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 35th ward, which covers parts of Albany Park, Irving Park, Avondale, Logan Square and Hermosa.
Demographic
- Total Population: 55,281
- White: 19.64 percent
- Black: 4.69 percent
- Hispanic: 69.31 percent
- Asian: 5.42 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Rey Colon
Ward Committeemen: Rey Colon (democratic committeeman), Walter Zarnecki (republican committeeman) and Craig Brozefsky (Green Party committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Residential, quiet, gentrifying, diverse and vibrant
Economic Engine: Local businesses, restaurants, art venues and shops
Where People Eat: Restaurants include El Gallo Bravo, La Piramide, Cafe Galapagos, Bellonas Pizza, Boem, Olive Garden, La Farine Bakery, Friendship, Taqueria Telolopan, Punta Cana and Joseph Antognoli and Co.
Where People Drink: Bars include 240 Lounge and Cafe, The Abbey, Moe's Tavern, Bialystok Pub, The Double Urban Tavern and E.M. Lounge.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Faithworld International church, The Grace and Peace Community Church, St. Philomena Church and Iglesia de Jesucristo.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Rey Colon has been alderman of the 35th ward since 2003. In 2007, he won 62 percent of the vote, defeating Vilma Colom in a runoff. In 2011, he won 51 percent of the vote, defeating Miguel Sotomayor (25 percent) and Nancy Schiavone (24 percent).
Landmark: The Logan Theatre
Resident's Voice: John Brown, a manager at Parts and Labor restaurant, said he would like to see more investment into the community, including more local businesses from mom and pop stores to corporations, but he said the neighborhood is otherwise in good shape. "Logan Square is doing fine. Everything that needs to happen is happening in this neighborhood."
Ward Expert: Cara Dehnert Huffman, former executive director of I Am Logan Square
