What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?

In a typical week, I utilize my own vehicle, walking and public transit (primarily Metra to get downtown). In the warmer months, I bike on a weeky basis. My active use of various modes of transportation has given me good perspective on the ongoing need for quality, safe, accessible, affordable and on time transit options. I am lucky to live in an area (Montrose an Cicero) with the CTA blueline, various bus routes and three Metra stops within walking distance. This hyper local area however, is not bike or pedestrian friendly. This personal and hyper local experience drives me towards policies that create more safe, affordbale, accessible, quality and on time options for people throughout the lifespan.

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

The far Northwest side of Chicago is car centric, despite the bevy of public transit options. Here are challenges I see: Drivers do not stop for pedestrians, lack of pedestrian safety infrastructure, lack of bicycle infrastructure, lack of driver awareness for anyone but drivers, car congestion at specific intersections, lack of cleanliness and "on time" scheduling of CTA buses and trains. We also have issues with people living unhoused at the Jefferson Park Transit Center and the Irving Park transit hub, which I have been actively involved for the past three years through a social service lens (vs. criminalization). Finally, we have severe cleanliness and pedestrian safety issues at the Irving Park Transit hub (i.e., "the pigeon problem") which we have created a work group for and procured $900K in capital dollars.

How can the State of Illinois address the impending combined $700 million fiscal cliff facing the CTA, Metra, and Pace in a way that ensures sustained and adequate funding for the future?

This will be a serious issue in the next 2.5 years. I know right now, the main advocates and stakeholders are educating and socializing the fiscal cliff and ideas. Policy makers have to be ready to look at all of the ideas coming out of the planning process with the north star of our need to maintain (and build up) a quality and affordable transit system in our region to provide mulitple options and to decrease private vehicle use.

A federal rule allows for states to flex up to 50% of federal highway funds towards transit instead. New Jersey currently flexes 15%, and California flexes 12% compared to Illinois at just under 3%. Would you make any changes to this amount, and if so why?

Although I have been less involved in these nitty-gritty policy discussions in Illinois, this seems like a no brainer option. Illinois and IDOT is way to focused on private vehicles as the main form of transportation and we are way overdue for investing in other options. Seeing the percentages from other states is telling. We should get this percentage up.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) plays a significant role in transportation throughout the state and in Chicago. What is your opinion on their relationship with the Chicago Department of Transportation, local communities, and the impact that has?

Although I have been less involved in this nitty gritty policy making as I'm not currently on a transportation committee or any related appropriations committee, it is clear that IDOT has been way to focused on roads for vehicles vs any other form of transit. I think IDOT is missing a big opportunity to think about transportation more comprehensively and work with CDOT and local communities and advocacy groups to expand safe and quality transit options (including pedestrian and bike options and safety). The impact of this lack of comprehensive thinking so far has resulted in car centric infrastructure.

How do you view the Illinois General Assembly’s role in setting IDOT’s priorities for public transit, passenger rail, and strengthening accessibility in transportation?

As a body that has a role in overseeing IDOT and a boatload of funds, the ILGA should be very involved in setting IDOT'S priorities.

What is your position on IDOT’s current proposals for rebuilding North Du Sable Lake Shore Drive?

I am in support of [Rep. Kam Buckner’s] resolution and am an official co-sponsor.