Interview with Ald. Derrick G. Curtis

“When You Build Relationships with People…”

“…there is probably nothing you cannot accomplish,” said 18th Ward Alderperson Derrick G. Curtis in his Zooming with the Aldermen interview that premiered on August 19. In his responses to the questions posed by League interviewer Judi Schindler, Ald. Curtis made clear that he considers relationships the key to how he became an elected alderperson and how he wants to carry out his responsibilities. He is pleased that many people drop his title and just call him “Derrick.”

Watch the full interview above or read on for more highlights:

• The 18th Ward is one of the few rectangular-shaped wards, but it nevertheless includes parts of six different neighborhoods on the Southwest side. All of these areas have different needs, Ald. Curtis said. The ward is racially diverse and, Ald. Curtis is proud to note, has one of the lower crime rates in the city.

• With regard to the redistricting process, Ald. Curtis wishes there was more coordination among the different levels of government in setting boundaries. He bemoaned the fact that in order to get things done, he has to deal with four or more state senators and representatives, along with multiple County Commissioners whose districts include parts of the ward.

• He is particularly proud that, after the ward has not had a grocery store in ten years, Pete’s Fresh Market has opened. Although Pete’s turned him down several times, Ald. Curtis persisted. A large trucking company has also located in the ward recently, creating many new job opportunities. He is also focused on improving the Ford City shopping center, the only indoor center in the city.

• Ald. Curtis is Vice Chair of the Aviation Committee, and he touted the student program at Daley College, which helps people go directly into careers in aviation.

• Ald. Curtis praised the League for presenting this series of interviews long before the next election. Again, it is important to build relationships!