Cornell Wilson is an attorney, military veteran and community advocate who feels he has the leadership ability to succeed current mayoral candidate Bob Fioretti as 2nd Ward alderman.
Wilson, a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, talked with Windy City Times about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," his own platform and the aldermanic race.
Windy City Times: I understand the candidates have had a lot of forums to deal with—as expected.
Cornell Wilson: Yes; we had a couple last week and the week before that, and three this week. I think we have one of the active wards regarding forums, and that's pretty good.
WCT: Give me a little background about yourself.
Cornell Wilson: I came to Chicago for opportunity. I was born in [Marine Corps Base] Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. My dad was a Marine officer, and he retired as a major general in 2010. I went to Florida A&M University for undergrad on a full scholarship, and went into the Marine Corps. I entered after 9/11, fully knowing I'd be deployed at some point. I was stationed in Japan, and was deployed to Iraq in 2007 as a platoon commander. Then I deployed again, in the reserves, into [the African country of] Djibouti in 2009.
While in the reserves, I applied to Northwestern's law school. I moved to Chicago, and fell in love with the city. It's a little faster than Charlotte, North Carolina, to be honest. [Laughs]
WCT: With the military background, I'm curious: When was the first time you heard about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell [DADT]?"
Cornell Wilson: We had an orientation on all those policies in the basic school. Those policies were enforced when I was in the military in 2004. I had known several people who had identified as LGBT and I found [DADT] ridiculous even back then. The most glaring stupidity of it was when I went to logistics school after basic school—there was a Marine there who everyone knew [was gay]. He was just trying to serve his country, like everyone else.
WCT: Let's say you're voted alderman. What are two issues you would push for in your first year on city council?
Cornell Wilson: The responsibility for me, as 2nd Ward alderman, is to base my decisions on the [constituents'] responses. We took a poll early in my campaign of hundreds of ward residents, and found that gun violence and crime were the top two concerns. I would like to merge those two, and look at how we can prevent violence and gun crime and, on the back end, not locking people up to meet unnecessary mandatory minimums. We need to make sure we appropriate punish those who engage in violence.
I'd like to work with the police chief. I understand that we have to look at comprehensive solutions for crime throughout the city and not just in the 2nd Ward, though.
Number two would be working on long-range development planning. This ward is very diverse in terms of home ownership and the neighborhoods we live in. The West Side is Ukrainian Village, Bucktown, Wicker Park; the central part is the Finkl Steel area and the planned manufacturing district; and the East Side is Streeterville and the Gold Coast. Those are three distinct areas that need the same services—but there are very different ideas about what they look like. I want to work with those neighbors to make sure that the developments match the character of the neighborhoods.
WCT: Let's switch to schools. Regarding school boards, do you think the members should be appointed or elected?
Cornell Wilson: Actually, most other municipalities have elected school boards; it's kind of shocking that members of governments don't have their kids in public schools. We need to start slowly. I actually support a hybrid school model. When you look at other municipalities, some started with hybrid models, found great success and eventually transitioned to a fully elected school board. We should respond to the needs of the entire school system, though, and not just one particular area.
WCT: Continuing along the school track, what can be done to curb bullying? Of course, now there's also the added dimension of Internet bullying.
Cornell Wilson: Well, we have to use the technology to our advantage. If you look at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, they developed an application called "Combat Hate," I believe. It's designed so that kids can report anti-Semitic bullying.
I think the application can be used more broadly than that; I think any kid who witnesses bullying should be able to use it. Also, local PTAs can monitor during their off time. And most kids now have some sort of cellular device or smartphone; they should be able to text to a number. These are the kinds of things I think we need to put in place. There was a bullying incident at Ogden [Elementary School] that just happened last year.
I know the effects of bullying; I got bullied in high school. It can be hurtful.
WCT: Talk about your involvement with LGBT issues.
Cornell Wilson: I haven't had much. As you know, the culture of the South can be restrictive. It's tough to have kids come up, particularly down South, and be LGBTQ. I have two cousins who grew up, and the family wasn't ready for it. Those personal experiences definitely made me even more supportive, though; those experiences hit you in a different way. Then, there were experiences in the military; I don't care who you are as long as you're willing to fight.
WCT: What are your biggest advantage and disadvantage in this race?
Cornell Wilson: My biggest advantage is that I come toward this with a different perspective. I am an outsider—I am THE outsider. I haven't worked for any local politician, whether it's a Congressman or a commissioner. I look at Chicago as a city of opportunities and ideas. I do think outside of the box, and I have hope for this city.
My disadvantage is that I'm the youngest person in this race. People think I'm a few years younger and think I'm not ready for this. I try to tell them that I'm 34 and I've been in combat.
And there's also money: There are some candidates who are wealthy and have connections. We just have to make sure we're better on the issues.
WCT: Any final words?
Cornell Wilson: Check out my website, go to CornellWilson.com/video, and you'll see a funny video that we just produced. Also, I am accessible. Just email me ( Cornell@CornellWilson.com ) and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Visit cornellwilson.com .
Read more election-related articles at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gaynewsarticles.php .
