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City of West Chicago Alderman Ward Three

The City operates under the Mayor-City Council form of government.  It is divided into seven wards, each ward being represented in the City Council by two elected representatives (Aldermen).  The Mayor is elected as well.  Together, the Mayor and City Council serve as the policy-making body of the City.  They perform such functions as passing resolutions and ordinances, approving the expenditure of money, levying taxes, approving subdivisions, zoning, and other land use regulations; and generally deciding on important issues that affect the City of West Chicago.City Council meetings occur the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, unless otherwise posted.

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  • Candidate picture

    Denise Carreto-Munoz
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Christine Dettmann
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Donna Marie Santiago
    (NON)

Biographical Information

Please tell us about yourself. Why are you running for office? What talents do you bring to the office?

What are the two most significant issues facing your community? If elected, how do you plan to address these issues?

How will you promote collegiality with your board and transparancy with the community?

Closing statement.

Campaign Mailing Address 830 Lincoln Ave
West Chicago, IL 60185
Campaign Phone 331-240-6620
Campaign Email dennycarreto@gmail.com
My name is Denise Carreto-Muñoz, and I am running for Alderman in Ward 3. One of the key reasons I am running is to represent our district's Hispanic/Latino community. None of the current elected officials speak Spanish. There is no representation for the Hispanic/Latino community despite us making up half of the population. Every resident, whether they speak English or Spanish, whether they can vote or not, deserves to have their voice heard. Everyone living in West Chicago contributes to our community and deserves to be represented. An alderman is elected to serve and support their community, and I want to be the kind of representative who is there for their neighbors and advocates for the ones who cannot advocate for themselves.
First, I am committed to addressing safety concerns, such as improving the Town Road/Route 38 intersection. There has been a growing demand among residents for increased safety measures to reduce the number of accidents in this area. I am dedicated to ensuring that their concerns are voiced and acted upon. Second, I want the city to start listening to Ward 3. Many people have commented that they feel like the city ignores our problems because of the large Hispanic/Latino population that resides here. Right now, Ward 3 is last for replacing lead pipes, which can be up to 10 years from now. I think it’s unacceptable for the city to ignore the people who live here. The current aldermen need to advocate for its people.
I have never had an issue working with people if people are respectful and do not take advantage of others. People who represent the people should be able to respect each other despite their differences. However, disrespect will not be tolerated. As long as everyone behaves, cooperation and mutual support will come from me. Aldermen should be easy to work with because they should be willing to work with anyone in their ward and others. Similarly, transparency should be a priority for elected officials. The people should know what topics are being discussed and how to participate in that discussion. I want people in Ward 3 to know about the things being discussed and push them to be part of the conversation. No one should be feeling ignored.
Despite living here my entire life, I’ve never met the alderman for Ward 3. An alderman is elected to serve and support their community, and I want to be the kind of representative who is there for their neighbors. A passion of mine is advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves or who need support to do so. I’ve heard many stories of people who have been overlooked or burdened by city policies, and I want to change that. I envision a West Chicago that truly cares for everyone who calls it home. West Chicago has the potential to be an even better place for its residents, but for that to happen, all voices must be heard and respected. I believe together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community in West Chicago.
Campaign Phone 6303004188
Campaign Email ne14vball@gmail.com
I have had the privilege of serving as an Alderman for the City of West Chicago, Ward 3, for the past four years. Prior to this elected Office, I was appointed to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for 6 years. Over the course of the past decade, I have gained a significant amount of experience regarding City operations, City Council procedures and the directives for the future landscape of West Chicago. Forging connections with community leaders, business owners and residents has been a highlight for me and offers the ability to effectively make the decisions that are important to all of those who have a stake in a flourishing community.
When I was elected to Office, it was on the heels of the Pandemic. Businesses were struggling everywhere, and because of continued inflation and other economic obstacles, these concerns still remain. With the City's award-winning Comprehensive Plan to revitalize the Downtown area and new programs to incentivize new business and encourage renovations, efforts are being made to re-energize our city's economic growth. The process will take time as the economy is a very real barrier for business owners. If re-elected, I would like to continue my role in making the decisions that best benefit my Ward as we see the rewards such as better job opportunities, increased housing market, support to our schools, and so much more.
It's been a pleasure working with the members of West Chicago's City Council throughout my term. There is mutual respect, and it fosters the ability to debate and vote on contested issues in a very positive way. So, I was fortunate to be welcomed with that sentiment from the start of my term. Transparency is of course a very important aspect of government and is a paramount concern of City Council. I feel that City staff does an excellent job getting information out to the public through different forms of media. I encourage people to look at the website often to find a wealth of information, from meeting agendas and minutes, policy, news, events, services.
This is a really important moment in time for the City of West Chicago. The rumblings about the revitalization of our Downtown have been heard for decades but now you can see the change finally happening. If you haven't already, please take some time to visit the City's website and review the Plans driving the future of our community. Again, it will take time, and there may be challenges faced by businesses outside the City's control, but we are worth the effort and the wait. I hope, with your support, I can continue my work on City Council at this exciting time for West Chicago and the beneficial impact it will have on us all.
Campaign Mailing Address 20 George
West Chicago, Il 60185
Campaign Phone 312-914-5604
Campaign Email Sgrandmax2@sbcglobal.net
I have lived in West Chicago for over 50 years. I have been very involved within the community starting with volunteer work , I went on to be on the school district board of education. I have served as an alderman in West Chicago. I have been very supportive of positive relationships within government agencies. I believe I can work with ALL resident to help make West Chicago the best and safest place to live. I want to see businesses thrive in our city. I want citizens to have safe place to live. I would like to see things we can do as a family and community being brought together. As an alderman I will make sure every citizen is heard.
Economics need to be addressed. Looking at potential business being brought in. Affordable housing for all. Look into how this can be done
I plan on working with all who are involved within the board, departments, and community member and make sure that every step we take towards our goals are upfront and there for anyone who wishes to see the progress we are making to have West Chicago the best and safest place there is.
I would appreciate your vote for Donna Santiago April 1 I promise to you that I will work my hardest to sure we can all be proud of West Chicago. I will always have an open door policy I will hold public meeting so I can hear any concerns citizens may have. I will listen to each and everyone of you and work with everyone