We are standing at the threshold of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reframe how our city is governed. Nearly one-third of current City Council members have either stepped down or announced they would not seek re-election. This high turnover will create an opportunity to re-set the role of City Council and position it as a true co-governor of our city. Seizing the opportunity for change created by this moment requires experienced leaders with the skills and mindset to move us forward. I am such a leader.

“Specifically, I would advocate for the following:

• City Charter. Chicago does not have a City Charter. Such a charter would serve as our Constitution and protect our residents from the political whims of whomever is in office as Mayor or on City Council.
• City Manager. Chicago needs a real manager, who can create systems and processes that ensure coordination between City Departments and Agencies. The savings realized from such coordination would more than pay for this role. The waste and disruption on 57^th Street when CDOT paved it, and the Water Department ripped it up shortly thereafter to fix a sewer line cannot happen again.
• Truly Independent and Accountable City Council. City Council should be a true co-governor of our City, sharing in its triumphs and accountable for its challenges. It should be free (and expected) to propose policy, establish relevant Committees, and appoint active Committee Chairs. City Departments should be accountable to the City Council members through a dotted-line reporting relationship. For example, Chicago Police Department District Commanders should report not only to the Superintendent but also to the City Council members in the wards included in their districts.