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: Howard Ray
Ward: 37th
Current job: City of Chicago, Chicago Police Department
Previous political experience: None
Education: Iowa State University
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Spouse’s occupation: Not answered
Sources of outside income: Investments
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.
City Hall, city agencies and the cook county courts need to become more innovative in combating crime by being more proactive in implementing creative policies to curb crime. I will advocate for City Hall, the Chicago Police Department, the Board of Education and neighborhood organizations to start sharing information to help streamline solutions and prevent crimes.
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.
As an Alderman I will advocate for City council members to support an ordinance making Chicago Transit Authority only allowing patrons access after swiping their state I.D/driver license when entering train stations or boarding a CTA buses. This will make it easier to identify those involved in crimes or criminal behavior on city transit and possibly deter criminals from committing future crimes on public transit.
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?
CPS low enrollment is correlated to Chicago crime as many families are scared and moving out of Chicago. As an Alderman, I will advocate for more proactive crime solutions to ensure children will be free from danger and other criminal activities. This will help reverse the dwindling enrollment.
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.
As an Alderman I believe implementing an ordinance requiring community Benefit Agreements (CBA) in all neighborhoods will be sufficient in battling the disinvestment of South and Westside communities. Discussions during CBA forums will allow community members to input their ideas on how the city and businesses can help their neighborhoods.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
Yes, I believe some Chicagoans should receive tax relief based on the U.S tract data. Communities in blighted areas should receive some relief. Basically I will propose my bill supporting property tax relief and lobby Chicago citizens and Council members to create a referendum for our city.
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?
I believe the city TIF purpose is a great tool but for many years it has been misused. TIF used correctly, should prioritize providing funding to blighted areas first. Funding to blighted areas first will support a better quality of life to those citizens living in those areas on all levels.
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?
To replace the lead pipes in Chicago, we can solve two problems at one time. First we must ask for a recount from the Census Bureau by asking for a Count Question Resolution to receive extra funding from the Federal Government. After receiving funding from the federal government, the city could employ extra Chicago citizens to work on the lead service lines. This will expedite the services to be completed and create jobs for the Chicago community.
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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 employment history has placed me in a situations whereas I have interacted with numerous people in my community on all levels. I have worked in public service for 31 years. I have been employed with the Chicago Transit Authority, U.S Postal Service and the Chicago Police Department. The aforementioned roles have given me the opportunities to know everything about the 37th Ward as I have been in almost every home, been on countless porches, been in all the yards and in every alley in the ward. These experiences have given me the insights into the needs of the 37th ward citizens as I have spoken with them directly and listened to their input. This along with being a resident of the 37th ward for 25 years, makes me qualified to be the next 37th Ward Alderman.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
One of the most pressing issues people are facing in my Ward is called IDP (Internal Displacement of People). People are experiencing IDP because of the high crime on the Westside. They are afraid for their love ones and are moving. Many other citizens are leaving because of increasing taxes. Honestly, the 37th Ward/Westside has many pressing issues that are equal and cannot be prioritized over other. As stated above, I would advocate for a CBA and proactive strategies to combat disinvestment and crime.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
Voters should vote for me because I listen to the people, organizations and the communities wants and needs and will create an effective formula when forming solutions. When the voters vote for me, they are voting for a better way. They are voting for their community to have similar amenities, services and opportunities to Oak Park and River Forest. I am running to provide better quality life for every citizen of the 37th ward, not just a few. For A Better Way Vote For Howard Ray on February 28, 2023.