Chicago (WLS) — The city of Chicago’s elections are less than two months away, and one of the most high-profile elections is the mayoral race.
There are currently nine candidates for that seat. Seven of those candidates took part in a forum on disability issues on Saturday asking for support and votes.
This forum was hosted by access Living of Chicago, a disability and support organization.
“With about 600,000 disabled people living in Chicago, there are a lot of people who really care about what their mayoral candidates say, and the mayor’s office has a huge impact on their lives.
In total, over 300 people attended, both in person and virtually, as candidates shared a platform and answered questions about issues affecting people in the disabled community, with the Chicago mayoral election just around the corner. bottom.
“Growing up here, I remember Chicago being called the city that worked. rice field.
“We are ready to fight to improve access to transportation and public facilities,” said Congressman Jesus “Chui” Garcia, Democrat for Illinois’ 4th District.
Due to the large number of candidates, questions were limited to approximately one minute and no questions from the audience.
“I will respond. I will work with you. I will listen to you,” said neighborhood advocate and entrepreneur Ja’Mal Green.
“Old politics have left us behind,” said Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, First District.
Questions for panel participants included how the government would provide affordable and accessible housing, how candidates would support mental health for people with disabilities, It included how to address the shortage of special education teachers.
“We really need someone to keep us together,” said Ward 4 Alderman Sophia King.
“The difference is who actually got things done,” said Lori Lightfoot, the current mayor of Chicago.
The big issue of accessible public transport and what each candidate would do to invest more in the disabled community was also addressed.
“There is a lack of accountability. We are talking good things, but we are not delivering,” said Paul Vallas, an education and finance expert.
The campaigns for mayoral candidate Willie Wilson and alderman Roderick Sawyer said they could not attend the forum.
With the mayoral election just over a month away, forum organizers said it was important for candidates to listen to the concerns of the community.
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