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 50th ward, which covers West Ridge, or West Rogers Park.
Demographic
- Total Population: 55,809
- White: 45.17 percent
- Black: 10.6 percent
- Hispanic: 18.87 percent
- Asian: 23.68 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Debra Silverstein
Ward Committeemen: Ira Silverstein (democratic committeeman) and Tom Morris (republican comitteeman)
Who Else is Running: Hilaire Fuji Shioura (removed), Shajan Kuriakose, Zehra Quadri and Peter Sifnotis (removed)
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse, residential and quiet
Economic Engine: Restaurants and shops along Devon Avenue. While most of these businesses are run by Indian-Americans, this stretch of Devon is very multicultural. There are many Pakistani, Iraqi, Russian and Jewish establishments as well.
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Gulliver's Pizza and Pub, Siam Pasta, Mi Pueblo, Mullen's, Eastern Style Pizza, North Shore Kosher Bakery, Jesse's Mexican Grill, Taza Bakery, Delhi Darbar, Tel-Aviv Kosher Bakery, Anmol Bakery, Uru-Swati, Viceroy of India, Sabri Nihari, Pak Sweets, Usmania, Lahore, Ghareeb Nawaz, Hoanh Long Vietnamese and Chinese and Little Quiapo.
Where People Drink: Bars include Mark II Lounge, McKellin's and Hookah Joint Lounge.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Ner Tamid Ezra Habonim Eqltrn, West Ridge United Methodist, Sixteenth Church of Christ Scientist, Congregation KINS of West Rogers Park, Congregation Khal Chasidim, St. Timothy Catholic Church, Congregation B'nei Ruven, The Church in West Ridge and Chicago Myung Sung Presbyterian.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Debra Silverstein was first elected alderman of the 50th ward in 2011 when she defeated long-time alderman Bernard Stone, who served in City Council from 1973 until 2011. In 2007, Stone won 53 percent of the vote, defeating Naisy Dolar in a runoff. In 2011, Silverstein won 61 percent of the vote, defeating Stone in a runoff.
Landmark: Devon Avenue
Ward Expert: Ahmed Khan, chair of the West Rogers Park Community Organization
