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

In Chicago, 64% of public transportation riders are women, who take on the majority of caretaking duties for children and seniors. It's imperative that public transportation meet the needs of these populations; currently, the City is not meeting our needs. 5th Ward residents deserve access to fast, safe, reliable, and affordable transportation at all hours of the day. Specifically, clear routes and transport times must be accurate and easy to find. With GPS technology, there is no reason for ghost buses. CTA facilities must be clean, brightly lit, staffed, and have bathroom access. At-risk populations, like young women, need to feel safe riding the CTA.

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?

I haven't owned a car since 2016 and rely on walking, biking, buses, trains, and rideshare services to get around; I would use public transportation more if it were faster, safe, and reliable. As a woman of color, improving safety is paramount.

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

As a policymaker, I'm trained to maximize efficiency. Traffic in the 5th Ward is a mess with major construction causing traffic delays and road rage. A bus ride to- and from- work that used to take 25 minutes, now takes 45 minutes, plus an the additional 45 minutes I spend waiting for ghost buses. Drivers want to be able to get in and out of Hyde Park quickly, and I understand that.

During the pandemic, my dear friend and neighbor was struck in a hit and run at Kimbark Plaza, breaking three ribs and waking up at the hospital, not remembering any of it because he was concussed. We must not value cars over pedestrians. We need to consider lowering our speed limits and installing speed bumps to keep our residents safe--especially our children and seniors.

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?

Supportive

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?

"Urban renewal" in Chicago has long been code for urban removal of the City's most vulnerable residents. I've spent the past seven years specifically researching urban redevelopment and its impacts on the 5th Ward, as the policy lead for the South Side Housing Data Initiative. I propose a regional plan for housing on the South Side based on the community recommendations of the South Shore Compact, Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors, and the Washington Park Residents' Advocacy Coalition. Recommendations are at historicsouthsidecommunitysurvey.com. These recommendations specifically address restoring the fabric of Chicago and reconnecting our neighborhoods.

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

In Chicago, buildings burning fossil fuels, like gas for heating and cooking, account for nearly 70% of Chicago’s greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison, transportation accounts for 24%. While less of an emitter than buildings, we have an opportunity to significantly reduce the impact of transportation emissions by improving multimodal transportation, encouraging walking/biking/scootering, and moving towards 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?

I currently do not have a position on this topic.

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?

Bureaucracy is a major barrier to getting any cross-governmental cooperation in Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois. I've worked for City and State government in Chicago and Illinois, in addition to working in addition working with elected officials at the local, county, state, and federal levels to achieve better community outcomes. I understand how to get things done working across bureaucracies and commit to working collaboratively with elected officials and our constituents.

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 currently do not have a position on this topic.

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 speed limits; Viral public education campaign to slow done and focus on the road, not your phone.

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 need to do more research on this topic before issuing a position.

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

Supportive.

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

Supportive; However, all plans must be based on facts and data, and informed by community members.

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

With GPS technology, there is no reason for ghost buses. It is essential that 5th Ward residents have access to fast, safe, reliable, and affordable transportation at all hours of the day. Specifically, clear routes and transport times must be accurate and easy to find - both in person and online. CTA facilities must be clean, brightly lit, staffed, and have bathroom access.

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 need to research this more in-depth before proposing plans.

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

Supportive

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

Yes