To inform voters and to help the baiduhai Editorial Board make endorsements, the board posed a series of questions to the candidates running for alderman. See their answers below. See how other candidates answered here.
Name: Cynthia M. Santos
Ward: 38th
Current job: Member – Illinois Pollution Control Board
Previous political experience: Appointed Member – Illinois Pollution Control Board – 2016-Present Commissioner – Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago 1996-2016 Elector for President Biden for the State of Illinois Elected State Central Committeewoman 1997-2021 Elected Delegate for President Bill Clinton and Presidential Candidate John Kerry Appointed by the MWRDGC Board (as their representative) to the Public Building Commission- Chaired the Construction Committee under Richard M. Daley for 10 years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science – Northeaster Illinois University & Master’s Degree Political Science with a focus on Public Policy from Northeastern Illinois University
Spouse’s occupation: Aide to Commissioner Marcelino Garcia
Sources of outside income: None
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The rise in violent crime remains a top priority for City Hall. Homicides, shootings and carjackings are all unacceptably high. Tell us how city government can be innovative in combating crime, and explain what measures you would propose if elected.
Weekend closure of bars at 3:00 a.m.
Training to reinstate a “Stop and Frisk” procedure for officers.
Training to reinstate a “Foot Chase” procedure for officers.
Expand License Plate Reader Technology
Faith Leaders have advocated for State Enhanced Witness Protection programs and expanding protections in the Witness Intimidation Laws.
The University of Chicago created a program called READI. People were chosen from West-Side neighborhoods. They were paid $15.00 an hour and had counseling sessions and job training. Participants are older people that have a criminal record. Reviews of this program are ongoing, but success has been proven. There are other violence prevention programs that should continue to work on out-reach to at-risk communities.
North Lawndale College Prep created a “Peace Warriors” program. Students are counseled and trained to prevent violence at their school. Many students have experienced violence and tragedy. Principles of non-violence are inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr. A few of MLK thoughts; students hear “attack forces of evil, not people doing evil.” “Accept suffering without retaliation for the sake of the cause to achieve the goal.” “The universe is on the side of justice.”
The CTA, one of the nation’s largest transit systems, remains a troubled agency grappling with issues ranging from violent crime and ghost buses and trains, to flagging ridership. Give us your thoughts on what specific measures CTA should take to make train and bus service safer, more reliable and more equitable for Chicagoans.
The CTA suffered great decline from pre-COVID 19 riders, now work-from-homers, who abandoned the system which now houses the homeless seeking shelter, peddlers, and criminals who ride to prey on a captive audience. While many Chicagoans have other transit options, low-income and working-class residents do not. The reluctance to reopen the Green Line L Station in Englewood is a perfect example. The CTA needs to work with the City’s Planning Department that brings the reopening of this station into a redevelopment plan for Racine Avenue. With all the development plan discussed for Englewood this must be a priority.
Upgrading the security systems, cleaning up and refreshing trains and buses, and quicker arrival times may attract discretionary ridership if they feel safe and comfortable. These users are key to making service cost- effective.
Finally, the CTA’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan barely touches on how to implement the use of more electric buses. The reluctance to embrace electrification of service is clear by the long list of excuses; from manufacturing chip shortages needed for electric buses to “old garage renovation vs. new garage build” dilemma rhetoric has no place in moving transportation needs forward. Chicago will not thrive without a safe, attractive and efficient public transportation system to get residents where they need to be.
Ten years ago, enrollment at Chicago Public Schools was 403,000 students. In September, enrollment stood at 322,000 students. Enrollment at CPS has dropped for 11 consecutive years. What specific measures should CPS undertake to reverse the trend of ever-dwindling enrollment?
Chicago Public Schools decline in enrollment primarily stems from Chicago’s decline in school age children from a decade long reduction in childbirth. The decline in Hispanic and Black populations in our city, of which 85% send their children to Chicago Public Schools, is another contributing factor.
A pandemic that resulted in the suspension of in-school learning coupled with CPS teacher’s strike left some parents frustrated and determined to seek alternatives. Private schools with dependable schedule, smaller class sizes and parental engagement was a clear choice. CPS needs to re-imagine the parent’s role in education by encouraging active parent-school relationships. Use of technology, training of staff on ways to support and embrace parental input and opinions; by listening to their concerns instead of telling them how to be involved. Old formats of having parents come to school to “hear” how their child is performing is outdated. Student progress connected by text message in real time, video conferencing, and group information forums electronically will bring schools and families together. Research proves that when families are engaged as partners in education – the students win.
Disinvestment on the South and West sides is a decades-long problem with myriad causes. Give us at least one innovative idea that you believe could play a role in reversing South and West side disinvestment, and explain why the idea is realistic and feasible.
Mayor Lightfoot has created the “Marshall Plan” to direct $750 Million to South and West side neighborhoods. The plan has 11 proposed projects. Progress has been slow, and the mayor has not detailed any goals. Private Developments are moving forward with partnerships and grants. The Wellness Village of Garfield Park and the Pullman Historical site are success stories. Depopulation in these areas has stifled retailers for years. The Red Line Extension will be a huge boost for the South Side economy and job growth.
The city has initiated and improved the sale of vacant properties. The ChiBlockBuilder website should soar increased sales of vacant properties. Corporate stakeholders must be an integral partner in the development of these hundreds of vacant parcels. Significant tax breaks can spur developers to be partners.
The Affordable Requirements Ordinance was improved for developers with a tax break of 20% affordable set-aside projects on site. Banks also must prioritize lending policies to service the South and West communities. Co-Operative housing projects can assist the housing crisis in these neighborhoods. A Co-Op has been successful in Pilsen and should be expanded with assistance from City Hall. The Co-Op model can also develop stores in the food deserts of the South and West sides. The communities will embrace their stores to service area residents.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
Yes. The Civic Federation in 2021 posted a report from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy that evaluated common property tax relief programs across the country. Some of the recommendations are worth considering. Income-based homestead credits, where the property tax relief is tied to the applicant’s income – relief decreases as income increases. The targeted program seems cost-effective if the administration costs can be streamlined. Designed state aid formulas that offer more relief to low property value communities are another targeted measure that is plausible through conscientious market value analysis. Making property tax payments on a monthly basis which would allow taxpayers visibility as this payment would coincide with other monthly payments, presenting an easier budgeting formula for homeowners than the current Bi-Annual payment formula. The current Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program allows homeowners 65 or older, with household income not to exceed $55,000 and have home ownership of more than 3 years, the opportunity to defer tax up to $5,000 borrowed to the State who in turn makes this tax payment. A tax lien is placed on the property with interest rates at 6% per year until loan paid off. Lowering the eligibility age, keep interest rates lower and variable according to market rates would keep the money the government makes down and offer relief to more homeowners. Finally, all assessment formulas should be subject to regular evaluation to ensure best practices.
Give us your take on the city’s use of tax increment financing districts. Do you feel they have been useful, or do you feel that the problems associated with them outweigh their usefulness? What if any reforms would you want to apply to the city’s usage of TIFs?
TIF’s have expanded way beyond their intended goals. They have contributed to higher property taxes and reduced school revenues. TIF surplus funds should be returned to local government. Many TIF geographic areas have significantly changed from their inception, and therefore, should be reviewed and terminated if justified. TIF funds should not be transferred to projects outside of their boundaries. TIF funds should be detailed in public reports and a 5-year plan for potential projects. County Treasurer Maria Pappas should be commended for advocating for TIF reform. Recent TIF’s that have been positive are the near South Side High School that Near South Side and Chinatown residents support along with the Red Line extension which will have funding challenges.
Lead in drinking water is a major health concern for the city. It is estimated that in Chicago there are roughly 400,000 homes and small apartment buildings with lead service lines. So far, the city has replaced less than 300 lead service lines. Do you feel the pace of lead service line replacement should be expedited, and if yes, what is the best, most feasible way to accomplish that?
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Lead service line replacement must be accelerated to improve the health of residents. A replacement project is labor intensive and costly. An intern, apprenticeship program focused on completing more work could be successful. Private contractors should be part of the scaling up of work to achieve improved productivity. Labor costs can be reduced as replacement projects increase. Projects should be scheduled by street grids to be more efficient.
State and Federal grants can offset costs. Evanston recently benefitted from a $1 million dollar grant from the State of Illinois. Another proposal would be to set aside a percentage of current Water Bill Revenue (no raise in the rates for residents) toward a construction fund. This can be done and still stay within budget limits.
Every Level of Governments should support Home Lead Testing Kits and implement a program to dispense these kits. Also, affordable home water purification systems, attached to one incoming source/fountain sink deserves consideration.
If you are an incumbent, please explain what is it about your service on the City Council that makes you most qualified for the job. If you have never served on the council, please explain what is it about your background that makes you most qualified.
My years of experience working as a public leader and advanced education in the field of public policy makes me the most qualified.
As Commissioner of the MWRDGC, I was Chairman of Finance for several years and served as a member of the MWRD’s Pension Board. During my tenure, I was instrumental in the development of the District’s Storm Water Management Plan. I also represented the District on the City of Chicago’s Public Building Commission where I chaired the Construction Committee in building numerous schools, libraries, police and fire stations and park district projects to include Maggie Daley Park.
In my current position, I review environmental cases and determine, define and implement environmental control standards for the State of Illinois. I also know the job of Alderman extremely well as I was Chief of Staff for two Chicago Alderman.
My years of community work presents a measure of communication skills, cooperation, and compassion for the residents that stands out amongst the other Candidates. Besides serving on Chamber of Commerce’s, Leading the Irving Park YMCA Board, CAPS Representative, LSC and School Board Member and mentoring prospective girl scout leadership; I attended meetings with the Chicago Archdiocese with regards to the consolidation of parishes – the Renew My Church Initiative as assistant to the Pastor. My adult life has been dedicated to public service whether as an elected leader or a volunteer with community groups. My life-long experiences lend me the knowledge and skills to be the best leader for the 38th Ward.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
Crime. During the first 15 days of January of this year, more than a dozen automobiles were stolen in the 38th Ward. Attending a CAPS meeting this week, auto thefts have doubled from last year and all crime is on the rise. The 16th Police District is almost 100 officers down from years past, leaving some beats without a patrol and most cars have only one officer. The majority of the residents have RING doorbells and cameras for their property which allows access to ongoing crime, within the community, through an app downloaded on their smartphone. This information is not substantiated by law enforcement and can cause undo concern. This should not be residents first line of communication.
The Alderman’s office receives regular crime reports and alerts which should then be forwarded to the community in real time – easily accomplished with electronic networking. I am committed to make this happen. In addition, I would form a comprehensive crime watch program throughout the Ward, training residents how to be their own best ally in crime prevention and the process of networking with neighbors and other local stakeholders. I will hire a retired police officer as part of my administration to implement these measures, using their knowledge and experience to guide the process.
Creating partnerships with schools, churches, park, police stations and libraries to implement after-school care – a parental choice that can be affordable and reliable. Creation a community network that watches out for our older residents. Their safety and well-being must always be the concern of leadership as they are the most vulnerable. Instead of the focus being on speed cameras, lets increase License Plate Scanners throughout the ward. This information is a necessary tool for apprehension – and not a money-making trap for the residents.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
I believe I am the best choice for the 38th Ward as I am anchored in this community. Its vibrancy and safety are critical to me as a resident and leader. I do not have a personal agenda but rather invite community input as essential to improving my performance. I have a keen sense to problem solving based on necessary skills, understanding how to prepare a balanced budget and monitoring its progress throughout the year. Knowledge of how government works at every level from direct experience. Communication skills built from years of community service. I have an agenda in place, ready to implement on day one built on priorities from the input of residents and formulated by their concerns and needs.
I am Pro-Choice and will fight to protect the rights of all individuals regardless of who they love, how they pray, ethnicity, gender, age or financial stability. I do not tolerate discrimination or prejudice of any kind.
I’ve had some really tough challenges of late, dealing with the loss of loved ones and severe health issues of someone very dear to me. Yet, I have never neglected my professional responsibilities. I consider this a test of my strength, faith and integrity and I am stronger and more compassionate because of it. Skills that make a great leader.