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: Creative Scott
Ward: 24th
Current job: Firearms Instructor/Training Counselor – The GUNCAMP/Creative Concealed Carry
Previous political experience: None
Education: Diploma
Spouse’s occupation: Firearms Instructor
Sources of outside income: Barbershop owner
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.
Given the complex nature of volent crimes in Chicago, I propose a multi-pronged approach to bucking the longstanding trend. These changes include public safety classes to empower residents of 24th ward, economic opportunities, reliable and affordable housing, creation of new drug treatment and mental health facilities, renewed initiatives to foster improved trust and overall relationship between law enforcement and residents and establishing flexible work hours around the schedules of parents of school aged children to allow for more optimal parenting.
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.
Many patrons are fearful of riding buses and trains. Fear leads to avoidance of public transportation as a whole. I propose upgrading to LED lighting on city street corners and bus stops, establishing a randomized armed security presence on certain high crime routes, and providing free transportation for elderly, individuals with disabilities, students, and qualified residents with financial hardship.
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?
The problem of rising property taxes cannot be underscored. These taxes have the unintended consequence of causing people to leave the city and enroll their children in other districts. Add to this trend, the rise in violent crime of school age children, and the problem is further complicated. An important goal would be to ensure a safe environment in the schools, as well as on the travel to and from school. Furthermore, matching teaching strategies to students’ preferred learning methods will likely improve the quality of education and long-term enrollment/retention of CPS students.
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.
Despite receiving funds that can be used to appropriately invest in neighborhoods in the west and south sides, resource allocation has left much to be desired.
An innovative idea would be to set up a sister neighborhood business relationship between an undeserved and a thriving neighborhood to provide mentorship and valuable experience throughout the life span of the business. This could solve the issue with lack of business as well as put the vacant lots and abandoned buildings to beneficial use in my ward and others.
Do you support giving Chicagoans property tax relief? If yes, please explain how you would accomplish it. If no, please explain why not.
The city of Chicago needs to address fiscal inefficiencies and role redundancies that have led to bloated budgets. Police related lawsuits and pension reform issues also levy an undue burden on Chicago residents, causing perpetual increases in property taxes. Furthermore, most of the people in Chicago do not receive the relief they deserve in part due to lack of knowledge with regards to tax reassessment programs. I want to inform my constituents of all the options that are available. Once becoming Alderman, I will seek to have the assessor come out to my community and do a mass reassessment of the taxes in the 24th ward.
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?
TIF’s can be useful if appropriately allocated to the necessary areas. I believe the residents of each of the city’s Fifty wards should have greater input in how the TIF funds are utilized for the betterment of their respective neighborhoods.
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?
Lead in our water supply has been an issue for many decades. Fewer than a tenth of a percentage of the homes requiring servicing have received it. This suggests a disconnect between the needs of the community, and the willingness of the city government to rise to said need. The children, who are vulnerable to the harmful cognitive effects of lead poisoning, are academically struggling relative to other parts of the state deserve better. No cost is too great to ensure the prosperity of our future.
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.
The word that describes me is “servant”. I am an advocate for my community, as a lifelong resident, I emphasis and relate to the people in my community. Nothing has ever really been about me but about those around me. I have for as far back I can think created events that cater to serving the community from back-to-school events, fourth of July events, free haircuts, gun turn-in programs and the list goes on and on. If there is a problem in the community people come find me because I push for change, I am not one to settle and I will not stop until we have reached the end goal. I’ve started businesses with the purpose of starting mentorships, economic opportunities, as well as to serve as a shining example of what’s possible with a sound vision and a supportive team. In the face of adversity, I will meet the challenge in a relentless pursuit.
What is the most pressing issue facing the people of your ward, and how would you address it?
The lack of public safety, housing, and economic opportunities has plagued the 24th ward. The most pressing issue is that the issues have not been adequately addressed in a significant manner. I would take a multipronged approach which is necessary due to the multiple issues that surround our community. I would implement innovative ideas to create lasting change.
Sum up why should voters elect you and not your opponent(s)? (Please limit this to policy and approach, not a biography recitation.)
Voters should elect me because I am a consummate advocate for their needs. I am a dependable, courageous believer in change. As a product of the neighborhood, I have been a mainstay for all my life. I live here, I have built multiple businesses here, mentored and employed countless at-risk youth here, and raised my family here. I understand the needs of my ward and will do whatever I can to better my community.
