I believe that if you see a problem, you don't stand on the sidelines—you step up and do something about it. That's why I’m running for alderman of Chicago's 44th Ward.
I've served my country in the Air Force, built a career in publishing and real estate, and devoted myself to greater accountability and transparency in Chicago through my non-profit, Chicago Deserves Better.
Along the way, I've met Chicagoans who love this city but are frustrated that too often their voices go unheard.
I'm running because the 44th Ward—my family’s home for the past 15 years—deserves strong leadership that listens, responds, and puts residents first. We need safer streets, cleaner neighborhoods, support for our seniors, better access to public transportation, responsible development, and an alderman's office that is accessible and responsive to everyone—not just those with connections.
I invite you to follow my official campaign account @FriendsofDJ to keep up with the latest updates or go to our website (link below).
https://t.co/UCYNPpBaX8
#chicagodeservesbetter
OMG this guy is the worst example of a public servant that I have ever seen. He can't get voted out of office soon enough. Also, what exactly was @ChicagosMayor thinking when he chose to bring her with him? What does Stacy Gates hope to get out of the Pope for her members? A blessing?
@RayDonovanII The influencers that post are not responsible, it's the paltforms that are responsible, did I get that right?
What an idiot.
#chicagodeservesbetter
@JaymalGreen Outrageous is being generous. They have no shame nor do they care one iota what people think because they feel empowered and entitled. What an absolute Joke.
@DanButtersChi It makes me seethe. Why in the world would Stacy Gates need to accompany the Mayor on this all expense taxpayer paid vacation for Johnson and his cronies? What exactly is she hoping the Pope will do to help her or the teachers the CTU represents?
#chicagodeservesbetter
I’m at city council today waiting
For @RaymondALopez to exercise rule 41 and force our resolution putting the creation of a city charter commission out of the rules committee and on the March 2026 ballot for voters to decide.
#chicagodeservesbetter
Johnson, CPS, & CTU need to close & consolidate 50 schools as there are 10,000 less students. This should NOT be a jobs program for teachers & administers but instead Africa’s in tax payers, parents, & students.
@RaymondALopez@ChicagosMayor The population may have grown because of the migrant influx, but how much tax revenue has left the city because of businesses and high net worth individuals fleeing the city. How is the city plannning to make up for the loss of said tax revenue? 3 guesses.
#chicagodeservesbetter
@RaymondALopez We have collected 38,640 signatures to date of Chicagoans who agree with you. It's time that @ChiCouncil stopped talking about it and actually take action to move this important issue forward. Chicagoans want it, they deserve it and they demand it.
#chicagodeservesbetter
This is punitive deterrence.
Mr. Vallas is being punished for having the temerity to challenge the dysfunctional status quo and the ruling is also designed to deter any upstart campaigns intending to challenge a system owned by public union leadership.
https://t.co/pwhTDk8qML
Please reach out to your Alderman and encourage them to join ours and @RaymondALopez efforts to get this onto the ballot so that the people can decide. There are 38,640 (signatures gathered so far) reasons for them to make this a reality.
#chicagodeservesbetter
I believe Chicago deserves a government built on more than just tradition & precedent. We need structure, separation of authority, and coequal governance not based on political whim. A charter can make that a reality. A referendum will tell us if you, the voters, agree!