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

The health of the Chicago Transit Authority is the greatest challenge facing the City of Chicago presently given the loss of ridership. The post-pandemic environment is very challenging and it will require a true partnership with the State of Illinois and federal government to solve. We have to restore trust and that requires an investment in cameras and personnel so that riders feel safe and secure using the system. Furthermore, transitioning our fleet to clean energy will save money and communicate to the public that we’re a clean energy transportation option they can use. Finally, we have to revamp our transportation tracking systems so that riders can have dependable, predictable service. We have to invest in micro-mobility infrastructure so those utilizing these options can do so in a safe manner.

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?

My family members and I use a combination of all of these modes. Representing a community that is on the far northwest side than most in Chicago, we lack some of the robust public transportation and bike infrastructure that would allow our residents affordable and healthy modes of travel.

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

When I was eight years old, my father died suddenly. My brother and I were raised by a single mom and I helped take care of my little brother. We lived in public housing and relied on Social Security and food stamps. Public transportation was almost always the only option for my family growing up, yet we couldn’t rely on it. Lines of transportation didn’t expand out to reach my community and when we walked to one, we never knew if it would be on time or even come at all. Decades later, we are seeing the same issues with even fewer commuters. It is time our public transit systems catch up to modern-day practices and build a reputation that residents can depend on.

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?

Historically, I have taken it upon myself and our local organization to clear sidewalks with our own volunteers, and yet it’s a fraction of what’s needed to meet the demand for assistance. That is why I have introduced a resolution calling on hearings to see how we can have the city be responsible for clearing the sidewalks.

I look forward to introducing an ordinance once those hearings have concluded. We are a world-class city and as such our residents deserve a clear sidewalk. I feel that this is a service that government should be performing so as to ensure all Chicagoans can participate in our local economy.

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?

There is no easy answer to reconnecting communities separated by the existing infrastructure, but we can use innovative connections that allow high-quality of life activities that can also serve as ways for communities to mix and mingle. The 606 and Paseo trails are two examples of reversing urbanization that we should explore in as many communities as possible.

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

I believe transportation plays a major role in Chicago’s overall environmental health. Whether it is car transport into the City, diesel-burning Metra trains, or CTA & Pace powered by non-renewable fuels, the city is in a constant state of releasing harmful carbon emissions. If there is a choice to purchase clean power, new or used electric vehicles, or to implement policies that incentivize change towards clean energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, that will be my first choice.

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?

I believe that every community member should have access to the city’s lakefront, as it is one of the most special parts of Chicago. We should explore all options including pedestrian-centered, protected lanes, dedicated public transportation, and expanded lakefront space.

We have new wards in 2022 compared to the ward I represent currently, so I do not have access to that information, but I was the driving force in City Council to have a capital program to improve the City of Chicago’s infrastructure and a wholistic approach to transportation must be at the forefront of our strategy to providing incentives for people to grow businesses in Chicago. That includes bike and pedestrian modes of transportation.

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?

I believe that Springfield needs to step up their communication and collaboration with the City of Chicago in order to establish a plan for building newly developed transportation systems throughout the city. There also needs to be set funding that Chicago can rely on the state for so these renovations can be fully implemented.

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?

For years, the regrettable park meter deal has only caused increasing parking rates and prevented additional bus/bike lanes from being installed which would produce sustainable outcomes for the environment as well as Chicagoans. I wish there was a way to undo the deal, but there has been no viable path to overcome it after more than twenty years of dissatisfaction. Outside of an outright repurchase, there is very little we can do and anyone else saying anything different is not being honest about it.

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?

I believe the most effective ways to reduce these behaviors are to incentivize drivers with penalties for ignoring existing law.

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?

I think the best course of action is to use incentives to encourage people to make choices that benefit the city as a whole.

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

I support a dedicated funding stream in the budget. As mentioned earlier, new and efficient infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists will result in an increase in usage and therefore decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. I’m looking forward to the change we will see from these developments and how they will work towards the City of Chicago’s climate and energy goals.

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

I support pedestrian-only streets.

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

I have always and will continue to invest in updated technology that prevents mechanical issues and gives commuters a more accurate time of their departures and arrivals.

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?

I am very aware of this issue and am helping work to find solutions to this problem. Although there is no single answer to solving the issue at hand, we can work together with federal, state, and local revenue sources to improve and expand our public transportation. An expansion of lines will create more accessibility to reach a whole new group of people. Improving our mechanics and transitioning to an electric system will not only result in a more fuel- and mechanically-efficient system, but will also allow the public to finally be able to rely on their public transportation. Overall, investing in the redevelopment of our public transportation will only bring us closer to reaching pre-COVID user levels or higher.

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

I support the establishment of Bus Rapid Transit lines in Chicago. This is a new, fast, reliable, and cheap way of transportation and city infrastructure that can help expand the destination length to get West and South neighborhood residents downtown or other parts of the city.

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

Yes.