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: Marlene Fisher
Ward: 5th
Current job: Senior PeopleSoft Security Administrator – University of Chicago
Previous political experience: N/A
Education: BS Business Computer Systems, Bradley University
Spouse’s occupation: N/A
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.
Parents and the community are the first step in preventing and solving crime. United communities where we trust and depend on each other are essential. City government must collaborate with residents to promote respect and trust. Police should monitor social media for posts of individuals bragging about committing crimes. Supportive programming for high-risk youth and prevention activities. Mental health assessments and a plan to work through issues to prevent future crimes and incarceration. As a community we must stay united, work though issues, and hold each other accountable. The stronger the community the less crime.
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.
I would address the technology behind the bus and train tracker. The estimates are not working, and riders rely on the app. The buses/trains need updated and working GPS technology. Alerts to technicians when there is an error, and the device cannot transmit the data. Secure WIFI access for trains/bus lines to ensure data is transmitted. A technical team dedicated to making sure the software and hardware are functioning properly. Maybe employ the hardware/software that airplanes use for tracking.
Share mechanical failure or staffing issues with riders. For example, a message: staffing shortages today will affect travel times. Riders would know the reason for delays and may become interested in working for the CTA. We must think of the inconveniences as opportunities to improve the situation. Transparency is key.
CTA should employ private security on the trains. With an increased security presence and rider awareness we can cut down on crime. Messages on the train or bus to stay alert. Protect your belongings. Do not stand close to the tracks. We can prevent crime by lowering our risk factors.
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?
Enrollment is low in certain areas because of neighborhood safety, declining birth rates and affordable housing. I would study what areas are losing population that could correlate to the declining enrollment. I would study the data, learn from parents, and school administration why charter schools are the school of choice. To reverse the trend of dwindling enrollment within CPS, first we need to address neighborhood safety and school reputation in some neighborhoods. Years of disinvestment and the post crack epidemic have resulted in blighted neighborhoods. The school may have a poor reputation and will need marketing and open houses to overcome the perception issue. High schools need to have strong ties to the feeder schools. CPS should also address the curriculum offered at the schools.
Those are the reasons families are moving to stable neighborhoods with strong schools. I live in Greater Grand Crossing where a CPS school was upgraded, and a Charter school was built along with affordable housing to attract families. I know firsthand the issues communities face. My neighbor’s children attend private school or schools outside of the neighborhood because of the safety issues and school reputation. On my block of twenty homes there are only three families with school aged children, and none are teenagers. Safe neighborhoods, affordable housing and employed parents are the key to public education success.
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.
Neighborhood marketing campaigns. Market the opportunities of the neighborhood. I live in a neighborhood called “The Pocket.” I was sold on the home and not the neighborhood. I quickly realized that violence drove the first wave of homeowners away along with a terrible housing market. I challenged lifelong residents to be active in the community. I challenged them to lose the us vs them. Us being the lifelong residents and them, being the new homeowners. The apathy was disheartening however you meet people where they are. You start small. Planting a flower changes the perception of the neighborhood. Our neighbors love the neighborhood and sometimes feel the deck is stacked against them, real or imagined. We simply need to take the block back with positive marketing campaigns to encourage investment in the South and West side. Residents are gainfully employed and willing to support businesses. Residents are also willing to purchase homes where its safe with a reputable school.
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 support property tax relief. For delinquent properties, give residents a chance to redeem their property by removing the monthly interest charged. The resident must reside in the property to have the interest removed along with a realistic payment plan. I also would like to understand the formula for calculating the tax rate. I want to understand why the tax calculations are higher for home owners vs commercial property owners. Remove the “Sale in Error” law that investors are exploiting.
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 am in support of the TIF districts, and I feel they have been useful. I live in a TIF district that is in process of revitalizing the neighborhood. My home ownership is a result of affordable housing. I would like to see more funds used for parks and recreational facilities in 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?
Yes, the service line replacement for lead pipes should be expedited. I would like to learn more about the trenchless technique for installing the new copper line. If there is a way to analyze where the lead pipe is located before digging. I would also want to know the cost breakdown of $30k per home. The city should automatically send a test kit to all homeowners who meet the criteria. Give due dates for completion of the tests and proper follow up. Make testing involuntary so that residents know their status. Use funding from the EPA and infrastructure bill, prioritize the line replacement by lead level and children in the home. A 5-year forgivable loan available for homeowners who exceed income requirements.
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 the most qualified candidate because I am a champion of community activism and service. I am a business professional who understands how to communicate on all levels. I was raised with having pride in your community and “do for self,” to delay gratification and work smart/hard toward goals. I am a doer, recognized for public service. I am not running for office for prestige, I am running for office to usher sustainable change and prosperity. I am a life learner and eager to support the residents of the 5th ward with my talents.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
My ward is diverse, and each community has issues that are pressing from public safety, fear of housing insecurity, conservation, and economic development. The most pressing issues is public safety and housing. I would address public safety by requesting more of a physical police and private security presence. Police on bicycles or walking, engaging with the community. The community policing approach works. While we cannot stop random crime, we can lower our risk factors. Residents also have a stake in safety by reducing their risk factors and to look out for others by using bystander intervention strategies. Working together as a community improves public safety.
I am for equitable housing working and will collaborate with the community to understand and confront the challenges new investment brings the ward.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
I am not a serial candidate. I live and work in the 5th ward. I reside in housing that was built as an affordable housing community. I have experienced the challenges my neighbors face for a community we love. I am for equitable housing, community policing and will work to solve the disinvestment and economic issues in the ward. I have a technology background and my entire professional career has been of a problem solver. I am focused and driven to work with the community on solutions that improve our quality of life. My professional experience, being from and for the community gives me a unique perspective of the opportunities the ward faces. I lead my neighborhood, I am focused and prepared to lead the ward to prosperity. I can simply, do more, for the 5th ward.