Newsletter #8: Progressive Taxes
Welcome to the Kalen for 44th Ward campaign newsletter. It’s a newsletter that’s focused on how we can make a better Lakeview for All, together.
Before we dive in: This campaign is powered by neighbors — not corporations — and we need your help to run this grassroots effort. Donate to support this grassroots campaign! I need your help to fight for all of us! Thank you!
We also need volunteers to knock on doors and collect signatures to get me on the ballot. Sign up to canvass throughout the week and every weekend!
Policy Corner
Corporate Money, the 44th Ward, and Who Our Current Alderman is Really Voting For
In the past, we have discussed our current Alderman, his trail of corporate donations, and how they map to his voting record. We are currently in a budget crisis here in Chicago, one that threatens the fabric of our community and goal of creating a sustainable, affordable, and safe Lakeview. Who can we trust to fight for us?
The Head Tax and the Budget Crisis
Simply put, by all sources, Chicago has a nearly $1 billion budget crisis. To combat this, there have been garbage fees and property tax hikes floated to close it. This is another hit on residents, raising our costs and making living here less affordable. Instead, progressive organizers and elected officials have proposed going after corporate wealth, making corporations and the ultrawealthy pay their fair share. One way to achieve that is through a corporate head tax.
Chicago’s budget deficit was built on decades of financial mismanagement, corporate tax cuts, and the denial of progressive revenue options. This has caused service cuts, job losses, and efforts to reduce pension obligations. And yet any and all progressive proposals have been met with aggressive litigation and well-funded disinformation by wealthy corporate forces to protect their huge profits. The corporate head tax is a proven way to tax corporations that have withstood legal challenges.
Unfortunately, our City’s Budget Accountability Caucus (BAC), which includes my opponent, has made an unsustainable choice to close an $882.4 million budget gap by cutting costs and services. They are siding with the well-resourced corporations once again rather than using a marginal tax on them to avoid further hurting residents.
Fighting for Residents
It’s obvious we need Alders who will fight for our residents. Last budget cycle, progressive organizers and elected officials pushed for a corporate head tax that would help close the budget deficit and fund crucial city services. Our current Alderman along with the City’s Budget Accountability Caucus (BAC) opposed the corporate head tax last year and already put out a letter opposing it this year. They argue that it will kill jobs even though there is no evidence of this to be true. With budget talks coming up, it will be a tough fight as corporate resources are lining up their powerful arsenals of political and monetary power to shoot it down.
Where I Stand
I am part of a political movement that stands with working people, and I’m not afraid to challenge the wealthy elites who care more about profits than our neighbors' lives. I support the corporate head tax and other progressive revenue streams to close the deficit and make corporations pay their fair share.
As your Alderman, my votes will be with you, my fellow residents and neighbors, not with the corporate donors who try to use their donations to force votes that make profits off our hard work.
This Week in Running for Office
What have I been up to?
Sunday, October 11
We had a busy Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing on Sunday to get me on the ballot with the deadline fast approaching. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help me become your Alderman and fight for a better Lakeview for all of us!
I joined the DSA’s North Side Red Line Branch Meeting for a canvass training.
Monday, October 12
I joined a talk organized by Nick Uniejewski called When We’re in Charge – A Salon with Run for Something’s Amanda Litman. We talked about challenging the people who seem untouchable, winning a tough race, and what it means for a new generation to step into positions of power.
Tuesday, October 13
We were back out there with our Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing — another chance to help get me on the ballot with a morning of canvassing in Lakeview. We talked to neighbors about my vision for a better Lakeview for all of us!
Wednesday, October 14
I joined the Northside Democracy for America Social and Meeting at Platform 47 to explore the progressive issues that we are fighting for and learn about candidates they’re supporting for the midterms and beyond.
Thursday, October 15
More Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing with an evening of working for signatures in Lakeview. We started at Mariano's on Broadway and ended the night with a social at Cheesie’s. Thanks to everyone who came out!
What’s coming up next?
Saturday, October 17
Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing: The deadline is really close, so please come help get me on the ballot! Join us at Pedestrian Coffee under the Belmont Station at 11:00 a.m. or at the Low-Line at Southport Station at 2:00 pm. I appreciate any and all help you can give us in my campaign to become your Alderman and fight for a better Lakeview for all of us!
Janssen Ave Block Party: I plan to join the Janssen Ave Block Party at 4:00 p.m. to socialize with our neighbors and spread the work about building a better Lakeview!
Karen Zaccor Trivia Fundraiser: What could be more fun than a trivia fundraiser, especially for a worthy candidate for School Board District 4A. See the link for details on how to participate.
Sunday, October 18
Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing: This is the last day before the deadline to get on the ballot. Join us at Stan’s Donuts & Coffee at 2:00 p.m., and we’ll launch from there. I appreciate any and all help you can give us in my campaign to become your Alderman and fight for a better Lakeview for all of us! Stick around at 5:00 p.m. for a social, too.
Monday, October 19
I’ll be filing my nomination papers on Monday morning, and hopefully all our hard work will get me on the ballot to fight for a better Lakeview for all of us!
Wednesday, October 21
Chicago Growth Project General Meeting: Join me as I participate in this ongoing effort to build a better City for us all. We’ll be at the Beer Temple from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and you can meet fellow urbanists, connect with members, and discuss local advocacy.
Friday, October 16
Nettlehorst Bike Bus: Join the ride from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.! More details at https://nettelhorstbikebus.org/route.
Get Involved!
Palin’ with Kalen
As I have mentioned before, I love board games. This started when I was growing up with my family. We’d often play board games together, especially when friends and other family visited. As I grew older, I became addicted to playing Monopoly to the point where no one would play with me anymore.
As I got older, I evolved into strategy games like Settlers of Catan and other world building games. It seems I have always been interested in building a better world. I guess that’s what brought me to community activism and now politics. I want to fight for a better Lakeview, and that’s something my strategy game background definitely helps in forming my plans and goals.
But the one thing I have learned that is the most important: We win when we play together! And that’s what kind of Alderman I plan to be, inclusive and responsive to my constituents.
