- courtesy the candidates
- Scott Davis and Mark Thomas are Tom Tunney’s first opposition in 12 years.
It’s been 12 years since Alderman Tom Tunney faced an opponent in the 44th Ward, and there was a chance that streak would continue this election cycle—challenges were filed against all three of Tunney’s potential opponents. But signatures were reviewed, arguments were made to election officials, and two longtime Lakeview residents are left standing to take on Tunney in February: Scott Davis and Mark Thomas. (The third candidate, Robin Cook, withdrew from the race.)
As for complaints that the neighborhood is too loud or rowdy, Davis instead sees a lively environment that’s good business for neighborhood bars. “I want to live in Wrigleyville—I don’t want to live in a quiet neighborhood,” he says.
Whereas Davis has his sights set on Wrigley Field as the neighborhood’s preeminent cultural destination, Thomas is turning his focus to Boystown and the surrounding area to make it worth the special trip to Lakeview. “The nature of that community has changed because LGBT [individuals] don’t need to go out and socialize in Boystown, they feel comfortable going anywhere,” Thomas says.
Mark Thomas• Reduction of crime, increased police presence• Participatory democracy in the ward• Transparency for the community• Rebuilding of business district, focus on local business• Focus on hyperlocal community building and building development
