Q&A: CANDIDATES WEIGH IN ON THE KEY ISSUES

Would you reallocate resources from policing and invest in so-called “root” issues of violence such as housing, mental health, segregation and poverty? LORI E. LIGHTFOOT

This is not an either/or proposition as we have continuously proven. I support increasing investment in marginalized communities and addressing the root causes of violence (which we are doing through INVEST South/West and our historic investments in communitybased violence prevention and street outreach). I do not believe that this funding must come at the expense of properly funding law enforcement — particularly not at a time when violence continues to plague our communities.

JA’MAL GREEN

Yes. When uninformed pundits call poverty, mental health and segregation “so-called roots,” they are ignoring issues that have plagued the city for FAR TOO LONG. If anyone is serious about the betterment and safety of every Chicagoan, then they must realize how important it is to invest in eliminating poverty, housing our homeless, treating our mentally ill, and eliminating the racial wealth gap. There is nothing preposterous in thinking poverty breeds more crime, study after study proves it.

SOPHIA KING

No. A strong Chicago is a safe Chicago. We must end the false choices that limit our ability to make progress. We can uplift our police AND hold them accountable. We can have safety AND justice. We can address our police shortage AND address the root causes of violence, which is fundamental to solving the problem. My Safety and Justice plans call for $200 million just for violence prevention. The current mayor was allocated $85 million and only spent $5 million. The change we need can’t wait.

KAM BUCKNER

Yes. I’m committed to taking a balanced approach to tackling public safety and justice. We need to make certain our police department has the resources it needs to protect our communities. We also need to invest in creating jobs for the people that need them the most, responsible economic development in neighborhoods that have long been overlooked, mental health resources and affordable housing. All of these initiatives will make our communities safer.