Second Ward candidates discuss priorities in local forum

Editor’s note: You can watch the full forum on the League’s You Tube channel here.

While safety is a key concern for all three candidates competing for a city council seat in the Second Ward, the trio differed on other issues at an electoral forum Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Morton Civic Center.

“I think safety is the most overwhelming issue, not only at the Second Ward, but the city,” said incumbent Krissie Harris, who was appointed by Mayor Daniel Biss in September. She identified the economy and accountability as her other priorities.

Harris faces Patricia Gregory and Darlene Cannon in the general election on April 4. Gregory said safety, parking and supporting local businesses were vital. Cannon listed safety, affordability and building community as major issues.

The candidates appeared at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voter’s of Evanston. They were also asked about the proposed Northwestern University Ryan Field project and the city’s housing situation.

“What I’m really concerned about is maintenance,” Gregory said, pointing to questions about traffic control as well as street and parking infrastructure.

Cannon, a member of the city’s Equity and Empowerment Commission, reaffirmed her commitment to combating housing inequality.

“Anything that we can do to increase affordable housing, I think, is critical,” she said.

The goal of the forum was for people to get to know the candidates and what they stand for and to be informed voters, said Jennifer O’Neil, a voter services team member at the League of Women Voters of Evanston, which organized the event.

“We’re lucky. We do have three strong candidates. I’m having a hard time deciding,” said Second Ward resident Marjory Basso.

The League of Women Voters plans to host a forum for the Ninth Ward in the near future, O’Neil said. Early voting for the election opens March 20 and continues through April 3.