Roderick T. Sawyer, Candidate for 6th Ward Alderman
Roderick T. Sawyer
Candidate Full Name: Roderick T. Sawyer
Office: 6th Ward Alderman
Survey Questions (Character limit of 2,000 per response)
1. What is the most important issue that you will address in your ward?
The most important issue that will be addressed in my next term is revitalizing our business corridors. When we transform our corridors from desolate former manufacturing districts into vibrant business districts, this results in an increased tax base, reduced unemployment and a corresponding reduction in criminal activity.
2. What are your plans for helping fight crime in your ward?
In addition to my response above, I have sponsored a budget amendment to hire additional police officers over the rate of attrition. We cannot effectively fight crime without having the police department properly staffed.
3. What, if any, city assets would you consider privatizing to raise money?
There are no city assets that I would currently consider privatizing. Based on my displeasure with the current privatization initiatives, I sponsored the Privatization Transparency and Accountability Ordinance, which would require public hearings prior to privatizing a service or asset. A cost-benefit analysis would be performed to determine whether it is in the city's best interest to privatize a service or asset, with a particular emphasis on maintaining living wage jobs.
4. Do you support or oppose the vote to increase the minimum wage in several steps to $13 an hour by 2019?
I was the lead sponsor of the original ordinance that would have increased the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour. In addition to sponsoring legislation, I have participated in numerous rallies and protests in support of an increased minimum wage.
5. Are you in favor of Chicago's Red Light Camera program?
I am not in support of the current Red Light Camera program and have an ordinance pending in the Transportation Committee phasing out both the Red Light and Speed cameras over a period of three years.
