Interview with Ald. Maria Hadden
“Committees Should Formalize When and How Often They Meet”
This is one improvement to the operation of the City Council identified by Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th Ward, during the Zooming interview with Judi Schindler that premiered on May 12. The first-time alder is one of several City Council members to identify this need during the interviews conducted by the League.
Ald. Hadden explained that it is during the committee meetings that the public has access to the discourse and debate by the alders on issues. But some committees seldom meet—even when committee members seek to have hearings, explained the Alder, giving the example of the Education Committee.
Watch the full interview above or read on for more highlights:
Two things that Ald. Hadden is working on that she would like to see completed before her first term ends in 2023 are:
The “Bring Chicago Home” resolution Ald. Hadden is sponsoring, which would place a referendum on the Nov. 2022 ballot to approve a higher transfer real estate tax on properties over $1 million, with the money raised going toward providing permanent affordable housing and the services necessary to obtain and maintain permanent housing. (Item number R2021-919, which is in the Rules Committee)
The “Revised Anjanette Young” ordinance, recently introduced as a new proposed ordinance which would establish residential warrant rules and regulations for the Chicago Police to deal with the issue of “no-knock warrants.” (Item O2022-1226, which is in the Public Safety Committee)
Ald. Hadden supports a requirement that items that the mayor and city departments directly introduce to City Council Committee meetings should be posted on the Legistar system with the full text at least two days prior to the meeting. This would not only give the public notice of what in in the item, but also the alders, who often are getting the text moments before or even during the meetings.
Three top issues facing the 49th Ward are (1) the need for affordable housing, (2) access to mental health services, and (3) the environment and the need for climate action.
The 49th Ward, located on the far northeast side, is the first home for many who move to Chicago, including Ald. Hadden. It is historically known as being among the more affordable and more diverse (racially, ethnically, and economically) wards, with great transit and lots of social and health services, along with being home to Loyola University’s north side campus.
Ald. Hadden invites everyone to check out her website: www.49thward.org.