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: Kris Levy
Ward: 5th
Current job: Sales Director – Deluxe Wine & Spirits
Previous political experience: N/A
Education: Industrial Engineering – U of I (Urbana) 1994
Spouse’s occupation: Vice President – Brand Partnerships
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.
City Government needs to attack this issue from multiple sides. First, limit loitering to places other than where high traffic commerce takes place. Gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores etc are not to be used as local gathering spots. This would dramatically decrease assaults and carjackings of unsuspecting citizens. Secondly, we need a better plan for the men and women who were previously incarcerated. They may need more assistance finding meaningful employment. This would lower recidivism rates. Lastly (long term), we need to prevent the creation of new criminals. An influx of organized sports and arts programs in high crime areas does wonders developing law abiding, proud citizens.
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.
First, penalties for crimes committed on the CTA and trains should be measurably harsher given the increased exposure to harm by innocent citizens. Secondly, a fare that also codes ID should also be the norm. Similar to an airport, there should be data as to who is on what bus and at what time. Lastly, bus stops and train stops should be well lit, with better cameras and CPD personnel at higher crime areas. To increase employees, a marketing push for those who opt out of college should be made. The benefits and perks should be known to perspective employees.
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 simply needs to invest in people, technology and it’s properties so that it becomes obvious it’s offerings are more than a neighboring charter school (which are hit or miss). It should be standard policy that family input (not just students) is the norm. For repeat behavioral cases and/or non-involved families – a CPS alternative school should be the option. Once the discipline issues are removed, school learning (even for poorer performing students) becomes easier and yields more favorable outcomes.
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 side (with City support) need to incentivize large, well paying employers to these areas with long term tax incentives. In return, these companies, develop, train and maintain a certain amount of local residents. Both of these areas should also be home to state of the art trade schools. Once these new developments are in place, it becomes easier to attract more businesses and residents. Also, these areas are rich in history. These should be made into really nice tourist attractions. Once these are built, the opportunities for jobs, income and population retention are endless.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
I definitely would like to decrease property taxes for Chicagoans. The taxes burdens for property owners is ridiculous. I would subsidize this by a sliding scale on traffic tickets, speeding tickets, fines etc based on income. Those who earn significantly more would pay more than those who earn significantly less. In addition, I would look at retiring city employee positions that could be eliminated or absorbed into other existing positions.
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 the city’s use of tax increment financing can be useful if it improves an area in decline. I would also like to know that the county, municipality and school districts are in agreement. Finally, I would like to see some sort of residential input to future tif consideration.
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?
Water is one of our most important resources. The pace of replacement is unacceptable. The best way to expedite this we should use a portion of toll monies and possibly lottery money.
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.
While I have never served on the city council, I think that is an advantage. I am not influenced by self serving people and companies that plague our fair city. My background has shown that I can lead and motivate others. As a sales director, I am measured by the productivity of all. This means I give those around me the resources they need to be successful. If those needs change, I have no problem reallocating resources. Further, I manage costs, salaries, contractors, etc. Our biggest asset in our city is people. I am more qualified than the other candidates to effectively wear multiple hats, manage many relationships, develop new relationships while remaining task focused.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
The most pressing issue facing the people of my ward is public safety. I will address this by making it more difficult and risky for criminals through my loitering prevention efforts. Crime will be driven down further by the increase of jobs and youth programs. My community and youth services efforts will help those recently released from incarceration and those with substance abuse issues.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
The voters should elect me, not my opponents because my platform is sound and based on the needs of this ward. Public Safety, Economic Development and Community & Youth Services with the strategy I explained will do the most benefit for the ward. This platform, along with my dynamic personality will indeed help restore the 5th ward.