GARFIELD PARK — Three candidates are seeking the Harrison (11th) police district council seats. The district includes parts of Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and Austin.
Meet them below.
Credit: Kirk Williamson for the Chicago ReaderBrian J. Ramson Jr.
A physicist at Fermilab, Ramson says, “the simultaneous overuse and lack of effectiveness of the CPD is one of the key factors limiting the rehabilitation of the more troubled areas of the city including much of Chicago’s West Side.
Solutions to the chronic problems plaguing the operation of this department exist. I intend to find those solutions and assist in implementing them.”
Candidate questionnaire responses
- Do you have experience as an activist or community organizer? No
- Do you have experience interacting with CPD? No
- Do you have experience working or interacting with government? No
- Should the city hire more police officers? No
- Is CPD adequately funded? Yes: funding should be reduced.
- CPD reform: The police should be defunded or abolished.
- 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?
- Establishing civilian control of the police department
- Communicating with the department on behalf of the community
- Helping the police do a better job
Why are you running for Police District Council?
The simultaneous overuse and lack of effectiveness of the Chicago Police Department is one of the key factors limiting the rehabilitation of the more troubled areas of the city including much of Chicago’s West Side. Solutions to the chronic problems plaguing the operation of this department exist. I intend to find those solutions and assist in implementing them.
Jocelyn A. Woodards
A senior field representative for the AFL-CIO, Woodards has previously worked for Obama For America, the Democratic National Committee, and as an advisor to former U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.
The candidate has not yet responded to our questionnaire.
Alees Edwards
A faith-based community organizer, Edwards has been a block club president on the west side for over four years. Edwards currently serves as one of the co-chairs for the mayor’s African American Engagement Council and is the founder and executive director of Drawn Out Ministries, a nonprofit that provides transitional housing to women returning from prison.
Alds. Walter Burnett (27th), Emma Mitts (37th) and the 1000 N. Harding Block Club have endorsed.
The candidate has not yet responded to our questionnaire.
 Activist or organizer |  Supports more police accountability |
