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 15th ward, which covers parts of the West Side, including Brighton Park, Gage Park, New City (Canaryville), West Englewood and Back of the Yards.
Demographic
- Total Population: 51,501
- White: 4.74 percent
- Black: 22.27 percent
- Hispanic: 71.6 percent
- Asian: 0.98 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Toni Foulkes
Ward Committeemen: Raymond A. Lopez (democratic committeeman) and Rose Pritchett (republican committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Alberto Bocanegra (removed), Eddie Daniels, Otis Davis, Raymond Lopez, Sandra Mallory (removed), Adolfo Mondragon, Raul Reyes, Raul Ventura (removed) and Rafael Yanez. Toni Foulkes is not running again because the demographic in the ward changed significantly due to the remap.
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Working class, tough and struggling
Economic Engine: There used to be more local shops and businesses, but the ward has been struggling economically over the past few decades and many businesses have shuttered.
Where People Eat: Restaurants include several taquerias, Nancy's Grill and Pizza and Club Antoinette.
Where People Drink: Bars include El Intimo Bar, Johnny's Lounge and Homer's.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Iglesia Cristiana Manatial, Iglesia Bautista Castillo Fuerte, Immaculate Conception Church, Church Christ with Elijah and several Baptist churches, particularly in the West Englewood portion of the ward.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Toni Foulkes won 60 percent of the vote in 2007, defeating Felicia Simmons-Stovall in a runoff. In 2011, Foulkes won 69 percent of the vote, defeating Raymond Lopez in a runoff.
Landmark: Harper High School, which was featured in a two-part episode of "This American Life," which won a national award
Resident's Voice: Sister Joellen Tumas of Casa Cataline Food Pantry/Catholic Charities said her community would benefit the most from "real immigration reform." She said many residents need a path to citizenship so they can feel safer in their neighborhoods. She also said the ward needs to continue working on anti-violence initiatives.
Ward Expert: Patrick Brosnan, executive director of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, and Aysha Butler, presdient of Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE)
