Chicago Lawn (8th) Police District Council Candidates

WEST LAWN — Two candidates are seeking the Chicago Lawn (8th) police district council seats. The district includes parts of West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn, Midway, Gage Park and Archer Heights.

Meet them below.

Albert “Al” Cacciottolo

A superintendent at the Department of Streets and Sanitation, Cacciottolio is described as an “advocate for police.”

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd), whose campaign committee Cacciottolo donated $250 to in 2021, Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th), the Fraternal Order of Police and Local 150 have endorsed.

Candidate questionnaire responses

Do you have experience as an activist or community organizer? Yes
Do you have experience interacting with CPD? Yes
Do you have experience working or interacting with government? Yes
Should the city hire more police officers? Yes
Is CPD adequately funded? No: funding should be increased.
CPD reform: The police are doing a good job, and need more resources.
Mental health crises: Police should accompany healthcare workers to mental health crises.

What do you consider the primary role of a police district councilor to be?

Communicating with the department on behalf of the community
Helping the police do a better job

Why are you running for Police District Council?

I am running for this position to make sure residents and police personal have the opportunity to give their input on situations that have occurred.

Mark Hamberlin

A technician at Rentokil Boecke, Hamberlin is a union steward of the Teamsters Local 781. He is active in the Facebook group 18th Ward Connection, and Alderperson David Moore (17th Ward) recently recognized Hamberlin with a service award. His vision for the district council is “to ensure everyone is held accountable for solving problems.”

Alds. Stephanie Coleman (16th), Moore, Derrick Curtis (18th), Sen. Willie Preston and the Fraternal Order of Police have endorsed.

Candidate questionnaire responses:

Do you have experience as an activist or community organizer? Yes
Do you have experience interacting with CPD? Yes
Do you have experience working or interacting with government? Yes
Should the city hire more police officers? Yes
Is CPD adequately funded? Yes: funding should stay about the same.
CPD reform: The police are doing a good job, and need more resources.
Mental health crises: Police should accompany healthcare workers to mental health crises.

What do you consider the primary role of a police district councilor to be?

Communicating with the department on behalf of the community

Why are you running for Police District Council?

Because all the experience I have: I am a former health and physical ed teacher, I am IHSA official, union steward for Budget Rental Car. I know how to deal with all people.

Jason Huff

A car-booting supervisor for the city, Huff did not respond to requests for comment. He runs a neighborhood watch, and his social media pages regularly tout volunteer work with CPD programs such as youth soccer events and catalytic converter anti-theft efforts.

“I have lead a local neighborhood organization for the last 6 years,” Huff says. “We’ve kept the community informed through meetings and events. In addition, our organization has to worked with residents, schools, and church to address issues with local leaders.”

Alds. Raymond Lopez (15th), Derrick Curtis (18th) and Silvana Tabares (27th), and the Fraternal Order of Police have endorsed.

Candidate questionnaire responses

Do you have experience as an activist or community organizer? Yes
Do you have experience interacting with CPD? Yes
Do you have experience working or interacting with government? Yes
Should the city hire more police officers? Yes
Is CPD adequately funded? Yes: funding should stay about the same
CPD reform: The police are doing a good job, and need more resources.
Mental health crises: Police should be the only responders to mental health crises.

What do you consider the primary role of a police district councilor to be?

Communicating with the department on behalf of the community

Why are you running for Police District Council?

I believe running for council is the next step in working to better develop relationships with police officers and local residents. I look forward to working with other individuals and hearing various opinions and ideas.

Letina K. Brady Pettis

Pettis is active with the League of Women Voters as well as organizations such as the National Association of University Women, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and the National Council of Negro Women. Her spouse was a CPD lieutenant who worked in the department’s Internal Affairs. Alderpersons Stephaine Coleman (16th Ward), David Moore (17th Ward), Derrick Curtis (18th Ward), Silvana Tabares (23rd Ward), and the Chicago Police Sergeant Association have endorsed.

The candidate has not yet responded to our questionnaire.