Chicago Aldermanic Candidate Surveys: Christopher Belz (39th Ward)

Neighbors Project is a 501(c)3 so we can in no way endorse or indicate a preference for any particular candidates. But we can help you learn more about the people vying for your votes by sharing the responses we're getting to the survey we sent out to all aldermanic candidates in the city. As part of an ongoing series, we'll post the uncensored responses of each survey as we receive them. Find out what ward you're in here.

Candidate: Christopher Belz
Ward: 39
Political party/affiliation: Democrat

1. As Alderman, will you seek the input of new community organizations to ensure newer residents in your ward are represented in major decisions and projects?
Yes, I will seek the input of new community organizations to ensure newer residents in my ward are represented in major decisions and projects. Listening to ideas from new organizations is as important as listening to ideas from anyone in the community. It is presently a problem that old and or new community organizations have little or no input in the decision making in the ward. I seek to change this. I will make sure the government meets the citizens' needs and not the other way around.

2. As Alderman, will you create, advertise and use a neighborhood listserv or increase the participation of an existing one?
Yes I will create a listserv; any means of conveying information from one another will be promoted within the ward. Email is a convenient form of relaying information and will be utilized.

3. As alderman, will you actively maintain a ward blog that reports on discussion and decisions at neighborhood meetings and City Council, as well as other important news?
Yes, I will actively maintain a ward blog that reports on discussion and decisions at neighborhood meetings and City Council. A blog offers the opportunity for a variety of citizens to post ideas and/or constructive criticism. Further, the anonymity provided by a blog allows citizens to speak their minds about a topic that may not be discussed at a public forum. A blog is a perfect of pure democracy because everyone can express themselves.

4. Based on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important), rank how important you believe the following issues are to your constituents:

• Ensuring an adequate supply of quality homes and apartments available at a range of price for new and existing residents: 5
• Create more local businesses and jobs: 5
• Improving the quality of local schools: 5
• Improving public space by reducing car use and increasing getting around by walking, public transit and bicycling in your ward: 5
• Monitoring the quality of new developments (both residential and commercial) in the ward: 5

5. Do you say hi to your neighbors?
Yes, I say hi to my neighbors. It is common sense and a social obligation to reach out to those that are close to us. Moreover, cultivating relationships with neighbors is vital to social stability because it's an opportunity for dialogue that may not be available in a political setting. Plus, you never know when you want to have a cup of coffee or borrow a tool from a neighbor.