Chicago taxpayers deserve to know where their money goes and why it is being spent.
I believe city government should focus on core services, long-term financial stability, and accountability for every public dollar.
Reform the Use of TIF Funds
I oppose treating Tax Increment Financing funds as a flexible source of money for political priorities or pet projects.
TIF spending should be transparent, limited to legitimate public purposes, and subject to meaningful oversight.
Residents should be able to clearly understand where the money comes from, where it is going, and what taxpayers receive in return.
Get More From Infrastructure Dollars
Aldermen are given funding for neighborhood infrastructure projects, but outdated requirements can make those projects more expensive than necessary.
Chicago should regularly review its construction standards and material requirements.
If newer or alternative materials can provide the same safety, durability, and performance at a lower cost, the city should be willing to consider them.
The goal should not be to cut corners. The goal should be to make sure taxpayers are not paying more simply because city rules have failed to keep up.
Stretching infrastructure dollars further can allow neighborhoods to complete more sidewalks, streets, lighting, and other needed improvements with the same amount of funding.
Hold Spending Accountable
City contractors should be expected to deliver what taxpayers paid for.
Contracts should include clear and legally enforceable expectations for costs, deadlines, performance, and the work being delivered.
When a private company agrees to perform work for the city, it should be held accountable for meeting those requirements.
If a contractor misses deadlines, exceeds an agreed budget, or fails to deliver acceptable work, taxpayers should not automatically be responsible for the additional cost.
Contracts should include appropriate consequences when vendors fail to meet their obligations.
The city should also carefully review a contractor’s performance before awarding additional work or renewing a contract.
City departments and employees should remain responsible for properly overseeing contracts and making sure taxpayers receive what the city purchased.
When projects run over budget, contracts fail, or money is wasted, city government should identify what went wrong and prevent the same mistake from happening again.
Do Not Sell Chicago’s Future
I oppose selling important city assets simply to solve short-term budget problems.
I am not opposed to using private companies to manage certain city assets or services.
Private management can make sense when responsibilities, performance standards, and costs are clearly defined.
The city should retain appropriate oversight and hold management companies accountable for their performance.
Chicago should not give up long-term public value for a one-time payment.