With the Fourth of July right around the corner, I want to remind 40th Ward neighbors that fireworks are illegal in Chicago; even sparklers are banned. The only permitted “fireworks” in Chicago are glowworms, smoke bombs and party poppers. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reported a 700% increase in fireworks complaints in […]
Category: Aldermanic Statement
USPS Mail Delivery Issues
Posted onAlderman Vasquez is aware of the ongoing delays in USPS service across the 40th Ward. USPS Mail Delivery Issues – Residents experiencing issues with their mail service can reach out to their congressional representative to report problems, as USPS is a federal department. Click on the links to: Additionally, customers that have a concern with their mail […]
Dog Friendly Area at Winnemac Park
Posted on40th Ward residents recently voted to allocate $100,000 in menu money for a dog park, or dog friendly area (DFA), at Winnemac Park. On January 13, Alderman Vasquez hosted an informational meeting for those who are interested in learning about how to start a DFA and how to be involved in the community-driven process. Meeting […]
Letter On CPS Reopening Plans
Posted onFrom Alderman Vasquez – I joined 32 members of the 50 member City Council in sending a letter to Mayor Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson regarding our concerns about CPS‘s reopening plans amidst the current COVID numbers. An overwhelming majority of Chicago alders, representing a diverse demographic of Chicago residents, agree that more must […]
Arrest Made in March 2020 Shooting
Posted onDecember 15, 2020 Over the weekend 20th District Commander McCrudden informed me that an arrest was made in the March shooting death of a teenager in the Bowmanville neighborhood. On behalf of the 40th Ward I would like to thank the Chicago Police Department for their investigative work on this case. The arrest and subsequent […]
2021 Budget Aldermanic Statement
Posted onNovember 20, 2020 Dear Neighbors, After careful consideration and having evaluated all available options to address Chicago’s unprecedented $1.2 billion budget gap, I have decided to vote yes on the City’s 2021 budget. This was not an easy decision in part because the budget includes a property tax increase. However, the reality is that the […]
Public Safety Committee Request for Hearing 9-21-20
Posted onSeptember 21, 2020 To Alderman Christopher Taliaferro, Honorable Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, I am writing this letter as a formal request that you schedule a hearing on Civilian Oversight and Police Accountability as soon as possible and no later than the December City Council Meeting, scheduled for December 16th, 2020. Many of us […]
Statement Re: Upcoming Community Meeting in Bowmanville
Posted onJune 20, 2020 This morning our office was made aware of recent graffiti in the Bowmanville neighborhood near the intersection of Foster and Damen. Alderman Vasquez has been in communication with CPD 20th District leadership to schedule a community meeting to discuss concerns regarding gang activity in the area. Details for that meeting will be […]
STATEMENT – “Nay” Vote on CARES Act Funding Appropriation
Posted onDear Neighbors, At yesterday’s City Council I cast one of nine “nay” votes opposing the Mayor’s proposed dispersal of approximately $1.1 billion in Federal CARES Act money. This was a difficult vote, as there were many worthy and necessary expenditures continued in the appropriations measure. However, my colleagues and I were unable to obtain a […]
Statement on Support for CPAC
Posted onWhen I ran for this office, one of my core platforms was establishing a Civilian Police Accountability Council because what I understood then, and I hope that many more understand now, is that as a society, we need to completely re-envision public safety. In the past week, I have received over 10,000 emails from neighbors who […]
Aldermanic Statement on City Council Vote Against Meeting Debate
Posted onApril 27, 2020 26 Chicago City Councilmembers Voted AGAINST Having Public Debate on Whether to Meet Sooner During a Crisis — The Public Should Ask Why. Chicago is facing an unprecedented crisis. People are unable to work; those who can work do not have the necessary protection to feel safe. Our friends and neighbors are struggling […]
Aldermanic Statement: Call on City Council to Increase Meeting Schedule During Emergencies
Posted onApril 23, 2020 Yesterday’s vote to adjourn the City Council meeting early, which I opposed, unfortunately prevented the Council from considering a package of coronavirus-related bills aimed at protecting Chicago residents. This unnecessary delay highlights the need for City Council to meet more frequently during an emergent crisis; the existing schedule, to meet once per […]