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 Cortez
Ward: 46th
Current job: Uber/lyft
Previous political experience: N/A
Education: High school
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 organize the community with watch groups and hold monthly meetings to organize a plan. I would make door cameras available at no cost, adjust the budget to have walking beat cops in the area, and explore the possibility of private security.
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.
Increase police presence on the trains with the addition of canine units.
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?
The school programs and curriculum need to be updated to allow for “fun” activities for the teachers that would help students be more engaged. Classroom sizes need to be adjusted to be more manageable and beneficial to students. Explore options to earn back the trust of the residents to put their children into CPS, to enable teaching students to more involved in school programs and classrooms as they earn their degree, and leaving schools open for a safe alternative for children after school.
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.
If I were the elected official for the South or West side I would look at tax incentives to get businesses to the area and relax tax code for developers, to start. I think here in Uptown we are also shorted with many services as in the West and South sides. My main concern is to take care of the 46th Ward and I would full-heartedly support these Wards and of course work with the mayor to make this city the best it can be.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
I believe as the budget is reviewed every year we should find ways to reduce taxes and if there’s any way of giving relief, then provide it. I’ll be a strong advocate putting the best interest of the middle class upfront and fight tooth and nail to give tax relief.
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 think TIFs are good when managed to benefit the intended districts. I would reform the program with a tighter rein on managing the use of TIFs to prevent abuse of the program and it outweighing its usefulness.
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?
Again, my main concern is with the 46th Ward. Any of the lead problems in the ward would be addressed immediately and I would propose a plan for testing routinely to ensure the residents and businesses have safe water. I would look to the management staff for savings and to manage funds ethically and responsibly for the citizens they are intended for. I will always be willing to work with the mayor to fix the lead piping throughout the city.
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 have served the people here for the past 23 years with their real estate buying and selling needs. I have lived in the 46th Ward for the past 21 years. I am a leader, I work well with people, and as always move forward to get things done that need to be done. I will surround myself with the best people to do the right things for the 46th Ward.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
Safety is definitely the main concern here in the 46th Ward. I plan to get the community together as one, developing neighborhood watch groups and plans to make this a safer and better area to live. I will meet with the police asking for all units available to come into the area, i.e., police, undercover police, Intelligence, Narcotics. We need everyone on board and encourage citizens “if you see something say something.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
I’m a strong leader and I’m willing to do what it takes to get the 46th Ward where it should be. I think we can make the 46th Ward a better place to work, play, and have fun and be a successful functioning community for all of its residents and businesses. My views have always been for the safety and betterment of the community