Harry Osterman, 43, is the state representative for the 14th District in Illinois House of Representatives now running for alderman in the 48th ward. His opponents include Philip R. Bernstein and Jose E. Arteaga.
"I have a strong track record as state representative on LGBT issues and I am dedicated to serving all the residents of the 48th Ward to make it a better, safer place for everyone," Osterman said. "Additionally, I will continue working with LGBT leaders in the 48th Ward to ensure all issues affecting the LGBT community are being addressed."
Windy City Times: What do you want to do for the 48th Ward and how do you plan to get things done?
Harry Osterman: As alderman, I will have three main priorities: improving public safety, improving education, and increasing economic development.
Public Safety: My top priority will be public safety. If elected, I will work with the police, community organizations and neighbors to develop a safety plan for each area of our ward and together the community will reduce violence and make the streets safer for all residents. As part of a large plan on public safety, I will push for increasing staffing levels in the detective divisions to investigate crime. Many perpetrators are repeat offenders and may be involved in other unsolved cases. I also will support investing in job training and after-school programs for at-risk individuals, such as ex-offenders and youth.
Education: My goal as alderman is to make all of the schools in the 48th Ward outstanding educational facilities for the children and families of our community. The Chicago Public Schools in the 48th Ward have made tremendous strides in the past decade and that trend must continue. Our community has been blessed with an extraordinary partnership between the schools, parents, community members and local businesses. I will continue to foster and enhance these relationships. I will continue to fight for funding for Chicago Public Schools, advocating reduced class sizes, retaining quality teachers and adding vital programs for students. I am also a strong advocate for early childhood education and will work to see that funding for these programs is expanded, not cut.
"I will work to increase businesses in the 48th Wardnew businesses and jobs should not be confined solely to downtown. The 48th Ward has a thriving small-business district, including Andersonville. The success fostered in Andersonville needs to be sustained and expanded to other parts of the ward. As alderman, I will work closely with the local chambers of commerce and development corporations to attract new, quality small businesses to the community. I will also work with small business owners who want to expand to other parts of the ward. Additionally, I support the creation of two job incubators for the ward in order to help local entrepreneurs looking to develop new businesses for our community. One would be located in Edgewater, the other in Uptown.
WCT: What is the biggest issue/concern you see for the 48th?
Osterman: Public safety. I believe that enhancing our schools, parks, libraries and business districts is futile if our neighbors do not feel safe.
WCT: How will the mayoral race impact the 48th?
Osterman: I believe the mayoral race will have a positive impact on the 48th Ward. With this being the first time in over 20 years there has not been an incumbent running for mayor, there is a renewed sense of community activism throughout our ward. Chicagoans are more energized than ever to participate in the municipal election process.
WCT: The 48th has a large LGBT population. What do you want to do for the LGBT community?
Osterman: I have several goals for the 48th Ward to improve the quality of life for our LGBT community, including a gay youth center, HIV clinic, formal pride celebration and more programming at the Senior Center at the Armory geared towards our gay seniors.
Most importantly, I want the LGBT community to feel safe in their neighborhood; there is no place in the 48th ward for bullying and hate crimes. As alderman, I will maintain a 48th ward LGBT advisory committee and work to have a member of my committee placed on the Mayor's LGBT Advisory Council. I will encourage the mayor's LGBT Advisory Council to report directly to the mayor.
WCT: Would you advocate for mandatory anti-bullying policies/training in Chicago public schools?
Osterman: Yes. As state representative, I secured funding to start an anti-violence program at Senn High School. Bullying is a rampant problem throughout [Chicago Public Schools] and we must use the available resources to greatly curtail this problem.
WCT: Please list any and all experience you have on LGBT-related issues.
Osterman: I have extensive experience with LGBT-related issues. As a state representative, I supported many local organizations with state funded grants including the AIDS Foundation [of Chicago], LCCP, Open Hand, Center on Halsted, TPAN and Howard Brown. I also fought for the passage of an amendment to the State's Human Rights Act, to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's sexual orientation. My greatest legislative accomplishment was getting civil-unions legislation passed this year.
WCT: It was a ground-breaking year for the LGBT community in 2010, with [the repeal of] DADT and civil unions coming to Illinois. Your thoughts about that?
Osterman: Helping pass civil unions legislation this [past] November was my proudest legislative accomplishment to date. This legislation, as well as the repeal of DADT, will help Illinois lead the way in bridging the equality gap between gay and straight individuals. However, as great as these achievements are, we must also remember we cannot rest on these accomplishments and must continue to press for greater equality and hopefully seeing the Federal Defense of Marriage Act repealed.
WCT: The 2010 Gay Pride Parade also was ground-breaking, with the Stanley Cup riding in it and even Baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Banks riding on the Cubs' float. Thoughts?
Osterman: My staff, many volunteers, and I have marched in the parade for several years. The parade is incredibly fun and a great way to celebrate Chicago's active LGBT community. I am glad to see more groups and organizations joining us every year.
WCT: You are going against an openly gay candidate in a race with a large LGBT votership. Thoughts about that?
Osterman: I do not think this is an issue.
See www.harryosterman.org .