Julieta Alcántar-García: 2025 candidate for West Chicago City Council Ward 1

Bio

Office Sought: City of West Chicago City Council Ward 1

City: West Chicago

Age: 55

Occupation: Community health worker and advocate

Previous offices held: None

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

I strongly believe that the possible lack of federal funding for vital and social programs will affect our community. As a city council member, I will ensure to open communication to our constituents to attend their needs in the ways that are possible.

As a community health care worker, I am to ensure that public health clinics become available in West Chicago. Also to help build a clean environment that West Chicagoans deserve. Being Latina I also will be committed to ensure that all information is provided to our Spanish-speaking community.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

The city of West Chicago has disclosed their new budget plans for this next fiscal year. There are wishes to build a new city hall and other expensive developments. I do believe we could use revitalization to our downtown area which needs lots of attention. There are matters of health that I wish were a priority since it is for the well-being of West Chicagoans.

Many residents have received notice of the presence of galvanized pipes with lead affecting the water that these homes use. Recently West Chicago has asked a survey of what we thought about asking for a loan to fix this problem. I would have liked to see this matter was included in the proposed budget before constructing new buildings that we do not need now. The people of West Chicago, their health and safety should be a priority to all our authorities of West Chicago.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

West Chicago does need to revitalize our downtown area. This is a project that I would love to get the community involved. Come together with our constituents to discuss options and ideas.

The issue of our water is a priority but also reawaken West Chicago, our history, our diversity and our welcoming community. I would love to build a downtown open for small business entrepreneurs and micro businesses. Allow West Chicagoans to demonstrate their traditions and talents from all ethnic backgrounds. We are a beautiful community. As a taxpayer I understand that we pay taxes to be able to develop these plans.

But if the state of Illinois as well as federal provide funding for development and environmental improvements I would be willing to take those opportunities for West Chicago.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

I have been an advocate for workers rights, human rights, civil rights and immigrant rights for almost two decades. I have worked along with colleagues to our together bills and policies that protect middle class, working class and vulnerable communities. I do participate in dialogue with others at either side of the aisle to work together to achieve a common good for everyone.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I understand my community in English and Spanish. I am part of my West Chicago community since I was born. I have seen people come and go from our town. I wish to make West Chicago recognized as the beautiful welcoming city that we have always been. I love West Chicago with all my heart.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

I will plant the seeds for change in our government. That our city council listens to our constituents and honestly brings their concerns and issues to discussion. I want to involve our community and have ownership as well of the progress of West Chicago. We are public servants and we work for the people.