Interview with Ald. Emma Mitts

Ald. Mitts Touts the New Electronic Voting at the Council

When League member Tina Brady Pettis asked Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th, what was one change she would like to see to improve the workings of the City Council, Ald. Mitts didn’t hesitate to tout the one she is grateful for: electronic voting, which was introduced in February. No longer do City Council meetings require a roll-call of all 50 alders before voting. Now, each alderperson has a special iPad on which to record votes. All votes can then be seen on a screen in the Council chambers, so alders and members of the public can see how people are voting. The move to electronic voting both saves time and increases transparency.   

Ald. Mitts chairs the License and Consumer Protection Committee of the City Council. She explained that this committee finished the ordinance regarding sports betting at stadiums late last year. But anything that requires a license comes before this committee, including ride-share companies, party buses, and any business or event where liquor is going to be sold.

Watch the interview above or read the highlights:

• Ald. Mitts is excited about several improvements in progress in her west side ward:

  • A youth center at Laramie and Grand was approved by the City Council last year and is now being built.

  • As part of the Invest South/West initiative, the Laramie State Bank building on Chicago Avenue is being redeveloped with some City money. Ald. Mitts said that this public investment is attracting other private developments nearby, which is a key goal of this initiative.

  • There is also a plan for a veterans’ home on vacant land on Chicago Ave.

• Ald. Mitts told us about a number of different ways she communicates with the people of her ward:

  • Monday meetings with the presidents of the Block Clubs. She gives them information and hears what is on their minds. Just recently, there were over 60 people who participated.

  • Monthly Thursday meetings with Community Groups. She often has speakers from different City departments there to explain what they do and answer questions.

  • People also can and do visit the ward office.

  • And there is a newsletter that is sent out.