Alderman William Hall talks about his first 100 days

The Reverend William Hall has been serving as 6th Ward Alderman since May. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KURTHLAMPE.
The Reverend William Hall has been serving as 6th Ward Alderman since May. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KURTHLAMPE.

 Alderman William Hall talks about his first 100 days

By Tia Carol Jones

The Reverend William E. Hall, Lead Pastor of St. James Community Church, has been the Alderman representing the 6th Ward since May 15th. It has been a humbling experience for him, filled with many long days. He is grateful for the opportunity to help his constituents.

The 6th Ward encompasses South to 95th Street, east to 75th and Ellis and north to 64th Street and West to Halsted. Hall won the run-off election in April against Richard Wooten.

In the first 100 days, Hall has focused on assessing problems and vehicular safety, which has resulted in more than 10 stop signs placed in the Ward. Three abandoned buildings, which were a safety hazard, have been torn down. Hall also has been working closely with 6th District Commander Michael Tate and 3rd District Commander Roderick Watson to ensure there is high police presence on 75th Street during high traffic times, which is usually Thursday through Sunday.

On Saturday, Sept. 30th, Hall opened his ward office at 8050 S. Martin Luther King Drive. During the opening celebration, Dion’s Chicago Dream distributed boxes of fresh produce. Since Oct. 3rd, Hall’s office has received more than 3,500 calls for service and serviced 333 constituents. On Thursday, Oct. 5th, Hall was recently named chair to the Chicago City Council Revenue Committee.

“We’ve been doing the work and we’ve been grateful to be able to do it at 80th and King Drive, where people can just walk up,” Hall said.

When it comes to the most pressing issue in the 6th Ward, Hall said constituents have been concerned about trees and police presence. There have also been questions about the asylum seekers, which Halls calls “new neighbors.”

While the Walmart that closed on 8431 S. Stewart is not part of Hall’s Ward. The departure did take away jobs and convenience for his constituents. It also put a gap in the economy for the community.

“We’re still seeing more big box stores pick up and leave. The conversation is still ongoing about what they’re going to do with that campus, because they own the land. There’s a host of things we’re looking at,” Hall said, adding that Walmart is going through the process of finding a long-term partner for the site that was the Walmart Academy building.

Hall has been learning a lot working with the other Alderpeople in City Council. He has been able to discover more and as a student, he is looking forward to the days ahead. He described City Council as a great ecosystem where there are conservatives and liberals views present.

Hall said working with Mayor Brandon Johnson has been great, Johnson has been a good listener and invokes great ideas.

“Collaboration is key. He focuses on bringing as many people to the table as possible, even those with the different voices. I am definitely grateful to work with him. I’ve known him close to 20 years, he’s been consistent in that time,” he said.
Through Johnson, Hall has learned the value of collaboration and consistency, as well as connection. He also mentioned Johnson’s integrity and his commitment to ensure that Chicago is a place of radical inclusion.

Hall has already received “new neighbors” into the Ward. The 3rd District Police Station has been a receiving location since August 2022, as well as the 6th District Police Station. Hall wants his constituents to know about the “new neighbors”, that resources will come to the 6th Ward and he and his staff will continue to work to ensure the ward receives the best city services, and that he is serving with safety, which is a top priority.

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