CHICAGO - Today, Bennett Lawson launched his campaign for Alderman of the 44th Ward. A lifelong public servant who has served the people of this ward as longtime chief of staff to Alderman Tom Tunney, Lawson brings unmatched experience as an effective leader and advocate for residents and families throughout Lakeview. He will continue the strong, steady leadership that 44th Ward residents have come to rely on and expect and will continue his work to promote safe and welcoming neighborhoods, balanced development, quality public education, and a more inclusive, transparent government.
"I am proud to announce my candidacy today for 44th Ward Alderman. I have dedicated my career to public service, largely focused on improving Lakeview to be the strong community it is today. I know that my experience, relationships, and passion for helping others will help me effectively serve the ward on day one," said Bennett Lawson. "I've been fortunate to work alongside Alderman Tunney for many years to make Lakeview a vibrant place for our residents, and I'm honored that he is putting his trust in me to continue a steady legacy of service to our community."
Having served as chief of staff to Alderman Tunney since 2007, and director of community outreach prior, Lawson is the liaison to the ward's vibrant business and civic communities where he's helped promote growth as well as tourism, while balancing the needs of local residents. He helped shepherd the development of multiple projects that are having lasting impacts on the community, including the construction of Center on Halsted, the redevelopment of the Town Hall Police station into LGBT senior housing, the Howard Brown Health Center currently under construction on Northalsted, the Whole Foods and Mariano's developments, and development that increased affordable housing within the neighborhood. He works closely with police commanders and members of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) to help keep the community safe, and works with businesses and residents on crime prevention strategies. He also leads outreach to the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS community, in both the ward and the city more broadly, to help nonprofits obtain funding and initiate new programs to help those in need.
Alderman Tom Tunney offered his strong endorsement of Bennett Lawson, stating, "In an effort to ensure continuity of service and effective leadership for the residents of the ward, I wholeheartedly support and endorse my longtime chief of staff Bennett Lawson to succeed me as alderman of the 44th Ward. I am confident in Bennett's leadership skills, his ability to further enhance the progress and vitality we have achieved in the Lakeview community and his knowledge of how to work successfully with residents, businesses and the many individuals and departments that make up our city government. For nearly two decades, Bennett has been an invaluable asset to this ward as he has tirelessly advocated for its residents and businesses alike, offering pragmatic solutions and meeting constituent needs. Lakeview residents expect a leader that knows how to balance local business interests with the quality of life of our residents, and I am thrilled he wants to step up to serve our community as Alderman. Bennett will ensure that there is a seamless transition of leadership and that local residents and businesses can continue to rely on this office to keep our community moving forward."
Prior to joining Alderman Tunney's office, Lawson served as the District Director for Illinois State Senator Carol Ronen, where he was responsible for directing all constituent services. He worked to resolve issues residents faced with state agencies and collaborated with officials at the federal, county, and city levels on projects, events, and constituent casework.
The proud son of a teacher, Lawson attended public schools before receiving his Bachelor's degree from Loyola University Chicago. He lives in Lakeview with his husband Pete.
To learn more, visit bennettfor44.com .
About Bennett Lawson
Bennett Lawson is a candidate for Alderman of the 44th Ward. A lifelong public servant who has served as Alderman Tom Tunney's chief of staff for nearly 15 years, Lawson will utilize his deep experience, strong relationships, and knowledge of the community to continue strong, steady leadership for the 44th Ward. As Alderman, he will advocate for safe and welcoming neighborhoods, balanced development, quality public education, and a more inclusive, transparent government. To learn more, visit bennettfor44.com .