Safe Communities:

All 46th Ward residents deserve to feel safe in our homes and comfortable walking in our neighborhoods. I will invite residents, community activists and law enforcement to the table. Together, we must find ways to end gang-based criminal activity. As Alderman, I will do whatever it takes to make the ward safe for everyone. There are two aspects to a safe community: prevention AND effective response to any incident of violence.

To prevent further crimes from occurring in the 46th Ward, I will:

  • Work with residents, the Chicago Police Department, CAPS, the Ceasefire Program and businesses to identify and deal with problems before they escalate. I, or one of my staff members, will be at every CAPS meeting.
  • Host regularly scheduled community safety meetings across the ward, where all parties will be welcomed and encouraged to share their concerns and ideas.
  • Prioritize improvements to the 46th Ward public transportation systems – including the Wilson Avenue Red Line station

If violence does occur, I will:

  • Immediately post all details, as allowed by the Chicago Police Department, on my web site and alert neighborhood residents and businesses who have notified my office that they want to receive updates by email
  • Promote media attention to the problem as necessary and prudent
  • Work to make sure that people with information about criminal acts in the community have a safe means of reporting that information

Development:

The 46th Ward needs to be comprised of vibrant, diverse and safe communities, with open spaces for residents, businesses and families. To achieve this, our next 46th Ward Alderman will have to balance the need for development with the need to contain congestion. I believe the key is in the redevelopment of our major streets. For example, we have an obvious opportunity to begin the redevelopment of the east side of Broadway, from Montrose to Wilson. Together, we will work to attract desirable retail, which may be coupled with market rate residential units.

For all development projects I will:

  • Work with the 46th Ward’s energetic and thoughtful block clubs, community and business organizations. Together, we will openly discuss all zoning and development issues. Whether initiated by the private sector, the community or my office, no development will take place without full involvement of, and disclosure to, the affected communities of our ward
  • Establish a working community committee to address the common issues of  parking and traffic congestion – including emergency vehicle access

Housing:

The 46th Ward has a wide variety of homes, meeting a wide variety of housing needs. I will fight to ensure that every home in the 46th Ward is safe and secure and I will work with community groups to attract housing options that meet the needs of the neighborhood. ANY proposed new housing developments will be discussed in open meetings with the community given ample opportunity to voice their opinions.

My agenda will include:

  • Fighting to halt ever-increasing property taxes. I will also hold tax seminars, open to ALL residents, which explain both the taxing and appeals processes.
  • Working to preserve and improve the existing affordable housing to make it safe and secure for residents and the neighborhoods
  • All 46th Ward residents – homeowners and renters alike – will always be able to contact me if they need assistance on ANY housing issues.

Ward Communication and Transparency:

Many 46th Ward residents are frustrated that there is not enough interaction between residents and all our elected officials. I will make sure your voice is heard and work with your community to make necessary decisions. I will be accessible and the work we do together will be visible to everyone.

My ward office will do the following:

  • Respond quickly and thoroughly to every single communication; whether in person, on the phone, or by email.
  • Establish open office hours where residents can come in WITHOUT an appointment and talk with me
  • Host regularly scheduled open community meetings

City Council:

I will judge every issue before the City Council on its merits, with the needs and concerns of my constituents as my top priority. As your representative, I will advocate for reforms that are in the best interests of residents – not politicians or special interests. I believe real progress can be achieved if we utilize common sense solutions and a willingness to work together. I look forward to being a part of creating a new approach to local government, which includes an open, honest and thoughtful decision-making process.

Local Education And After School Programs:

While education is primarily a State issue, I believe our community must demand that every child receives an excellent education. Not only will I be your liaison to state elected officials, but I will also work with parents, schools, teachers and community leaders to provide ideas, programs and improvements that help children gain the tools they need to flourish.

After school programs provide a productive avenue for social and educational development. The access and effectiveness of these programs will also help to decrease crime and protect our children. Again, I will ask all parties to come to the table and provide ideas and work together to make education and after school programs a means for enhancing our community.

Tax Increment Financing:

Tax Increment Financing Districts (or TIFs) were created by the Illinois General Assembly to spur economic development in depressed areas within the state. In some cases, TIFs have been abused.

My approach to TIF reform is:

  • TIFs should only be used in depressed areas, where development could not happen without them
  • Transparency for existing TIFs will be facilitated through my aldermanic website and will be accessible to all
  • If ANY additional TIF districts are proposed for the ward, the proposal MUST be presented to the community through an open meeting

Response to Uptown Neighborhood Council

Read Don’s statement here.