Old and new mix in 35th Ward
Rivals square off again, joined by tollway worker
All three are Puerto Rican and have long histories of serving the diverse Puerto Rican and Polish communities that span the Logan Square and Avondale neighborhoods.
Each says the rapidly gentrifying ward needs an accessible, firm steward to keep housing costs and crime down. That's where the similarities end.
Former Ald. Vilma Colom, 52, held the seat for eight years until Rey Colon, who ran against her unsuccessfully in 1999, ousted her in 2003.
Since then, Colon, whose experience is in leading social service community groups, has presided over a drop in the ward's overall crime rate. He also has put several resident information programs into place.
Colon, 45, calls criticisms of his economic development goals sour grapes on the part of community members intent on shutting out any type of growth. They are people with personal axes to grind, eager to charge he has personally made financial gains from new business and housing projects, he says.
"It's a changing area, and we need the types of commerce that will meet all parties' interests. But there's some people who don't understand or don't want to understand the economics of it," Colon said. "And some people just hate any kind of change. I can tell you I've never personally benefitted from any projects, and I'd be willing to submit to any scrutiny."
Miguel Sotomayor, an Illinois State Toll Highway Authority employee and second-time aldermanic candidate, says he represents residents who have lived in the ward for multiple generations and fear being driven out by a raft of high-priced condo conversions.
"There are houses that have passed from family to family, but costs are rising so much, they're looking at having to sell or leave," said Sotomayor, 39. "And those who are thinking of moving here are finding it's not affordable anymore."
Sotomayor's heavy involvement in the ward's local school councils has given him some name recognition in the community. He says he's certain his current job as an operations manager prepares him for the leadership and teamwork needed to take on the new role. "I'm an organized, energetic team builder," said Sotomayor.
"I felt like, as a Latina, I had to be aggressive, more dramatic, to be listened to," said Colom, who says she has learned a lot in the four years she has spent working with young women in the Cook County Sheriff's Youth Services Department.
That includes honing her listening skills, developing a softer approach and taking guidance on community issues from residents, family and friends, she said.