Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez announces for Chicago mayor
Ald. Raymond Lopez who has led the fight against Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s continued failures to reduce crime and her negative policies that have undermined the Chicago Police Department, announced his candidacy for Mayor of Chicago on Wednesday April 6, 2022. Lopez is the only Hispanic weho has announced for mayor on February 28, 2023
By Ray Hanania
Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez announces his candidacy for Chicago Mayor, challenging the failed policies of Mayor Lori Lightfoot and stresses his focus on making Chicago safe during a press conference on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Lopez, who has served as alderman of the Southwest Side 15th Ward for the past seven years, has recieved much praise for his activism and strong voice to support minority communities including Arab Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, the LGBT community, but also supporting mainstream ethnic communities including the Irish, Italians, Polish and more.
The 15th Ward includes the Chicago communities of the Back of the Yards, Gage Park, Brighton Park and West Englewood, but Lopez has been an active voice in support for fighting the rising crime, car jackings and the need to make Chicago safer to strengthen the business community throughout the city.
“Today I am announcing my candidacy for Mayor of the greatest city inn the world, out city of Chicago,” Lopez said surrounded by hundreds of supporters,” Lopez said to more than 150 supporters gathered at his campaign office.
“As a candidate I am fully transparent. As mayor my core principles will be simple. Focus on safety. Rebuilding our economy. And supporting our first responders and city employees that serve the taxpayers of the city of Chicago. It really is just that simple.”
Lopez told the gathering he will make “defending the public his priority.”
“My number one goal is safety. We must prioritize safety in our city or else nothing will happen. … Safety is already the keystone of work in the city. But I will amplify this message to every business, every organization, every church and block club in every community, every neighborhood and every street. We will be safe in the city of Chicago again,” Lopez said.
“The Chicago Police Department need our support and I will give it to them like they have never seen before. To the men and women of the police department, let me say this, I salute yu. And thank you for your service.”
Lopez argued that safety will strengthen the city’s faltering economy and support businesses.
You can watch Ald. Ray Lopez’s announcement on Youtube by clicking this link, or by using the widget below.
For more information on the mayoral candidate of Ray Lopez, follow him on Twitter at @RLopez15thWard
Visit Candidate Raymond Lopez’s campaign website at www.raymondlopezchicago.com
Lopez Bio:
I was born on the Southwest side of Chicago, where I was raised by a single mother and grandparents who taught me the value of hard work and honesty and encouraged me to stand up for what I believe in.
I attended St. Camillus School and graduated from St. Laurence High School. Shortly after attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, I was hired by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.
Soon after 9/11 devastated the United States, I signed on as a skycap for Southwest Airlines at Midway Airport. Here, I learned the true value of customer service and the importance it plays in society. I have incorporated and utilized this knowledge during all interactions in my public service as an Alderman.
Like many elected officials, my decision to run for office was spurred by the awareness that something needed to be improved. In 2006, after purchasing my first home in Chicago Lawn, a simple bulk garbage pick-up request to my local Alderman turned into a call-to-serve for me. The way in which I was so easily disregarded fueled my determination to change how the local government treats its taxpayers.
I persisted after my first run for Alderman was unsuccessful, and in 2015, I won the majority in a run-off election to win a seat on the City Council. I was proudly elected the first openly gay Latino to any office in the State of Illinois. In 2019, I was re-elected to continue honorably representing the historic neighborhoods of West Englewood, Gage Park, Brighton Park, and Back of the Yards.
Chicago is at a crossroads. After years of growth and investment, particularly in neighborhoods that I represent, I am finding that the current administration is unwilling to protect and support our future. We must fight back to ensure we protect our families, livelihoods, and future. I intend to do just that.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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