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Get to Know Your Ward: 22nd Ward

NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.

In this profile, learn all about the 22nd ward, which covers parts of parts of South Lawndale, Little Village and Archer Heights.

Demographic

  • Total Population: 53,515
  • White: 3.96 percent
  • Black: 8.29 percent
  • Hispanic: 87.07 percent
  • Asian: 0.37 percent (Source: WBEZ)

Current Alderman: Ricardo Munoz

Ward Committeemen: Ricardo Munoz (democratic committeeman) and John Ailey (Green Party committeeman)

Who Else is Running: Neftalie Gonzalez, Robert Martinez, Raul Montes and Alex Velazquez (removed)

Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse, violent, community-oriented. This area has also been called the "Mexico of the Midwest" for its large Mexican-American population.

Economic Engine: Manufacturing and local businesses, particularly those along 26th Street.

Where People Eat: Restaurants include many Mexican restaurants, taquerias and bakeries, such as La Catedral Cafe and Restaurant, El Pollo Real, Delicias Mexicanas, Birrieria Patinos, Ocotolan, Durango, La Espiga de Oro Bakery and El Nopal Bakery.

Where People Drink: Bars include Skylark Lounge, El Sinaloense and Trevinos

Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Kingswood International Church, Epiphany Roman Catholic Church, St. Agnes of Bohemia, Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church and Iglesia Puerta Al Cielo.

How the Ward Typically Votes: Ricardo Munoz has been alderman of the 22nd ward since 1993. In 2007, Munoz won 57 percent of the vote, defeating Jose Gutierrez (25 percent) and two other challengers. In 2011, Munoz won 64 percent of the vote, defeating Neftalie Gonzalez.

Landmark: Little Village arch, which reads "Bienvenidos a Little Village." The arch is not actually inside the ward boundaries, but it is the gateway to all of the retail and restaurants on 26th Street, which are located inside the ward.

Resident's Voice: Alonso Huizar, a server at La Catedral Cafe and Restaurant, said he would like to see a greater police presence in the area. He said crime is a concern for him and also people at the restaurant, who he's heard about the need for more police as well.

Ward Expert: Augie Sallas, president of the Little Village Community Council and publisher of The Hispanic Times.

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