The 34th Ward in Chicago currently has two candidates: Bill Conway and James Ascot. This is a really fascinating competition. This ward is located near the Loop. It includes parts of Greektown, Fulton Market, and a large part of the West Side.
Although these are the only two candidates running for this position, they don’t seem to be exactly qualified for this. They have never worked in this environment. One of them used to be in the Navy and is also the son of a very wealthy man. And the other candidate is a real state developer.
The 34th Ward has been ran by Mr. and Mrs. Austin for about 35 years. First, it was Alderman Lemuel Austin. But after he passed away, his wife, Carrie, took on the title. As people can see this is a big commitment that not everyone can fulfill.
“I think a big part of Chicago’s future will be the 34th Ward, and that’s what I’m focused on in the present and the future,” stated Bill Conway.
What They’re Bringing to the Ward
Both of these candidates want to address the same issues that this community struggles with. One of them is a crime. The way Conway plans to tackle this is by funding more money to the police departments.
“More broadly…certainly advocate that we have the proper staffing and are embracing a community policing model, which really involves our police officers being out in our communities building relationships,” stated Conway.
Ascot’s plans for this, however, are that the city places special police forces all over the CTA trains.
“If we take care of that, I think we’ll begin to see more people utilizing [CTA] and coming back Downtown, feeling safe. And if we have the police as well on the streets, walking the beats, that’s going to make a difference,” stated Ascot.
Whether these candidates are good or not is up to the community. To make such a decision we must focus on the most important issues and choose whoever has the better idea. Nonetheless, these men both agree on one thing. To rebuild the 34th Ward for the better.
Written by Erika Cano
Sources:
Chicago Tribune: Chicago’s 34th Ward set to play key role as city looks to reenergize downtown
Chicago Magazine: Changing of the 34th Ward
Block Club Chicago: Downtown Has A New Ward: The 34th. Meet The Candidates Who Want To Be Its First Alderman
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Peter Miller Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mack Male Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
