I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of my neighbors who opened their doors and gave me the opportunity to discuss my candidacy to be their 45th Ward representative.
Although we were not successful, I will never forget the many kind words of encouragement that made this journey a joy.
When you return to the polls on April 4, no matter who you decided on as 45th Ward alderperson, I sincerely hope you will cast your vote for Paul Vallas as our next mayor.
I know Paul will be a strong and balanced leader who will help us restore public safety, revive our local businesses, and hold the line on taxes.
Once again, many thanks!
Marija Tomic
ISSUES
TOP 3 FOR THE 45th
1. CRIME AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
Chicago’s quality of life has always been dependent on the safety of its neighborhoods through the response of the police and the courts to any threats to that security. Recent public policy shifts in the response and prosecution of criminal activity on our streets has resulted in hampering our police force from protecting our citizens. We must repeal the current “catch & release” system that allows offenders the ability to reoffend, sometimes within 24 hours of their release.
Additionally, we must stop the redeployment of 16th district police officers. The city needs hire more officers to fill all vacancies in the Chicago Police Department rather than continue the current policy of redeploying officers out of our 16th District into higher crime areas. This practice has left the district understaffed and our communities unsafe.
Crime deterrence is best addressed through the restoration of mental health services, opportunities for vocational education, and the provision of good-paying jobs. Criminal activity is best addressed by police who know the neighborhoods they serve and can rely on the backing of our government officials when they do their job.
2. STREAMLINE CITY SERVICES
There was a time when a call or visit to your Alderman’s office would be all that was necessary to secure a particular city-provided service. In January 1999, Chicago implemented the 311 system as a "one-stopshopping" center for access to all city services and non-emergency police services. This was meant to centralize all services under the control of the administration and eliminate the need to involve the ward’s aldermen. This system was supposed to allow more efficient deployment of the city’s workforce but, for many reasons, it fails to do so. Frustrated citizens who were able to call and get through to a live person were told to call their aldermen. Some aldermen were able to facilitate services, but most were only able to track the request through 311 and provide their constituents with an approximate time the service could be provided.
Much is the same with business services. The current system often requires the hiring of attorneys and “expeditors” to provide needed services in a timely manner. All this adds unneeded expense to the taxpayer as well as the requesting individuals. It is time to streamline all city services.
3. REVERSE LINKING PROPERTY TAXES TO INFLATION
As one of my first acts as alderman, I will introduce legislation that repeals the Lightfoot ordinance that automatically ties property tax increases to the rate of inflation as established by the Consumer Price Index.