Chicago has a long history of aldermen going along with a mayor’s agenda instead of independently representing their neighborhoods.
That has contributed to major decisions that Chicago residents are still living with today.
The long-term lease of the Chicago Skyway and the parking meter deal are reminders of what can happen when major decisions do not receive enough independent scrutiny.
This stops with me.
The City Council Should Be Independent
No matter who the next mayor of Chicago is, the City Council should not simply rubber-stamp the mayor’s agenda.
The mayor is the city’s chief executive. The City Council has its own responsibility to review budgets, ordinances, contracts, appointments, and major policy decisions.
An alderman should be willing to work with the mayor when an idea benefits Chicago and the 37th Ward.
An alderman should also be willing to say no when a proposal does not make sense for taxpayers or the neighborhood.
- Review the budget independently: The City Council should closely examine the mayor’s proposed budget instead of treating approval as automatic.
- Question major contracts: Long-term agreements should receive serious review before Chicago commits taxpayers or public assets.
- Demand measurable results: City departments and the mayor’s administration should be held accountable for whether programs actually deliver what was promised.
- Put neighborhoods first: Decisions at City Hall should consider whether residents across Chicago are receiving a fair return from the taxes they pay.
Protect Chicago’s Assets
Chicago should not make major long-term financial decisions simply to solve a short-term budget problem.
Once control of a public asset is surrendered through a decades-long agreement, future residents and future City Councils may have very limited options.
Major asset agreements should receive transparent financial analysis, meaningful public review, and enough time for aldermen to understand the long-term consequences.
The City Council should never approve a major deal simply because the mayor’s office wants a quick vote.
Make Sure the 37th Ward Gets Its Fair Share
Residents of the 37th Ward pay taxes into the same city government as everyone else.
They should expect city services, infrastructure, economic development, and investment that reflect what their neighborhoods contribute.
Too often, residents outside the most visible parts of Chicago feel like major investments and attention are concentrated elsewhere.
As alderman, my responsibility would be to make sure the 37th Ward is heard when budgets, TIF spending, infrastructure projects, and city services are decided.
I will not support something simply because a mayor asks for it.
I will judge proposals based on their cost, their results, their long-term impact, and what they mean for residents of the 37th Ward.
Hold the Mayor Accountable
Chicago does not need fifty aldermen working for the mayor.
Chicago needs aldermen who represent their residents and provide meaningful oversight of the executive branch.
The mayor should be able to lead the city, but leadership should come with accountability.
When the administration succeeds, the City Council should work with it.
When the administration gets something wrong, the City Council should challenge it.
My vote at City Hall would belong to the residents of the 37th Ward, not whoever occupies the mayor’s office.