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: Michael T. Cummings
Ward: 19th
Current job: Retired Sergeant Chicago Police Department
Previous political experience: None
Education: Bachelor’s Degree Business Management from St. Xavier University
Spouse’s occupation: N/A
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.
I would return police to a more neighborhood focused patrol strategy rather than centralized city-wide units. I would supplement current patrols by bringing back retired officers. This would limit the use of overtime so; officers would have a more predictable work schedule.
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 Chicago Transit Authority has many issues. The decline in ridership began before the pandemic and continues today. People do not feel safe on the CTA. Police presence needs to be increased with uniformed officers to combat violent crimes. Antiquated technology within the CTA needs to be brought up to 2023 standards making interagency communication more effective.
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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 will soon have an elected school board which will allow each community to have a voice at the table and a greater influence on the specific academic needs of their students. The exodus of the Latinx and Black population from Chicago is a main contributing factor to the decline in student enrollment in the Chicago Public School system. Economic opportunities and fair wages are paramount to stabilize the Latinx and Black population in Chicago.
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.
Building population density through affordable housing will create opportunity for local businesses to open and prosper. There is a demonstrated need for housing which could be built on vacant lots throughout the city.
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 support Chicago property tax relief. I would work with our state legislators to reform Cook county’s opaque property tax system. I would eliminate some government taxing bodies of Illinois to reduce 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?
Tax increment financing can and has been a useful tool in development around our city. I would implement an option to close or eliminate TIFs that are no longer used or needed. The surplus of a TIF should be returned to the TIF tax base.
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 is imperative the city expedite the replacement of lead pipes. This is an enormous task considering Chicago leads the country in leads pipes. The city will be getting considerable Federal funding in this area. The city needs to hire more qualified contractors to address this major health issue. Using available technology will reduce cost and save time.
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 my 35 years of public service to our city as a police officer played a role in preparing me for Alderperson. Being proactive with problem solving was vital in effectively performing my duties as a police officer and is necessary as Alderperson. My experience as a small business owner will help me relate to business owners in the19th Ward. Working with others to help others is something I am passionate about and driven by. I take great pride in my work ethic and past performance as a police officer and business owner.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
Public safety is the most pressing issue in our ward. We need to increase the manpower within the Chicago Police Department. This can be attained by a more favorable work schedule while addressing the health and well-being of our officers.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
Listening to and working with others to solve problems is a great asset for an Alderperson. I believe I have demonstrated these qualities and have these abilities. I would extend office hours which would provide greater opportunities to hear from our constituents. My proactive approach to dealing with issues that impact people’s lives served me well in my career and I believe will serve me well in being Alderperson of the 19th Ward.
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