Zooming with the Aldermen Project Update

Thirty-one interviews have been completed or scheduled with city alderpersons, and LWV Chicago’s City Government Committee expects to add to that total to offer Leaguers and members of the public a close look at nearly all of the city’s legislative leaders. Pris Mims reported at the Saturday, February 12 Briefing that 40 or more alders are expected to end up participating in the League’s first-ever comprehensive interview project.

So what have we learned as a result of the interviews? The number-one issue alders identify in their neighborhoods is gun violence and crime. No surprise there, Pris noted, with an overall increase in crime statistics and a decline of about 1,000 police officers since January 2020. But alders did report on efforts that may have a positive effect, including street outreach and a citywide pilot program that aims to reduce violence related to mental health issues.

Also discussed in the interviews were ways to redistrict the city’s wards, including support of an independent commission’s map, hybrid independent and aldermanic-drawn maps, and maps that keep neighborhoods together. League interviewers questioned alderpersons on the overall lack of transparency in scheduling City Council meetings and agenda items, and alderpersons themselves identified the need for oversight of City Council Committee staff and the institution of oversight measures such as standardized time sheets.

The interviews reveal a bit of the alders’ personal side as well as their thoughts on governance, letting viewers know that Raymond Lopez of the 15th Ward was once a skycap at Midway Airport and Rosanna Rodriguez Sanchez of the 33rd Ward is a former drama teacher, for instance.

You can watch the full Briefing and find information about previous and scheduled interviews.