2011 Chicago Alderman Race

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The following aldermanic candidates have a proven track record to create change in our communities. The Citizen enthusiastically endorses the following candidates from the 24th, 27th, 29th and 37thwards.

Sharon Denise Dixon (24th)

The Citizen is proud to endorse Ald. Sharon Denise Dixons re-election for 24th ward alderman. In the past, she has worked with various Lawndale community organizations, such as Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), working together in 2005 on a neighborhood beautification project with children engaged in planting flowers and shrubs to beautify their community. She has been concerned about the saturation of drugs in the Lawndale community and her block club was the first to secure a blue light camera to drive the drug dealers off the corner of 16th and Central Park. She has worked to quell violence and improve police/community relations. Her block club was also responsible for new streetlights and for planting 28 new trees to line and enhance the street and environment along Central Park Avenue.

Dixon was sworn into office on May 21, 2007. She continues to register new voters, do change of address cards and educate voters, even as she seeks to serve her constituents as its historic first female alderman. Her first major task as alderman was to begin physically cleaning-up the ward, begin to deal with the drugs, crime and violence issues in the ward with monthly meetings with the Police Commanders in Districts 10, 11 and 15, then start to attract new businesses, rehab and build new and affordable housing, develop the ward economically and create new jobs.

Walter Burnett Jr. (27th)

The Citizen is proud to endorse Ald. Walter Burnett, Jr.s re-election for 27th ward alderman. Burnett, J was born in Chicago, Illinois; his family lived in the Cabrini Green Housing Complex. His father was the local precinct captain, who often took Walter with him to work the precinct. Burnett first ran for Alderman of the 27th Ward in 1995. When Burnett won the 27th Ward aldermanic race in 1995, he was 31 years old. Burnett is currently serving his fourth term.

Burnett is a strong advocate for affordable housing in the City of Chicago and all developments within his ward are required to have an affordable component to the project. Burnett has developed a strong reputation as an advocate for affordable housing and continues to be a leader on this issue. The Mayor most recently appointed him to the Zoning Reform Board because of the success with affordable housing projects in his ward.

Deborah L. Graham (29th)

The Citizen is proud to endorse Ald.Deborah L. Grahams re-election for 29thward alderman. Graham was recently appointed by Mayor Daley to fill a vacancy in the 29th. Previously, Graham served as Illinois State Representative for the 78th District since 2003 and was a coordinator of special projects for the Citys Department of Planning and Development, where she has worked since 2000.

As a legislator, Graham has passed measures to protect seniors from exploitation and she has been a strong supporter of common sense gun laws. As chair of the House Renewable Energy Committee, she has led the effort to encourage the state to develop renewable energy sources.

Emma M. Mitts (37th)

The Citizen is proud to endorse Ald. Emma M. Mitts re-election for 27th ward alderman.Mitts is a humanitarian, strong community advocate and a strategic, results-oriented individual who serves as the Alderman & Committeeman of the city's 37th Ward on the west side of Chicago. The role of an alderman is to know the needs of their Ward, and address the critical issues by connecting the people to the proper resources. Alderman Mitts has done this and for the past eleven (11) years, Mitts has built a respectable reputation as a "public servant powerhouse" and has earned the admiration, respect and love of the people of the 37th Ward through her hard work and dedication. Always fighting for the under-dog, Mitts has championed the cause of uniting the people of her Ward to get things done for the betterment of the community.

Her community-focused open door policy is a recurring theme in her office and her transparency and availability is a rarity among elected public servants. Mitts mission to rebuild the 37th Ward is moving forward thanks to her efforts in several key areas, and her oversight of many projects designed to improve the quality of life since taking office.

Hyde Park Endorsements

The following aldermanic candidates have a proven track record to create change in our communities. The Citizen is enthusiastic to bring you the following candidates from the 3rd ,4th and 5th wards.

Pat Dowell (3rd)

The Citizen is proudly endorses Ald. Pat Dowells re-election for 3rdWard alderman. She has been a significant catalyst for the rebirth of the historic Bronzeville community that occurred in the 1990s. She has an extensive background in urban planning and community development and was one of the primary architects of the Bronzeville Development Plan.

Since being elected in 2007, Alderman Dowells work has been centered on community engagement and community-based development that is rooted in transparency and celebrates the areas rich cultural history. Along with attending CAPS meetings and hosting numerous town hall meetings and other events, she has worked hard to create an accessible ward office that truly serves the people.

This type of strong leadership has resulted in initiatives that benefit all who live, work, and play in the Third Ward by promoting public input, openness, and accountability. Alderman Dowell has passed through the City Council, significant pieces of legislation that continue to bring needed resources, jobs, services and infrastructure improvements to our schools, parks, and residents.

State Rep. Will Burns (4th)

The Citizen proudly endorses State Rep. William Burns for 4th ward alderman. Burns is currently serving his second term as 26th District State Representative. He has demonstrated a commitment to open and accessible government, and has proven his ability to get results for our neighborhoods. Burns believes that in order for young people to compete in the global economy, they must have a quality education. He has fought to bring more state dollars home to our schools, for smaller class sizes and to secure additional funds to support early childhood education. He has been working to get dangerous guns off our streets by pushing for an assault weapons ban and has fought for more funding for after-school and other anti-violence programs in our communities. A proven leader from his work in and with the Illinois legislature, Burns has not only been elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, he has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Illinois Senate President. In that role, Burns developed legislation for the Senate Democratic Caucus on issues ranging from criminal justice, consumer protection, education, minority business development, and ethics reform.

Leslie Hairston (5th)

The Citizen is proudly endorses Ald. Leslie Hairstons re-election for 5th Ward alderman.Hairston is familiar with success. That is why it was no surprise that she upset an incumbent in her first race for 5th Ward Alderman. A Chicago native, who grew up in the 5th Wards Hyde Park and South Shore communities, she comes from a family rich in the tradition of community and civic service--which is what prompted her to run for alderman.

An attorney, Hairston, was in private practice before being elected alderman. She is also a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, where she worked in Springfield. Hairston handled litigation for the Office of the Illinois Attorneys Appellate Prosecutors Office, where she argued before the Illinois Supreme Court.

As 5th Ward alderman, Hairston serves on the Committee on Buildings; Committees, Rules and Ethics; Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities, Finance, Human Relations; Parks and Recreation; and Special Events and Cultural Affairs.

Southend Endorsements

The following aldermanic candidates have a proven track record to create change in our communities. The Citizen enthusiastically endorses the following candidates from the 9th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st and 34th wards.

Anthony A. Beale (9th)

The Citizen proudly endorses Ald. Anthony A. Beale for ninth ward alderman. He became one of the youngest members to serve as elected official on the City of Chicago's City Council in 1999. Beale has taken tremendous steps to revitalize the Roseland Community and has plans to work harder to strengthen the area economically. Beale led the charge to bring a second Wal-Mart store to the city located on the south side. Ald. Beales reaction to the Wal-Mart expansion was reported in the Citizen last summer. Its rough being between Wal-Mart and the unions, Beale said. They were saying the same thing: we want whats best for the communityThe bottom line is theyre [Wal-Mart is] trying to serve the people of ChicagoI dont see anybody else coming to our community offering 12,000 jobs.

In an effort to combat food deserts in the 9th ward, Beale also recently led ground breaking ceremonies for an Aldi store at 115th St. and Michigan Ave. He noted he had worked 11 years to address the wards food deserts and that Aldi would be one of two major grocery stores to open soon. They will fill a void with fresh produce, seafood and other items we lack, said Beale.

Toni L. Foulkes (15th)

The Citizen enthusiastically endorses Ald. Toni Foulkes for 15th Ward alderman. A 15th Ward resident for 39 years, she remembers how beautiful the community was when she was a 7 year old girl. In those days, the thought of taking cover to dodge bullets was never one of her fears. It was the ideal community to live in, well-kept lawns, no trash on the ground and local businesses within walking distance of her home. During the past 35 years, prior to becoming Alderman, I watched things change and it broke my heart. When I was sworn in as Alderman in May 2007, I knew I couldnt change everything thats occurred in the past 35 years in just four years-but who says I couldnt try. This is my home, my community, its personal! she said. Alderman Foulkes is a full-time Alderman who has no outside interest to distract her from her responsibilities to the 15th Ward.

Joann Thompson (16th)

The Citizen proudly endorses the re-election of JoAnn Thompson for sixteenth ward alderman. Her top priorities for the 16th ward include: continuing to establish sustainable economics and provide comprehensive city services. Thompson supports the idea of balancing the citys budget. She also supports measures necessary to maintain and improve public services. In reforming city government, Thompson would not scale back or cut any services or departments that would compromise public services. A former lieutenant with the Cook County Sheriffs Dept., Thompson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1998 and to the rank of Lieutenant in 2006. As the alderman of the 16th Ward, Thompson envisions bringing sustainable economics to the ward. Her philosophy: "The Prosperity of a Community is expressed by the Advancement of its People" can be seen through the efforts of the staff in 16th Ward Service Center as they work tirelessly to put the needs of the residents first.

Latasha R. Thomas (17th)

The Citizen proudly endorses Latasha R. Thomas for 17th ward alderman. After being appointed 17th Ward Alderman by Mayor Richard M. Daley in July 2000, the residents of the 17th Ward elected Latasha R. (Johnson) Thomas to the post by a 4-to-1 margin in February 2001. She won re-election in February 2003 by a 4-to-1 margin. Thomas has been a resident of the 17th Ward for most of her life. After graduating from Kenwood High School she received her bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois and her law degree from DePaul University. During her 8 years as Alderman, Thomas has worked to change the overall perception of the Englewood and Auburn Gresham communities among non-residents, along with the amount of investment and support coming from local residents and business owners in strengthening their wards neighborhoods. She has steadfastly pushed commercial and residential redevelopment in the 17th Ward, and her original pledge to take the community to the next level is the driving force behind her effort to compliment commercial development that is currently underway with significant residential development to transform and revitalize the wards neighborhoods.

Lona Lane (18th)

The Citizen proudly endorses the re-election of Lona Lane as 18th Ward alderman. She was appointed by Mayor Richard Daley to fill the remainder of former 18th Ward Alderman Thomas W. Murphys term when he left to become a Circuit Court Judge. Lane was sworn in as the first woman Alderman of the 18th Ward, and the first African American alderman of the 18th Ward on December 13, 2006. Shortly after her term began she was required to run for election first on February 27, 2007 and again on April 17, 2007 in a run-off election. The alderman was victorious with 67% of the vote. Lane currently serves on the Committees, Rules and Ethics, Economic, Capital and Technology Development, Housing and Real Estate, Education, Police and Fire, Parks and Recreation and Special Events Committees. Prior to joining the 18th Ward, Alderman Lane had a long history of community involvement. Lona served as executive director of the Greater Ashburn Planning Association from 1998 to 2004. In her capacity as executive director of the Greater Ashburn Planning Association, Alderman Lane worked closely with former Alderman Murphy on the Ashburn and Wrightwood METRA stations, the Hayes Park Natatorium, the first green school in the city - Tarkington School, Streetscape on Kedzie Avenue.

Willie B. Cochran (20th)

The Citizen proudly endorses the re-election of Willie Cochran as 20th ward alderman.

With degrees in Sociology and Public Administration, Cochran, has proven invaluable as he serves the public interest. He organized and implemented two (2) Tax Incremental Financing Districts that will help spur development in providing resources to stakeholders.

Cochran also planned with advocates, HUD and the City of Chicago, the sell and acquisition of Grove Park Apartments. This made a way for a total turnaround of a troubled housing development and replaced it with new mixed income housing, new commercial development and a Squash Court with meeting rooms.

In 1977 Cochran became a Chicago Police Officer and retired, in 2003, after 26 years of dedicated service as a patrolman, investigator, Sergeant and federal Marshall. After retiring from the police department, Cochran went on to demonstrate his commitment to community by working as a Community Organizer for the Local Initiative Support Corporations, New Community Program. During his tenure as a community organizer, he participated in extensive community-planning activities designed to improve the quality of life and create solutions to problems that have plagued neighborhoods, such as crime, ineffective schools, affordable housing, jobs, health and economic development.

Howard B. Brookins, Jr. (21st)

Ald.Howard B. Brookins was elected alderman of the 21st Ward in April 2003 and is currently in his second term. Brookins continues a tradition of public service in the footsteps of his father; Former State Senator Howard B. Brookins Sr. The alderman has had a distinguished career in the public sector, serving as an Assistant Public Defender, Assistant States Attorney and Special Assistant Attorney General. He is currently a partner in the Brookins and Wilson Law Firm.

Alderman Brookins has addressed the key issues of crime, economic development and employment opportunities. In his first term he has promoted community events and built trust and rapport. He has shown dedication and commitment to his constituents by listening to their concerns and demonstrating that he can be a conduit for innovative ideas to improve the quality of life for residents of his ward.

Carrie M. Austin (34th)

The Citizen proudly endorses the re-election of Carrie M. Austin for 34th Ward Alderman. Since taking office in 1994, Austin continues to carve a distinct brand thats earned her the esteemed political moniker of Power Broker.

Austin stays connected to public pulse by hosting weekly ward nights every Tuesday, monthly town halls every third and fourth Thursdays, and attending community-driven forums and activities. She regularly appears on local television and radio talk formats discussing the current events and issues affecting both her ward and community at-large. Also as a trendsetting proponent of quality in public education, Austin stays involved and available to area principals, as well as, CPS CEO and Departmental Central Office Personnel to facilitate student, family and school community needs. She delights in promoting community partnerships that build upon community-based resources. This year alone, she has officiated grand openings of the wards new Roseland Medical Center, new suburban-style Marshfield Plaza Shopping Mall, new Exelon City Solar Installation and ground breaking for the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

Chatham Endorsements

The following aldermanic candidates have a proven track record to create change in our communities. The Citizen enthusiastically endorses the following candidates from the 6th, 7th and 8th wards.

Freddrenna Lyle (6th)

Since 1998, Lyle has served the 6thWard with integrity. During her first term, she oversaw the construction of 147 new single family homes, new campus parks and a Target store. The alderman also led the charge to bring senior housing, two senior satellite centers, a Nike Outlet Store, new restaurants and new small businesses to the 6th. Under Lyles leadership, the wards schools also saw an improvement. For example, an extension was built on to Deneen Elementary School.

To remain accessible and accountable to constituents, Lyle holds a monthly ward meeting where she explains city programs and seeks input from residents on issues of concern.

Lyle recognized that the failure of Black elected officials working together was a causative factor of our communities problems. She re-convened the dormant Black Elected Officials of Illinois and was later elected chair. In 2008, she was elected Vice-Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party, city of Chicago chair.

The Citizen proudly endorses the re-election of Alderman Freddrenna Lyle for sixth ward alderman.

Sandi Jackson (7th)

The Citizen endorses Jackson for seventh ward alderman because of her tireless work in the citys South Shore community. Since her inauguration on May 21, 2007, Jackson has held many posts in her almost two decades of active involvement in Democratic Party politics. Prior to her election, Sandi served as the Deputy Director of Training for the Democratic National Committee. In that role, she traveled the country educating state parties, constituent groups and progressive organizations on methods of outreach and campaign strategy.

A veteran of five presidential campaigns for the White House, Sandi has also directed scheduling operations for Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who served as the DNC "Super Surrogate" for the 2004 presidential election cycle. She also served as a presidential appointee in the Clinton Administration as Vice-President of Congressional and External Affairs for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im).

Michelle Harris (8th)

The Citizen proudly endorses Michelle A. Harris for eighth ward alderman. Harris has attended Over 200 CAPS Meetings. She also attends Police Roll Calls throughout the 8th ward and partners with the Commanders in the 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Police Districts. Leading the crusade against violence in the ward, Harris has participated in many marches and rallies including one at Horace Mann School on 80th & Chappel.Economic development is alive and well in the 8th ward including: The beautiful New Montclare Senior Residence, and the new Jesse Owens Park Fieldhouse. Harris believes to make the ward a viable and safe place to live and work, it must unite as neighbors.

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