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

Public safety, reliability and inadequate bike lanes in large parts of the city. First, I will require that a transit police force be considered. Second, I will advocate for a modern CTA tracking system to provide reliability and eliminate "ghost" buses. Third, I support a program that encourages qualified people released from incarceration to work in public transportation including providing skilled training in trades including areas such as plumbing, carpentry and electrical.

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?

Because bike lanes are inadequate, and the safety concerns, my family usually drives.

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

Bike lanes have been painted in some areas but almost none have protection from motor vehicles. Crime, smoking, drinking, urination and defecation are all areas of concern.

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?

I agree and it should come under the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Homeowners and businesses should be able to opt out if they choose to to do it themselves with enforcement through tickets and fines.

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?

I think the goal should be to provide equitable services throughout the city.

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

Transportation plays a huge role in greenhouse gas emissions. Chicago should move forward to an all-electric bus fleet as soon as is feasible.

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?

It is unclear which section of North DuSable Drive you are referencing. My Ward is more concerned with the reconfiguration of the South Drive in the area of the Obama Center.

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 don't believe IDOT is always the culprit. The lack of transparency, coordination and bureaucratic inertia are bigger problems than just IDOT. I will absolutely bring transparency to the 6th Ward, cut the red tape and listen to the residents while serving the entire Ward and not just a select few.

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?

This was another unethical example of serving the few. But the streets are not privatized. Parking meters are. City Council needs to de-privatize public property.

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?

Speed bumps on side streets help improve safety. I am confident that the technology to address things like texting while driving is close.

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?

Some regulations, like the requirement to wear seat belts, are common sense safety issues.

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

I agree with the concept. The issue is the funding source.

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

I have reservations about doing that in commercial areas. It didn't work on State Street downtown.

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

As I stated in response to a previous question, I would advocate for a modern tracking system.

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?

The immediate response is to secure a federal subsidy possibly combined with a bond issue

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

I think this would be ideal in some areas of the city, especially on major streets like Western Avenue and major East-West streets like Cermak and Irving Park with semi-enclosed heated and ventilated shelters

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

Yes