Activist Marilyn Morales, who is openly lesbian, will be challenging incumbent Ald. John Arena in a bid to represent the 45th Ward on the Chicago City Council.
Among Morales' stated goals on her website are ensuring "a higher level of accountability and transparency"; engaging and involving "all the 45th Ward neighborhoods in continued, sustained dialogue about current and future development, initiatives, and plans in the 45th Ward"; supporting "our first responders, teachers, and healthcare givers to improve public safety, education, and the well-being of our communities"; and ensuring "that our senior and special needs communities have the services they need and deserve.
Morales attempted to run for City Clerk in the 2011 elections, but was not able to get the required number of signatures for to get her name on the ballot. She reflected on the experience shortly afterwords, telling Windy City Times that, "We need more role models in our community, especially people of color. We need to be out; we need to be open; and we need to be active. We need to make sure that everyone knows that people from the LGBT community and the Latino community want to fulfill our dreams."
The 45th Ward includes Portage Park, Gladstone Park, Mayfair, Edgebrook, Forest Glen and Jefferson Park.