A number of us, led by 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden, called for a Special Meeting to discuss the Bring Chicago Home ordinance, which would call for a question on the ballot, so you, as neighbors, can vote on whether we should add a 1.9% one time transaction tax when properties that are assessed at […]
Category: City Council Update
Statement: Why I’m voting “no” on the 2023 Budget
Posted onI’d like to thank our city workers that were a part of this process and to thank all of the Departments’ leadership for their engagement in our budget discussion. I’d also like to thank Chairwoman Pat Dowell, for presiding over this year’s Budget hearings, you have done great work in keeping us focused and informed. […]
40th Ward Alderperson Andre Vasquez introduces ordinance requiring quarterly CTA hearings
Posted onAld. Andre Vasquez wore the Halloween costume as he’s set to introduce a measure to require CTA leaders to give City Council quarterly updates or risk losing funding. Read more: Lincoln Square Alderman Mocks CTA With Ghost Train Costume At City Council, BlockClub Chicago This year, I showed the holiday spirit a little early at […]
Ald. Vasquez Statement on Recent Casino Vote
Posted onDear 40th Ward Neighbors, This week during Wednesday’s City Council meeting, I voted yes on a resolution and ordinance to build a casino at the Tribune Building on Chicago Avenue near Halsted, with an initial temporary site at the Medinah Temple, located at 600 N Wabash. Considering the very real safety, traffic, fiscal, and equity […]
Ald. Vasquez Statement on 2022 Remap Vote
Posted onMay 17, 2022 Good morning 40th Ward Neighbors, Yesterday at the City Council Special Meeting on Redistricting, I voted no on the Ward Map proposed by the Rules Committee, which passed with a 43-7 vote. Here is a map of the new 40th Ward. Since taking office, we have centered our work in the belief […]
Public Statement – 2022 Budget
Posted on27 October 2021 Public Statement – 2022 City Budget Click here to download as PDF Dear Neighbors, I am pleased to be able to announce my support for the 2022 Appropriations Ordinance and associated budget documents presented to City Council at the October 27th session. This year, I introduced the first independent Aldermanic budget proposal […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Ald. Vasquez’s Statement on the Budget Vote
Posted onWhy I voted No on the 2020 Budget: In the past month and more so this past week, I’ve had conversations with hundreds of neighbors in our city and in the 40th Ward. Every single one of them seems to carry a tension on their shoulders when they ask me how the budget is looking. […]
First City Council Meeting Notes
Posted onOn May 29th, I attended my first City Council meeting. At the end of it, I was selected to be 8 different committees, and to be the Vice Chair of one of them. Below are the committees I am proud to serve on: Special Events, Cultural Affairs, and Recreation – (Serving as Vice Chair) Economic, […]