NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on the 18 wards heading into a runoff election April 7. In this profile, learn all about the 29th Ward.
29th Ward – Deborah Graham (incumbent) vs. Chris Taliaferro
Issues at Stake in Runoff: Andrew Born, director of programs and development at Austin Coming Together, says that people in the Austin community are generally concerned about jobs, violence and education. In terms of voter turnout for the runoff, Born does not think it will be higher compared to the Feb. 24 election because “none of the candidates are proposing compelling alternatives to what is currently being done to address jobs, violence and education in Austin.”
Deborah Graham (campaign website)
Local
Education: Robert Morris University, (B.A., business administration)
Occupation: 29th Ward Alderman
Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, Chicago Defender
Key Issues: Education, public safety, local businesses
Chris Taliaferro (campaign website)
Education: John Marshall Law School (J.D.), Lewis University
Occupation: Chicago Police Sergeant, Attorney at Law
Endorsements: U.S. Rep. Danny Davis
Key Issues: Public safety and crime reduction, community development, economic development, city services
General information:
Voter Turnout on Feb. 24: 32 percent
How did they vote in the mayor’s race?
- Rahm Emanuel: 42 percent
- Jesus “Chuy” Garcia: 24 percent
- Willie Wilson: 22 percent
Demographics
- Total population: 55,267
- White: 15.61 percent
- Black: 69.17 percent
- Hispanic: 13.14 percent
- Asian: 1.31 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Neighborhoods: Austin, Montclare and Belmont Cragin
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Crime-ridden, struggling, tough and residential
How Ward Typically Votes: Ike Carothers was alderman of the 29th Ward from 1999 to 2010 when he was indicted on federal charges of bribery. He was succeeded by Deborah Graham. In 2007, Carothers ran unopposed. Graham won 52 percent of the vote in 2011, defeating Thomas Simmons (12 percent) and six other challengers.
