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: Pat Dowell
Ward: 3rd
Current job: Social Worker and Alderman of the 3rd Ward, City of Chicago
Previous political experience: I have served as Alderman since 2007 and Democratic Committeeperson since 2008.
Education: B.A. in Development Psychology from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY and M.A. in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago
Spouse’s occupation: N/A
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 must continue to invest in the police department to maintain necessary manpower levels and innovative technology that aide in combating crime. But just as important the city has to continue to improve our schools, provide better access to employment opportunities and public transportation in our underserved communities. We should also implement strategically placed satellite police sub stations in known high crime areas.
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.
The CTA must have a more prominent armed security presence. A more safe and secure transit system will exponentially create more ridership especially on the rail system – which will have a cascading effect on connecting buses. Also reintroducing CTA personnel (i.e. train spotters) to the transit system as a mere presence will help deter criminal activity.
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 enrollment is directly related to the drop in population on the South and West sides of the City. Creating safer neighborhoods with increased job opportunities for residents and improved police engagement would ensure that families with school aged children remain in those neighborhoods and attend local schools. Also, neighborhood schools must diversify curriculum and extra curriculum choices and provide the array of selection available in selective enrollment schools.
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.
Increasing the capital investment incentives in South and West side locally grown developments/businesses will help solve for the funding deficiencies that projects often face. For example, allowing TIF contributions past the customary 20% of budget cap. It is realistic and feasible but needs to be the city policy and not the exception.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
No, but we must continue to make sure property owners understand how their tax dollars are being spent. I would consider a 5 year property tax increase moratorium in conjunction with a reexamination of the State’s property tax contribution funding formula – specifically as it relates to Chicago Public Schools. The County Assessor and Board of Review Commissioners should also participate in this reexamination.
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 TIF districts are a great tool to help fund development in communities that need them. As with my recent opposition to the CTA TIF – I do believe that collected taxes should be dispersed in areas directly related to the contributing property owner. Two reforms would be for a more stringent review of the ‘but for’ provisions in TIF awards and a requirement for awardees to prove up the post award public benefit under penalty. There needs to be accountability for the promised jobs, training and affordable housing often guaranteed by developers to access TIF funding.
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?
This is a major issue for the City that is not being addressed fast enough and we should seek Federal, State and County funding immediately. Consider alternative funding solutions like municipal bonds, surplusing TIFs or an additional tourist tax.
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 a dedicated, hardworking, public official who is committed to providing service to the constituents of the 3rd Ward and City. I make sure that my office is responsive, transparent, and accessible to the needs and concerns of its residents and businesses. I am proud of my record and stand on my accomplishments as Alderman. I will continue to served honorably and remain committed to the people of the Third Ward.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
The most pressing issue facing the 3rd Ward is public safety and I share the concerns of my constituents who are frustrated with the rise in crime across our city. As Alderman and Chair of the Budget Committee, I am fighting to fully fund the police department to guarantee that we not only have enough officers to deter crime, but to ensure that our officers and City have the technology and support they need to protect and serve its residents. I am also focused on improving the underlying conditions that contribute to crime – access to better schools, jobs, and affordable housing.
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 proud of my record and accomplishments as the Alderman of the Third Ward. I will continue to work hard to deliver city services for the residents and businesses in my Ward and represent their interest in the City Council.