June 16, 2022

JUNE 16, 2022

ARTS, CULTURE, POLITICS

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SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY The South Side Weekly is an independent non-profit newspaper by and for the South Side of Chicago. We provide high-quality, critical arts and public interest coverage, and equip and develop journalists, artists, photographers, and mediamakers of all backgrounds.

Editor-in-Chief

Volume 9, Issue 20 Jacqueline Serrato

Managing Editor

Adam Przybyl

Senior Editors Christopher Good Olivia Stovicek Sam Stecklow Martha Bayne Arts Editor Education Editor Housing Editor Community Organizing Editor Immigration Editor

Isabel Nieves Madeleine Parrish Malik Jackson Chima Ikoro Alma Campos

Contributing Editors Lucia Geng Matt Moore

Francisco Ramírez Pinedo Jocelyn Vega Scott Pemberton Staff Writers Kiran Misra Yiwen Lu Director of Fact Checking: Kate Gallagher Fact Checkers: Grace Del Vecchio, Hannah Farris, Savannah Hugueley, Caroline Kubzansky, Yiwen Lu, and Sky Patterson Visuals Editor Bridget Killian Deputy Visuals Editors Shane Tolentino Mell Montezuma Staff Illustrators Mell Montezuma Shane Tolentino Layout Editors Colleen Hogan Shane Tolentino Webmaster Managing Director Director of Operations Advertising Manager

Pat Sier Jason Schumer Brigid Maniates Susan Malone

The Weekly is produced by a mostly all-volunteer editorial staff and seeks contributions from across the city. We publish online weekly and in print every other Thursday.

Send submissions, story ideas, comments, or questions to editor@southsideweekly.com or mail to: South Side Weekly 6100 S. Blackstone Ave. Chicago, IL 60637 For advertising inquiries, contact: (773)-358-3129 or advertising@southsideweekly.com

Cover design by Miranda Ploss, illustrations by Bridget Killian

IN CHICAGO Early voting begins Early voting for the 2022 Illinois primary election began Monday June 13. Voters will be able to vote up until, and on, Election Day which is June 28. Here are some important dates and information to keep in mind: June 12: Last day to register online to vote in Illinois but you can still register to vote in-person, up until and on election day. Two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter's current address, are needed to register for the first time or to file a name change or an address update.

June 23: Last day to send your mail-in ballot (it should be postmarked before this date).

June 28: Illinois primary election. Polls open at 6:00am and close at 7:00pm.

• • •

You can vote early at the Chicago Board of Elections Supersite at 191 N. Clark and in all 50 Wards in Chicago including Chicago State University, the UIC Student Center, and University of Chicago’s Reynolds Club. Depending on where they live, voters will be able to cast ballots for the following offices: U.S. Senator, two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court, all seventeen Illinois representatives in Congress, and every senator and representative in the general Assembly including county and judicial offices. In March, registered voters should have received a flyer about requesting a mail-in ballot. You can either fill out the form and mail it back, or you can fill out an application online. After selecting your county, you will be taken to the local application page. For detailed information you can visit chicagoelections.gov.

New ward map incoming On May 16, City Council voted to approve the new ward map, which will go into effect next year. Ward redrawing takes place every decade and draws on Census data and changing population demographics, but is also a site of politics and power struggle. The Council was just weeks away from having to leave the decision to voters in a referendum, but after months of fighting, the map will consist of sixteen majority-Black wards, fourteen majority-Latinx wards, the first majority Asian-American ward, and twenty-nine majority white wards. The Latino Caucus had for months maintained that they would fight for fifteen Latinx wards given the growth in the Latinx population, but members of the Caucus ended up compromising to give the map the votes it needed. Critics have called the map just as gerrymandered as the old one and that it was created with little input from residents and behind closed doors. In the coming months, the Weekly will publish a series of stories examining the new map, how it came to be, and how it will affect the communities of the South Side.

The Taste of Chicago goes to the neighborhoods The Taste of Chicago is the largest food festival globally and this year the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has decided to expand the Taste to three new neighborhoods in addition to the main events happening at its home base in Grant Park. The South and West Side neighborhoods are Austin, Pullman and Little Village. The Taste of Chicago Austin took place on June 11, and the other neighborhoods will have their bite-sized events on two more consecutive Saturdays, June 18 and June 25, leading up to Grant Park in July.

In a DCASE press release, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a representative from John Deere, the presenting sponsors this year, expressed their intent to support and connect with local communities. Before these new neighborhoods were added, the annual festival location limited access to the event for city-dwellers that live far from downtown and may not have the ability to commute. It may have also been presumably hard for local and smaller businesses to have the opportunity to vend at such a famed event in the past. However, criticism remains about the lack of hyperlocal restaurants involved in these events.

IN THIS ISSUE the race for the

1st

district

As Rep. Bobby Rush retires, more than a dozen vie to take his place.

jacqueline serrato, adam przybyl........4 meet the challenger: kina collins

The gun violence advocate speaks on the green economy, reparations, Roe V. Wade and more.

chima ikoro..............................................9 the stakes of illinois’s new majoritylatinx congressional seat

The newly generated seat has the potential to strengthen the interests of Illinois Latinos in D.C. for the foreseeable future.

jacqueline serrato................................14 meet the challenger: javier yañez

Yañez believes his civic experience and grassroots values makes him the best candidate for 11th state Senate district.

south side weekly................................15 op-ed: the sun-times misleads on cook county assessor fritz kaegi

A series of stories paint Kaegi as incompetent or corrupt, but lean on exaggeration and tabloid framing.

curtis black............................................17 the next secretary of state

Three candidates for Jesse White’s position on modernizing the office, road safety, and ethics.

adam przybyl..........................................19 calendar

Bulletin and events.

south side weekly staff........................22

POLITICS

The Race for the 1st District As Rep. Bobby Rush retires, more than a dozen vie to take his place.

TOP ROW, FROM THE LEFT: JACQUELINE COLLINS, TERRE LAYNG ROSNER, PAT DOWELL, CHRIS BUTLER BOTTOM ROW, FROM THE LEFT: JAHMAL COLE, JONATHAN JACKSON, JONATHAN SWAIN, MARCUS LEWIS. ILLUSTRATIONS: BRIDGET KILLIAN.

BY JACQUELINE SERRATO AND ADAM PRZYBYL

E

arlier this year, Congressman Bobby Rush, who has served Illinois’ 1st District since 1993, announced that he would be retiring.

More than a dozen people have announced their candidacies for the Democratic primary, from alderpersons and state senators to pastors and business owners. The Weekly reached out to each Democratic candidate with a short questionnaire, aimed at helping inform readers ahead of the primary. The answers of those candidates who responded are included below, edited for length and clarity. A longer version of candidates’ answers will be available online, along 4 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

¬ JUNE 16, 2022

with answers from 3rd Ward Alderperson Pat Dowell, whose answers came in past our print deadline.

The Candidates •Chris Butler is the pastor at Chicago Embassy Church Network.

•Jahmal Cole is a community activist and founded My Block My Hood My City.

•Jacqueline Collins has served as state senator in the 16th District since 2003 and is the Deputy Majority Chair.

•Jonathan Jackson is a business professor, national spokesperson for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and son of

Rev. Jesse Jackson.

•Marcus Lewis is a retired postal worker and minister.

•Terre Layng Rosner is a professor and union negotiator.

•Jonathan Swain is the owner of Kimbark Beverage Shoppe in Hyde Park and is the founder of the Hyde Park Summer Fest.

What are three things that define you as a Chicagoan or Illinoisian?

Butler: I was born and raised in Illinois.

I attended Whitney Young High School and Northeastern Illinois University. I

met and married my wife here in Chicago.

I’m raising my family here. I love this state and my city.

Cole: First and foremost, I’m a volunteer.

That’s who I am, who I have always been, and that’s because I care so much about my city and the people in my community.

I also love exploration. There is so much to this city and I always say you can travel the world without setting foot outside the city. Finally, I would say food. I love food so much, and that’s one of the things I love about this city and even this district. When I got to go to the different communities, part of that was trying new

POLITICS food while I was talking to people.

Collins: The main things that define me as a Chicagoan are my work, my faith, and my family. As a State Senator since 2003, my job has been to serve as the voice of the people of my district and to give voice to the voiceless, including the homeless and downtrodden, justice involved people, battered women and victims of sex crimes, and people with mental illness.

My faith closely mirrors my work. I have long been a member of Saint Sabina Church, a revered Chicago institution that is committed to being “a lobbyist for the poor, alienated, and disenfranchised.”

Finally, my family and personal life define me as a Chicagoan. I was raised in Englewood and have lived most my life in the 1st Congressional District.

My South Side roots run deep. My family migrated to the South Side from Mississippi during the Great Migration, and were one of many families that built the vibrant communities that make up the 1st District today.

Jackson: I believe that activism more than anything else defines me as a Chicagoan. As a close advisor to my father, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., I have had the opportunity to travel the world and to engage directly with world leaders, many of whom held political and ideological views very different from my own. These far-reaching travels and high-level interactions with world leaders have shaped my worldview, instilling the lesson that achieving great things often demands compromise, and that understanding opposing views is key to changing the minds of those who hold them. As spokesperson of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, I have taken on the most intractable problems facing the people of Chicago: discrimination and racial injustices, unemployment, income inequality, voter rights, violent crime, police brutality, unjust incarceration, education, healthcare, homeowner protection, and business development in urban areas. Few of these successes would have been possible without a willingness to engage with opposing views to build a better consensus.

Lewis: I don’t give up. I don’t give up. I don’t give up.

leave the district because of the lack of opportunities and the violence.

Rosner: Midwestern Ethics, Endurance and Fairness.

Collins: Crime, Financial Insecurity (including, but not limited to, inflation), Community Disinvestment.

Swain: First and foremost, I’m a son of the South Side. I was born here, grew up here, and now I live and raise my children here. I’ve lived and worked in many different neighborhoods across the district and have gotten to know the unique circumstances and experiences of each of these, from Hyde Park to Auburn Gresham to South Shore. I’m a business owner, as are many in Chicago and Illinois. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and provide places for individuals to not only purchase goods and services, but find community, and it is our sense of community here in Chicago that makes this city so special.

And finally, I’m a bridge builder—my diverse experiences equip me with a skillset and ability to make connections unparalleled by anyone else in this race.

Name the top three issues faced by the constituents of the 1st district.

Butler: The most pressing issue in the district is the most pressing issue in the nation—economic inequality and lack of economic opportunity.

Two other major issues reinforce our staggering levels of income inequality: first, we have an education system that reinforces income disparities by ensuring kids born to working-class families and the marginalized poor don’t get a quality education. Second, Congress remains gridlocked because, in exchange for corporate campaign contributions, politicians in both parties have signed onto a bi-partisan consensus to get nothing done, a consensus I call the stucktocracy.

Cole: The number one issue in this district is gun violence. So we need someone who is going to be the best, loudest advocate for changing that. We need better education. Our kids are not getting the education and support that they need to be successful, and are forcing them to go into crushing student loan debt.

Finally, jobs. We have had more people

Jackson: My platform is focused on the Three Gs: Guns, Groceries, and Gas— the pressing issues that impact people’s lives and wellbeing every single day.

Lewis: Unbridled crime. Poverty. Little to no access to resources.

Rosner: Inflation, Distrust and Career Politicians.

Swain: I believe that as the Representative for Illinois’ 1st District, it would be my responsibility to listen to my constituents to determine what the most pressing problem is that faces individuals living in the district, not for me to tell them what it is. As such, my first focus will be being present in the 1st District ensuring my constituents have a Congressperson who they can have access to, connect with, who addresses their questions, and who brings resources back from the federal government that can impact their dayto-day lives.

Elaborate on the solutions you’re proposing for some or all of the issues you identified above.

Butler: The solution to economic inequality and a lack of economic opportunity must be family-centered work policies. We need to develop a system of paid parental and family leave to support pregnant women, new parents, and family caregivers. We must reduce workplace risks and health disparities for pregnant women and improve maternal and child health research. We have to ensure that every family has access to affordable, quality childcare and early education.

We must also rebalance the economy.

Among the needed solutions to do so is a basic income guarantee for individuals and families. We must also strengthen organized labor and give workers the ability to form unions without fear of often illegal and certainly immoral efforts

by corporations to stifle this basic need for workplace solidarity.

When it comes to education, we should ensure every community has high-quality educational opportunities that fit the needs of families and children, to lessen the brain drain of young people leaving their hometowns for big-city universities. We need robust, federal support for family engagement in education and we must support familydirected education pathways.

Cole: To solve gun violence, we have to look at the root causes. Because we are going to fight hard to pass legislation that gets AR-15’s off the streets, and limits high capacity magazines, but that isn’t going to change the circumstances people are living in, which is actually the key here in Chicago. So my campaign is the only one that has proposed a piece of signature legislation called "The Root Causes of Gun Violence Act" which is going to take federal dollars, and support the efforts that Chicago has begun investing in. We are going to think critically about the trauma, disinvestment, poor education and impact of all these circumstances to develop solutions. I have identified mental health, education, ending recidivism, and local businesses and entrepreneurs as key factors in bringing down the violence in our city and keeping our people safe and healthy.

When I talk about education, I mean equitable investment in public schools. We know that our country’s history of segregation and problematic education policies have created an incredible educational gap between white communities and communities of color.

We have to start by investing in Universal Pre-K, invest in STEM for all kids, especially those who’ve been the most marginalized and excluded from these resources. From there, we have to make public colleges free and accessible, making sure that all students are encouraged and supported, getting the resources they need to succeed.

More and more people are leaving our community because they feel unsafe, and like they can’t thrive. We have to support small businesses in our district and local entrepreneurs, incentivizing them to stay here. To do that, we need to create JUNE 16, 2022 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 5

POLITICS federal grants that support the creation and expansion of local businesses, and make sure that they are able to give their employees a living wage without making it impossible to keep their doors open. I have been delivering that on the block level through my “Hit The Hood” and small business grants, and I plan to take that to the next level by creating federal programs that do this.

Collins: So-called “get tough on crime” policies don’t work, and they exacerbate pre-existing racial inequities in the criminal justice system. There are two major steps I would take to confront crime.

First, I support economic and educational policies that help uplift families from poverty. I also support re-entry programs that give formerly incarcerated people the best chance at becoming productive members of their community. Second, I will champion efforts to prevent the flow of firearms across state lines by placing reasonable restrictions on the sale of firearms and closing loopholes that allow people to travel to states with lower levels of scrutiny to buy guns and then taking them back to the cities. I support a ban on assault rifles, which are weapons of mass death.

As with most negative economic trends—whether it be inflation or unemployment—Black, Brown, and lower income families bear more than their fair share of the impact. There are several policies and programs that can help alleviate the economic hardships faced by families: direct cash assistance; expanding and increasing the earned income credit; investing in quality, affordable housing; and working with financial institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies to provide low- or no-cost credit to small businesses.

Community disinvestment is reflected in many ways: banking deserts, food deserts, boarded-up storefronts, foreclosures, dilapidated housing, and the lack of local small businesses that create jobs and provide amenities to the community. Redlining, the systematic and intentional denial of credit and financial services to communities of color, has created racially and economically segregated neighborhoods in the Chicago region. Such segregation will not fix itself.

6 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

¬ JUNE 16, 2022

We must enact policies that affirmatively direct resources to these neighborhoods.

Jackson: Guns: The people of the 1st District do not feel safe, and their feelings are more than justified. Residents are now more afraid of stray bullets than they are of contracting Covid-19. As Congressman, I will combat these issues by supporting the “Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act,” which will make it much easier for the ATF to revoke the licenses of troublesome gun stores. When passed, the ATF will be able to revoke gun shop licenses without having to jump through the hoops of proving a dealer intentionally violated the Gun Control Act. Groceries: Nationwide, the cost of living is rising faster than it has in decades and, with Fed policy in flux as the Central Bank moves to enact the first major series of interest rate hikes since the Great Financial Crisis, it has never been more important for Congress to act to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Much of the current inflationary pressure is concentrated in price increases in food, energy, and rent. These costs are felt most acutely by our poorest and most vulnerable citizens. One way to shield the public from inflation is to expand public service provision—public transit, subsidized medical care, and supplemental nutrition.

We need inflation intervention that serves our most vulnerable citizens, and we already have the blueprint. Many of the programs that served us so well during the Covid-19 pandemic can be tailored to mitigate the impacts of inflation.

Gas: In addition to fighting for fair gas prices and against price gouging, I will support bold legislation that can meaningfully address climate change.

First and foremost, I will work to pass the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal offers a two-for-one benefit. Not only does it offer the most comprehensive legislative response to the climate crisis currently on the table, but it also offers major economic boons as a result of refocusing the country’s priorities, including the creation of high-wage jobs, and clean air and water for all.

Lewis: This is where you have to trust me. I must be elected to the office of Congressman to know the specific

resources available at my hand to work with and why they have not been utilized before me to help this district stave off the problems I have noted. The people of this district will know that there is a distinct difference at the helm and I will not tolerate any nonsense. We will use the levers of government, like never before, to find solutions and if that doesn’t work, we will try something else, BUT WE WILL TRY UNTIL THESE PROBLEMS ARE SOLVED!!!

Rosner: Inflation is the result of many factors some of which are the flood of money into the economy, inequity in salaries between the highest and lowest paid in the same company. Grift, greed and world events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One significant solution would be to support self-sufficiency in manufacturing and finally ween ourselves off fossil fuels. The distrust between and about politicians is deep. Trust comes from familiarity. Work towards term limits, federally funded and limitedtime elections. Require divestiture of sitting government representatives. No representative should be able to become a lobbyist for 10 years after her last term.

Swain: Reducing crime starts with addressing the underlying causes of crime—undereducation, few or no support systems for our young people, and a lack of mental health resources to name a few. I believe we need to increase our support for young people through mentoring, education, and employment.

Everyday, hard-working families are also feeling the impact of high healthcare and prescription costs, and significant inflation on the price of consumer goods.

In terms of healthcare, I support the expansion of universal healthcare and will work to lower prescription drug prices for Americans. More investment should be made in strengthening community health resources, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or mental health centers. Costs of consumer goods are also higher than they’ve ever been, which is why I support measures to curb inflation, such as working with the Federal Reserve and also ensuring prices are regulated and fair. The Child Tax Credit should be made permanent in order to

continue to help working families make ends meet. I also support the elimination of student loan debt and measures to make public and community colleges free for all, because we are better as a society when more people have increased access to education to help them better themselves and their communities.

What would Reparations look like to you?

Butler: It would be great if we were at a place in this country where the real thing holding up Reparations was a disagreement over the exact structure we should implement. That’s not where we are. We should keep pushing for a full-hearted commitment that we must absolutely right this wrong. Ideally, in my mind, it will involve cash benefits. I’m open to many options in addition to cash benefits like land grants.

Cole: Reparations are about more than just slavery, it’s also about all of the racist policies, segregation and violence that happened after too. Reparations have always been about helping people heal from their trauma, recognizing the harm that had been done to them, and the ways that we could help our people recover. So with that, I think reparations for us look like what Germany gave to Jewish people after the Holocaust: money. We have been left out of the housing market, have had our wealth stolen from us, burned down and taken, and it’s time the federal government recognizes that, and gives that back to us.

Collins: Slavery in America is one of the world’s greatest injustices. It underlies the racial wealth gap, which has left many communities of color stuck in a cycle of disinvestment. My plan for reparations is based in part on the work of journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. Her article, What Is Owed, in The New York Times Magazine, is an important contribution to the subject.

Reparations should include targeted investments in housing, schools, and infrastructure in predominantly Black communities. Individual reparations would go to any person who can document that they identified as a Black

POLITICS person for at least ten years before the beginning of any reparations program and can trace at least one ancestor back to American slavery. Reparations would include individual cash payments to descendants of slaves and “baby bonds” to each child of such descendants. The baby bonds program would give every child of a descendant a savings account seeded with $1,000 when they are born.

Children would receive $2,000 more each year and wouldn’t be able to access the funds until they turn eighteen.

Jackson: Countless innocent Black men, women and children faced the horrors of slavery in America. Indigenous people and communities have also suffered at the hands of unjust government, having faced centuries of violent displacement, systematic discrimination, and (in all too many cases) outright annihilation.

Centuries of discrimination and violence cannot be undone with the wave of a hand or stroke of a pen. The long-term damage to both communities is still painfully visible. Reparations policy should start with launching constructive economic and social programs, policy reforms, and public investments that can begin the process of offsetting the years of abuses.

Reparations must ultimately be about building institutions that both address the wrongs of the past, guard against racism and discrimination in future, and promote meaningful opportunities for all.

Lewis: Payment in the form of checks from the U.S. Treasury to Black People.

Amount to be determined.

Rosner: If provenance and evidence can be found for stolen goods and/or property, then reparations are possible.

However, blanket stipends are unwise and impossible to do in a fair and reasonable manner.

Swain: Reparations are key to leveling the playing field for all individuals in this country, and a step towards correcting the legacy of racism that this country has harbored, especially against Black Americans. To me, reparations would include free college, access to home ownership grants to help Black individuals access property and build wealth, and a set of business start-up

grants to empower Black entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and pursue business goals.

Do you support redirecting funds from the police budget?

Butler: I believe in addition and multiplication, not subtraction and division. Even as we add more sworn officers, increase their funding and give them the support they need, we can also make sure our officers are doing the kinds of jobs for which they are trained and best suited to handle. That’s why I believe we should create a civilian corps for nonemergency calls; use civilian and technical support staff to reduce administrative time and court time; create a national faith-based peacemaking investment fund; create a community trauma response force modeled after President Biden’s gun strike force to do intervention in high-need areas in crisis, and explore the creation of a cross-training program where beat cops and violence interrupters train alongside one another.

Cole: I think that we need to be investing in a whole lot more than the police because they can’t do everything, so we have to stop trying to force them to. And we have to stop giving them more and more state and federal funds that give them the same tools and weapons as the military. So I support investing more in other resources to make sure that, when someone is homeless, they aren’t being arrested and are redirected to resources that could actually help them. And the same is true for someone going through a mental health crisis, and so many other situations in this city.

Collins: I support a holistic approach to public safety and providing robust funding to its component parts: mental health resources, after-school programs, economic development, affordable housing, and more. I further support community policing—the long-term allocation of officers to a particular community and recruiting officers from the communities they will serve—and so-called “co-responder models”—a model for crisis response that includes a team of officer, clinician and paramedic.

Sending an army of police to respond to a situation involving an individual having a mental health episode is the worst possible response to that type of situation.

I was proud to work with my colleagues in the State Senate to pass the Reimagine Public Safety Act, which became law last year. The Act will provide targeted investments to communities experiencing high levels of violence and will support communitybased organizations that provide youth intervention services, violence interruption and trauma treatment.

Jackson: Law enforcement cannot be expected to solve every tangible social need of our community. While effective law enforcement is a critical building block of effective public safety policy, I believe we must pursue a more holistic approach if we want to revitalize communities ravaged by gun violence. That means incorporating community wellness, community education and resources, community mental health services, affordable housing, and other social building blocks into a comprehensive approach to public safety.

Lewis: No. I will file bills for funding for the things the 1st Congressional District of Illinois needs.

Rosner: No. I support rigor in oversight for police budgets. I believe in competitive pay and benefits for individuals willing to serve and PROTECT our communities.

Shifting funds in the police budget can alleviate myriad problems. We need to support already fair-minded civil servants and weed out bad actors with commonsense quality control.

Swain: Reducing crime starts with addressing the underlying causes of crime—undereducation, few or no support systems for our young people, and a lack of mental health resources to name a few.

I believe we need to increase our support for young people through mentoring, education, and employment. When they are connected with personal support and quality educational opportunities, it can fundamentally change their lives and prevent them from making poor decisions that keep them from thriving

in life. While evaluating where we spend our dollars, we need increased funding for police reform to bring about change in policing that reduces harm to diverse communities.

What’s your stance on Roe v. Wade?

Butler: Whether the Court ultimately overturns Roe this year, we cannot afford to remain stuck in the old paradigm.

Americans understand that abortion ends a precious life, but they also realize that preborn lives aren’t the only ones deserving protection. Vulnerable expectant parents, facing record-high costs of living, unaffordable healthcare, inaccessible childcare, and more also need support. A holistic approach to abortion must address both of these concerns.

This means recognizing that abortion restrictions alone won’t create a society in which all lives are protected. It means listening to the diverse voices of families who face real abortion decisions, not political elites and extremists repeating abstract slogans. It means making unprecedented investments in these families, offering support that tackle the root causes driving 630,000 women to abortion every year. Policies such as guaranteed basic income, paid parental leave, and universal healthcare are examples of such necessary investments.

Additionally, efforts to end disparities in childcare access, education, and maternal well-being will eliminate the barriers that make women feel like they must choose between their child and their job, school, and health.

By building infrastructure to support families, we remove the crushing burdens of unplanned pregnancy—thus making abortion unnecessary and unthinkable.

Cole: We have to codify it into law, and then fight to make it a constitutional amendment. It will take time to get enough states on board, but that’s the only way we will be able to guarantee the right to choose.

Collins: I fiercely support Roe v. Wade.

Moreover, I support public funding to enable poor women to have access to a full range of reproductive health care, including abortion. I will advocate for JUNE 16, 2022 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 7

POLITICS Congress to codify Roe into law.

Congressman himself.

Jackson: The Supreme Court’s plan to strike down Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey—two decisions that previously protected women’s right to choose, across the country—has made it more important than ever that we elect pro-choice champions to Congress who will fight for federal legislation that will codify protections of female reproductive health services, including access to safe and legal abortion. Abortion access is more difficult for poor and workingclass families. Working families already struggling to make ends meet must be given federal protections, including access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options. We must ensure that women nationwide have the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions—and have access to the resources and services necessary to enact those decisions.

Cole: I have spoken to Congressman Rush, even before I announced I was running and he even encouraged me to run for office. When I filed with the FEC back in February last year, he said he didn’t mean his seat! But he was cool about it afterwards.

Lewis: I say what The Lord Jesus said: “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.” - Matthew 5:21 Rosner: Without hesitation, it should be upheld!

Swain: I believe everyone should have the autonomy to make decisions about their reproductive healthcare for themselves—without their government officials telling them what they can and can’t do. I support measures at the federal level to codify the rights of individuals who can bear children to access whatever reproductive healthcare they deem fit for themselves, and strongly oppose any effort to prevent individuals from accessing this care. Everyone deserves the chance to access reproductive healthcare where and when they want or need it, with no strings attached whatsoever.

Describe your past interaction, if any, with outgoing Rep. Bobby Rush.

Butler: In my past activist and advocacy work, including work I did on school funding reform, I have interacted with Rep. Rush’s office and with the 8 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

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Collins: The Congressman and I come out of the same tradition of activism– the Black Independent Movement–that has come to define the 1st District.

Over the years, we’ve fought for the same civil rights issues, and I have great respect for his legacy as a Black Panther.

Last fall, we were together at Rainbow PUSH to celebrate Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 80th birthday.

Jackson: I grew up with Rep. Rush. Our families have worked together to advance numerous critical causes, both in our community and nationwide. We share a long history of activism. In Congress, I hope to bring new energy to the causes that have always mattered to the people of the 1st District—and to working men and women across the state and nation.

Lewis: Go to www. marcuslewisforcongress.org and go to the ’About” section and read my statement on Congressman Bobby Rush.

Rosner: I’ve lived in the 1st District for thirty years and have never interacted or benefited from Rep. Bobby Rush’s tenure.

Swain: Representative Rush knew my father, and I’ve personally spoken with him twice.

What advantage do you have over the other sixteen Democratic candidates?

Butler: The next congressman will be a freshman Democrat in a closely divided Congress that may be under the control of the Republican Party. [They] won’t be able to get anything done unless they’re able to do two things: stand up to party leadership to advocate for change, and reach across the aisle and work with Republicans to achieve change. I pastor a church in a very conservative denomination, and I also have decades

of experience working for social justice. So, I have points of agreement with people across a wide spectrum of political backgrounds and I know how to bring them together to make transformative change.

to hit the ground running from Day One. By leveraging those relationships and connections, I will be able to get things done that other freshmen congresspeople would find extremely difficult—if not impossible—to achieve.

Cole: The advantage I have is my experience as a community organizer and activist. This district deserves someone who is going to do more than pass laws and vote with the party—we deserve someone who is going to be a powerful leader and advocate, who is going to be connected with the district, and tell our stories on a national stage. I also mention my experience as a community organizer and as the founder of My Block My Hood My City because I have been putting in the work, taking action every day to respond to people’s needs, no matter how big or small. Because we have seen our government fail to provide for us time and again, and that’s what I do— that’s why my campaign slogan is About That Action!

Lewis: THIS IS MY 7TH RUN FOR CONGRESS. I AM READY. I am bringing the Almighty God & The Lord Jesus Christ with me and putting my trust in Him as I make my decisions concerning the constituents of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois, the United States and the World at large.

Not in word but in deed. Thusly we will be far better than we ever were before. The Holy Bible says: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs29:2KJV

Collins: More than any of the other candidates, I have an extensive legislative record that has resulted in concrete and tangible improvements in people’s lives.

One of the most recent examples is the Predatory Loan Prevention Act (PLPA), which established a cap of 36% interest on payday, auto title, and other personal loans. Before the PLPA, payday lenders charged an average of 297% interest and they targeted Black neighborhoods.

The PLPA, which took effect in March of 2021, has already saved consumers, who are disproportionately Black and Latino/a, hundreds of millions of dollars.

The challenges in our communities are a crisis. We cannot afford to give our next Member of Congress the luxury of onthe-job training. My years of experience and record of success as a legislator will enable me to hit the ground running.

Jackson: My experience, knowledge, skills, and connections in Washington make me the best candidate and most effective advocate for the people of the 1st District, and for all Illinoisans, in this race. Thanks to my existing working relationships with numerous federal policymakers and legislators, I will be able

Rosner: This is not my career. I am free of machine politics and have no intention to use this platform for power or gain; owing no one except the constituents of the district. I have thirty years of honing my executive leadership skills requiring intensive problem solving and datadriven rationale. Oversight and fairness are the hallmarks of my current career and will be so when I am elected to this Congressional seat. I am an independent, critical thinker and have learned that listening is always more valuable than talking.

Swain: I have varied backgrounds across civic, non-profit and business spaces.

This gives me different lenses to look at problems with, and allows me to bring a different kind of voice than my colleagues in this race can offer. I’m a son of the South Side, an attorney, have an MBA, and have spent decades investing in my community and helping young people succeed. I’m a community leader whose experience is unmatched by anyone else running in this race. I’ve led an education non-profit, run my family’s neighborhood business and held various leadership positions in government. Jacqueline Serrato is the Weekly’s editorin-chief. Adam Przybyl is the Weekly’s managing editor.

POLITICS

Meet the Challenger: Kina Collins The gun violence advocate speaks on the green economy, reparations, Roe v. Wade and more.

BY CHIMA IKORO

R

unning for Congress in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District is Kina Collins. The Weekly spoke with Collins about her plans if elected, her race against seasoned incumbent Congressman Danny Davis, who was elected in 1996, and much more. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Describe the communities of the congressional district that you intend to serve if elected.

IL-07 stretches from the western suburbs.

From Westchester [to] Oak Park, River Forest, and then we have the entirety of the West Side of Chicago [and] all of downtown, Chinatown is encompassed by our district, and then it swings out to Bridgeport, Bronzeville, and West Englewood.

What do you think are the top three issues faced by the constituents in the district you’re running for?

The top issues are gun violence and public safety—making sure that we elect a common sense gun safety candidate is really important to the voters in this district.And health care: we actually have the largest life expectancy gap in the nation. If you live in Streeterville, you live to the age of ninety; if you take a thirty-minute car ride to the South Side of Chicago in West Englewood, your life expectancy drops to sixty. We know that that is because of the social determinants of health, which are things like not having proper housing or living in a food

desert. Gun violence is a public health issue. The final thing I would say is relief and recovery from this pandemic. People want to elect someone in this district who understands that we need a strong local economy, and that we need to get relief and recovery for families as this pandemic continues to rage on.

How would you address these issues if elected?

What’s really important is that we include the voices of those who are most impacted by these issues. And so, making sure that I’m fighting for those federal resources to bring dollars back to the district to invest in things like violence interruption programs, [giving] people access to things like mental health services, make sure that I’m standing shoulder to shoulder with housing advocates and those who are housing insecure, and fighting for affordable housing here in the district.

We’re laser-focused as a campaign on making sure that once I’m elected, we focus on racial, gender, and economic justice for working people in our district.

Abolition is constantly discussed when addressing how to prevent harm, and some of these models include defunding the police, reallocation of funds toward various community resources, and so on. Do you plan to incorporate these types of ideas?

I think it’s important that we have this conversation around defunding the police, because it has become an echo chamber for Republicans and the GOP

ILLUSTRATION BY SHANE TOLENTINO

to make Democratic cities, and just cities in general, all across the country into the bogeyman—this work that a lot of abolitionists are doing. The facts are that the Chicago Police Department has never, ever, been defunded*, and that is the fact for a lot of police departments across the country. But what has been defunded is housing, education, health care, the things that raise the ability for us to have a quality of life that is sustainable.

I live in Austin. How is it that Austin has some of the highest police presence in the city, and yet, we still have some of the most crimes and shootings that happen?

This is not working for us. We need to make sure that we’re putting policies that work for everybody in the district.

I want to advocate for those dollars [going] towards actual prevention instead of reaction. We’re asking police officers to serve as mental health counselors when people are calling in and having mental health crises, and then it ends in a catastrophe because [police] are not equipped to do that. We want to make sure, once again, that the investment is in prevention and not reaction. It’s in treatment, not into trauma. And so a lot of our communities that have dealt with these disparate outcomes and that have not received the resources that they need, are being re-traumatized because, really, the budget is going towards policing, and the facts are that you cannot police poverty away.

One of the ways that we have really centered economic development in our campaign is talking about transitioning into a green and just economy. That means investing in urban farming, because a lot of the neighborhoods in IL-07 are food insecure. It means making sure that we are putting trades and vocations back into schools so that people are prepared to work in a green economy—which by the way, in the next decade, is projected to generate $23 trillion. So that is a lot of money that is going to be generated from green technology and green energy. And we want to make sure that not only are we improving the health and the wellbeing of our communities, but we’re also making sure that the folks who get those jobs are the ones who have been most impacted by environmental racism and traumatized in our communities.

You’re known as a gun violence organizer and activist. What would you do to address gun violence in Chicago while in Congress?

When I speak about this issue, I’m speaking from the context of being a survivor, witnessing a murder in front of my childhood home, knowing the victim and the shooter. And the truth is, that bullet was flying long before anybody pulled the trigger—I tell people that all the time. When we deal with public school shutdowns, when we deal with the evisceration of our mental health JUNE 16, 2022 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 9

POLITICS services: that is the bullet flying. How are we investing in prevention instead of [responding] after these tragedies occur?

The number one thing that I don’t think enough people are talking about on the federal level is the supply side: gun manufacturers in this country are giant corporations that profit off the illicit and illegal gun trafficking that happens.

always have is, how did they get the guns in the first place? We need to make sure that accountability is happening across the board.

It can’t just happen here in the city of Chicago, which is why I’m running for Congress. It’s because the legislation that is put forward, congressionally, has to be comprehensive. It’s not just for the state

“Congressman Davis has been my representative since I was five years old. It was not an easy decision to run against him, but it’s a necessary decision.”

And that’s what we see here in the city of Chicago. I think the reason we never really see accountability for these gun manufacturers is because they’re often white, male and wealthy. These are not what America has projected as the perpetrators of gun violence, but really these gun manufacturers are the problem.

I’ll give you an example: sixty percent of the guns recovered in crimes in the city of Chicago are coming from out of state, and mostly from Indiana, Wisconsin and Mississippi. 850 guns that were recovered from crimes last year in Chicago could be traced back to one gun shop in Indiana.

One. You can’t tell me that accountability can’t be had, because not only is it negligent, but we need to find out how it is that this particular gun shop is always the common denominator for the crimes that are happening in the city of Chicago.

And so on the federal level, we need our congresspeople to get some political courage to take on the gun lobby, which is a multibillion-dollar lobby, and they need to put regulations and start holding these gun manufacturers and these gun shops accountable. I’ve taken particular umbrage with this because growing up on the West Side, you see the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) crackdown on gangs, which are mostly young Black and brown men in these communities, and they get the book thrown at them. The question that I 10 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

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of Illinois—I always tell people, we don’t have a single gun shop or shooting range in the city of Chicago. So when we see Republicans and people talking about Chicago when these mass shootings happen, it’s like, we have never created gun violence for your state. But states that are Republican-led, like Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio, have created so much gun violence here because of the illegal guns that are getting trafficked into our city.

It’s a double standard. We know that it’s a red herring, they see young Black people here in the city of Chicago, and that that is what they want to focus on.

What would reparations look like to you?

I think that reparations are necessary.

I support reparations for American descendants of slaves. I support reparations for education, housing, obtaining land, making sure that it serves as a great equalizer [for] our ancestors building this country for free. I think that we have to be more full-throated about the conversation of reparations, because it’s not a typical platform that many people in many districts talk about. But it is something that argument could be made for, for sure. Right now, as it currently stands, there’s a huge racial wealth gap in the United States of America, and that wealth gap is not just about income

that people get from their jobs. It’s about the level of debt that Black folks have in this country, student loans, housing inequity and many other issues—medical debt is one of the number one ways that people go bankrupt in our country. We’ve seen reparations happen in the United States of America before for Japanese Americans after the internment camps; that was definitely owed to them, it was a wrong that needed to be righted. I think that there’s a strong case and an argument for Black folks here in the United States.

Congressman Davis is sometimes known as a moderate progressive, you’re running to his left. What are some issues you see with Davis, and how do you differ or plan to address them?

Congressman Davis has been my representative since I was five years old.

It was not an easy decision to run against him, but it’s a necessary decision. When we’re seeing Roe v. Wade being gutted, when we’re seeing the climate crisis—not coming but it’s already here—we don’t just need somebody to vote party line, we need somebody who’s gonna stand shoulder to shoulder with the people in this district, and really across the country,

“We need somebody who’s gonna stand shoulder to shoulder with the people in this district.”

on these issues. Also, Congressman Davis accepts corporate PAC money as campaign donations. That’s something that we refuse in this campaign. I’ve actually out-fundraised Congressman Davis in this primary cycle, and I haven’t accepted a dime of real estate developer money or corporate PAC money; so you can raise the money, it just takes a little bit of elbow grease to get it done. And it

takes political courage to turn down these corporate lobbyists when they write you a check.

Congressman Davis actually missed more votes than [almost] any Democrat sitting in the Illinois congressional delegation**.

So when people ask me “what’s the biggest difference in our voting record gonna be?” it’s going to be that I actually show up to vote.

Describe your past interaction, if any, with Congressman Danny Davis?

What I’ll say is this: Democratic Party leadership has made it a point in this primary to make it very clear to me and the voters in this district that they do not want me to win this seat. We saw that when Speaker Pelosi came into the district and stumped for Congressman Davis, we saw it when Hakeem Jeffries came into the district—he’s, I think, the fourth most powerful Democrat in the House—to fundraise and stump for Congressman Davis. This is a slap in the face to Black women. Black women have served as the backbone to the Democratic Party. We are not the pack mules of the Democratic Party, we are the competition. And so the message that Congressman Davis’s campaign is sending to me is that not only am I not welcome into the party, but they will pony up resources to stop me from entering the party through leadership. I’ve also just seen so many people in positions of power endorse Congressman Davis in his campaign; Mayor Lightfoot endorsed him, Governor JB Pritzker endorsed him, and the Speaker of the House endorsed him. And the question that I have for Congressman Davis is: if you have this much power, and you can call these people to fight for your reelection, why do we still have schools closed down on the West Side of Chicago? Why are we in a food desert? Why is there lead in our water? You are calling in the wrong political favors. People in the district are tired of how the only time we see leadership, especially in the Black community, is when it’s election time. The petition that we’re making to the voters in this district is that they deserve yearround public service from their public servant, and not just during election time.

POLITICS So the interaction that I’ve had with his campaign has been a disheartening one, because if you’re really for the people, then be for the people at all times, not just when you need their vote.

What are things that define you as a Chicagoan or an Illinoisian?

I’m from 290, period! I’m from the West Side, born and raised. I think what really defines the energy that I’m trying to bring into the national space around the city of Chicago is that the young people who grew up in this city, we grew up with a lot of heart and tenacity against all odds— especially if you’re a young Black person who grew up on the West Side or South Side of the city of Chicago. They should know, this isn’t just an electoral fight, this is a street fight. This is important to so many people in the community who just feel so unheard.

I think the biggest indicator that I’m from Chicago is, one, I tell everybody it’s the best city in the world, and two, it’s just the swag and the way we carry ourselves.

POLITICS We’re not goin’ for none.You’re just not going to tell us “no.” I definitely think my organizing background and organizing spirit is a true indicator of the grassroots spirit here in the city of Chicago. My need and want to be held accountable by the people in this city is also a strong indicator, in my opinion.

Also the last thing I’ll say is the strongest indicator is that I eat Uncle Remus, not Harolds. Period.

Any other thoughts?

Bans Off Our Bodies, period. One of the most disappointing things that happened in this primary cycle was Congressman Davis defending R. Kelly.

A lot of victims actually live in our district.

When he illegally married Aaliyah, it was in Maywood, that’s in our district. The young girl who was in the child porn case in 2002, she was from Oak Park, that’s in our district. This man said that Chicago will welcome R. Kelly back with open arms. Young Black women, trans folks and non-binary people continuously get

erased around sexual assault, and I think it ties into the conversation of Bans Off Our Bodies. We’re seeing a lot of men legislate how to control the bodies of people who can get pregnant in this country. And it’s not about the sanctity of life—because if it was, why are we banning abortions before assault rifles in this country?

For Black women and for Black people who can get pregnant, [Roe v.

Wade] isn’t just about contraceptives and abortion; it’s literally about whether we live or die. We know that Black women are six times more likely to die while giving childbirth in Illinois, and three times more likely to die throughout the country. This is a policy choice that is being made by current leadership. They could not touch Roe if they wanted to, because it’s been constitutionally affirmed by the Supreme Court for the last fifty years. This is the issue that they decide is the pressing one they want to overturn? It makes absolutely zero sense.

So I support eliminating the filibuster in the Senate and moving forward to codify

Roe and the Women’s Health Protection Act on the federal level. We could do that tomorrow if they wanted, and they are actively making a choice not to do it. And like I said, this is not about the sanctity of life, because two classrooms full of fourth graders were gunned down with an AR15, and they’ve done nothing. So if you cared about the lives of children, then you would do something—we see that here in Chicago every weekend. If you cared about the lives of children, you would do something.*Editor’s note: While funding for CPD has in some years decreased, most notably by less than $60 million in 2021, in general the department has received more funding year after year. ** Davis has missed over 1,000 votes, second in Illinois only to Bobby Rush, who has missed over 2,900.

Chima Ikoro is the community organizing editor for the Weekly. She last wrote about disparities Black women face in politics and government.

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POLITICS

The Stakes of Illinois’s New The Majority-Latinx Congressional Seat It could strengthen the interests of Illinois Latinos in D.C. for the foreseeable future.

BY JACQUELINE SERRATO

T

his month’s primary is the first time voting will take place for a new congressional district drawn by state lawmakers to more broadly represent the growth and spread of Chicago-area Latinx people. Their spurt in population in Cook County and the collar counties largely flew under the radar until 2020 Census data showed that the multiethnic group gained more than two million Illinois residents over the last decade, and their presence extended well beyond the city and county.

The reshaped 3rd Congressional District—its previous iteration was represented by Rep. Marie Newman, who is now running for the redrawn 6th District—was reconfigured during

the redistricting process that happens every ten years to account for population changes. Prior to the remap, there was only one congressional district in Illinois that was majority Latinx: the 4th District, represented by Mexican-American Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.

The 3rd District’s new boundaries no longer cover the southwest suburbs, but extend as far north as Albany Park, and stretch westward into racially diverse municipalities including Addison, Rosemont, Elgin, Bensenville, and West Chicago. The 4th District was also redrawn to accommodate those southwest suburban areas previously represented by the 3rd.

The new district is 47.35% Latinx,

39.08% white, 6.12% Asian, and 4.61% Black. The newly generated seat has the potential to strengthen the interests of Illinois Latinos in D.C. for the foreseeable future, and the race has grown heated between two current elected officials who are vying for the federal seat.

A total of four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for the open seat, but taking the lead in recent polls and gaining notable local and national support is State Representative Delia Ramirez, a Latina elected official representing parts of Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and West Town on the North Side. Running neck and neck is current Puerto Rican alderman of the

ILLUSTRATION BY SHANE TOLENTINO

36th Ward and Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s former floor leader, Gilbert Villegas.

Ramirez, who has a community advocacy background, spoke to the Weekly about her accomplishments in Springfield during her first term. She ran on a housing platform in a district that has experienced significant homelessness and gentrification compared to the rest of the city.

One of her early goals was to help the Illinois General Assembly create a housing committee. “We had forty other committees, but nothing to deal with housing,” she said. “In January of 2021, we established a legislative Housing

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Committee… We’ve had more than twenty pieces of legislation go through it, including my bill to keep people in their home in the midst of the pandemic.”

Ramirez rallied state Republicans and colleagues to pass comprehensive emergency housing legislation that included rent assistance and an eviction moratorium. Thought to be the first Guatemalan-American elected to the state legislature, she believes that she can take the issues that Illinois working families care about to D.C. Working with both sides of the aisle is one of the things that Ramirez said has prepared her for Congress.

During the process to replace disgraced Mike Madigan as speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, she helped bring the Progressive Caucus and Latino Caucus together to support Emanuel “Chris” Welch. She nominated him on inauguration day and was chosen by Welch as an assistant majority leader in the House.

Ald. Villegas is a moderate Democrat who may appeal to more conservative voters in more distant parts of the 3rd District, analysts say. His policy stances have been less than progressive; he typically votes with the mayor and has

voted in favor of controversial measures in Black and brown communities, such as expanded policing and large-scale developments like Lincoln Yards.

Records show that since 2015, Villegas received $64,800 in political contributions from Purple PAC, a PAC funded by Howard Labkon of General Iron that also contributes to the Republican Party.

Notably, as the chairman of the City Council’s Latino Caucus, Villegas has pushed for more Latinx representation, repeatedly questioning why there are so few Latinos on the City’s payroll.

Recently, he contributed to a shortlived roadblock in the collective effort to reach a deal between the Black and Latino Caucuses on a new ward map— unsuccessfully pressuring the City Council to add two wards with Latinx plurality, due to their growing numbers in the city, at the expense of predominantly Black wards.

Ramirez is slamming Villegas in political ads for his work as a state lobbyist.

The campaign claims that Villegas’s firm, Stratagem, lobbied for clients with ties to the prison industrial complex, as well as various energy companies, including ComEd, during a period when the

company admitted to bribing elected officials in Illinois. ComEd hired the firm from 2018 to 2019, though Villegas told WBEZ that he was not personally involved in the lobbying efforts.

Villegas has also been criticized for rubbing elbows with State Rep. Luis Arroyo, who’s considered by many to be his political mentor. Arroyo was sentenced for bribing elected officials in Springfield over sweepstakes legislation; Villegas introduced similar sweepstakes legislation in the City of Chicago and received about $40,000 in campaign contributions from Arroyo.

Villegas did not respond to questions from the Weekly by press time.

García endorsed Ramirez in February, and shortly thereafter she received the endorsement of the Chicago Teachers Union for her role in helping to pass an elected school board. Other big names like Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky are also backing her.

Ramirez told the Weekly she visualizes herself working alongside leaders like Schakowsky on freedom of choice, Rep. Cori Bush and Julián Castro on housing, Reps. Verónica Escobar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on immigration, and with

POLITICS those working for the self-determination of Puerto Rico.

Further, she has the endorsements of SEIU Healthcare, SEIU 73, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, Mijente, End Citizens United, United Working Families, and the Working Families Party.

Villegas has received endorsements from former Rep. Luis Gutierrez, outgoing Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, former State Senator Iris Martinez, and alderpersons Susan Sadlowski-Garza, Ariel Reboyras, and Chris Taliaferro.

He also has the support of SEIU Local 1, the Teamsters Joint Council 25, the Chicago Firefighters Local 2, and the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association.

With most votes expected to be cast by city voters, the high-stakes race represents the fault lines that often divide the local Latinx electorate and the need for more representation at the federal level that will fight for the interests of this growing voting bloc. Jacqueline Serrato is the editor-in-chief of the Weekly. She last wrote about workers organizing at Amazon.

Meet the Challenger: Javier Yañez

His civic experience and grassroots values make him the best person for the 12th District Illinois Senate, he said.

BY SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

J

avier Yañez is the chief-of-staff of 25th Ward alderman Byron SigchoLopez. He said he took the initiative to run against Little Village-raised State Senator Celina Villanueva upon noticing her inaction in Springfield around ongoing issues like harmful industrial development, street violence, and families struggling to keep their homes. Yañez joined the race late in the election cycle, which limited his endorsements and fundraising efforts. The incumbent secured the endorsement of Rep. Jesús Chuy García, which makes for a challenging race for Yáñez, but he believes his civic experience and grassroots values

are what will get him elected. The Weekly sent the candidate a short questionnaire, aimed at helping inform readers ahead of the primary. The answers are included below, edited for length and clarity.

What skills or experience do you believe make you the better candidate for this seat?

I am very fortunate to have been able to serve my community across different legislative offices at the county and City level for nearly ten years. From my vantage point as a staffer for then-Cook City Commissioner Chuy Garcia, Cook

County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, and most recently, for Alderman Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward, I had the opportunity to see in detail how our communities can be strengthened while also seeing the commonalities as to why so many of our current elected officials fall short.

I’ve learned how you come into public office is a critical reflection of how you will serve. My opponent, the incumbent, was not once, but twice appointed to the Illinois legislature by one of Chicago’s most notorious indicted politician Michael Madigan, and she has received tens of thousands of dollars in support from many of the elite financial donors

who benefited from his five decades in Springfield.

I have the experience and, most importantly, the political independence and courage to stand up to entrenched interests in Springfield taking money out of the pockets of the hardworking people of the 12th District. What does that mean? It means I’ll actually fight to Lift the Ban on rent control, not just give the policy lip service, while taking money from Realtor PACs and cozying up to Senate President Don Harmon who is one of the biggest obstacles to the legislation reaching Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk.

JUNE 16, 2022 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 15

POLITICS It means I’ll fight to reform property taxes and make the ultra rich of Illinois pay their fair share. It means I’ll fight for environmental justice, clean air, and sustainable green jobs in our industrial corridors, and stand up to industrial polluters when they poison our communities like Hilco did to Little Village at the start of the pandemic in 2020—not remain silent while I accept political contributions. It means I’ll fight to keep Illinois a state where reproductive health and the freedom to choose is protected. It means investing in the immediate short term and long term solutions to public safety will be a top priority because our residents deserve the same safety that more affluent communities of Illinois enjoy. I will fight for us because I come from the grassroots, I am accountable only to the grassroots, and I’m fighting for our communities.

What legislative measures would you champion in Springfield?

Property tax reform so long term residents can stay in their homes, and lifting

16 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

¬ JUNE 16, 2022

the ban on rent control so tenants can anticipate stable rent and mom-and-pop landlords who provide affordable housing can receive a break in their property taxes for the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing.

Campaign finance and ethics reform: Illinois tax payers simply cannot afford the corruption tax any more, be it in their tax bills, their utility bills, or their lack of investment in essential government services. We need to take strong steps to preserve democracy in Illinois and ensure public officials work for the taxpayer, not for themselves and the billionaire class.

Investments in addressing the root causes of violence for immediate and long term solutions. It is not an accident that communities of the 12th District have higher rates of violence and crime on our streets when compared to communities across Illinois with better funded schools, social programs, and other critical services.

Our economic corridors and labor force are some of the most vibrant in the state.

As your state Senator, I will fight for the investments our communities are entitled to and for a better and more peaceful

quality of life for all our residents.

Describe three issues that concern the constituents of the 12th District and how you’d begin to address them?

1. Affordable housing: The Southwest Side neighborhoods continue to rise in housing costs and property taxes. There is so much concern amongst the 12th District constituents about the security of their daily lives and where they are going to rest their heads at night. Our neighborhoods, which were seen as too dangerous to drive through, are now seen as “the coolest neighborhoods in the world,” according to Forbes magazine, and with this have come rising costs. But what makes our communities so vibrant is its people, which is now being lost. Tenants are facing skyrocketing rents. Momand-pop property owners, who have continuously provided affordable housing to residents, are being forced to sell their buildings to predatory developers, forcing not only the homeowners to relocate, but the tenants without the secure and stable housing they deserve. In Pilsen, we have already put a stop to predatory practices by developers, but the work is not done.

2. Public safety: Elected officials continue to talk about public safety and say that it is a priority, but it is not being done with the urgency that is required.

Families are losing their children to gun violence at an alarming rate and all we hear is that there needs to be more investment into our communities, but it is happening at a devastatingly slow pace.

During our campaign, we have talked with constituents that tell us that they want to go to their neighborhood parks and gathering spaces, but do not feel safe doing so, so they stay inside, rather than walk with their families and friends to the park or go to the playground with the children. Not every community in Illinois has the rates of gun violence that our communities do. As State Senator, I will fight to rectify the historic and entrenched inequality that starves our families and institutions of resources needed to keep our communities safe.

3. Environment: The Southwest Side has continuously been used as a dumping ground for polluting industry that the North Side doesn’t want. As a result, our

communities experience disproportionate rates of illness and short life expectancy so that the Northside can stay healthy and billionaires can keep putting money in their pocket. My wife is a preschool teacher in Back of the Yards, and across from the school, not even half a block away from the playground is a trucking/ freight company. Freight trucks idle and spew out toxic diesel exhaust throughout the day while her children run, play, and climb trees, breathing in contaminated air. Rates and the severity of asthma have increased and it is not a coincidence.

The families that my wife works with, amongst many others, are scared for their children’s health and safety, but also heartbroken that nothing is being done.

The constituents have demanded time and time again that polluting companies have no place in our neighborhoods, and yet elected officials have stayed silent on the issue. If elected, I will fight for clean air, environmental justice, and a sustainable green corridor that strengthens, not weakens our families’ quality of life.

Explain how you would work with other elected officials or stakeholders to get things done.

This past year, I worked with state and county elected officials to secure over $500,000 of investments in public safety infrastructure and youth programming.

During the COVID pandemic, I worked with local businesses and chambers of commerce across the Southwest Side to raise nearly $100,000 in resources for local families, many who are undocumented and unable to secure government assistance, to ensure these families could have support they so dearly needed. ¬

OPINION

Op-Ed: The Sun-Times Misleads on Kaegi A series of investigative stories attempt to paint Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi as incompetent or corrupt, but lean on exaggeration and tabloid framing.

BY CURTIS BLACK

I

s Fritz Kaegi a reformer? Or is he really an incompetent bungler—or worse, doing favors for the likes of Donald Trump, Mike Madigan, and mob boss Joey Lombardi—as the headlines for a recent series of Chicago Sun-Times investigations suggest?

Kaegi was elected Cook County assessor in 2018 in an upset over incumbent Joe Berrios, who also chaired the Cook Cook Democratic Party at the time. Berios’s assessments were shown by multiple independent analyses to be biased against low-income communities and small businesses, and Kaegi promised to fix that. So far, research shows that he has consistently brought his valuation of large commercial properties closer to market rates, which will reduce the relative tax burden on homeowners.

So it was notable when a series of investigative articles in the Sun-Times appeared to promise tales of scandal and corruption in the assessor’s office.

The articles themselves focused on a small number of errors in administering property tax exemptions, most of them dating to previous administrations. It takes close attention to realize that the real story, that of a reformer striving to correct problems that have festered for years, was being obscured in a cloud of insinuation and falsely framed to make the reformer look like a hack.

The headlines certainly blared: “Tax Program Riddled with Errors and Lax Oversight,” “Kaegi Botched COVID Tax Relief,” and “Cook County Assessors Gave Tax Breaks to a Dead Mobster.”

The layouts bristled with photos of fancy homes and personal financial details that recall a gossip magazine’s survey of who makes how much.

Two separate articles last year

featured pictures of a Gold Coast couple apparently chosen by Sun-Times editors to represent people who benefited from mistakes in administering a senior tax break. Both stories devoted several paragraphs to detailing the couple’s spending habits and included an old photo of the pair with big hair and loud formalwear “at a gala in the 1990s,” presenting them as the kind of rich folks that Kaegi, elected on a promise to improve equity, is really helping.

That particular exemption program, designed to shield longtime residents from the effects of gentrification on tax rates, is one of eight exemptions available to Cook County homeowners. The deeper story may be that state legislators love showering their constituents with such minor goodies, rather than addressing larger budget problems that force local school districts to carry most of the cost of public education, thus giving Illinois some of the highest property tax rates in the country. And that with 1.8 million properties to assess in Cook County, those exemptions are virtually impossible to administer with 100 percent accuracy.

But while the Sun-Times mentions the role state legislators played in creating this complicated system, the stories zero in on and amplify the significance of the small number of errors Kaegi’s office made. According to the Sun-Times, “officials admit the program is riddled with errors,” and Kaegi’s office “admits it’s made numerous errors” calculating exemptions. (Kaegi’s office took issue with that characterization in a subsequent blog post, though you wouldn’t have learned that from the Sun-Times, which repeated the framing in story after story.)

It’s not hard to visualize the TV ads using headlines from the series to attack

Kaegi. And his opponents know that— they jumped right on the story. County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, a longtime Berrios supporter, attacked Kaegi over “major errors” in the program. And Kari Steele, a challenger to Kaegi who’s backed by the city’s commercial property association, cited the article when she announced her candidacy, saying, “A SunTimes investigation revealed that [Kaegi] badly mismanaged the senior citizen tax rates program.”

The facts about the true scope of the program’s problems only trickled out long after the big splash.

The Sun-Times formulation, repeated in several stories, seemed designed to exaggerate the problem: “The Sun-Times examination of the freezes on 144,000 residential properties found the tax breaks shifted $250 million onto other property owners even though the freezes often were incorrectly calculated.”

Indeed, the assessor’s office noted in a blog post that following the story, “Some have asked whether this entire $250 million figure is money that is going to people who do not qualify.” It isn’t.

It’s only in a second editorial two weeks after the initial article—after a first editorial which said only “the dollars involved are high,” once again citing the $250 million figure—that we learn that the assessor’s office has determined “senior freezes were improperly granted using an outdated formula to no more than 0.2% of the 144,000 properties” that get the exemption. The cost of faulty exemptions to other property taxpayers?

“Less than $1 and probably a lot less.”

In fact, a lot less. In its blog post, the assessor’s office wrote that of the tens of thousands of senior freezes exemptions, about 150 were incorrectly calculated.

That cost average taxpayers about one or two cents on their tax bill.

Taking that analysis at face value, that’s hardly a program “riddled with errors.” And it’s quite a stretch to say the exemptions were “often” incorrectly calculated when roughly one in a thousand were erroneous—and the cost to taxpayers was virtually nil.

Subsequent stories repeated the pattern: lurid headlines and framing attacking Kaegi, and facts which don’t back up the hoopla. In September, under the headline “Trump Gets $300K Tax Break,” the paper reported that the former president got a property tax cut because Kaegi had “slashed” the assessment of vacant retail space in the Trump Tower downtown.

It wasn’t until halfway through the story that it was revealed that Trump’s tax bill is actually higher than it was under Berrios. With more diligence than a newspaper article should require, a reader could piece together the real story together from facts scattered more or less randomly through the Sun-Times piece.

What actually happened is that, in 2020, Kaegi doubled the assessed value of the vacant space, bumping Trump’s tax bill up to $1 million. Trump’s attorneys appealed the assessment but didn’t file correctly, so his appeal was rejected. Last year they appealed again, correctly this time, and his tax bill was reduced based on a valid vacancy claim.

But because Kaegi had tightened up the policy on assessing vacant retail space—a property can now receive an assessment reduction equivalent to only half its vacancy rate—Trump’s tax bill is now about $200,000 higher than three years ago.

Any way you cut it, Trump is paying JUNE 16, 2022 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 17

OPINION

A SELECTION OF SUN-TIMES HEADLINES. ILLUSTRATION: BRIDGET KILLIAN

more because of Kaegi’s policies—the exact opposite of the Sun-Times’ framing of the story.

In an October story, the SunTimes contradicted its own reporting on an exemption program for disabled veterans. A four-page spread on October 3 highlighted a number of homes whose owners pay no property tax or get a reduced bill because of the exemption, suggesting that Illinois should copy other states that put an income limit on the exemption. The story explained that the program wipes out property tax bills entirely for homes below a certain value ($775,000 last year, which works out to an equalized assessed value, or EAV, of $250,000), but that even “for those whose homes are valued by the assessor’s office higher than that, the law gives disabled vets steep tax cuts.”

That last point was apparently forgotten a week later, when the headline screamed, “Kaegi is giving tax breaks to veterans on pricey homes even though they don’t qualify.” The story profiled veterans’ homes with an EAV higher than $250,000 that received the exemption and suggested Kaegi was operating in violation of the state law. At one point, the story claimed “the number of ineligible homes getting those tax breaks has shot up under Kaegi.”

That number, according to the Sun-Times, is now 126 out of over 27,000 homes getting the exemption in Cook County.

But the second story doesn’t clarify whether veterans with pricier homes don’t have to pay any property taxes or whether they just get “steep tax cuts,” which the earlier article stated was allowed under 18 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

¬ JUNE 16, 2022

state law. In fact, the law is murky on this point. In Cook County, Kaegi has continued Berrios’s policy of granting a partial exemption covering the value of a home up to the $250,000 limit. Disabled veterans still have to pay property taxes on the value of their home over that limit.

And Kaegi’s office declined to alter that policy during a pandemic.

But facts be damned, and once more we get a splashy headline that will look great in a TV ad.

Perhaps the strangest story was the “mobster” article that appeared December 19. It revolved around nine properties where owners got exemptions they weren’t supposed to, under a variety of circumstances.

Considering there are nearly two million properties being assessed, this is not particularly remarkable.

The story did mention the work of Kaegi’s erroneous exemptions department—indeed, several of the exemption errors in the story were actually identified by Kaegi’s office. But the story didn’t mention the fact that under Kaegi, the number of erroneous exemptions being identified each year has nearly tripled, which means the department now pays for itself and actually saves taxpayers money.

But the framing focused on the fact that a property owned by convicted mobster Joseph Lombardi received senior exemptions for six years after he died because “someone” continued to file for them. (His daughter, who now lives there, denied that she had filed the false claims.)

This gave the paper a chance to reprise some gory details of Lombardi’s crimes.

The strange thing is that it was

Kaegi’s office that found the erroneous exemption on the Lombardi property and demanded back taxes. So is the story that Kaegi is giving erroneous exemptions to dead mobsters, as the SunTimes maintained, or is it that he is taking them away?

Rounding out a six-month string of these stories, a January 30 article maintained that Kaegi’s attempt to adjust assessments to account for market changes at the onset of the COVID pandemic was a “wild miscalculation.”

In fact, housing values fell in the first few months of 2021, and Kaegi decided he had to respond. But sales data wasn’t available, so he used data sets that track how unemployment rates impact property values, reducing home assessments by an average of ten percent. He also adjusted some commercial property values based on conditions in particular industries, while taking into account the fact that commercial properties had previously been under-assessed across the board.

In the following months, housing prices rebounded, as new at-home workers sought more space. But assessments are required to be based on current market conditions, not predictions of future trends. The housing market may be more or less voluble or even irrational, but assessments are a snapshot of values at a particular moment in time.

Once again, the Sun-Times ran through a set of specific properties, and again, these shed much more heat than light. They showed that the homes of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Governor J.B. Pritzker, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, and Ald. Edward Burke all received COVID adjustments (as did all homeowners), ranging from eight to twelve percent. They also detailed how their tax bills changed, which makes us wonder what the point is. Lightfoot’s assessment went down eleven percent, but her tax bill went down by 1.4 percent, from $9,407 to $9,272. Prtizker got an eight percent reduction but his tax bill went up by over $9,000, somewhat less than two percent.

(The caption on a photo of Pritzker in the newspaper edition gets it wrong, claiming his tax bill went down, demonstrating how muddled the whole presentation is.)

These properties were contrasted with a single small home on the South Side, which got an eight percent assessment reduction, but where taxes increased by $50. The clear implication is that Kaegi is helping political insiders and screwing low-income homeowners.

But, in fact, what this cherry-picked data demonstrated is that there’s no straight line from assessments to tax rates, which depend on the tax levy set by a variety of government bodies with different boundaries.

The Sun-Times also didn’t mention that taxes on the South Side home would have gone up by about $200 without the COVID adjustment, according to the assessor’s office.

Misleading headlines, contradictions with their own reporting, out-of-context overstatement of minor errors, omission of relevant facts that undercut the framing of articles—overall, the Sun-Times series is an object lesson of the need for critical consumption of media.

The impact of this coverage is hard to determine, but the headlines seem tailormade for use in attack ads. They could certainly be fodder for the “slash and burn” independent expenditure campaign against Kaegi that downtown real estate interests are now reportedly considering.

The developers and operators of luxury highrises and office towers clearly want to go back to the days when the assessor’s office gave them special treatment.

What’s less clear is why the SunTimes would want to help them. This story was first published online on May 6.

Curtis Black is a longtime journalist and columnist. He is also a researcher for Good Government Illinois, a political action committee founded by David Orr, which has received support from Fritz Kaegi. This is his first story for the Weekly.

The Next Secretary of State

POLITICS

Three candidates for Jesse White’s position on modernizing the office, road safety, and ethics.

BY ADAM PRZYBYL

F

or the past two decades, every driver and state ID holder in Illinois has become all too familiar with the name emblazoned on their license or ID card: Jesse White, Secretary of State. First elected to the role in 1998, White, who turns eighty-eight next week, announced in 2019 that he would not be seeking reelection for what would be his sixth term. Four Democrats and two Republicans have announced candidacies for the role. The Weekly reached out to the three highest profile Democratic candidates—Anna Valencia, Alexi Giannoulias, and David Moore—with a short questionnaire aimed at helping inform readers ahead of the primary.

Only Moore responded by press time, but some information about each candidate is included below.

Illinois’ Secretary of State has a wide variety of duties and responsibilities, including maintaining state records and laws, overseeing the state’s libraries, providing license and registration services for drivers, and administering the registration of corporations and lobbyists.

For many, if not most residents, their primary interaction with the Secretary of State will be through their local Driver Services office (often called the DMV, even though Illinois doesn’t have a Department of Motor Vehicles) as they get their driver’s licenses and pay for license plates.

The Weekly asked candidates about their backgrounds and how they will improve the efficiency of services, modernize the department, make services more accessible to disenfranchised communities, address road safety, and fight corruption. An excerpt of Moore’s answers are included below, along with some information about Valencia and Giannoulias’ platforms based on other sources.

ILLUSTRATION BY MELL MONTEZUMA

JUNE 16, 2022 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 19

POLITICS David Moore, 56, is the 17th Ward Alderperson, a position he’s held since 2015. The ward encompasses portions of Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Marquette Park, and West Englewood. He’s been endorsed by Rep. Danny Davis and former Alderperson Dick Simpson.

Anna Valencia, 37, is the Chicago City Clerk. She was appointed to the office in 2017 by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel and won the election for the office in 2019. Valencia has endorsements from Jesse White himself, Governor J.B. Pritzker, Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, to name a few. Prior to being City Clerk, Valencia worked on the campaigns of Mike Quigley, Dick Durbin, and Emanuel.

Alexi Giannoulias, 46, is the founder and CEO of Annoula Ventures and served as the Illinois Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. He’s received endorsements from U.S. Reps Jesús “Chuy” García and Bobby Rush, among various other lawmakers and alderpersons. Giannoulias ran for the U.S. Senate in 2010 and narrowly lost to Republican Mark Kirk.

He has worked in the finance industry at Broadway Bank and for BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

Illinoisians love to complain about long lines at DMV offices, which make it difficult to access services. Do you have any plans to improve efficiency and decrease waiting times?

How does your background make you a good candidate for this position?

Moore: I would first audit activities to see where we’re spending money, which are used most frequently, could be improved if online, would give the biggest bang for the buck. If it happens to be driver services, then spend there and make sure we get the most effective use of those dollars.

Moore: I possess a rare combination of corporate experience, political savvy, passion and track record for representing constituent interests. I graduated Western Illinois University with a dual major in accounting and operations management and earned [a masters] with emphasis in government studies at Loyola University-Chicago.

Prior to my election as alderman of my home ward, I established a successful accounting career in the private sector at several Fortune 500 companies, as well as with Chicago’s Department of Aviation and Chicago Housing Authority. My background in nearly every aspect of government management and cost-benefit analysis would be invaluable to a hands-on approach to fostering accountability and transparency throughout the office.

20 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

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Moore: I was the first candidate to propose digital license plates because of their multifaceted potential for positive impact. For one, they eliminate the need for in-person renewal, registration and titling—all of which means a cost savings to Illinois residents. I would also increase convenience through satellite offices in library branches, mobile units and other options as appropriate.

Valencia has stated that she would create an online DMV portal and phone app that would allow residents to conduct transactions online, though she did not specify how it would be different from the currently available online services.

Giannoulias has proposed a “Skip the Line” program that will use “sophisticated technology” to allow residents to schedule appointments in advance and avoid lines.

How will you modernize the department to keep up with current technology?

I absolutely agree the current Secretary of State mainframe system is antiquated— slower, less secure, relying on outdated computer languages—compared to current alternatives. But change done right can take 3-5 years, after thorough cost-benefit analysis, planning, testing, user training and consideration of failsafe measures. I have heard during this campaign references to successful programs initiated long before actual implementation, to “blockchains” and other buzzwords that may apply to crypto currencies but not necessarily to needs in the public sector.

To me, “modernize” must be viewed broadly, to incorporate practical applications with more immediate benefits. For example, the digital plates mentioned above would replace the current metal ones that have not changed in more than a century. The word “Stolen” displayed on the new plates could help reduce the carjacking epidemic, by increasing the potential for quicker identification and arrest. Additionally, they help decrease the number of uninsured drivers.

mentioned above could provide greater accessibility for a range of diverse needs.

Valencia wants to make the online services available in multiple languages for nonEnglish speakers. She also wants to set up self-service DMV kiosks so people have more options to access services. As City Clerk, Valencia also spearheaded the initiative for a Municipal ID that undocumented people, among others, would be eligible for, and which eventually turned into the CityKey program.

“I believe this highly automated office must address the “digital divide” that negatively affects service delivery to senior, economically disadvantaged and rural populations without adequate internet, for whom even phone and inperson access may be limited.” - David Moore Valencia has said that she’ll implement blockchain solutions, increase the number of Maker Labs in libraries, turn state buildings into WiFi beacons, and create a one-stop shop online portal for all Secretary of State services.

Giannoulias has said that he’ll push for a digital license program, allowing drivers to display their license information on their phones, and also wants to create an app to allow residents to access the department’s services.

What is your plan to make the office’s services more accessible to disenfranchised communities, such as people who are homeless, undocumented, or live far away from the closest DMV services?

Moore: I believe this highly automated office must address the “digital divide” that negatively affects service delivery to senior, economically disadvantaged and rural populations without adequate internet, for whom even phone and in-person access may be limited.

Regardless of the growing acceptance of electronically conducted business, there will continue to be those who require or want person-to-person communication.

The library and mobile satellite branches

Giannoulias has emphasized making remote services available through the internet, including letting people upload documents ahead of time. He wants to create a digital assistance team and set up services at pop-up offices and libraries to make it more accessible for people far away from the nearest office.

Given the recent increase in traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths, what is your plan to address road safety?

Moore: Recent statistics indicate at least 3,000 lives lost in one year due to drivers using electronics, eating, grooming, [and] focusing attention on passengers or pets.

Illinois law prohibits and has fines and criminal penalties for distracted driving, as outlined in a brochure published by the Secretary of State. However, these focus on cell phones rather than six other hazardous common behaviors listed. And while police enforcement has been shown to reduce cell phone communications, Illinois is among most other states that simply do not have the resources to make that a priority.

I have proposed creating Youth Engagement Offices in all 122 of the state’s motor vehicle facilities, which could include education about techniques

POLITICS for dealing with [distracted driving], as well as the physical, penal, financial and other consequences that could affect future circumstances. I believe there should be a component involving parents, who can be key to setting good examples and enforcing safety habits. I would also advocate for more comprehensive education about distracted driving, not just when obtaining a license, but through broadcast, online and other media campaigns—even on billboards or public transportation.

Valencia plans to set up a Road Safety Advisory Panel, which will include Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, to make recommendations around how to prevent driving under the influence, speeding, and distracted driving. She also wants to enhance penalties for drunk driving and expand the state’s Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device program.

Giannoulias has also expressed support for strengthening penalties for driving

under the influence.

Each candidate has talked about fighting corruption. What is your platform around ethics and mitigating corruption?

Moore: The most important aspects of the Secretary of State’s office are trust, integrity and safety. The office […] certifies the incorporation of businesses and nonprofit groups, oversees lobbyists, financial advisors and regulates the ethics of state workers, elected officials and candidates running for office. While this diverse portfolio highlights the importance of the office, it also creates many opportunities for wrongdoing.

As Secretary of State, I will work to implement a comprehensive approach to rooting out waste, fraud and corruption.

I also will work to promote transparency and accountability: •Expand the authority of the Inspector General by designating integrity officers in every region of the state to work with audit review committee members in all twenty departments

within the Secretary of State’s office to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the office.

•Redefine the definitions of “person” and “entity” to include spouses and immediate family members in the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act as it relates to ethical standards and disclosure of economic interests for elected officials.

•Strengthen the disclosure requirements of the annual statement of financial interest by listing all of the entities for which a spouse acting as a lobbyist or consultant doing business relating to governmental bodies or contracts does work.

•Keep the politics and business of the Secretary of State’s office separate to ensure workers are evaluated for the quality of their performance and not political donations and/or quotas.

•Enforce and/or increase fines for failure to disclose conflicts of interest so that any breach of trust is taken seriously.

Valencia wants to strengthen reporting requirements on statements of economic interest, ban legislators from using campaign funds for criminal defense

attorneys, and strengthen the Secretary of State’s Inspector General office.

Giannoulias has expressed support for a number of policies around ethics reform, including banning elected officials from being lobbyists, making former elected officials wait at least two years before they can lobby, and creating a searchable lobbyist database. Adam Przybyl is The Weekly’s managing editor. He last wrote about Archer Heights and Avalon Park for Best of the South Side 2019.

Fairness!

Integrity!

Experience!

Meet Jenetia Marshall

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As a Southside Chicago native who raised her family there, Jenetia has strong ties to the community. She’s active in her church, serving on several ministries and as the Board Treasurer.

Jenetia takes pride in serving the community and helping those in need through mentorship, assisting with a community food program, a boxing initiative, and working with the youth.

Jenetia has always had a passion for helping others, which inspired her to pursue a career in public service.

For over 19 years, Jenetia has practiced law and advocated for disenfranchised communities—including children and families needing reunification.

She also worked on Chicago’s west side as a bilingual medical case manager. Here, she fought for children who were the victims of abuse, neglect, or dependency and aided families who were experiencing addiction, domestic violence, mental health concerns, and childhood trauma.

Serving others is not just a phrase for Jenetia; it is her life’s mission and what she considers to be a life well lived.

Education Kenwood Academy High School Spelman College University of Illinois Chicago Law School

Experience

• Cook County Juvenile Court attorney for 18 years, litigating and advocating for children and reuniting families.

• Statewide Compliance Administrator, responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect while balancing the due process rights of mandated reporters and childcare employees.

• Caseworker for 6 years, servicing the Department of Children and Family Services’ youth in care.

• Co-chair of a committee to address the disproportionate minority representation of youth in care.

• Program coordinator with Northeastern Illinois University on community programs that bene ted grandparents, parents, and children in CPS and the community.

• Active member of a community church, working with young people, the food program, mentoring, mental health and boxing program.

Found Qualfied and Recommended by All Bar Associations Why You Should Vote for Jenetia

It is vital to have judges who are well-informed, fair and unbiased, and dedicated to justice for all, as judges are among the most interacted with elected of cials and can have a considerable impact on residents’ lives.

If you value experience, integrity, and fairness, vote for Jenetia Marshall for Cook County Circuit Judge in the 5th Judicial Subcircuit on June 28th.

Marshall4judge2022.com

Punch #192

Paid for by Friends of Jenetia Marshall.

JUNE 16, 2022 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 21

SCAN TO READ ONLINE

BULLETIN 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: A family affair!

DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. Sunday, June 19, 11:00am — 8:00 pm. Free.

Join this decade-long celebration by The Black Mall in partnership with the DuSable Museum's Juneteenth BBQ & Block Party. Sound stage by SoundWorks led by Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa. Children's activities, vendors, food trucks, art exhibits, and free admission to the museum. ( Jackie Serrato)

Party at the Polls

Multiple venues, check description. Various dates, 1:00pm–6:00pm. Free. bit.ly/ partypolls This is a community resource fair that will be happening at early voting locations in Woodlawn, Lawndale, and Englewood. There will be mural painting, gardening, food, entertainment, and the ability to vote early. The North Lawndale event will be June 14 at St Agatha Catholic Church, Englewood will be at Lindblom Park on June 17, and Woodlawn will be at the Bessie Coleman Library on June 25. The events will be hosted by Chicago Votes and different organizations from those communities and will last from 1-6pm each time.

Juneteenth Freedom Market

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago , 220 E Chicago Ave, Friday, June 17, 5:00pm–9:00pm. $25. bit.ly/39jfuNe Refine Collective is having their second annual Juneteenth Freedom Market at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. This celebration of Black creativity and entrepreneurship will 22 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY

¬ JUNE 16, 2022

feature over fifty local Black owned businesses, drinks, live entertainment, music and more. Participating businesses can be found on their Instagram @ refinecltv! (Chima Ikoro)

South Side Summer Family Fest

Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S Ingleside Ave, Saturday, June 18, 11:00am–3:00pm.

Free. bit.ly/3xFIkRj This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, games, health screenings, community resources, and more. Organized by MoreCare and the Comer Education Campus, there will be local comedians, musicians, and the Jesse White tumblers. There will also be free food and giveaways. (Adam Przybyl)

Juneteenth Black Joyride

Formal Gardens , 8th and Michigan , Sunday, June 19, 11:00am–12:00am. Free. blackjoyride.com Black JoyRide, organized by Shawnee Dez, is back for their third annual Juneteenth Black Joyride. This year, the ride will start downtown at the Formal Gardens in Grant Park and ride 7.1 miles to the DuSable Museum for a field day. All cyclists and skaters are welcome to come and amplify Black joy and call attention to the needs of the Black community. More information can be found on Instagram @blackjoyride!

(Chima Ikoro)

Speed and Action Rodeo Horse Show South Shore Cultural Center, 7058 South Shore Dr, Sunday, June 19, 2:00pm. $1015. brokenarrowhorsebackridingclub.org The Broken Arrow Horseback Riding Club is hosting its annual rodeo show featuring relay races, tricks, barrel racing, and more. The Riding Club was

ILLUSTRATION BY THUMY PHAN

founded in 1989 and according to its website aims to "provide riders of all ages and physical ability an opportunity to experience horsemanship." You should plan to bring your own snacks and chairs as seating is limited. Doors open at 1pm which is also when registration and booking closes. The show starts at 2pm and will take place rain or shine. To register, volunteer, donate or participate, contact Murdock at (773) 814-0545 or murdock47@att.net. (Adam Przybyl)

waiver. There are sections for different ages and experience levels, starting at 5:45pm for those who are just learning to race. 6:15 is for Juniors (15-18) and Youth (9-14), 6:40 is for beginners, 7:10 for intermediate, and 7:45 for experts.

Expert and intermediate costs $15, everyone else can attend for free. Next dates are June 1, June 15, June 29, July 13, and July 27. Races will take place after training. (Adam Przybyl)

Beverly Walking Tour

DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E 56th Pl, Friday, July 1, 6:00pm–11:30pm. Free. pridesouthside.org

103rd St Beverly Hills Metra Station, 10301 S Walden Parkway, Saturday, June 25, 12:00pm–2:00pm. $10-20 donation. bit.ly/3O9yegX Organized by Chicago for Chicagoans, a "pay-what-you-can walking tour nonprofit," this tour of Beverly will feature Tim Moran, a local journalist and Beverly resident who "brings decades of passion for his community to a one-of-a-kind exploration of this time capsule neighborhood." The tour starts at 103rd St Beverly Hills Metra Station and will cover the architecture, history, and landmarks of Beverly, including churches, castles, Irish immigration, and "contemporary controversy." The tour will end in the afternoon with a meal at a local restaurant. The tour is free but a suggested tip of $10-20 is appreciated.

(Adam Przybyl)

Big Marsh Madness Race Training Series

Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Ave, Wednesday, June 29, 5:45pm. $0-15. instagram.com/bigmarshchicago/ Friends of Big Marsh's new Wednesday night series will help bikers of all ages and experience levels learn and train how to race mountain bikes. Helmets are required and those 17 and under must have a parent/guardian signed event

Chicago Black Pride

The annual festival will take place over three days during the July 4 weekend.

Not all details have been finalized, but on July 2, a party featuring performers such as DJ Zolita and DJ Dapper, as well as vendors and a sponsored bar will take place at the DuSable Museum.

Check the website for more parties and events taking place that weekend. (Adam Przybyl)

FOOD & LAND Wooded Island Bird Walk

Wooded Island, Stony Island Ave and 59th St, Saturday, June 18, 8:00am. Free.

Weekly, every Saturday, year round, weather permitting. The Walks are free and open to one and all. Newcomers are warmly welcomed. Please wear masks if you have not been fully vaccinated and respect everyone’s physical distance.

Bring binoculars, field guides, and dress for the weather. The walks cover a distance of two miles, walking through Wooded Island and Bobolink Meadow.

In the winter the group also drives to the Outer Harbor near La Rabida Hospital to check the lakefront and the harbor for wintering ducks. Meet on the west side of the Columbia Basin (north lagoon)

at 8am. Park on Stony Island, near 59th street, walk east across the parkland area, then cross Cornell Drive to reach the spot. (Kate Gallagher)

ARTS Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour Various locations, Friday, June 17, 6:00pm–9:00pm. Free. bit. ly/2022bronzevillearttour

Taking place every third Friday of the month, take a hop on a double-decker bus and tour five Bronzeville art galleries and spaces. The tour will visit Blanc Gallery, Bronzeville Artist Lofts, Gallery Guichard, Faie Afrikan Art, and South Side Community Art Center. Register online for more information. Next tour date is June 17, followed by July 15, August 19, and September 16. (Adam Przybyl)

Juneteenth: A Summer of Celebration for the Culture Lindblom Park, 6054 S Damen Ave,

Saturday, June 18, 10:00am–4:00pm. Free.

Voices of West Englewood, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, is presenting an event of music, games, and dancing to celebrate Juneteenth. Featuring Joe Bar & the Platinum Band, the 1st Lady Maddy B, and music from Derrick Old School/ Steppin, there will also be a softball game between the Gage Park Owls and the Harper High Caranals as well as line dancing. Call (773) 567-1805or email voiceofwestenglewood@gmail.com for more information. (Adam Przybyl)

Queer Radical Fair #1

Palmer Park Cultural Center, 201 E 111th St, Saturday, June 18, 2:00pm–7:00pm.

Free.

Join Chicago Freedom School (CFS) as they partner with the Chicago Park Districts "Queering in the Parks," YouMedia, Social Works and Rebirth Garments for an LGBTQIA+ centered event featuring a fashion show, DJ set, drag performances, art making and more.

CFS will also be celebrating fifteen years of radical youth work and will host special performances! More information can be found on their Instagram @ ChiFreeSchool. (Chima Ikoro)

Young Chicago Authors Wordplay Open Mic

Instagram Live, Every Tuesday, 6:00pm–7:30pm. Free. instagram.com/ youngchicagoauthors One of the longest-running youth open mics, Worldplay, is back every Tuesday on Instagram Live. The virtual open mic is hosted by DJ Ca$hera and showcases music, spoken-word performances, and a featured artist. (Chima Ikoro)

Chess Records Tours

Chess Records, 2120 S. Michigan Ave., Thursday through Saturday. 12:00pm– 4:00pm. $20 donation. info@bluesheaven. com Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven, the foundation that owns the building formerly known as Chess Records, is

resuming tours of the place that saw some of the most legendary Black artists in the '50s and '60s: Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Etta James, among them. The second floor is dedicated to Dixon, and the recording studio displays period artifacts. Tours are Thursday through Saturday afternoons. (312) 8081286 ( Jackie Serrato)

Rudy Lozano Exhibit

UIC's Richard J. Daley Library, 801 S. Morgan St, 7:00am–9:00pm. Free.

Chicago's most well-known Chicano activist is the subject of a new exhibit at UIC’s Richard J. Daley Library, “A Search for Unity: Rudy Lozano and the Coalition Building in Chicago,” which runs until next fall. The exhibit is made up of papers, photographs, posters and other memories about Lozano, who was murdered in Little Village when he was 31, after losing a bid to become the city’s first Mexican-American alderman.

Saturdays closed. Check the library's COVID guidelines. ( Jackie Serrato)

CHOIR BOY NOW THROUGH JULY 24

By ensemble member Tarell

Alvin McCraney Gash

Directed by Kent

Threaded throughout with soul-stirring a cappella gospel hymns, Choir Boy is the story of a young gay Black man and his battle between identity and community.

Tickets, show and discount info at steppenwolf.org | 312-335-1650

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“For playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, art isn’t just for amusement, escapism, or cultural critique. It’s necessary” - Entertainment Weekly GRAND PRODUCTION SPONSORS

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