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: Nicholas Sposato
Ward: 38th
Current job: 38th Ward Alderman, City of Chicago
Previous political experience: 36th Ward Alderman, 38th Ward Alderman
Education: 12 years
Spouse’s occupation: Retired
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.
First of all, the issue central to this violence is the lack of Police and hamstringing the Police we have so that they are unable to do their jobs effectively. We need to back our Police and make it apparent that we support them and are behind them. Only this will encourage new recruits to sign up and take on this dangerous job. The criminals in this City are running wild with no repercussions for their actions. While it is necessary to have checks in place to monitor our force, we seem to be protecting the criminals rather than our Police and citizens. I think that we can benefit from looking at some of the successful Faith-based initiatives, such as Pastor Corey Brooks’ Project H.O.O.D. in the Woodlawn neighborhood, as possible ways to help our youth and steer them away from crime. My south side colleagues have vouched for his success within his community. It is time for us to take back the streets!
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.
Again, we go back to the inadequate number of Police that we can utilize to protect the public. The numbers on the force have to rise and this WILL NOT happen unless we as a City support them and have their backs. In addition, the terrorist threats that our society faces, especially the threats to our mass transit systems require Police protection. This should be a major priority and we need to fund such protections. The Red Line Extension should tremendously help the South Side.
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 decline in our Chicago Public School enrollment I believe is due to two factors: the Covid pandemic which forced parents into difficult situations with child care, often on short notice. Also, the safety issues in this City as well as high taxes in Chicago and this state are prompting people to move elsewhere
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.
This is a very complicated and multi-faceted issue fueled by many economic, social and demographic factors. Businesses find it hard to operate when they are so often effected by crime. Again, the availability of effective policing is an issue to ensure safety and promote desirable business locations. Again we come back to funding our Police. The Public Safety Academy building and the Red Line Extension should stimulate economic investment on the West and South sides.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
At this point in time, Senior Citizens are offered property tax relief in the form of the Senior Citizen Tax Freeze Exemption. This is available to Seniors with a household income of under $65,000 the previous year. I also think that a County wide survey of existing homes would give us an honest picture of what’s out there, what homes were built and improved without the required permits, leading their taxes to be lower than many smaller, less expensive homes.
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?
When used properly I feel that the TIF districts can be useful, improving neighborhoods and encouraging economic development. The existing guidelines should be followed correctly.
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?
While it is necessary to replace these aging lead lines, the percentage of lead in our drinking water is well below dangerous levels. This is an extremely expensive endeavor and we need to proceed in a sensible manner and engage professionals to guide us. The City should try to offset the expense to the homeowner. However, with our current financial situation, this will take some 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 am dedicated to my job and my first priority is to my constituents. I pride myself on working hard and being dedicated to serve as the voice of the 38th Ward on the Chicago City Council. My record speaks for itself. My office works very hard to help our constituents and I am very proud of my staff and their ability to handle issues that arise for the betterment of our constituents. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe is right and in the best interests of my ward and City.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
Crime is the number one issue facing my ward and the City in general. We need to fund the Police, encourage new recruits and back 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.)
My record speaks for itself. I work hard, I make myself available to my constituents and I work to the best of my ability to help them and protect their interests. I also have a dedicated and hardworking staff who are efficient, professional and capable. Most of my opponents have done zero in our community and all lack the experience and work ethic needed to run this office and effectively serve the great residents of the 38th Ward.