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: Edward Ward
Ward: 24th
Current job: Chicago Public Schools Restorative Justice Coordinator
Previous political experience: N/A
Education: BA in Political Science
Spouse’s occupation: Not answered
Sources of outside income: Employed
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.
The city must understand that violent crime is directly linked to the economic conditions of some communities. There needs to be a restructuring of City Government priorities. Trade must be brought back to the public education sector. High Schools across the city need to have trade programs that guarantee Jobs after graduation. We need to push for free community college for middle and low income Chicago residents. If I am elected I would propose all of the above. Crime cannot be effectively solved if the conditions that created criminals and violent criminals continues to exist.
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.
CTA should first be free for all of Chicago. Violent robberies is the top crime committed on CTA. This takes it back to the idea of the issue in violent crime being economic. Likewise, we need to build better relations with police to patrol CTA around the clock and put more of a presence out during the hours in which crime is the highest. We can’t stop there; not community has a great relationship with the police so to combat the possible backlash, we need to also out source for contract with nonpolice security agencies that can also patrol the CTA around the clock.
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 should focus it’s measures on pushing back against the school to prison pipeline and investing in educating the whole child. Testing is a top priority when it comes to CPS. The top priority should be skill rather than testing strategy. Bringing back trade would be a top priority. Students drop out when they don’t feel a connection to the curriculum or the school culture. CPS has to create a welcoming environment for the schools and has to create a plan of action to sustain the environment. I would push to rigorously fund the Sustainable Community Schools and the Community Schools Initiative.
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 South and West sides of Chicago have been victim to unscrupulous political practices. I would push for Participatory Government. In communities like ours we’ve often been dictated to, it’s fine time the community calls the shots. The community has to play a part in the economic development of the community. This idea is realistic because it happens in other Wards around the city, starting with the community having a say in how the 1.5 million dollars in menu funds will be spent for the Ward. Along with participatory government there needs to be participatory budgeting practices. The community not only deserves a voice, it demands it.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
Yes! Property taxes are extremely high, causing many to leave the city. If we have homes in the city that are not being occupied or that are behind on taxes the city essentially loses more money. This is not a one person fight but a whole city fight. We need to reach across the blurred lines of City Hall to get it done. I alone can’t accomplish it but I will fight to build relationships with the decision makers in order to gain support.
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’s usage of TIFs can be dramatically improved. I would push to use TIFs in the most decadent areas. In the 24th Ward alone there are over 3000 vacant lots, the usage of TIFS could dramatically improve the conditions of the Ward.
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?
Absolutely! Out of more than 350,000 lines it is absolutely unacceptable that only 300 lines have been replaced. This should be marked and treated as an emergency which requires immediate attention. We need to connect with agencies across the state to expedite the lead pipe replacement project. Likewise, the bill should not be on the backs of the chicagoans.
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 am not an Incumbent.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
Physical and economic violence, See above for explanation and plan.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
Simply put, I believe I can create a community which thrives. I have done work across the country on violence prevention and educational improvement.