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: Jake Towers
Ward: 37th
Current job: N/A
Previous political experience: N/A
Education: Early Childhood Education
Spouse’s occupation: Not answered
Sources of outside income: N/A
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.
Investment is the key, urban communities have lacked in resources and opportunities for far too long. Our youth should be top priority, which includes bringing in quality mental services, trade programs, and equitable jobs. I’ve worked with youth all my life, and I’ve learned that if you don’t give them something to do, they will find something to do. The fact that west side communities are still know as under-resourced neighborhoods is a disgrace.
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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.
Public transportation should be a given for Chicago residents.
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?
Investment, Investment, Investment! Increasing investment for students, teachers, and resources for parents and families. Our teachers and staff, should be supported in all areas to better accommodate our children and families.
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.
The answer is clear! INVESTMENT!
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 property owners should be included the discussion to come up with the a solution. The goal is help property owners safeguard their homes.
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 TIf should always include the thoughts of the community and residents. It should be used to benefit and enhance the growth of the community.
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?
Yes it should be expedited, we are talking about people’s lives. Making sure people are informed and supply them with the resources and tools need to best accommodate them. Replace pipes, reconstruct, whatever needs to be done. Anything that concerns safety of people should never be a question or hesitation.
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.
As a city council member, in order to speak and be an advocate for the people, you must be in touched with the people. Being a block Club President gave me a chance to speak to people, and really hear them. So many people in our communities are hurting and all we want is opportunity, better quality of living, and choices, which all lack in our ward.
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What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
Safety and equitable jobs is a pressing issue in our ward. The answer is investment, making sure our ward is priority.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
In all, it’s time to move our community forward, and better enhance the quality of life for residents. The next generation is depending on us, and what we do now, determines their later.