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: Kirby Birgans
Ward: 6th
Current job: 7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher/ Perspectives Charter School
Previous political experience: N/A
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education
Spouse’s occupation: Community Affairs
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.
Violence must be viewed and addressed as a public health crisis. In addition to addressing systemic issues that are often contributing factors to violence like poverty, education, and community relations with Chicago’s Black and Brown communities, our City’s solutions are often addressed from an “or” perspective, but should be addressed from an “and” perspective. For example, initiatives like new CPD leadership and more recruits is a viable response to address violence in the City. My proposals will focus on (1) violence prevention, (2) recruitment, and (3) technology.
On day one, as alderperson, I will work to provide more public and private investments to violence prevention programs that are on-the-ground within Chicago communities. My solution also includes advocating for an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which would serve as the City’s coordinated effort to implement research-based strategies and to better bridge community-based violence prevention programs, law enforcement, social services, and public education stakeholders. Over half of the City’s shooting victimizations occur in just 10 of the City’s 77 neighborhoods. This means that violence prevention programs must be available, staffed appropriately, and with other proper resources. Additionally, I propose that individuals at highest risk of gun violence will be paid to participate in violence prevention and job readiness programs.
The City has approximately 1,200 detectives as compared to New York’s 4,500 and Los Angeles 2,000 or more detectives. In Chicago, there are not enough detectives to solve homicides and other violent crimes within the City. Moreover, there is a shortage of patrol officers and our officers are overworked. Many of our officers have had time off canceled repeatedly. In addition to more recruitment, when I am elected, I will advocate to create the Chicago Police Reserve made up of retired police officers. The Chicago Police Reserve will manage non-dangerous and administrative duties, which will allow for more officers for community policing.
Chicago and other large cities have utilized technology to assist with policing. However, we have learned that some technology used is controversial (e.g., red light cameras and shot-spotters). I propose that we employ drones to respond quickly to emergencies to capture footage of reported crimes and to survey danger. Additionally, drones will allow our officers to safely pursue suspected criminals without participating in high-speed chases or jeopardizing officer safety.
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.
In Meeting the Moment, CTA’s action plan focuses on increasing and enhancing their workforce, addressing safety concerns, and service optimization. CTA’s approach is well thought out and strategically aligned with improving reliability and equity. In 2018 through 2019, there were approximately 38 million riders from all walks of life, professions, genders, and ethnicities experiencing social determinants of health challenges (i.e., housing, employment, education, and transportation). This is the reason that I will propose that supportive case management services be provided on CTA platforms and bus stops by social service agencies to assist with triaging and providing navigation assistance.
Additional proposals, when I am alderman of Chicago’s 6th Ward, will include: (1) CTA performing research and analysis to determine the need for bus route redesign and placing priority on safety, reduced emissions, and rider convenience; and (2) extending the red line past 95th street.
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?
Violence is plaguing our communities and our schools. As a current seventh grade science teacher, I know all too well that our students fear their commute to and from school, and even that presence within classrooms. This year, I have had one student that was injured due to gun violence and in previous years, I have had several students that were victims or experienced the trauma of losing family and friends to violence. Many students also have difficulty navigating their experience with social determinants of health (SDOH). My plan to increase CPS enrollment is to enhance school safety and alleviate social determinants of health.
Currently, only non-high school students receive robocalls alerting parents and guardians of the student’s absence. I propose that all parents, regardless of the student’s level of education, will receive a call if students are absent. Parent and guardian involvement is crucial to the success of our students and is a motivating factor for proper enrollment and attendance. This will assist parents and guardians with knowing their child’s whereabouts. I also propose that CPS increase on-site violence interruption initiatives within schools, which will provide students with comprehensive and easily accessible access to anti violence programming and support. Furthermore, as a teacher, I know that families are often experiencing issues like homelessness, transportation, and unemployment. In addition to increasing the number of social workers in schools, I propose that case managers are available to high school students. Case managers will work to triage SDOH challenges, while social workers are able to focus on more intensive challenges.
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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.
Reinvestment in Chicago’s South and West sides is vital to the upward mobility of residents and will also create a significant impact on the City’s revenue and safety. The creation of a public bank, owned by the City of Chicago, will create reinvestment within local communities, incentivizing Chicagoans to become customers. Reinvestment would include small business grants and loans, homeownership programs, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, the creation of a public bank will also offer employment opportunities to Chicago 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, I do support giving Chicagoans property tax relief as housing affordability is paramount to health and upward mobility. I will accomplish offsetting property taxes by implementing a tax on landlords with 12 or more rental units and a tax on the sale of property valued at $1M or more. In addition, I will also support state legislation to broaden the sales tax selected services and instituting a city income tax to further offset property taxes.
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?
The intention to use TIFs as a catalyst to economic development in disinvested areas like the South and West sides of Chicago TIFs can be even more useful with proper reform. I would propose a reform to surplus annually existing TIF funds that have not been earmarked to be used to improve public buildings, projects, and area like schools, parks, and the creation of affordable housing in the wards where TIF districts exist.
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?
As a middle school science teacher and a champion for environmental justice, this topic is concerning. To learn that Chicago has more lead service lines for drinking water than any city in America is alarming and unsettling. My campaign has made this a top priority and feel the pace of the lead service line replacement should move expeditiously. Our first priority would be to test all households in the 6th ward for lead and make sure that all service lead piping is replaced free of charge to the homeowner.
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.
I believe that those close to the problems often come up with the best solutions. As a middle school science teacher, I get to see the reality of our community through the lives of my students, their families, and my neighbors. I have put food in backpacks to send home on the weekends. I have experienced the painful impact of disinvestment on my students and their families. Seeing children endure inequities, hearing about child victims of gun violence, hearing about families going without health care and living in food deserts is what fuels my commitment and I realized we can do better. We need lawmakers who understand the middle class and are focused on making positive changes. I also know that a fully-funded public school system, all-day kindergarten, and increased fundings for employment training programs are achievable with proper taxation of corporations.
As a community activist, I have fought for policies like $15.00 minimum wage, housing affordability, women’s reproductive rights and police reform. I have fought alone with our unions for bargaining power and fair contracts. I have also volunteered and worked on several political campaigns from former President Obama to State’s Attorney Kwame Raoul. These campaigns have given me the skills and the expertise needed to run a respectful campaign and continue my servant leadership as alderman.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
Gun Violence is a national health crisis and I recognize the need to address this growing crisis through the lens of a health- based approach. At least 298 teens and children under the age of 18 have been shot and 41 of those shootings were fatal. In 2021, we had 800 homicides in Chicago and 4,328 shootings. I have a plan to help curb the violence that is plaguing our streets. First, I will work diligently to increase funding for our public schools and will prioritize trade education/apprentice programs for students. Data shows also show that employment and housing are deterrents of crime.
A family’s quality of life is directly correlated to the economic vitality of the community. Thus, my plan is to focus on the economic development of Chicago. Worker’s rights are paramount to achieving upward mobility. For instance, paid maternal/paternal leave, paid sick leave, and livable wages are necessary to help working families thrive. My plan is to support unions and protect workers bargaining rights in Chicago’s City Council. To show my unwavering support of workers’ rights, as alderman, I will seek input from labor unions regarding staffing and efficiencies. I will also support small businesses and new businesses to reach their full potential and incentivize small businesses to hire qualified individuals from the 6th Ward.
As we transition from 2022 to 2023, it is apparent that families are increasingly being priced out of homeownership and rents have skyrocketed. As alderman, I will prioritize housing affordability. On day one, without any hesitation, I will work to increase affordable housing. Chicago was the only city in the Midwest to make the top 100 when it comes to highest rent. Rising rents and other housing costs, combined with persistent inflation for necessities like food and gas, have left more of our neighbors homeless or in fear of losing their homes. Specifically, I will fight to provide limitations on rent increases at 150% of the consumer price index or 3%, whichever is higher. This will allow landlords to make a return on investment, while making rents more affordable. Tax freeze for 1 year for new housing development.
In my view, to hold the seat of Alderman is not only a privilege, but an opportunity to make change where we need it, to continue the course of progress that the 6th Ward deserves, and to advance conversations that need new life.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
Many of my opponents have not stated their positions publicly on pressing issues like gun violence, housing affordability, or education. This is also an indication that many of my opponents are wavering, fearful, or simply have not invested the time and effort to develop a platform. My campaign is a human rights first campaign that will prioritize workforce development and livable wage jobs, housing affordability, education, infrastructure, and public safety. My campaign has a plan for Gun Violence prevention by viewing it as a national health crisis, housing by addressing it as a human right, economic development by understanding that union paying jobs will assist in decreasing violence. As a teacher, I know firsthand the importance of students receiving equal access to resources they will need to succeed. That is why as a candidate for 6th Ward alderperson, I have put education as the focus of my campaign. As a science teacher, I support scientists and believe that we must increase the usage of renewable energy sources by 2050. I understand that environmental racism is one of the most unchecked forms of racism. As someone who has been fighting for workers rights and the rights of working families my entire adult life, I understand the importance of unions and how important it is for unions to have bargaining power. Voters should elect me because I am not running to be something I am running to do something!