Alderman, 41st Ward: Maurita E. Gavin
Jan 11, 2011
Maurita E. Gavin
Updated: January 20, 2011 4:28PM
Birth date: 06-19-1957
Political affiliation: non-partisan
Neighborhood: Harlem/ Higgins area of Norwood Park
Occupation/Firm name: Adminsitrative Aide to Alderman Brian G. Doherty, 41st Ward/ City Council of Chicago
Marital status: widowed, 12/24/1995
Campaign HQ address: 7066 W. Higgins, Chicago, IL 60656
Campaign website: www.41stwardforgavin.com
Campaign manager cell phone
No response
Campaign manager e-mail
41stwardforgavin@gmail.com
What is your campaign budget?
$50,000, optimally $75,000
What are your top priorities for the City of Chicago?
1.) Keeping property taxes low;
2.) Maintaining public safety;
3.) Growing our tax base.
What are your top priorities for your ward?
1.) Revitalization of our commercial retail areas;
2.) Infrastructure maintenance and improvements;
3.) Relieve overcrowding of our Chicago Public Elementary Schools;
4.) Enhance constituent services.
The city is in serious financial trouble and can't afford the level of service it currently provides. For 2011, Mayor Daley, with City Council backing, balanced the budget without raising taxes or fees, relying instead on some cost-saving measures and one-time fixes, including using proceeds from leasing the city's parking meters. Do you support this approach? What should be done differently going forward?
Please be specific about your plans to reshape government: what services and departments would you scale back or cut? Can you identify new revenue sources? How can the City reduce personnel costs? What kind of concessions should the City seek from the unions?
I do not believe that essential city services such as public safety, water, electric or sanitation should be privatized. Other services should be looked at on a case by case basis with ample time to examine the pros and cons and time to acquire sufficient information to make an informed decision. I believe that the privatization of our parking meters is a prime example of a decision made without adequate time to thoroughly investigate the proposal and its future ramifications. We need to learn from that.
We should lobby Springfield for a 1st class casino to be located in downtown (or near downtown) Chicago. I am against wide-spread video gaming in the city as I think that would be too difficult to regulate, but would support a world class casino downtown. I believe that this would boost our tourism industry as well as our convention business. Both of these are huge revenue producers for the City. This would help everyone from the tradesmen employed at McCormick Place to members of our hospitality industry. I believe that it would give a much needed boost to our city and regional economy. At the present time, people can travel 20 minutes from downtown Chicago to Indiana for a casino and the state of Indiana is benefiting from the revenue produced. This makes no sense to me when the City and region is in such dire financial straits.
A recycling fee could be charged and the collections could work on a grid system rather than on a ward basis. I would like to see garbage collection remain on a ward basis. The City has reduced personnel costs utilizing agreements with the Unions, most notably with the agreement for them to take unpaid furlough days. The non-union city personnel have to take them as well. These are very difficult economic times and I think that this working agreement should stand until the economy improves and we can revisit it.
The city's four employee pension funds have been called a "ticking time bomb," with Mayor Daley's pension commission predicting that the four funds will run out of money in 20 years. "There is no low- or no-cost solution to this problem," the commission wrote in a report earlier this year. "Deferring action is not a viable option." What is your plan for bringing the pension funds to solvency?
The State of Illinois has already made a start by raising the age and years needed to retire for new hires. I believe that current employees are guaranteed their specific pensions. I do not believe that precludes the unions from collective bargaining that could raise current employee contributions to stave off bankruptcy.
Does Chicago need 50 aldermen? If not, what's a better number? What City Council committees could be combined? What other ways can the City Council save money?
After working in the 41st Ward office for the past almost fifteen years, I believe that having 50 aldermen is beneficial and necessary. We have a very busy 41st Ward office. The alderman's position is unlike any other. Aldermen are legislators, village managers, planners, referees and advocates. Almost everyone knows their alderman. In addition, in a city that is so diverse and large, with issues unique to each ward, it makes sense to have a representative who is familiar with the needs of each ward and has the knowledge to adequately address them. Where else do you have that type of decentralized and participatory democracy in place? The small percentage of money you would save by the reduction of City Council members would not be worth the lack of access to government. City services to constituents would suffer. The City is just too big. The very things that make Chicago the amazing, multi-cultural metropolitan city that it is, dictate that we need to have avenues in place to address a great number of diverse issues and needs within our neighborhoods. People need a voice and an advocate that is aware and familiar with their needs and concerns.
Chicago was designed as a weak mayor, strong council form of government yet Mayor Daley wields considerable power over the City Council. What measures would you recommend to strengthen the council? On which issues should the mayor lead? On which should the council lead?
While it is said that Chicago was designed as a weak mayor, strong council form of government, that has rarely been the case in our history. Patronage and contracts have given mayors most of the power. Recent court rulings have diminished that power. I believe that the mayor should take the lead on education and large issues such as the O'Hare Expansion Project and other large projects, the City Council on everyday issues.
The city's tax-increment financing program has been criticized on several fronts, including the proliferation of districts, how money is diverted from schools and other basic city services, how TIF funding decisions are made and for an overall lack of transparency. How would you improve the TIF program? Does the TIF law need to be changed in any way?
Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIFs) are a valuable tool in redeveloping many areas in the city, but I feel that they have grown way beyond their original intent. TIFs are only supposed to be used in "blighted" areas. Downtown Chicago is hardly a blighted area. I feel that individual aldermen and community groups should have a larger say in the process. I also very strongly believe that there should be more transparency on how much and the way the money is spent. I also feel that the City should reduce the number of TIF Districts and work on shortening the life of the terms.
Mayor Daley has focused on privatizing city assets. Are there any other assets the City Council should consider privatizing? If so, would you make any changes to the way privatization deals are negotiated and passed through the City Council?
Again, I am not totally against privatization, but I am against privatization for essential city services such as public safety, water, electric and sanitation. Everything else should be looked at on a case by case basis, with the City Council being given sufficient time to examine the pros and cons and future ramifications. We need to carefully consider long-time benefits or lack thereof.
The Chicago Police Department is understaffed, with no lasting budget solution in sight. Given the current staffing levels, what changes would you recommend to use resources more efficiently? Do you support realigning beats in a way that moves police from lower crime areas to higher crime neighborhoods? What should happen to the diminished CAPS program?
I believe that police staffing is a high priority issue. The crime rate has been declining in recent years. I DO NOT support the realignment of beats. The Police need flexibility which they already have in place. In reality, in the north side districts, manpower has been depleted over the past 3 years. This manpower has been used to formulate and staff units such as the GEU (Gang Enforcement Unit), TRU (Targeted Response Unit) and MSF (Mobile Strike Force). My understanding is while these specialized units patrol busy areas of the city, they do not do the routine policing of a district beat car. The sworn police officers in these units now number about 1,000 strong (approximately 10% of our sworn police officers). Perhaps we should look into reducing the size of these units, leaving a city-wide presence, but returning some of the officers back into their home districts. The 41st Ward already has the largest beats with the longest response times. We have a wonderful Commander and Police personnel up here, but they need to have the resources available to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
The 16th District is one of the safest in the city and I want to keep it that way. I am concerned that if we redeploy our officers to other areas we will quickly lose our status as one of the safest districts in the city. If career criminals figure out that we have less police on our streets, I fear we will become the target of their crimes. People in the 41st Ward (and everywhere) deserve to feel safe in their homes. They shouldn't have to worry about being targeted for burglary because the criminals know we have a reduced police presence up here. While it is very true that there are other areas of the city which experience a higher incidence of more serious crime, we need to figure out ways to get them more police officers, not take them away from other areas. Our dedicated Police Officers put their lives on the line for us everyday in every part of the city. They deserve to be well protected in their own homes. Everyone does. When the economy rebounds this is the first budget issue that should be addressed. Redeployment is a "quick fix"; it does not address the long-term needs of higher crime areas.
As far as the CAPS Program is concerned, I believe it is a useful tool and should be funded fully when the economy rebounds. The CAPS officers in the 16th District, which I have had the pleasure to work with, have done so much for the people of this ward and have been a very effective liaision between our office and the constituents of the ward. Speaking for the 41st Ward, I would like to see the CAPS Program staffed to its prior level when it is feasible to do so.
The next mayor will choose a new CEO for the Chicago Public Schools. Do you think the CEO needs to have education experience? Should the new mayor continue the Renaissance 2010 program of shutting down failing schools and creating new ones? Should the new mayor continue Ron Huberman's "culture of calm" effort, which aims to improve the culture of the toughest schools and provides mentors and extra support for kids at greatest risk of being shot? What should CPS do to improve neighborhood schools that are struggling to educate the large numbers of students left behind, the students that don't make it into test-based, charters or other specialized schools?
I do not think that it should be a requirement that the new CEO has educational experience but it would be beneficial. I believe that the Mayor should appoint the CEO and President but the City Council should have approval over board members. I would, however, like to see a balance between business acumen and teaching credentials. If the CEO has business experience, than ideally the President of the Board should have an educational background. I don't think that the skills set needed to be an effective CEO of such a large and diverse Public School System are necessarily the same as those needed to be an excellent educator.
I think it is too early to assess the success or failure of Renaissance 2010. Charter schools are still fairly new, we need further evaluation. Ron Huberman's "culture of calm" effort is also very new. It is too early to fully assess its effectiveness. If it helps the kids, I am for it. However, I think we all need to recognize the fact that parents need to take responsibility for raising their children to be respectful. It is the parents' job to instill values in their children. We can't expect the Chicago Public Schools and the teachers to "fix" everything that is wrong. It has to start in the home. That being said, it is our moral responsibility to offer the best support we can give to these high risk students within the framework of the schools.
We are very fortunate to have 7 of the top 30 Chicago Public Elementary Schools in our ward. They are doing a fantastic job and are facing overcrowding issues. All of our children are special and have unique gifts and talents. Each will bring to society their own unique contributions. The job of the Chicago Public Schools is to educate ALL of the children. The system is so large and diverse that there is quite a disparity among what schools need and the problems they are facing. That is when the Alderman and the community can work together with the CPS to address educational issues that are pertinent to their local schools.
Do you support one or more casinos for Chicago? If so, where would you like to see casinos located?
I would support a first class casino to be built in downtown Chicago, or near downtown. I addressed this in question three. I think that a casino downtown would boost our tourism and convention industries. These are a vital part of the city and regional economy. In these very difficult economic times, additional revenue is sorely needed. The reality is that people can drive 20 minutes from downtown and be in an Indiana casino. The state of Indiana is benefiting from this revenue. We should build our own casino downtown. We need the revenue!
Aldermen have considerable influence over TIF, zoning and other decisions, both large and small, related to development and services in their ward. Do aldermen have too much influence?
No, the aldermen are the duly elected representatives of their wards. They know the area the best. They are the ones closest to and available to their constituents and they bear direct responsibility over many issues.
If elected alderman, do you plan to maintain an outside job? Would you pledge not to hold any job that represents a conflict of interest, including those that involve spending public dollars?
No, I will be a full-time alderman.
Would you accept campaign contributions or gifts from your employees? Would you pledge not to hire relatives on your staff?
I would accept nominal campaign contributions if offered. I would accept small gifts within reason for a birthday, etc. I would also give back! I would pledge not to hire relatives on my staff.
Does the City need to change the way it hands out contracts? Should aldermen reclaim oversight of City contracts? If so, contracts above what dollar amount?
I believe that alderman should reclaim oversight of City contracts in excess of $100,000.00
Do you support an inspector general just for the City Council? Would you support giving the city's existing inspector general power to investigate aldermen and their staffs, including subpoena power?
No, you cannot have the executive branch investigating the legislative branch. The potential for abuse is worse than what we are experiencing now.
Should there be new limits on who can lobby City Hall officials, including aldermen? Should former City Hall employees be prohibited from doing business with the city after their departure? If so, for how long?
I believe that they should be prohibited from doing business with the city for a period of one year.
What's the best book ever written about Chicago? Why?
No response
Please list your educational background
Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts in Education, High Honors
Major: Special Education
Awareded: May, 1980
Please list civic, professional, fraternal or other organizations to which you belong
No response
Have you held elective or appointive political office or been employed by any branch of government?
I have been employed as an administrative aide to 41st Ward Alderman Brian Doherty for the past fourteen plus years.
Please list jobs or contracts you, members of your immediate family or business partners have had with government
N/A
Name your five biggest campaign contributors and the amount they contributed
No response
Please paste a brief biography here
My name is Maurita E. Gavin and I am running for Alderman of the 41st Ward. I have worked as an Administrative Aide to Alderman Brian Doherty for the past fourteen years.
My maiden name is McHugh and I was one of five children raised on the west side of Chicago in St. Angela Parish. I attended Mother Theodore Guerin High School, Wright College and obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Education (Major: Special Education) from Northeastern Illinois University.
For the past 25 years my family and I have lived in the Harlem/ Higgins area of Norwood Park. My late husband, Patrick Gavin, was a 20 year employee of the Chicago Water Department and was our Ward Superintendent for three years before his death 15 years ago. Alderman Doherty hired me at that time. I have raised my three sons in the area. They have played sports in our parks and were educated in our community. I understand what parents want and need from our community for their families. My sons, Patrick, Brian and Danny attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Notre Dame High School (Patrick '01, Brian '06 and Danny '09). My eldest son "Coach Pat" has been a JV Varsity football coach at IC for the past eight years and will be the head JV Football Coach next season.
I am a past member of the Immaculate Conception Parents' Club and the Immaculate Conception Athletic Committee. I am also a past member of the Notre Dame Parents' Association. I have been involved in fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and have worked on various private benefits.
I believe that my years in the alderman's office give me a unique advantage in that I already know the nuts and bolts of running the ward, a ward that happens to be the largest geographically in the City of Chicago. As in anything else, having developed contacts and working relationships with city personnel over the years gives me an advantage in that upon my election, I will already have a working operation in place, staffed with experienced people. As your alderman, I will strive to deliver the city services you deserve and expect.
I am very confident that the many constituents who have dealt with me over the years know that I have done my best to help them. I pride myself on my work with seniors, often helping them navigate the process of missed property tax exemptions and dealing with various other issues. If you know of any seniors that may have called here looking for help, ask them about "the tall one with the funny name".
I am smart, resourceful, hard-working and genuinely care about people. I work well under pressure. I promise to do my best to offer a smooth transition in the services of the aldermanic office, while striving to make changes that will make the office my own. My sons are now grown and I have the time I need to commit myself to performing to the best of my ability as your full-time alderman. The 41st Ward is the best ward in the City of Chicago and I plan to keep it that way!
