As Alderman, I will be accessible and open to dialogue with the entire constituency of this ward. I will work to improve the quality of the neighborhood schools through efforts that are consistent with our shared values. Together with the community, I will plan for affordability and shared prosperity, to maintain the 48th Ward's diversity. And while providing first and foremost for the needs of this ward, I will work for the highest ethical standards in city government.

Many people I talk to are fed up with leadership that represents the voice of City Hall more than the voice of its own constituents. Leadership that refuses to hold itself accountable for decisions the community does not like, or that lacks vision or will to set priorities which reflect our shared values.

We need leadership that proposes and fights for real people and real problems not for elephants and goose livers, not for beach smoking bans. But for recycling. For living wages. For lower taxes especially for those on fixed incomes. For equitable schools that succeed. For equitable development that exemplifies the character of the community. We need leadership that creates a vision and leads the process of planning toward that vision.