In Order to Serve the Public First, We Must…
Do More with Less Alderman
I believe we should not do more with less when it comes to public safety, but I strongly believe we can do more with less Aldermen.
Now is the perfect opportunity to institute real change in our city government. At one time you needed to call your alderman to get a garbage can; now you just call 311. With the census complete, our elected officials will set out to draw new Ward boundaries. Now is a great time to strongly consider and have hearings on reducing the number of Wards to 25 instead of 50.
The process can be simple, one Alderman for each police district. If one police commander can be responsible for the safety of over 100 thousand residents, I’m sure one Alderman can represent the same number of constituents. Imagine an alderman who doesn’t have a second job; with his sole responsibility to represent and work for the citizens of his ward.
Create a Searchable Online Check Registry:
Every expended dollar in our Ward will be searchable on this database within thirty (30) days of the expenditure. This online database will give free, easy access to all concerned citizens, advocacy groups, and media outlets.
Hold Quarterly Public Town Hall and Zoning Meetings:
The taxpayers own every dollar the city spends on their behalf, and they have a right to know and directly discuss how those resources are dispersed in an open forum.
Pass a Taxpayer Bill of Rights Ordinance:
Chicago must maintain a stable budget and tax system for generations yet to come. In order to do that, we must have an ordinance that firmly puts control of tax increases in the hands of the public. All tax increases should be approved by referendum.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Reform:
Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIFs) divert tax dollars away from city agencies that oversee the schools, parks, libraries, etc. These agencies then raise their tax rates to recover the lost revenue. Those higher rates are passed on to the taxpayers. I will be a strong advocate for TIF Reform.
