Chicago Decides: Ald. Nicole Lee facing challenger Anthony Ciaravino in 11th Ward
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The 11th Ward became the city's first Asian American majority ward under new ward maps going into effect in May, and the incumbent alderperson – the first Chinese American woman on the City Council – is hoping to keep her seat in the upcoming runoff election.
Ald. Nicole Lee is facing off against Chicago police officer Anthony Ciaravino in a Southwest Side ward that has long been the home of the Daley family. The ward includes the Chinatown, Bridgeport, Armour Square, and Canaryville neighborhoods.
Lee was appointed to her seat last March, after former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson was forced to resign when he was convicted of tax fraud charges.
While the demographics of the ward have changed significantly over the decades it has served as the base of the Daley family's political power, with a growing Asian population, the Daleys are nonetheless still trying to influence who represents the ward, with former Mayor Richard M. Daley endorsing Lee.
While Ciaravino's campaign said he was not available for an interview, CBS 2's Marie Saavedra spoke to Lee about the runoff.
Lee said she wants to maintain the progress she believes she has made over the past year fighting for public safety, better schools, and thriving small businesses.
"Making the community feel safe is my top priority. Every single door that I knock on [that] is everybody's biggest concern, and it's why I've been fighting for resources for the police," she said.
You can watch her full interview in the video player above.
