Position on 2011 race: Walter Burnett, 27th Ward Alderman

I'd like to see the city figure out how to more effectively manage staff, assets and resources more efficiently. We need to have a forensic audit so that everyone can see what we take in and what we spend. Secondly, we should look to establish more public/private partnerships such as what we see with the Chicago Public Schools. We have to figure out how to retain and attract businesses in Chicago. I think the key to that is access to quality schools and safe neighborhoods.

I plan to offer solutions that will get the housing industry back on solid footing. Given all the uncertainty in the economy, I think government has to partner with business to get some of the foreclosed homes back on the market. Once that happens, we will see neighborhoods start to stabilize. The city can begin to get taxes from homes being occupied, as opposed to being vacant and a nuisance. The city will collect utility taxes, water payments, and eventually, real estate taxes. Foreclosed properties tax city resources because they are open, dangerous and can become drug houses. I firmly believe acquiring foreclosed property, using tax dollars is a good use of TIF funds that will offer immediate benefits to the city and the neighborhood.

I plan to work with the business community and residents to ensure that the 27th ward not only gets its fair share of services and programs, but that we are leveraging them to create more growth and opportunities for anyone wishing to relocate to the 27th Ward.