​Abortion rights are healthcare rights and I think they impact all of us. The government should not be making healthcare decisions for people or limiting the decisions that we can make. I will unfailingly support everyone’s right to make their own decisions about healthcare, their bodies, and their reproductive rights.
As Alderman, as in my personal life, I will strongly support rights for bodily autonomy, privacy and reproductive rights, including abortion.

I support the Connected Communities Ordinance and participated in the ETOD Working Group, which advised on the creation of this ordinance. The Connected Communities Ordinance promotes density and multifamily housing near public transit. At the same time, I believe we need to protect the character of our neighborhoods and the naturally occurring affordable housing that exists in two- and three-flat buildings throughout the ward. The downzoning in Andersonville was in response to the tear-downs of such housing and its replacement with larger luxury condominiums. I support the downzoning, as it protects naturally occurring affordable housing and also provides an opportunity for community input into future redevelopment in the area.

We need a community task force to focus on Bryn Mawr and improving the conditions along the street for businesses and residents alike. This starts with making sure that the surrounding buildings are well managed, functioning as good neighbors, and taking care of the residents that live there. We also need to work with the social service agencies in the area to ensure that they are meeting the needs of their clients. I think that this can be done through a coalition of the Alderman’s office, local businesses, and community residents along with the participation of city and state agencies. Finally, we need a police presence along Bryn Mawr to address concerns about crime and safety.

​Working at the CHF was an opportunity to see a world beyond my daily experience. All of the major cultural institutions in the City participated, as well as academics, entertainers, and authors from around the world. It broadened my horizons and demonstrated how the arts and humanities can be a lens through which to analyze important issues in our society.

The most important relationship I developed there was with Jennifer, who is my wife and partner. We met while working on outreach to presenters and have been together ever since.

I also developed a close relationship with Eileen Mackevich, who was the founding President and Executive Director. Eileen taught me the value of life-long learning and to always be seeking new experiences. She was a tireless networker, a strong advocate for women’s rights, and the person who introduced me to Jennifer.
Working at the CHF showed me the important intersection of our arts, business, academic, and political communities and how they can all work together to showcase the best of our city and improve the lives of residents.

 

In my time on the Peirce LSC, I saw the negative impact of the privatization of janitorial services and spent many hours fighting with Aramark to ensure that the school received basic services, such as clean bathrooms. Privatization hasn’t worked for employees and hasn’t provided benefits to the public.

All employees should have the right to organize without interference from their employer. I oppose any attempt to weaken the right of workers to organize unions without management interference, and to bargain collectively for wages, benefits, and working conditions. As Alderman, I would call on an employer to remain neutral in an organizing campaign.

All of the affordable housing developments that I have financed and built in the last 17 years have been built with union labor.

I think this all begins with getting conductors back on the trains. A CTA staff presence, or a transit ambassadors program, will improve the safety and cleanliness of the trains by reducing the amount of smoking, drinking, and other behaviors that are impacting commuters.