AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/29th-ward/)
Three weeks before the Feb. 26th election, the three aldermanic candidates answered questions about a number of issues at an event organized by Austin Coming Together and South Austin Neighborhood Association.
The three candidates running for alderman – Zerlina Smith, Chris Taliaferro and Dwayne Truss – will answer questions at the nonpartisan event, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5th at Michele Clark High School. The South Central Neighbors Association, Chicago Westside Branch of the NAACP and Austin Coming Together are co-sponsors.
Residents in the 29th Ward will have three candidates to choose from when early voting begins this week. First-term Ald. Chris Taliaferro is being challenged by Dwayne Truss and Zerlina A. Smith. A fourth candidate was knocked off the Feb. 26th ballot.
Michele Clark Principal Charles Anderson Jr. said many students who attend elementary school in Austin leave the community for high schools that offer an IB program, especially if they were already enrolled in the program. The hope is that having a high school program in Austin would keep some of those students in Austin.
Dwayne Truss hopes to raise at least $100,000 for his campaign. The incumbent, Ald. Chris Taliaferro, plans to seek reelection in February 2019.
Less than 100 residents of the 29th and 37th Wards have cast their ballots in the March 20 primary. Early voting can be done at a Downtown site through March 4, then at a few Austin locations starting March 5.
Ald. Chris Taliaferro will host the Feb. 7th meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. Victoria Vann of the Illinois Housing Development Authority will be a guest at the monthly get together.
During the 29th Ward’s monthly community meeting, residents questioned whether the newly formed Civilian Office of Police Accountability is truly independent, and some expressed reluctance to file complaints, saying they fear harassment.
Residents, school officials and local lawmakers are working to meet goal set by CPS to enroll at least 100 freshmen for the upcoming school year
CPS is still trying to attract developers to re-purpose buildings shut in 2013.