 Chicago area businesses, which are industry and geographic diverse, and provide each a $1 million dollar jobs creation grant. Each company will be able to hire 50 people. The goal is to launch these businesses into the National and Global economy. 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: 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 idea is to bring in value added manufacturing, tech companies and green economy industries to help spur the economy. If we can tie this into our school system it becomes a win‐win situation. This is something I already do on a smaller scale that I feel if given the proper support will succeed in our 2nd ward. 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 Patricia Van Pelt Watkins - Mayor

  0 0 Creating job opportunities will be a top priority in a Watkins Administration. I will: ‐Create good jobs in local communities by investing in infrastructure projects in disinvested communities. These will both create short‐term construction jobs, but also help revitalize communities and create long‐term jobs through the economic infrastructure these projects create. ‐Support small businesses by providing incentives for new business creation and ensuring the city is supporting entrepreneurs. Over two‐thirds of jobs in Chicago are created by small businesses. ‐Invest in public education and the city college system to make sure we have an educated workforce prepared for good jobs in growth sectors. ‐Work with current workforce development efforts to continue to streamline the city’s workforce development funds to focus on education—including GED completion programs—and job training programs to prepare residents for good jobs in career track and high growth sectors. ‐Invest in transportation to redevelop our rail infrastructure to create jobs, attract new businesses and industries, and re‐establish Chicago as a regional and national center of economic activity. 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 Tax Incentives to attract new businesses into the city, as well as into the 4th Ward. 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 will engage the labor unions in developing job training programs. The City, as well as the County and the State, must be partners in our communities in establishing job readiness programs. But most important, we need to have a prepared labor force that will attract new business to our City and our neighborhoods. These elements will be essential in our approach to attract new industries to Chicago. 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 will work to create new jobs in “green” industries and cutting edge technology. Stony Island should be prime commercial real estate and I will work to attract new business to the area. The creation of new businesses on Stony Island will lead to the improvement of 71st Street. 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 Richard Wooten - 6th Ward

  0 0 There are three things that I feel as alderman that I should initially be focus on that would attract new businesses, stop good families from leaving the community and opening opportunities for other good family to join our communities,and they are to provide; o A safer community ‐ I believe that it would be difficult for a business to have a desire to become part of a community experience a heighten level of crime. In 2011, we need to see 1,000 additional police officers hired and an addition 500+ officer each year for the next four years. The increase of officers will not only provide a safer community but will also provide a presence to deter criminal activities, and o A stable community – We have to stop the flight of our community members. Lack of Jobs and foreclosures has brought a devastating blow to our community. We need to begin to focus on stabilizing our community by developing more affordable housing that will be inviting to families who has a desire of being a part of a pulsating community. o Location – The 6th Ward is a dynamic ward that is accessible by public transportation and run adjacent to the Dan Ryan Expressway and the Skyway; just these features alone make any new business in the 6th Ward accessible to other communities within the city and other neighboring states. 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 I’m starting a job creation program in my ward called “Work 1st." I have brought about 500 jobs to the ward since becoming alderman and this program will be an online based program, which will employees and opportunity to work in a field that, not only interests them, but one where they can begin a career. 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: