The position

New Police District Councils

In 2021, the Chicago City Council passed the "Empowering Communities for Public Safety" (ECPS) ordinance which establishes a new commission (the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability) to improve civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department. So that the commission receives input from across the city, a 3-member council will be established in each of Chicago's 22 police districts. I am running for a non-partisan position on the new council for the 20th Police District. (The 20th district, known as the "Lincoln District," is bounded by Peterson/Elmdale (6000) on the north, Lawrence (4800) on the south, the lakefront on the east, and the river on the west.) The election for these new positions will take place on the same day that we vote for Mayor and Aldermen (February 28, 2023).

The local police district councils will hold meetings with the community and police to hear local concerns, and will provide that input to the new oversight commission. You can find more information about the new commission and district councils here.

This position is part-time, and pays $500 per month. I WILL DONATE MY NET COMPENSATION FROM THIS POSITION EACH MONTH TO THE GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY.

Why I am running

I wholeheartedly support robust civilian oversight of our police. Over the years, we have seen shocking misconduct resulting in ruined lives and huge taxpayer-funded lawsuit settlements.

However, I do NOT support downsizing our police department, especially now when violent crime is the number one concern of residents across Chicago. Unfortunately, many candidates for these new police district councils seek to divert funding away from filling police vacancies. I do not agree. Imagine less police presence in our neighborhoods, longer wait times for responses to 911 calls, and fewer police to investigate violent crimes. We cannot defund our way to a safer community. I do support more involvement by mental health professionals in order to de-escalate tense, dangerous situations, but not at the expense of filling police vacancies. We can support our police and, at the same time, hold them accountable. Civilian oversight, if undertaken in a combative manner, will never succeed.

I am not affiliated with any person who currently holds public office, or hopes to do so. I am also not affiliated with the Chicago Police Department or the Fraternal Order of Police. I am truly an independent, centrist voice for common sense public safety.