- Credibility:
NORTH LAWNDALE — Ald. Monique Scott is heading to a runoff with challenger Creative Scott after failing to land a majority of the vote.
The two are not related.
With all precincts reporting, Monique Scott won 45.4 percent of the vote in a crowded field, while challenger Creative Scott had 12.6 percent. Monique Scott needed more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.
Monique Scott, 51, said she is preparing to fight for the neighborhood she was raised in. She was appointed to the post in June — succeeding her brother, former Ald. Michael Scott.
Monique Scott said there have been promising developments in the ward, and she wants to see them through.
“This is the first time in my life things are happening that can reshape our community,” Scott said at Tuesday’s election party. “This is not just about me. This is about our community, and I’m ready to fight the good fight.”
Scott remained confident in her victory, saying that she will never want to abandon the community she was born and raised in and hope to continue to improve the neighborhood’s quality of life.
“My father taught me that if you leave a struggling community, you’re part of the problem,” Scott said. “There is so much potential for a brighter future here. We need to keep fighting for it.”
Creative Scott could not immediately be reached for comment.
The ward encompasses North Lawndale and a section of Little Village.
Scott was appointed to the seat by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to see out the remainder of her brother’s term. He resigned to take a private sector job joining Cinespace Film Studios and later was appointed by Lightfoot to the Chicago Board of Education.
The board seat was once held by their late father, Michael Scott Sr.
Creative Scott owns Creative Salon and Start to Finish.
Scott also runs a young barbers program for kids and teens ages 5-15 out of his salon, which helps youth learn the history and business of barbering.
“The most important issue in the ward is the lack of public safety, housing, and economic opportunities which has plagued the 24th Ward,” Creative Scott previously said. “The most pressing issue is that the issues have not been adequately addressed in a significant manner.”
Other candidates included entrepreneur Vetress Boyce, Fire Department veteran Drewone Goldsmith, community activist Traci “Treasure” Johnson, community organizer Edward Ward, musician and Street and Sanitation employee Luther Woodruff and Larry Nelson.
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