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 39th ward, which covers parts of North Park, Jefferson Park and Albany Park.
Demographic
- Total Population: 55,882
- White: 53.92 percent
- Black: 3.04 percent
- Hispanic: 23.46 percent
- Asian: 17.97 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Margaret Laurino
Ward Committeemen: Randy Barnette (democratic committeeman), William "Bill" Miceli (republican committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Mary Hunter (removed), Joe Laiacona and Robert Murphy
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse, residential and safe
Economic Engine: Local restaurants, businesses, North Park University and Northeastern Illinois University
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Pasta D'arte Trattoria Italiana, Amitabul, East of Edens, Monastero's Ristorante and Banquet, Martino's, Top Dog, MeeMah, Colletti's, Booill, DanDana, Tre Kronor, Merla's Kitchen, May Flower, Pollo Campero, Noodles Party, Yemen, Sano's Pizzeria, Ay Ay Picante, Susie's Drive-In, Paddy Mac's and Cuenca's Bakery.
Where People Drink: Bars include The Garage, Ugly Hookah Cafe, North Park Hookah Lounge, Carthage Cafe, Gamblers, Ali Baba Hookah Cafe, O'Donnell's and Sidekicks.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Edgebrook Evangelical Covenant, Queen of All Saints Basilica, St. Odisho Church, Bride of Christ Church, Hriscanska adventisticka crkva Chicago, Congregation Shaare Tikvah, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, First Temple of Universal Law, MASOM Imambargah, Mayfair Bible Church and Emanuel Romanian Pentecostal.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Laurino has been alderman of the 39th ward since 1994. In 2007, she won 79 percent of the vote, defeating Christopher Belz. In 2011, she won 76 percent of the vote, defeating Mary Hunter.
Landmark: Forest preserve that includes Edgebrook Woods, Thaddeus S. "Ted" Lechowicz Woods and Forest Glen Woods.
Resident's Voice: Maria Monastero, co-owner of Monastero's Ristorante and Banquet, said, "We have to become more friendly to small businesses." She said taxes and permit fees for small businesses should be decreased to make it more affordable for businesses to stay in the community.
Ward Expert: Jeff Manuel, president of the Edgebrook Community Association board of directors
