Attorney Andrew Hamilton sees himself as a voice for the people. Among his desires, if he is elected alderman, are increasing community safety; making the 1st Ward greener; and improving the arts, music and theater presence.
Hamilton talked about those plans, safety concerns, his idea for a mobile app and LGBT-related issues recently with Windy City Times.
Windy City Times: What's been the biggest challenge for you, as a first-time candidate?
Andrew Hamilton: Our biggest challenge, because we're doing it on a grassroots level, is getting the word and the message out on a grander level than going door to door. There's not enough money to do what I really want to do, although there's still a little time.
WCT: What's your biggest advantage in this race?
Andrew Hamilton: That I'm a leader. I'm an attorney, by trade. I've always been for the underdog. Sometimes things are not black-and-white but gray, and our clients have difficult choices to make. This position requires a leader, so I'm happy to make the transition from the private to the public sector. Also, I want to make a difference. I want to help folks out, and I want to make sure they're heard.
WCT: So what's the current alderman doing wrong that you want to correct?
Andrew Hamilton: I'm confident that I'm the better person for the position because of my leadership skills. There are difficult situations that an alderman faces, and I have solutions. For example, I know what the issues are because I get feedback from the constituents by going door to door. Safety's an issue, the lack of city services is an issue.
One solution regarding safety is hiring more police officers. I'd like to see police walking the beat a little bit more. We also need to provide more benefits for at-risk youth: summer jobs and after-school programs.
Regarding city services, I'd like to develop a mobile application. If you have a concern—a pothole, for example—you can take a photo of the issue, put an address. You can still dial 311, but I'd like to hold the alderman a little more accountable.
WCT: You mentioned more police officers. Considering the budgetary problems the city is facing, how do you fund more officers?
Andrew Hamilton: There's a couple things. In the short term, it's as simple as this: Cut the fat, cut the waste. We have to look at every single department and see where the waste can be cut.
For the long term, I really believe that we should broaden the tax base—but not raise taxes; we need to increase the population. You know, back in the '60s, we had 3.5 million people; we're now at about 2.69. What we need to do is to grow the city. You do that by creating jobs by investing in the infrastructure as well as research and development. Raising taxes is a last resort, and I'm not a fan of that. Let's think about building a casino; $20 million a month goes to Hammond, Indiana.
WCT: What do you think is the biggest problem the LGBT community faces?
Andrew Hamilton: Awareness. Everyone's human, right? So everyone's entitled to equal rights.
What I mean by awareness is that some folks don't appreciate the community. There are some closed-minded conservatives out there. I don't know why; it may be fear. They need to be educated. I do think the courts are moving in the right direction [regarding LGBT rights].
WCT: Can you tell me about your experience with the LGBT community, whether it's with family, friends, legislation or your work as an attorney?
Andrew Hamilton: It's great, you know? Everyone's a human. [Sexual orientation and gender identity] are not things I necessarily look at. The 14th Amendment ( equal protection ) is my favorite amendment, but when it comes to who people are, that's a privacy issue. I'm a friend of the community. I have friends, associates who I do business with. I'm pro.
WCT: You mean you're pro-LGBT?
Andrew Hamilton: Yes. I back marriage equality. I was happy when Illinois finally allowed [same-sex marriage]. I believe 35 states allow marriage; eventually, I think all 50 states will allow it, although it may take 10 more years. Under full faith and credit, states that don't allow marriage equality still should recognize [out-of-state] marriages.
WCT: Have you endorsed anyone as mayor?
Andrew Hamilton: I have not. I'd like to see more debates before I make my decision. There are some things I agree with that Rahm [Emanuel] has done, and there are some things I disagree with. I will not be a rubber-stamp alderman if he's re-elected, although I'm sure they're be some things I'll vote for because they're in the best interest of the community. I do like Chuy [Garcia's] vision for education, and I'd like to hear from Wilson, Fioretti and Walls as well.
WCT: Why should people vote for you?
Andrew Hamilton: People should vote for me because what you see is what you get? I will always analyze the issue, listen to the concerns and this position deserves a leader. I will always make a decision in the best interest of the ward and even the city, because sometimes it's a macro-level issue.
Visit http://www.hamiltonfor1stward.org/
See more election-related coverage at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gaynewsarticles.php .
