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: Derrick G. Curtis
Ward: 18th
Current job: Alderman, 18th Ward, City of Chicago
Previous political experience: Alderman, 18th Ward, City of Chicago
Education: Derrick G. Curtis is a lifelong resident of Chicago, and serves as Alderman of the 18th Ward. He’s running for re-election in 2023. His political/civic background includes Democratic Committeeman, serving over 25 years as Precinct Captain and Coordinator. His education includes an extensive background in Internal Investigations, and certified courses with the Institute of Police Technology and Management.
Spouse’s occupation: Executive Admin, CPS
Sources of outside income: None
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.
City government can be innovative by adjusting their hiring practices for second chancers/ex-offenders, giving them a better set of options to choose from. I would propose some type of middle ground point of entry back into society that give them better choices. I believe that if you teach someone how to save a life, they will be less likely to take one.
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.
Consider if CTA had their own Chicago Transit Police, instead of using Chicago Police Department to cover Rapid Transit, you could create more jobs, and free up Police officers to take care of the city.
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?
There are changes coming that will bring new sets of eyes to the problem of decreasing enrollment. It is too early to say what the overall impact of Elected school boards may be. The most important thing that can happen is people who care about students be given a chance to help our students pursue true learning.
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 current program has been helpful, but unfortunately it does not reach far enough to include all of the southwest side. I think it’s great to look at critical areas of the city that need improvement, but it’s worth considering investing in surrounding areas on the borders as well. Everybody can do better with more help in their area.
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 would begin by making sure all pension obligations are satisfied through other businesses now coming into the city that are bringing needed revenues, and then setting aside a portion to subsidize towards property 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?
The 18th ward has 3 TIFs that have been very useful. Every Ward in the City of Chicago doesn’t have a TIF. However, There should be additional rules applied across the board to use TIFS when they are used outside of their designated areas.
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 definitely be expedited. There should be a departmental division created and a separate committee be formed to augment the limited progress that has happened so far. Our most precious natural resource should not be delivered to our homes in a contaminated state.
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 most qualified to continue as Alderman because I have the experience, built the best relationships, and took the tough votes needed- (popular or unpopular, )that helped put the city back on track fiscally.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
The most pressing issue we face today is public safety. I am advocating for more police officers in the district, or to separate the districts in a way that allows officers to access both sides of our railway intermodals. I would also advocate for additional daily beat cars.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
With almost 25 years of governmental experience and service, I believe I am the best qualified candidate to meet my constituents needs.