What do you believe are the greatest transportation challenges facing the City of Chicago right now?

extension of rail service to the far south side which i have fought for for more than 20 years

Do you or members of your family regularly use sidewalks, bike, take transit, drive, or a combination of any/all to get around? Does this correspond with your preferred/ideal modes of getting around? If not, what barriers do you and your family face in using your preferred mode of transportation?

Of course - in the far south suburbs we are dependent on cars and other personal means of transportation to get to shopping, schools, recreation, etc. as public transit is sparse . I was able to secure a new bus route when the Walmart-anchored shopping center opened - which was critical as it was hte only place to buy fresh food in the roseland/Pullman area. And when the Pullman works was made into a national monument (now national park) there was new interest from Metra and the CTA as evidenced by the city council's agreement to TIF funds being used.

Can you share a personal experience that changed your opinion about a transportation related policy matter?

I have always been a transportation advocate because growing up in the ward, and particularly as a teenager i was painfully aware of the isolating impact of sparse transit options that limited my school, work and recreational choices

Chicago is a snowy city, and even one stretch of uncleared sidewalk can make it impassable – particularly for folks with disabilities, the elderly, and parents with young children. What is your position on implementing a universal city-wide sidewalk snow/ice removal service?

absolutely necessary - and it shouldn't be the responsibility of the residents - particularly in areas like mine where seniors make up a great proportion of the residents

It is now widely recognized and understood that interstate highways were used to physically divide urban communities from one another – often along racial and class lines. How do you propose we overcome these divisions to restore the urban fabric of Chicago and reconnect our segregated neighborhoods?

Invest in housing in neighborhoods and invest in schools and amenities that make every neighborhood a desirable place to live

What role do you believe transportation plays in Chicago’s collective greenhouse gas emissions, climate responsibility, and overall environmental health?

I am not well-versed in the science of all this. but i do know that in our ward people must pretty much use their cars - which does not bode well for global climate or individual health-- that's why i support public transit and electric vehicles

What is your position on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s current proposals for rebuilding North DuSable Lake Shore Drive? Do you believe the proposed designs will reduce congestion, improve transit access and make pedestrians and cyclists safer? How do you think the current proposals will impact access to the lakefront?

People have been talking about this forever since i was elected in 1999 - As always i want to hear from residents - and the opinion of the new alderpersons from the wards affected.

What barriers do you believe the Illinois Department of Transportation presents to Chicago pursuing better safe streets design standards and transit investments? How do you plan to work with City Council, the Governor, and State legislators to overcome these barriers?

IDOt needs to understand and pay closer attention to what we on the ground say. planning city streets from springfield is not optimal

The 99-year parking meter deal enacted by former Mayor Richard M. Daley has been a barrier to enacting safe street designs by privatizing large portions of Chicago’s streets. What is your plan to address this?

I am not certain what you mean by privatizing large portions - the way in which the question is written it is unclear whether you are saying that the new meters 'privatize streets' or that safe street designs would - please clarify -

Studies show us that speed and distracted driving kill. What do you think are the most effective ways to reduce driver speed and increase safe driving behavior?

lower the speed on and get trucks off Lake Shore Drive which is like a speed way with people going well over 70 miles.. And by the way, trucks and speeding are illegal on LSd

What is your position on the City passing ordinances that attempt to regulate the size, weight, and/or safety features of personal and private vehicles?

unenforceable rules are silly to pass The City and State should enforce the ones on the books like no speeding or commercial vehicles on lake shore drive

What is your position on establishing a dedicated funding stream for safe and universal pedestrian and bike infrastructure in Chicago?

Dedicated funding is not ideal as the needs and funds available change every year

What is your position on creating select pedestrian-only streets?

Against. it's been tried before and was a disaster for the businesses (it was the intended purpose to help business)

What policy solutions would you implement to ensure CTA buses operate on schedule, frequently, and quickly?

adjust the schedule to reflect reality and then stick to it

Considering the role the CTA, Metra, and Pace play in providing public transportation within the city, what are your plans to address the impending fiscal cliff – a deficit of over $700 million – that the agencies will be facing in 2025?

make the CTA in particular (as an alderman i can only suggest to Metra) and the others safer and clearer to attract needed riders to reduce the deficit

What is your position on establishing a network of Bus Rapid Transit lines in Chicago?

we are already losing working men and women to other places in illinois and the nation...we should not make driving any more difficult for the men and women who must drive....due both to inadequate mass transit or the requirements of their work (tools, etc) so unless those issues are solved i would not favor

Will you commit to securing the funding necessary to implement CTA's plan to become 100% accessible according to ADA standards? (yes/no)

Yes