Why I’m Running for 32nd Ward Committeeperson
“For too long in this city, committeeperson appointments have been made behind closed doors, through opaque processes, and to people that were politically expedient. That needs to change for us to have an operating democracy, and it is my commitment to our community to bring transparency and participation into this process.”
We need change. For too long in this city, these role appointments have been made behind closed doors, through opaque processes, and to people that were politically expedient. That needs to change for us to have an operating democracy, and it is my commitment to our community to bring transparency and participation into this process. Whether it’s at the state, county, or city level – we need to ensure that the individuals in these seats are committed to democracy, and building a democratic process that represents the people, our community – not money or family ties. I have a deep belief in the democratic process, and believe that when appointing individuals into previously elected roles, we need to ensure that their constituents have a voice in helping drive that decision.
We need electeds that believe change is possible. I have seen discussion, debate, and participation drive to better answers. I know that change is possible when neighbors come together. That’s what makes Democracy work, and I’m excited to continue to build that practice in this ward.
We need our elected representatives, like Ishan Daya, that are committed to turning that belief of change into reality.
What on earth is a committeeperson?
One of the least talked about roles in Chicago government is “Ward Committeeperson” but are you aware of how this unpaid role impacts you?
The role of committeeperson (FKA committeeman pre-2019) has evolved materially since the time of Mayor Daley. In today’s landscape, the role of committeeperson has two main responsibilities:
Appointing individuals to fill elected role vacancies (more on the recent appointment made by our current 32nd ward Committeeperson in the next post) through a transparent, community-based process.
Being the liaison between the Democratic party and the ward – helping communicate the priorities of our neighbors and ensuring that they are heard at the party level, to shape the party platform.
This role is an unpaid role that does not hold formal policy responsibilities.
The committeperson has the ability to join committees within the democratic party to help shape the platform. In the 32nd, our current committeeperson, Scott Waguespack, is not a part of any of the committees to help shape policy and platform, nor has he engaged in a transparent, community-based process for appointments.
My hope is that, as committeeperson for this ward, I can engage with our community on the things that are most pressing for us and the greater city, and bring that to the party to help drive party-level change, as well as build a transparent, and community-based process for appointments.
As an individual and as a leader, there are truths that I believe we need to hold when we engage in electoral politics: an expectation that our candidates and elected officials hold our Democratic values close – from improving economic opportunity for our neighbors across the city, expanding access to healthcare and mental healthcare, ensuring the security of reproductive rights, improving our critical infrastructure - both transportation and utilities, investing in secure and affordable housing for all residents, ensuring that our elderly have high quality care and accommodations, and ensuring that every child has access to the best public education.
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If you believe in these values, and believe that our appointment process should be one that is democratic and participatory, then join me in helping change the way we’re represented here in the 32nd!