To inform voters and to help the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board make endorsements, the board posed a series of questions to the candidates running for alderman. See their answers below. See how other candidates answered here.
Name: Anthony V. Napolitano
Ward: 41st
Current job: Chicago Alderman 41st Ward
Previous political experience: Elected Alderman 41st Ward 2015 to Present
Education: Bachelor degree in criminal justice
Spouse’s occupation: Finance
Sources of outside income: Alderman 41st Ward
The rise in violent crime remains a top priority for City Hall. Homicides, shootings and carjackings are all unacceptably high. Tell us how city government can be innovative in combating crime, and explain what measures you would propose if elected.
Over the last four years we’ve had over 15,000 people shot in the city of Chicago. Our current State’s Attorney refuses to punish gun offenders and is eager to lessen charges and allow criminals back on the street. I authored and passed legislation called “The Chicago Criminal Accountability Ordinance” that allows Chicago Police Officers to issue municipal violations to criminals caught in illegal possession of a firearm. The violations carry a penalty of up to a $20,000 fine and 180 days in jail. Now when the State’s Attorney lets gun offenders off the hook, these criminals will still have to answer to the city of Chicago.
The CTA, one of the nation’s largest transit systems, remains a troubled agency grappling with issues ranging from violent crime and ghost buses and trains, to flagging ridership. Give us your thoughts on what specific measures CTA should take to make train and bus service safer, more reliable and more equitable for Chicagoans.
Much like the rest of the city, CTA is experiencing an increase in crime. This is due to the strong push for criminal justice reform by many elected officials and prosecutors. I strongly support a just judicial system, but we need to be tough on crime. CTA needs a full public audit to address inefficiencies. They also need a major increase in security presence throughout their transit systems.
Ten years ago, enrollment at Chicago Public Schools was 403,000 students. In September, enrollment stood at 322,000 students. Enrollment at CPS has dropped for 11 consecutive years. What specific measures should CPS undertake to reverse the trend of ever-dwindling enrollment?
As a father of three children who attend Chicago Public Schools, I see first-hand what an amazing education my children are receiving. I believe CPS should start the foundation at preschool. Many families are unsuccessful enrolling their children in the local CPS preschool of their choice. These families then utilize an alternate preschool and they establish a home and don’t want to leave.
I also believe CPS needs to do a better job advertising all they have to offer students including the amazing opportunities after High School graduation.
Disinvestment on the South and West sides is a decades-long problem with myriad causes. Give us at least one innovative idea that you believe could play a role in reversing South and West side disinvestment, and explain why the idea is realistic and feasible.
The city of Chicago cannot force private companies to invest in our neighborhoods. This is evident in the recent closing of Whole Foods and the exodus of many major retail stores. The city of Chicago can however make our neighborhoods and our city so desirable and attractive that businesses have no choice but to be here. This starts with addressing our major crime issues. Criminals need to be held accountable. Parents also need to be held accountable.
Gang culture has exploded over the last 4 years. Children are getting involved in gangs at a very young age. We need to create after school mentoring programs they keep kids engage in positive activities.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
I do support tax relief for property owners. Since 2016, the city has burdened homeowners with property tax increases. The most recent property tax increase is tied to inflation which essentially guarantees a tax increase in perpetuity.
The city of Chicago needs to audit every department to correct inefficiencies and waste, and to curb the reckless spending. We also need to focus on bringing positive tax dollars to the city with new businesses. I was happy to vote in support of the new Chicago Casino, something I supported since first announcing my campaign for Alderman in 2015.
Give us your take on the city’s use of tax increment financing districts. Do you feel they have been useful, or do you feel that the problems associated with them outweigh their usefulness? What if any reforms would you want to apply to the city’s usage of TIFs?
TIFs, when used properly, can provide a tremendous benefit to areas in need and provide incredible return on investment. TIFs need to be used as they were intended, in blighted areas that are in need of economic development. We need to monitor TIF surplus and ensure funding is used to address our financial woes like pensions.
Lead in drinking water is a major health concern for the city. It is estimated that in Chicago there are roughly 400,000 homes and small apartment buildings with lead service lines. So far, the city has replaced less than 300 lead service lines. Do you feel the pace of lead service line replacement should be expedited, and if yes, what is the best, most feasible way to accomplish that?
The Department of Water Management recently briefed my office on changes that took place in 1/1/23. The city is now required to replace all private lead lines that they disrupt during construction. The department is hiring many new employees. The city’s current homeowner lead line replacement program is receiving additional funding and needs to be expanded to all residents of Chicago. I’m excited to see the city of Chicago hiring new union plumbers and workers to address this issue and ensure it is done right.
If you are an incumbent, please explain what is it about your service on the City Council that makes you most qualified for the job. If you have never served on the council, please explain what is it about your background that makes you most qualified.
I am a lifelong resident of the 41st Ward. I served as a Chicago Police Officer for 5 years and a Chicago Firefighter for 10 years prior to being elected in 2015. I ran for Alderman to get rid of a rubber stamp and to serve the residents of the 41st Ward and be their voice in City Council. Over the last 7.5 years I have always voted and advocated for my residents. If the residents of the 41st Ward want it, I’ll support it. If the residents of the 41st Ward don’t want it, I’ll fight tooth and nail to oppose it. I may be public enemy number one in City Council but I will never go against the wishes of the 41st Ward.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
The most pressing issue in the 41st ward is the explosion of crime citywide that has trickled into our Northwest side communities . One reason this is happening is the fact that the 16th Police District’s footprint is the largest in Chicago with the least amount of officers to patrol it. I, along with 7 Aldermen who share the 16th district, have demanded that the superintendent of police and the administration allocate more officers to 16 as well as minimize the size its footprint, all to no avail. I recently implemented the 41st Ward Public Safety Surveillance Initiative. This initiative includes installing cameras throughout the entire ward that are monitored 24/7 at our new Strategic Decision Support Center that my office helped bring to the 16th District. This technology will assist our officers in quickly recognizing and responding to crime throughout the ward.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
I would be honored to be re-elected by the residents of the 41st Ward. As Alderman, I have never once put politics before people, which is a major problem in our city, county, and state. I have lived in the 41st ward for over 47 years. I take great pride in representing ward constituents, thousands of whom I know personally. My opponent moved here four years ago from Arlington Heights and has stated on record that he plans to compromise and give in to gain political favor, proving he knows nothing about the Fighting 41st Ward. Over the past 7.5 years, my office has provided honest and transparent city services to our constituents. We’ve brought a record amount of much needed Capital Infrastructure Improvements.
