Interview with Ald. Roberto Maldonado
Ald. Maldonado Urges Review of Redistricting Maps
During our interview with Ald. Roberto Maldonado of 26th Ward, which premiered on January 13, the alderman told interviewer Elona Vaisnys that he wants citizens to get involved with the redistricting process by reviewing the proposed maps and providing comments to their alderperson. Three maps have been introduced at the City Council:
The Chicago Coalition Map supported by the Latino Caucus and other alderpersons
The Citizens’ Advisory Commission’s People’s Map
Following are some highlights:
The 26th Ward is on the near north side in the center of the city, with the angled Grand Avenue forming most of the southern border, Damen on the east and Kostner on the west, and going as far north as Palmer Street. Ald. Maldonado said the number-one issue in this area is lack of affordable housing. When he ran in 2019, Ald. Maldonado said that he would work to get 400 new affordable units. He is proud that, as of the end of 2021, 435 affordable units, mainly two- and three-bedrooms, are either under construction or have secured financing.
Public safety is another key issue, and he noted that when he first became a County Commissioner in 1994, it was the number-one issue then as well. He said that crime came down in the later 1990’s with increased federal funding for delinquency prevention programs. He said that the key now is to reach kids when they are young—and to provide support for their families.
He would like to see more property tax relief for homeowners and owners of small (one- to four-unit) rental buildings by shifting more of the tax burden to large office buildings.