Rey Colon ran for 35th Ward alderman in 1999 and lost, but he received 40% of the votes. In 2002, he ran again against 8-year incumbent Vilma Colom in what the Chicago Tribune called the "historic electoral upset that shattered the status quo."
Background:
Colon has been a resident of the 35th ward his whole life. He studied Radio Broadcasting at Columbia College and then went on and completed the Community Management Program in the Office of Public Administration at Roosevelt University. He ran for alderman in 1999, and lost with 40% of the vote. After the race, he was recruited by the YMCA to direct the construction of the YMCA in Logan Square.
The Ward:
Logan Square makes up the 35th ward. Chicago's famed boulevard system is represented in the ward's intersections. 'Logan Square' is a large grassy circle surrounding a 70-foot tall eagle topped marble column that was designed by architect Henry Bacon, who also design the Lincoln Memorial.
The Office
Colon became Alderman in Feb. 2003. Since taking office, he has worked with Streets and Sanitation to improve garbage pick up and pest control, and to establish regular street cleanings. He has leveraged over $1 million per year in funding to improve streets and sidewalks in the 35th ward. Since Colon took office, crime has decreased by 25% in the ward, according to Chicago Police Department statistics.
Committees:
Rules and Ethics
Economic, Capital and Technology Development
Health
Human Relations
Special Events and Cultural Affairs
Traffic Control and Safety
