Thompson Stands Steadfast
Sixteenth Ward Alderman JoAnn Thompson says she is not surprised to be a candidate in April 5ths run-off election. There were nine people in the race, including me, she told the Citizen during a recent phone interview. She continued by saying that more candidates split the vote. Ald. Thompsons contender for the upcoming election is community activist Hal Baskin. Baskin has run for alderman in the 16th Ward numerous times. On Feb. 22, Ald. Thompson received 41.8 percent of the vote and Baskin received 21.7% as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Ald. Thompson says many of her constituents thought she won the election outright on Feb. 22. [They] didnt understand the 50 plus 1 [rule], Thompson said. In Chicago, candidates for a race must garner over fifty percent of the vote to win. Since Ald. Thompson led with over 41 percent, many of her constituents did not understand why there was another election.
Ald. Thompson remains confident about the upcoming weeks before the election. She believes her aldermanic record will affect the turnout on April 5th. Its the only thing I have, she responded when asked if her leadership record will help her succeed.
Ald. Thompson recently received endorsements for the April 5th election from the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. She became alderman in 2007 when she defeated longtime former alderman Shirley Coleman.
On her website, Ald. Thompson outlines many of her accomplishments during her term. She has supported the Bontemps School Campus Park. She has also initiated the installation of security cameras at Gage Park High School, Richards High School and Daley Elementary School. The alderman also appropriated $3.5 Million for a new lunchroom, a play lot, restored gymnasium, green space and teachers parking lot at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School.
Additionally, Ald. Thompson is still hopeful for a grocery store in her ward. The alderman believes a Wal-Mart store is in the near future. She said a store in needed to occupy vacant land near 63rd Street between Halsted and Morgan.
Ald. Thompson will be hosting the 16th Wards next community meeting on March 26 at Hope Presbyterian Church, 1354 W. 61st. For more information about the meeting, please contact Rev. Sanders at 773-737-8394.
Latest Stories
- Ex-NBA Star Big Bill Cartwright to hold book signing
- The Link & Option Center and Concerned Political and Community Leaders Hosted a Press Conference Recently To Issue a Red Alert on the Maternal Health Crisis in South Suburban Cook County
- Chicago Chosen for 2026 International Jazz Day, Uniting World Sounds in the Birthplace of Blues
- The RoseRanch Grocery Store Narrows The Food Desert Gap On Far Southside
- Dancer Teaches Life Skills Through Dance
Latest Podcast
STARR Community Services International, Inc.
