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 36th Ward.
36th Ward – Omar Aquino vs. Gilbert Villegas
Issues at Stake in Runoff:
Raul Botello, executive director at northwest side grassroots community organization Communities United, said that youth programs, jobs, public safety, living wage, affordable housing, public policy transparency, and access to healthcare (especially for immigrants and mental health services) are issues the community are most concerned with. Botello thinks that voter turnout in the community will be higher in the runoff due to nicer weather and more voter interest in the candidates
Omar Aquino (campaign website)
Local
Education: Loyola University (B.S., criminal justice)
Occupation: Not answered, but worked with Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth and as an Illinois House of Representatives Legislative Aide
Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Illinois Action
Key Issues: City services, education, public safety, economic development, city budget, paid sick leave/family-friendly retail workplace laws
Gilbert Villegas (campaign website)
Education: Northeastern University
Occupation: Government affairs / business development consultant
Endorsements: Teamsters Joint Council 25, Federation of Women Contractors, Chicago Federation of Labor, Fraternal Order of Police
Key Issues: Public safety, protecting seniors and tired workers, children’s education, city services, local businesses, job growth, aldermanic accountability, youth resources, reducing foreclosures, resources for veterans
General information:
Voter Turnout on Feb. 24: 28 percent
How did they vote in the mayor’s race?
- Jesus “Chuy” Garcia: 45 percent
- Rahm Emanuel: 39 percent
Demographics
- Total population: 54,766
- White: 26.28 percent
- Black: 3.55 percent
- Hispanic: 66.64 percent
- Asian: 2.92 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Neighborhoods: Montclare, Portage Park, Belmont Cragin and Hermosa
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Residential, diverse, tightly knit, quiet and family-oriented
How Ward Typically Votes: William Banks was the alderman of the 36th Ward from 1983 until 2009. In 2007, Banks won 76 percent of the vote, defeating Sposato. In 2011, Sposato won 56 percent of the vote, defeating John Rice in a runoff.
