A cop and a workers rights advocate are on the ballot Tuesday to take over representing the sprawling Southeast Side 10th Ward in the Chicago City Council.
With Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza joining a South Side exodus from the council, the runoff election ballot features South Chicago District police Officer Peter Chico and Ana Guajardo, who co-founded the United Workers’ Center.
Chico said his Police Department job makes him well positioned to tackle the public safety concerns because he already has relationships and expertise.
[ Public safety and environmental concerns are at the forefront in 10th Ward runoff ]
Guajardo campaigned saying she wants to see more police officers in the streets to build relationships and trust in the community and said she would like to hire more detectives to solve crimes. Additionally, the community needs to invest in anti-violence programs, she said.
Whoever wins will also be expected to tackle the environmental problems that are at the top of residents’ lists of concerns thanks to air quality issues from the heavy industry in the ward.
Both candidates received important endorsements. Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 and the local Fraternal Order of Police backed Chico, as did the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
Sadlowski Garza and U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia supported Guajardo. She also got endorsements from several unions, including the Service Employees International Union and the Chicago Federation of Labor.
