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.
Campaign Phone
6304407945
My name is Julieta Alcántar-García. I am proudly a lifetime resident of West Chicago. I am a fully bilingual Mexican American woman. I have been a community organizer and advocate for the human and civil rights of our diverse communities for a couple of decades. I became a certified community health worker through our Illinois Department of Health Association and also participe in community health fairs and events with DuPage Community Health Department and Kane County as well. I am a cofounder of a community based nonprofit organization called Despertar Latino. Our organization has the mission to uplift and strengthen our Latino community by uplifting our diverse communities culture through information and education.
One of our utmost and most significant issues is that our diverse community does not feel identified nor listened to by our current city council and mayor. They struggle to have their issues addressed and are disadvantaged because they do not understand the city’s ordinances which are all in English. A second significant issue is that we have had a history of environmental negligence which are not addressed nor resolved with urgency. Currently we are facing the problem of galvanized lead pipes in our city which are a health risk and concern. If elected I will communicate and inform our community on what is happening in our city. I plan to inform and educate our Latino community on the importance of being civically involved.
I am a person who enjoys having a circular dialogue and conversation with people of different backgrounds and ideas. I strongly believe that we have better results when we can work together for the common good of everyone.
I love West Chicago very much. I love the diversity of our community that is growing and the safety I feel walking its streets. I wish to plant the seeds of positive changes for all West Chicago residents. Please vote for me for Alderwoman of the first Ward of West Chicago, Illinois.
Campaign Phone
630-315-0288
I have lived in West Chicago for 30+ years and been involved in the community throughout that time. I have been involved and lead athletic groups, community service organizations and had positions on multiple boards and commissions.
Currently, I serve as Chairman of the DuPage County Community Development Committee, advocating for West Chicago at the county level ensuring our city has a voice in the allocation of federal grant money to promote affordable housing, support local infrastructure projects, and assist not-for-profit organizations addressing food and housing insecurity.
I believe that my service, the relationships I have built, and my strong civic knowledge will serve me well in advocating for our city and all of its residents.
A serious issue is the continued reduction in state and federal funds available for city projects and service delivery. The city council will have to work with staff to promote alternative funding sources, continue to increase organizational efficiencies, and advocate with federal, state and local representatives for supports for West Chicago.
The other issue, one faced by many communities, is the replacement of lead service delivery lines. We will need to work diligently to explore all possible available funding to move this project forward. We have already shortened our timeline by 10 years with the acquisition of zero interest loans, possible loan forgiveness, and approval of our community as a designated funding site.
I am honored to have served with dedicated individuals and proud that I have earned the respect of my colleagues. My belief is that differing opinions, given respectfully, create the strongest solutions. I promote open discussion of competing views and support the development of consensus, Transparency with the community has always been a value. This is why we have gone to the community time and again for input in creating our strategic and comprehensive plans. As technologies evolve I will continue to encourage review and modification of our outreach efforts. I have always encouraged folks to call with their questions and I have a reputation for responsiveness. What I don't know I will find out. Everyone deserves a response,
I care about this community and our residents. I chose to live here for the diversity that is our city. I believe that I have much to offer including: historic knowledge, an understanding of the civic process, and a willingness to be open to new information. I am a true independent, as these elections would suggest, and I have worked well with leaders at the municipal, county, state and federal level to bring West Chicago issues to the forefront of discussion, many times helping to obtain funding opportunities that we have used to better our community. We have worked hard to improve the reality and the image of West Chicago. There is still work to be done and I would like the opportunity to continue the progress that we have been making
