Crime prevention, neighborhood beautification and business development were all hot-button topics tackled by 46th Ward aldermanic candidates Molly Phelan and James Cappleman March 24.
The historic Preston Bradley Center hosted the 90-minute debate, where residents and candidate supporters all gathered for an inside look of each candidate's platform. Safety and crime have been major concerns of the community. In particular, recent news headlines of shootings and gang-related crimes have put Uptown on the spotlight. Both candidates addressed the topic with a crime-prevention method that targets youth after school.
Cappleman touched on the Explorer program, where police work with youth on crimes issues concerning gangs and violence. The candidate also proposed a hands-on approach of working with parents and making after-school program information and materials more accessible to the community.
"We have to work with parents on making after-school information more accessible," said Cappleman.
Phelan stood behind the CeaseFire Program. According to the website the mission behind the CeaseFire Program is to work with community and government partners to reduce violence in all forms and to help design interventions required to better define what should be included in a community or city anti-violence plan. Candidates also expanded improving the community's economies of businesses and organizations. While Phelan's major goal is to develop Uptown into an entertainment district with a national attraction, she disagreed with Cappleman's green-space initiative that would discourage loitering according to Capppleman.
"Green space does not stop bullets or gangs," said Phelan.
Candidates were also asked about transparency of government and their commitment to the community if they were elected alderman of the 46th Ward. Cappleman, endorsed by the Chicago Sun-Times, stressed that he is a candidate for and by the people, also noting that the majority of his donations have come from residents in the 46th Ward.
"They know that I have the passion, drive and the answers to make this a great ward," said Cappleman.
Endorsed by the Chicago Tribune and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Phelan closed her argument with a major focus on the safety of residents and their families.
"The only thing that really matters at the end of the day is that you're safe," said Phelan.
Phelan and Cappleman emerged as the top two candidates out of 11 running candidates in the Feb. 22 municipal election. The runoff election will take place Tuesday, April 5. Early voting will take place March 31 at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson.
