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

The greatest transportation challenges that I feel the City of Chicago is facing is dependability and safety. Accessible and safe transportation is the foundation of economic development in the city of Chicago. I think transparency and accountability are solutions. Working with city leadership and other city agencies, along with community entities is very imperative. The ability to enforce current policies that exist would go a long in the 6th Ward. The redline from 69th street to 95th street are examples where current policy exists but is not enforced. We must take steps to address structural inequities that prevent investments from reaching Black and Brown neighborhoods, and look at how our investments can bring out the best in our city.

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 am an avid cyclist. I commute to work daily and take public transportation when necessary. Accessibility to all forms of mobility is very important.

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

Recently I attended a forum to discuss the expansion of the south end of the redline. The issues at hand aren’t policy, but the process to me been very informative to the average citizen. In a city with millions of people, no single department can know every community’s needs and no single solution will work on every street. As alderman I am committed to putting the public back into the engagement process. One thing that could be done is for the creation a leadership position at CTA to focus on community outreach

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?

Senior and Children are a protected class in my opinion so I am very interested in implementing policies that protect and enhance their quality of life. I am in favor of implementing a universal city wide sidewalk snow and ice removal service. I currently shovel for my elderly neighbors whenever it snows.

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?

Studies have shown the negative impact of the use of interstate highways to divide urban communities. The first step in correcting a problem is acknowledging. Then there needs to be a collection of city agencies along with communities members that are apart of the process of removing these barriers for the betterment of the entire city.

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

Transportation is very Important because of the emission of toxins from cars, trucks, buses, etc. I think the city currently does an ok job with low emissions vehicles etc but I do think more can and should be done to educate the public and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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 am in agreement with current proposals, I do believe the proposed designs will help reduce congestion, improve transportation access, make pedestrian and cyclist safer. I use LSD regularly via my vehicle and bike. I know an enormous amount of studies, time and investment has been poured into improving LSD by DOT. I am not an engineer but from all that I can gather the plans seems to improve upon existing systems and structures.

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 think there needs to be collaboration that involves communities along with DOT and City of Chicago. That is how any and all improvements will be made.

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?

Working with city council and collectively working with colleagues is a step that needs to be taken in addressing the old problems while collaborating on solutions. Unfortunately, this isn’t a problem that one individual can resolve.

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?

Enforcement of current laws and ordinances would go along way to reducing the number of these instances. Also, engaging young people and educating them early on would be an effective investment/intervention.

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 don’t disagree with the attempt.

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

I support the idea.

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

I would need more information about the creation of pedestrian only streets to have a positive.

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

Hold leadership accountable.

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?

My plan is to work collaboratively with colleagues and city agencies to figure out what can be done cost effectively to improve transportation while working to decrease the current deficit.

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

I think existing structures need to be improved but I am not against Bus Rapid Transit lines

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

Yes