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 40th ward, which covers parts of Lincoln Square, Edgewater and West Ridge.
Demographic
- Total Population: 55,319
- White: 50.86 percent
- Black: 7.34 percent
- Hispanic: 23.95 percent
- Asian: 16.81 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Patrick O'Connor
Ward Committeemen: Patrick O'Connor (democratic committeeman) and Sharon Pierson (Green Party committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Dianne Daleiden
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse, gentrified, quaint, lively and family friendly
Economic Engine: Local restaurants and shops
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Taste of Peru, Bismillah, Juliana, Wolfy's, Kim's, Fonde Stube, Katsu Japanese, Doostan, Mom's Bake Shop, Fireside Restaurant and Lounge, Tanpopo, Rolls N Bowls, Cafe Utjeha, Claddagh Ring, El Tipico Mexican, Lady Gregory's Restaurant and Bar, Buba Korean Restaurant and Karaoke Bar, Jibek Jolu, Monti's and Isla Filipino.
Where People Drink: Bars include Touche, The Norse Bar, Pressure Billiards and Cafe, Emerald Isle on Peterson, D4, My Hookah Cafe, Lincoln Karaoke, Hidden Cove, K's Dugout and Simon's Tavern.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Angel Guardian Croatian Church, St. Hillary Catholic Church and St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Patrick O'Connor has been the alderman of the 40th ward since 1983. O'Connor ran unopposed in both 2007 and 2011.
Landmark: Rosehill Cemetery
Resident's Voice: Jon Cignarale, the owner of Over Easy Cafe, said his business has been burglarized before, and he would have liked to know if similar crimes were happening in the area. He said residents tend to focus only on the good in the community, but it would be helpful to be open about the bad as well.
Ward Expert: Rudy Flores, executive director of the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
