Margie Reid, Candidate for 7th Ward Alderman

Candidate Full Name: Margie Reid

Office: 7th Ward Alderman

Email Address: reidaboutit7@gmail.com

Web Site: www.MargieReid.com

Campaign Name: Citizens for Margie Reid

Campaign Office Mailing Address: P.O. Box 178535, Chicago, IL 60617

Phone: 312-521-0487

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 issues that I will address are the development and creation of jobs and resources for the area. Our neighborhoods have been on a decline as businesses close and properties are left vacant. My plan for economic development in the 7th ward will implement an aggressive plan to solicit new business to the corridors of the 7th ward 71st, 75th, 79th, 83rd, 87th, 95th. We need a diverse mix of businesses from restaurants, shopping, and entertainment to service providers. I will gather information from residents to access what skills we have in the ward to tap into and then set up roundtables discussions to implement a plan of action, such as incubators and small business workshops. I will work with residents to develop a profile of the ward and identify compatible business to attract to the ward along with youth centers and service providers. I will work with local contractors and real estate professionals to walk the ward and point out the areas of need and to also identify hidden assets in the ward. I will assist local businesses in organizing a Chamber of Commerce to help develop pro-business initiatives. I will sit down with ex-offenders and discuss their skill sets and the resources they need to improve them. Such as job readiness training, computer skills, resume writing and interviewing skills. I will host spring and fall job fairs, and constantly inform residents of any job availability that comes across my desk. I will assist community organizations in partnering to provide a stipend for youths to participate in an artscape project for the ward, to help bring a sense of community and pride. I will then campaign to promote the ward as a place to live, love and stay, by showcasing all of its beautiful assets, the tree lined streets, available parking, great transportation, spacious parks and a magnificent lake.

2. What are your plans for helping fight crime in your ward?

I will always advocate for more police and I will advocate placing them in areas of higher needs such as areas of shootings and gang violence. But the police can be the eyes and ears for our communities; I will continue to engage the community to organize via block clubs, neighborhood watches, phone trees and positive loitering activities. I will continue to encourage residents to attend their CAPS meeting where they have direct access to police to work on problems and issues in their area. I will be constantly sharing information and resources with residents to help them work more effectively in their neighborhood. I will assist residents in resolving some of their issues by connecting them to community organizations and leaders so that they can partner and work closely with the residents in the community. At times we know who is causing the disorder in the neighborhood and by sharing information and resources we can connect that young person to resources for mentoring and or the help that they need. I will continue to encourage men and women to step up and mentor our youth. I will emphasize the importance of adults acknowledging our youth and letting them know that they are valued. This can be done with a simple "Hello" to start the flow of conversation to provide mentoring for our youth. I am advocating for jobs to employ ex-offenders so that they don't re-offend. After serving time they come home in debt owing the court system, community service projects and probation officers. They often come home to an aging parent on a fixed income or a spouse with children to support. All people want to belong to something, and most want the opportunity to be involved in something positive or that second chance. I advocate stopping the cycle by lowering the years to have records expunged and getting ex-offenders back to being viable community residents. We're all in this together and we have to continue to work on ways of paying it forward to help improve our communities and keeping them safe.

3. What, if any, city assets would you consider privatizing to raise money?

None.

4. Do you support or oppose the vote to increase the minimum wage in several steps to $13 an hour by 2019?

Yes, I support the increase because it has been long overdue and would greatly benefit the low-income working families. But I feel the steps to $13 an hour should be reached by 2018 instead.

5. Are you in favor of Chicago's Red Light Camera program?

Yes, I support them because I understand that they are a means for revenue and they do provide an added measure of safety. With that being said I believe we have installed enough and the turn arrows might need adjusting on a few because they are way too short.

Margie Reid