IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 1

December 1, 2010
DATE____________________________________ 24th
WARD_______________________________________
Valerie F. Leonard
NAME___________________________________________________________________________________
4111 West 21st Place, Chicago, IL 60623
VOTING ADDRESS________________________________________________________________________
773-521-3137
HOME PHONE______________________________BUSINESS Same
PHONE_____________________________
Same
CAMPAIGN ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________
773-521-3137 773-522-1832
CAMPAIGN PHONE_______________________________FAX____________________________________
Vote4valerie.voterspace.com valeriefleonard@msn.com
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE_____________________________EMAIL__________________________________
Micah Burrell
CAMPAIGN MANAGER____________________________________________________________________
1,400+
NUMBER OF PETITION SIGNATURES FILED_______________NUMBER 169
REQUIRED______________

Please provide the following background information:

A. Elective or appointive public and/or party offices previously held including dates. N/A

B. Other elective offices for which you have been a candidate. N/A

C. What is your primary occupation? Community Development Consultant

D. Briefly list your civic activities of the past ten years.

 Convener, Lawndale Alliance
 Persuaded the City to revise the $100 million Ogden Pulaski TIF Redevelopment Plan
and reduce the number of housing units potentially displaced from 317 to 24. Nearly
1,200 residents were impacted
 Coordinated petition drive in an effort to get 3 advisory referenda questions on the ballot
regarding 1) establishing TIF advisory councils for every TIF in North Lawndale; 2)
requiring large developers to enter into community benefit agreements 3) bringing back
the Lawndale Community Conservation Council
 Analyzed the performance of each of the 7 TIFs that impact North Lawndale against
financial and programmatic goals and objectives
 Authored report, The Time for TIF Reform is Now, and shared it with
policymakers and community groups around the City of Chicago and the State of
Illinois
 Educated residents on pros and cons of TIFs and conducted workshops on how to
read TIF redevelopment plans
 Shared lessons learned with communities around the City of Chicago
 Fought the City’s plans to demolish the Collins High School gym to build an Olympic
Velodrome 3 years after the City and CPS committed $30 million from the Midwest TIF
to renovate the school.
 Coordinate annual town hall meetings on a number of topics, including education,TIFs,
the Olympics, Neighborhood Stabilization Program
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IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 1
 Convener, North Lawndale Votes
 Engaged community based organizations in community-wide voter registration and
education campaign
 Trained 50 deputy registrars
 Tracked voting trends in the 24th Ward, and compared results within a West Side cluster
and the City of Chicago

 Co-Chairperson, United Way African American Outreach Committee

 Provided input into the development of outreach strategies in African American
Neighborhoods
 Provided technical assistance and site visits to review performance of United Way
grantees
 Served as Ambassador to encourage corporations to donate to the United Way

 Publisher, In the Loop E-newsletter and Blog

 Provide announcements, articles and links to resources that may be of interest to
nonprofit practitioners and engaged community members

 Facilitator, Policy on the Ground Blog

 Provide information and analyses of current policies on our everyday lives, with a
particular emphasis on in issues surrounding community development, education, civic
engagement and affordable housing.

 Facilitator, The Job Exchange Bulletin Board

 Provide informal forum for employers to post job announcements, job seekers to post
resumes, and interested parties to make referrals.

 Resident Journalist, The North Lawndale Community News

 Write articles on a number of issues including education, TIFs, Neighborhood
Stabilization Program
 Subject matter of articles include
o Detailed analysis of the performance of every school in North Lawndale
o Pros and Cons of the Olympics and their impact on schools and parks
o Potential impact of school vouchers on public schools
o Updates on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and the fact that
North Lawndale still has not received its fair share of funding
o Detailed analysis of each TIF in North Lawndale

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IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 1
 Engaged Resident
 Provided oral and written testimony at a hearing on the State’s Capital Budget urged
State Representatives to create an African American Employment Plan. The Plan is now
law.
 Networked with activists around Chicago to urge the City to hold a public hearing giving
an accounting for $153 million in HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. At
the time, the City had only made 2 investments in North Lawndale, and none in West
Garfield Park.
 Provided written testimony in support of the Chicago Education Facilities Task Force
and and participated in focus group discussions regarding CPS policies on school
openings, closings and boundaries
 Provided written and oral testimony against the closing of Howland School

E. What subjects have you studied and what experience have you had which will be most helpful to you in the
office you seek?

I was an economics major at Spelman College, and I majored in finance and marketing at the Kellogg Graduate
School of Management. I have considerable experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. I am also
blessed with the ability to understand complex municipal budgets and how to navigate large bureaucracies
while maintaining positive relationships with rank and file 24th Ward residents and key stakeholders. I worked
for the City of New York in the Mayor’s Office of Finance and Economic Development. In this capacity, I
maintained investor relations, coordinated budget reviews and updates on the City’s economic development
activities, created marketing strategies for the City’s $6 billion general obligation borrowing program. I
worked for New York City during a time of recession, high unemployment, and pressure to re-negotiate union
contracts. I have served as a development coordinator for A. Epstein and Sons. As such, I coordinated zoning
approvals and development activities for Jewel and Osco stores in Chicago and the Collar Counties. I am the
former executive director of the North Lawndale Small Grants Human Development Corporation. In this
capacity I spearheaded the development of the African Garden and Target Block Program. I worked with
former Alderman Chandler, the Small Grants board, residents of the 1200 Block of Central Park and the 3500
Block of 12th Place to bring more than $250,000 in public improvements. I am currently a consultant to
nonprofit organizations, helping them to build organizational capacity and seek federal funds. I maintain
regular communication with local residents as well as a network of nonprofit organizations and program
officers from foundations, federal, state and local government entities through e-mail, blogs and electronic
newsletters.

F. What candidates have you supported in past elections? Please be specific in describing your role in each
campaign. I have supported President Barack Obama in his Senate bid. I coordinated a rally for him in North
Lawndale at a time when virtually no one from the West Side knew who he was, let alone believed he could
win the election. I served as a volunteer on his campaign doing community outreach. I also volunteered on his
Presidential campaign. I have provided campaign contributions to Alderman Preckwinkle and Congressman
Danny K. Davis.

G. Please list all endorsements you have received so far. N/A

H. As concisely as possible, state why you feel you should be endorsed over the other candidate(s). What goals
for the office you seek are most important to you personally? IVI-IPO should endorse me because my actions
and core values are consistent with the organization’s dedication to good government activism and an
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IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 1
idealistic vision of open, honest government in Illinois through pragmatic means that confront cynicism and
corruption with equal force. The three goals that are most important to me are to
1) Increase civic engagement of local residents through participatory budgeting, creation of TIF advisory
councils and restoration of the Lawndale Community Conservation Council
2) Improve local schools through the creation of a 24th Ward master educational facilities task force consisting
of parents, teachers, principals, CPS administrators, LSC members, business owners and members of the civic
and philanthropic community.
3) Attract businesses and create jobs through public private partnerships, tax incentives, comprehensive
workforce development
4) Reduce crime and juvenile delinquency through improved education and wrap around social services,
enhanced community policing, restorative justice and community-based alternatives to incarceration.

I. What is your campaign budget? How much have you raised to date? My campaign budget is $80,000. I
have raised $10,000 to date.

J. How many people are on your campaign staff? How many volunteers are on your list?
We have 6 upaid staff members, including a campaign manager, director of field operations, press secretary,
policy analyst, community outreach manager secretary and intern. These positions will be paid as funding
permits. We have 25 volunteers and are in the process of growing the field operation.

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 IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 2
Most questions on this questionnaire can be answered by checking either YES or NO. Others are essay questions and all
have the option of answering in greater detail. Just hit enter at the end of the question and begin typing your answer in the
additional space.

CITY COUNCIL REFORM AND ETHICS

YES NO
X Do you favor maintaining the current number of City Council committees?
Which committees, if any, would you combine or eliminate?

The City Council currently has 19 standing committees with combined budgets of $5.2 million. At
first brush I would consider combining Zoning and the Committee on Buildings, the Committee
on Housing and Real Estate and the Committee on Transportation and Public Way to create a
1. committee on Community Development. However, this may or may not be feasible, as the
ESSAY
committee would probably need to be broken down into sub committees that would address the
individual disciplines. Time does not permit me to do a complete analysis of staffing and
operations. While combining these committees could potentially save money, the impact to the
budget would probably be relatively small, as the work of the committees would still need to get
done, and it would not be practical to double or triple workloads of Committee staffs.

2. ESSAY What reforms are necessary in the City Council's committee rules and structure?
Will you vote to allow a single Inspector General of the City of Chicago, rather than a new City
3. X Council Inspector General, to investigate allegations of fraud or waste by aldermen and their
staff? (Provided the current law allows this. If necessary, I would support an amendment)
4. X Do you support patronage in hiring and promoting public employees?
Will you employ or have you employed staff in your office who hold other public sector jobs
5. X
concurrently?
Will you employ or have you employed staff in your office who have either outside employment or
6. X
contracts with entities which do business with the City?
Will you vote for an ordinance mandating that the City contest unemployment claims by former
7. X
employees who were fired for cause?
Will you vote for an ordinance forbidding the City to hire or contract the services of anyone
8. X
previously fired for cause from the City or any other unit of government?
Do you support changing the state statute to return to filling aldermanic vacancies by special
9. X
election, rather than Mayoral appointment?
Will you vote for an ordinance requiring redistricting of the wards to be based on non-partisan
10. X
criteria and not to benefit any specific individual or political party?
Will you or have you accepted campaign donations from current or potential suppliers or
11. X
employees?
Will you or have you accepted campaign donations from people or businesses seeking zoning
12. X
changes in your ward?
X
(with Do you support public financing of municipal campaigns?
caveats)
Please explain your position.
13. Public funding of municipal elections would significantly level the playing field between
ESSAY entrenched incumbents and new entrants that may not have the financial wherewithal to launch
an effective campaign. This would minimize the ability for special interest groups to exert undue
influence on the election process, and increase accountability to the public after election. I can

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 IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 2
support public financing of municipal campaigns provided
1) Voters demonstrate their support for public financing of municipal elections as evidenced
by the fact that at least 51% vote ―yes‖ for such an advisory referendum
2) Citizens elect to have a portion of their property tax bill diverted to a funding pool for such
elections (.0042%) If each taxpayer elected to pay .0042% of their respective tax bills,
the municipal election fund could collect about $25 million a year, assuming revenue
collections of $6 billion)
3) Candidates are required to collect a minimum number of valid signatures and raise a
minimum dollar amount qualify for matching funds. A suggested number of valid (and
verified) signatures for Aldermanic candidates is 1,500, and 15,000 for candidates for
Citywide offices. A minimum dollar amount for Aldermanic candidates should be
$10,000, and $300,000 for candidates for Citywide offices. The City would match
Aldermanic Candidates dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, with an additional $15,000
available in the event of a runoff. The City would match candidates for Citywide office
dollar for dollar up to $1,500,000, with an additional $300,000 available in the event of a
runoff.
4) Aldermanic candidates agree to limit their fundraising to $50,000, while candidates for
City-wide office limit their fundraising to $1,500,000.
5) Sufficient funding is available. The City of Chicago is in a precarious financial position

Who are your top 5 contributors and how much has each contributed to your campaign? (As of
12/6/10)
14. ESSAY
1) Theodis and Essie Leonard, $2,800, 2) Daniel Gunn, $1,400 3) Valerie F. Leonard,
$1,220 4) Millie Goldsmith, $920 5) Zina Simmons, $750

REVENUE AND BUDGET

15. X Will you vote to hire independent analysts to conduct a forensic audit of past City spending?
Will you vote for a budget ordinance which would require:
public questioning of city department heads concerning their departments' specific budget
16. X
requests?
17. X making budget copies available to the public 30 days in advance of hearings?
restoring city-wide community group budget hearings several months prior to the publication of
18. X
the budget, as were held under the Washington and Sawyer administrations?
What additional revenue sources, if any, would you propose?
19. ESSAY
I would not would not propose any additional revenue sources at this time.
20. X Do you support casino gambling for Chicago?
21. X Will you vote to require a citywide referendum before any gambling is instituted in the City?
22. X Will you vote to roll back Mayoral and Aldermanic salaries to pre-2007 levels?
Will you vote for an ordinance limiting future Mayoral and Aldermanic salary increases to the
23. X
same percentage as the lowest raise for any class of city employees?
X Do you agree with the criticism that City government is top heavy with management?
24. Please explain your position.
ESSAY
A cursory examination of the detailed budget and staffing shows this is not the case.
What measures will you vote for to reform the city pension plan and ensure its solvency?
25. ESSAY
To the extent allowed by law, I would
1) Increased employee contributions
26. Choose One Should discretionary funds for ward services and infrastructure improvements be allocated
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in equal amounts to each ward
based on the size of each ward
X based on the needs of each ward
YES NO
Will you institute participatory budgeting to allow ward residents to vote on discretionary spending
27. X
in your ward?
Will you vote to reorganize the Department of Streets and Sanitation by compact districts rather
28. X
than wards?

PRIVATIZATION
Which city services or assets, if any, do you believe should be privatized and what is your
criteria? I don’t believe anymore city services or assets should be privatized at this point. One of
the justifications for privatization of City services over the years has been that the City would
achieve greater efficiencies and reduce costs. This has not been the case. If I recall correctly,
Chicago's general operating budget was in the $3 billion range in 1991. Adjusting for inflation, one
would expect Chicago's budget to be in the $4.7 -$5 billion range today for the same level of
services we had in 1991. Unfortunately, we have not enjoyed the same level of services, and the
29. ESSAY 2011 budget is over $1 billion higher than one would expect if we put 1991’s budget in 2010
dollars. This—in spite of years of privatizing services and assets. In some cases, contractors pay
their workers lower wages than they would get from the City, while they bill the City as much as 4
times the worker’s salaries to support their overhead. I do not support the privatization of revenue
generating assets such as parking meters and airports and toll ways. Private operators have
essentially been given government-funded monopolies with the freedom to raise fees as they see
fit. The City in turn, is left with fewer and fewer alternative revenue sources, and must
consistently raise taxes and other fees to make up for revenue shortfalls.
Will you vote for an ordinance requiring an independent analysis of any lease or outsourcing
30. X
arrangement?
Will you vote for an ordinance requiring detailed analysis and evaluation of any lease or
31. X
outsourcing arrangement at least 30 days prior to the City Council vote?
Before voting on privatization contracts, what will you do to ensure that they deliver the maximum
return and best service for city residents in the long term? As I indicated above, I do not support
the privatization of anymore City assets. However, when confronted with situations where this
cannot be avoided, I would work with my colleagues and the Office of Budget and Management
and the respective City department heads to explore other alternatives to increase efficiencies
and save money. I would also have a series of meetings with department heads, and encourage
public hearings to provide detailed overviews of the proposals and to and get a better sense for
the City’s current financial situation and near term projections. It makes no sense to sell or lease
assets if we go through proceeds that are expected to last for 75 years within a year’s time.
32. ESSAY
If the department and Office of Budget and Management can demonstrate that the best
alternative is privatizing the asset or service, I would demand thorough due diligence on any
privatization proposal. This would include a detailed feasibility study that will provide analysis of
financial and market conditions, assessment of management capabilities of the firms, review of
their track records with similar projects, establishment of a minimum required return on
investment, economic valuation of the proposal over the life of the deal and demonstration that
the proposal can deliver on its promised return and service delivery. I would insist on an
independent valuation of the assets or service contract by an independent, outside source to
verify that the City would, in fact, be getting a solid return on its investment.
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I would include language in the contracts that provide for cancellation for non performance or
fraud. I would also make sure the contracts do not ―unconstitutionally obligate the City to expend
public funds in order to police, enforce and maintain the privately held and privately controlled
parking meter system‖, as may be the case with the parking meter lease deal.

Copies of these contracts and detailed performance reports should be archived on the City’s
website. There should be periodic reports made to the appropriate City Council committees.
What procedures will you vote for to ensure that privatization arrangements are not being used to
move patronage workers outside of the scope of the Shakman decree?
To the extent permissible by federal and state law I would vote to include some of the following
procedures:
1) Have contractors deemed delegate agencies, and as such, be subject to all laws, policies
and regulations of City Agencies
2) If, in fact, employees were covered by Shakman prior to privatization, I would vote to
include language in ordinances and contracts that would transfer this protection be
extended to employees in similar positions under the new contract.
3) Have contractors certify that they will comply with Shakman as a condition of receiving a
33. ESSAY contract
4) Perform compliance reviews including a) Review of staffing of departments that are
under consideration for privatization, to look at names and salaries of personnel, and
whether they fall under Shakman, or if they are exempt. b) Review of employment rolls of
contractor’s positions funded through the City Contract. c) Determine whether these are
the same employees, or if there have been changes d) Include contract clauses that
provide for cancellation of contracts if there is evidence to support the assertion that
political consideration was made in any hiring or promotion of employees.
5) Have contractors sign sworn statements attesting to the fact that they are in compliance
with Shakman as part of their annual compliance review

PLANNING, ZONING, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

How will you involve ward residents in planning?
I will include residents in community planning through participatory budgeting, establishment of
TIF Advisory Councils and the re-activation of the Lawndale Community Conservation Council.

The participatory budgeting process would be modeled after the process that Alderman Joe
Moore uses in the 49th Ward. Leaders from community based organizations, businesses, block
clubs, churches and schools will identify and prioritize projects to be funded with the 24 th Ward’s
menu. Eligible projects include sidewalks, curbs and gutters, public art, benches, playgrounds
34. ESSAY and major renovation projects for public buildings.

There will be a TIF Advisory Council for each TIF that impacts the 24 th Ward, consisting of local
residents, business leaders, members of community based organizations, church leaders, etc.
They will serve in an advisory capacity to the Alderman. As such, they will familiarize themselves
with the goals, objectives and budgets of their respective TIFs, and evaluate new projects within
financial constraints and goals and objectives of the TIFs. They will also review existing projects
for performance and compliance.

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To the extent permissible by law, I will re-instate the now dormant Lawndale Community
Conservation Council, which will work with the Alderman to develop a comprehensive land-use
and services plan within the major quality of life sectors, including housing, economic
development and technology, workforce development, transportation public health and safety,
open space development and education. It should be noted that the enabling legislation creating
community conservation councils has expired. If it is not possible to re-activate the Lawndale
Community Conservation Council, then I will create a body that will perform essentially the same
functions.
What is your long-range plan for development of the ward?
My long range plan for development will be created in concert with local residents and the
Lawndale Community Conservation Council. It will include revitalization of commercial strips
35. ESSAY along 16th Street, Cicero, Pulaski, Roosevelt and Ogden, creation of a master educational
facilities plan, incentives for manufacturers to relocate and expand facilities within the commercial
corridors, workforce development and training, increased access to public transportation,
enhanced food security and coordinated public art and open space planning.
What criteria do you or will you use in determining whether or not to grant a zoning change or
variance? I will examine a project’s potentially positive and negative impact to the community; its
36. ESSAY potential to generate sales tax revenue and/or create jobs; the owner’s track record of being good
neighbors; the financial viability of the project; the owner’s willingness to enter into community
benefits agreements and redevelopment agreements.
How will you involve residents in planning, approval, and oversight of TIF districts?
37. ESSAY
(See Question 34)
Will you vote to terminate a TIF if the objectives of the TIF plan have been accomplished before
38. X
the 23 year period is ended?
Will you vote to return unspent and uncommitted TIF funds on an annual basis to the various
39. X
taxing bodies?
How do you propose to replace property tax revenue for CPS and other taxing bodies that is lost
to TIF development?

I would introduce an ordinance to provide that uncommitted TIF funds be returned to their
respective taxing bodies, less a 10% reserve to seed new projects, at the end of each fiscal year.
A recent Sun-Times article indicated that as recently as October, 2010, Chicago had $1.2 billion
40. ESSAY
in TIF funds, 60% of which were uncommitted to future projects. At the same time, the City was
facing a record budget deficit of over $600 million, not including unfunded pension liabilities.
Seven hundred million of the $1.2 billion was estimated to have come from CPS, which was
facing its own projected budget deficit of $700 million. Other options include working with local
universities and foundations to identify additional federal and private funds that may be used to
leverage City funding.
Will you support a moratorium on creation of any new TIF districts until new funding sources are
41. X
identified to replace the revenue diverted to the TIF?
Will you vote for an ordinance requiring that large corporate entities receiving $250,000 or more in
42. X
public subsidies, and their tenants, must pay their workers a living wage (currently $11/hour)?
Will you vote to invest substantially more in job-training and the creation of transitional job
43. X programs in disadvantaged communities, including the formerly incarcerated, homeless, youth,
and non-English speakers?

HOUSING
44. X Will you vote for the Sweet Homes Chicago Ordinance?
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Will you vote to amend the Vacant Properties Ordinance to require mortgage servicers to register
45. X
their properties?
What measures will you support to guarantee that some of the foreclosed properties saved
through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program are made affordable to families at 40% and 60%
of AMI? The Neighborhood Stabilization Program already makes provision for affordability at
46. ESSAY
these ranges, and even as low as 30% AMI. The key is to make sure these provisions are
enforced. One strategy is to hold public hearings asking the City Department of Community
Development to provide periodic reports to City Council.
Will you vote for an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring developers to set aside 30% of
47. X
residential new construction or renovation for the creation of affordable housing?
What measures will you support to ensure that there is an adequate supply of affordable family
sized units available to families in the Section 8 program?
I will
1) support the Department of Community Development’s proposals to secure Low Income
Housing Tax Credits
48. ESSAY 2) encourage owners of properties whose affordability period is set to expire, to apply for
additional tax credits
3) Encourage developers of new properties to consider setting aside units for Section 8
tenants
4) Encourage owners and managers of Section 8 properties to provide effective property
management.
What measures will you support to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals and
families who are not served by any existing programs?

I would support measures similar to the proposed Sweet Home Chicago Ordinance, which
49. ESSAY
provides that the City set aside 30% of TIF funds for low income individuals. Other alternatives
include assessing a special surcharge on planned development applications, the proceeds of
which would go to a special fund to subsidize low income housing units (scatter site).

YES NO Do you support any of the following to be built in your ward?

50. X low income rental housing that is affordable to those at 15% to 30% of AMI?
supportive housing for people overcoming addiction and other problems which contribute to
51. X
homelessness?
52. X shelters for the homeless?
53. Choose One Which standard should the City use to define affordable housing?
AMI of the Metropolitan region
AMI of Cook County
AMI of Chicago
X AMI of the Community Area

EDUCATION
54. Choose One Which of the following options for choosing the School Board do you support?
X Popular Election
Mayoral appointment from nominations made by community representatives
Maintaining the current system of Mayoral appointment
YES NO
55. X Will you support a city-wide lottery for enrollment in magnet schools?
56. X Will you support LSCs in maintaining full powers, and support them through adequate funding
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levels that provide training and support for LSCs to do their jobs?
Will you support a moratorium on school closings until a detailed analysis of the impacts of
57. X shuffling children is completed, and a real plan to address the quality of education and safety for
every child is in place?
Will you support development and implementation of a more comprehensive and accurate
58. X
approach to evaluate student and teacher performance than reliance on the ISAT and ACT tests?
What is your assessment of Renaissance 2010 and its implementation in your ward as well as the
City as a whole? Please include in your assessment the role of charter schools as well as the
power to reconstitute schools.

The University of Chicago’s Consortium on Chicago School Research recently released a study,
When Schools Close: Effects on Displaced Students in Chicago Public Schools. The results
indicated that most students experienced very little benefit from closing traditional public schools
and reopening them as charter schools (as prescribed by the Renaissance 2010 policy). The
report found that most students who transferred from closing schools were re-enrolled in other
poor performing schools. (A number of administrators from schools that received displaced
students complained that their schools’ performance numbers were being diluted, as they were
forced to accept underachieving students from the closed schools.) The study also found that, the
disruptions impacted the children’s performance on standardized reading tests, causing them to
lose about six week of learning. In an effort to reduce disruption caused by school closings, CPS
changed strategy in 2006. Rather than close schools and transfer students, CPS decided to
keep the students, and replace staff during the summer months. (Some schools have undergone
a similar process at least 3 times with no improvement)

While I am not against charters, I am very much against how they could be potentially used to
undercut traditional public schools. As a resident of North Lawndale, I have observed first hand
the damage done by the manner in which the Renaissance 2010 policies for school reform have
59. ESSAY been implemented.

 Every school that has been closed and re-opened as a charter has (1) been in an area of
a real estate development plan sponsored by people who have significant influence with
the Chicago Public Schools and formulation of policy. These actions have undermined
the control of local residents of their schools in favor of corporate boards. Rather than
being controlled by local school councils, the schools are controlled by boards that by
and large have little, if any, representation from North Lawndale.

 Moreover, these policies have effectively used schools as anchors for community
development. While this is not a bad thing in and of itself, these policies could
effectively be used for gentrification rather than uplifting current community
residents, if left unchecked.

 Every school that has been closed and re-opened has received millions of dollars (one
school got over $30 million) from Chicago Public Schools or TIF funds, for major
renovations right before closing. The millions never benefitted the school under whose
capital plan the dollars were drawn, but the charter school that replaced the school.
Imagine telling third graders that their school will be closing, but they can’t come back
after it re-opens, because the school will only go up to second grade. Then imagine
sending them to a school where they have to cross a major street, which is actually an
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interstate highway.

 Proponents of Renaissance 2010 assert that charter schools are better because they
outperform their neighborhood counterparts. If 90% of the neighborhood schools are
failing, it should not be too hard to outperform them. However, if you compare the
charters to citywide performance, and national standards, they do not do nearly as well
as the claims. For example:

 North Lawndale has 22 elementary schools. Five of these are charter schools. Four of
the five schools were created under Renaissance 2010. The charter school that was
created under normal conditions, has consistently performed as well as or better than
schools in the City of Chicago in reading and math. Another charter school created
under Renaissance 2010 performs as well or better than Chicago public schools in math.
Two of the charter elementary schools perform as well or better than North Lawndale
schools, but not as well as schools city wide, in reading and math. Two of the charter
elementary schools perform worse than the North Lawndale average, ranking 18 and 21
out of 22 schools in reading.

 North Lawndale no longer has any regular high schools. (How’s that for school choice?)
Every one of our high schools is a charter school. The top rated high school is a charter,
and has never achieved AYP in its entire 12 year existence. In spite of this fact, the State
Legislature voted overwhelmingly to approve the expansion of the number of charters in
the state, and this school was granted permission to take on another site. This school
operates in two sites. In both instances, this school ―shared‖ space with an existing public
school; CPS poured tens of millions of dollars into the traditional school; closed the
traditional school, and the charter school reaped the benefits. It should be noted that one
of the schools that closed was performing at a higher level than the charter school that
remained open.

 The US Secretary of Education has placed this charter high school on the highest
negative sanctions for performance . In spite of this, the school is being touted as a
national model for educating African American children.

I don’t see opening charters en mass as the panacea to our schools problems. Like any other
tool, they are only as effective as the leadership and strategies that support their use.
What should the City do to improve the quality of all local schools?

What we have learned over the past 16 years is that, regardless of what policies CPS puts in
place, schools will only truly improve when the community begins to value education again. Most
importantly, parents and the extended community must take responsibility for our children’s
education. Then, we must hold CPS accountable to educate all children, regardless of what
60. ESSAY school they attend, or their skill level.

Furthermore:

 While tests are important indicators of performance, schools should stop teaching to
test and focus on truly educating students. When students graduate high school,
they should be prepared for the rigors of college or the global workforce.
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IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 2

 Parents and guardians need to be more involved in their children’s education.

Students whose parents or guardians are engaged in their education are more likely
to perform well in school.

 Community leaders must engage CPS and local citizens in public discussions
around education policy. Communities that exhibit higher levels of civic engagement
tend to have higher quality schools that serve their needs.

 There should be increased quality in the local community high schools, with strong
support from the feeder schools.

 There should be a wide array of high quality after school programs geared to
reinforce lessons learned in school, while providing outlets for leadership
development and organized recreation.

 Schools should regain their status as the center of community, and provide activities
for parents, students and local residents during after school hours. This could include
evening classes at the high school and junior college level; vocational education and
job training, etc.

 The City should hold all schools accountable to the same standards, regardless of
whether they are charter schools or traditional schools.

What are your plans to improve the local schools in your ward?

I would create a local school facilities task force for the 24th Ward, comprised of local
stakeholders, including teachers, parents, students, principals, CAO’s, members of community
based organizations and members of the business, civic and philanthropic community. The task
force would be charged with the creation and implementation of a comprehensive plan that would
provide input into school policies, master facilities planning and curriculum development. This
plan would be in alignment with the overarching goals of the Chicago Educational Facilities Task
Force, while addressing issues of curriculum development and school performance at the
community level.
61. ESSAY
My immediate goal would be to work with CPS to help 24th Ward schools become schools of
choice rather than schools of last resort. This would be achieved by aligning the curriculum of
feeder schools with the requirements of the high schools, and aligning the high school curriculum
with the needs of major employers, colleges and universities. I would also work with the city and
local schools to identify and secure additional funding and resources from the federal and state
government , corporations and foundations. I would emphasize the community school model in
which the schools become the community center, and provides a continuum of activities and
resources for students, parents and local residents. This includes afterschool and recreation
activities, job training for students and parents and academic enrichment that includes tutoring,
night classes and access to college level courses, GED courses and remedial education.

ENVIRONMENT
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IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 2
62. X Will you vote to implement the blue cart recycling program throughout the City?
63. X Will you vote for the Clean Power Ordinance?
64. X Will you vote to privatize Chicago's water delivery system?
65. X Will you vote to ban Styrofoam food containers in Chicago public schools?
Will you vote to ban Styrofoam food containers in Chicago restaurants and food delivery
66. X
services?
67. X Will you vote to adopt the water quality standards recommended by the Pollution Control Board?
What should the City do to encourage and implement alternative forms of energy?
The City should provide economic incentives for energy companies to re-locate here. Time
68. ESSAY
constraints do not permit an adequate response. If invited to participated in an interview, I would
welcome the opportunity to respond.
What other environmental initiatives, if any, do you propose? Time constraints do not permit an
69. ESSAY adequate response. If invited to participated in an interview, I would welcome the opportunity to
respond.

PARKS
70. X Do you support election of the Chicago Park District Board?
X Do you support increased privatization of park facilities and services?
Why or why not?
71.
ESSAY I do not support increased privatization of park facilities and services for the very reasons I
generally don’t support the privatization of City Assets and services. In addition to the problems I
outlined in question 29.
Do you support prioritization of land acquisition and capital improvements first to those
72. X
neighborhoods which are underserved by existing facilities?

TRANSPORTATION
73. Will you vote to increase the City subsidy to the CTA?
Rank 1-5 or Please indicate which CTA expansion plans, if any, you support and rank them in order of priority
74.
say no to any (1 highest)
2 Red Line south to 130th Street
3 Orange Line to Ford City Mall
5 Downtown Circulator
4 Downtown-O'Hare Express
Other – please specify Restoration of discontinued bus routes in the 24th Ward, including the
1
western leg of the Ogden Avenue bus line.
YES NO
75. X Do you support renegotiation of Chicago's parking meter privatization deal?
76. X Do you support privatization of Midway Airport?
77. Do you support the O'Hare expansion plan?

CRIMINAL JUSTICE
X Is 911 response time adequate?
If not, how can it be improved?
78.
ESSAY
Constituents complain repeatedly about slow response times from Police responding to
emergency calls. This may be improved by ensuring adequate funding to hire more police

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 IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 2
officers. Time constraints do not permit an adequate response. If invited to participated in an
interview, I would welcome the opportunity to respond.

Are there inequities in 911 service in your ward?

Time does not permit me to make a determination at this time.
79.
If so, what can be done to redress them?
ESSAY
Time does not permit me to make a determination at this time.
80. X Do you support re-allocating police services from low-crime to high-crime neighborhoods?
81. ESSAY What changes, if any, would you suggest for the CAPS program?
82. X Will you vote for more funding for alternative crime prevention programs such as Cease Fire?
83. ESSAY What measures will you support to stop the schools to prison pipeline?
84. X Do you support gun control? We have gun control now, and crime is anything but controlled.
What measures, if any, should the City Council adopt in response to recent court decisions
85. ESSAY striking down Chicago's handgun ban? Time constraints do not permit an adequate response. If
invited to participated in an interview, I would welcome the opportunity to respond.
Will you vote to order the City to stop paying legal fees and attempt to recover past legal costs of
86. X
city employees implicated in the Police Board findings of misconduct related to the Burge case?
Please share your views regarding the functioning of the Independent Police Review Authority
and whether it should operate more independently of the Police Department. The Independent
87. ESSAY Police Review Authority should operate more independently of the Police Department to ensure
more objectivity. Time constraints do not permit an adequate response. If invited to participated in
an interview, I would welcome the opportunity to respond.

CIVIL RIGHTS
Do you support affirmative action based on race, gender and sexual orientation in establishing
88. X
criteria for hiring and promoting public employees?
89. X Do you support affirmative action as a criteria in letting city contracts?
Please comment on current participation of individuals with disabilities in city hiring and contracts.
90. ESSAY Time constraints do not permit an adequate response. If invited to participated in an interview, I
would welcome the opportunity to respond.
Please comment on current women and minority participation in city hiring and contracts. Be sure
your comments include firefighter and police officer recruitment and promotion. Time constraints
91. ESSAY
do not permit an adequate response. If invited to participated in an interview, I would welcome the
opportunity to respond.
Do you favor restructuring the wage scale of city employees to institute gender-equal pay for jobs
92. X
of comparable worth?
Will you vote to require all City vendors and contractors to provide spousal benefits for same-sex
93. X
partners of their employees?
Will you vote for the Municipal ID ordinance?
94. Why or why not? Time constraints do not permit an adequate response. If invited to participated in
ESSAY
an interview, I would welcome the opportunity to respond.

ALDERMANIC PRIORITIES
What employment, if any, other than alderman, do you intend to hold?
95. ESSAY I do not intend to hold any other employment. The Alderman’s job, in order to be done effectively,
is not a 20-hour a week job.
96. ESSAY How will you divide your time between your aldermanic duties and your other occupation? ]
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IVI-IPO 2011 CHICAGO ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE - SECTION 2
Not applicable
Please specify the minimum hours per week you will spend performing your aldermanic duties.
97. ESSAY I will spend as many hours as it takes to get the job done. The Aldermanic job cannot be done
effectively on a part time basis.
Please describe your service office staffing plan, including the number of staff, full and part time,
how you will pay for them, and the number of hours per week that your service office will be open.
I expect to have 3 full time employees—a chief of staff, receptionist and a community outreach
98. ESSAY
coordinator. These positions will be paid through the allowance provided by the City. The office
will be open 9-5 4 days a week, with extended hours on Ward nights to accommodate constituent
concerns.
What services need improvement in your ward? How will you achieve this?
99. ESSAY We need to improve law enforcement. Residents are increasingly afraid to walk the streets for
fear of being accosted by criminals.
What are your top priorities for the Ward?
1) Improving Schools
100. ESSAY 2) Reducing crime
3) Job Creation
4) Commercial and Economic Development
How will you work with community groups and residents on City matters?
1) Responding to their concerns on a timely basis
101. ESSAY 2) Developing ad-hoc task forces to tackle specific policy issues or to take immediate action
3) Hosting town hall meetings as necessary
4) Hosting monthly meetings to provide updates on services and policy developments

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