Project (Chicago): Aldermanic elections candidate surveys

Publisher's note: I am posting part of the Neighbors Project e-bulletin, Neighbor Lines, that was sent out before the election. Apparently the e-mail did not reach everyone, so we are posting this project blurb to help our Chicago readers prepare for the aldermanic run offs in April.

Hopefully every Chicagoan knows that there is an election to choose our aldermen and mayor on February 27th. 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've gotten to the survey we sent out to all aldermanic candidates in the city. We've posted the completely uncensored responses of each survey as we receive them on our blog. Thanks to all of the candidates who responded.

Our flash analysis: Generally, the candidates are in favor of the idea of a ward blog or listserv, with some exceptions, though there’s a fuzzy understanding about what this technology actually is. Candidates are also generally in favor of seeking the input of newer residents in the ward, with some caveats, including the degree to which the newer residents get along with the older ones. Candidates generally rate all of the issues we listed as important, though there was significantly less agreement that “improving public space by reducing car use and increasing getting around by walking, public transit and bicycling in your ward” is important. Maybe they need to take the CTA more often…. And finally, we were pleased that almost all candidates enthusiastically indicated that they say hi to their neighbors. This may seem like a silly question, but it's important to know whether our future aldermen value creating bonds among neighbors.

Figure out what ward you’re in at www.civicfootprint.org.

3rd Ward: Pat Dowell
4th Ward: Toni Preckwinkle
5th Ward: Oscar Worrill
9th Ward: Earick D. Rayburn
11th Ward: Carl Segvich
12th Ward: Jesus “Jesse” Iniguez
15th Ward: Michael Smith
16th Ward: Hal Baskin; Jeffrey Lewis
17th Ward: Tyrone De’Andre Hawthorne
18th Ward: Joseph Ziegler, Jr.
20th Ward: Myra Young
26th Ward: Jesse Granato
28th Ward: CaSandra Colvin; Shawn Walker
30th Ward: Ariel Reboyras
32nd Ward: Scott Waguespack
35th Ward: Rey Colon
36th Ward: William J.P Banks; Richard Behrendt
37th Ward: Tommy Abina; Arlene P. Jones
39th Ward: Christopher Belz
42nd Ward: Brendan Reilly
43rd Ward: Peter Zelchenko
46th Ward: James Cappleman
47th Ward: Gene Schulter

Whoever you elect will more or less rule your neighborhood, this being Chicago. So please VOTE on Tuesday, February 27th. Find your polling place at the Chicago Board of Elections.