Getting on the Ballot
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 talk to neighbors about our vision for Lakeview. Sign up to canvass throughout the week and every weekend!
Policy Corner
My campaign just reached a huge milestone. This past Monday, I submitted my petition to get on the ballot to run for Alderman of the 44th Ward. To qualify, I had to collect almost 500 signatures — and with the help of 100 volunteers, I submitted three times that amount! I truly believe that this shows that Lakeview is ready for bold new leadership.
First of all, thank you so much to the volunteers that believed in me and helped me reach that milestone. And thank you to the hundreds of fellow Lakeview residents who signed my petition to support my campaign. Over the last three months, we knocked on thousands of doors and talked to so many of our fellow residents, and the message is clear. The 44th Ward wants an alderperson who represents working people, not corporations and the ultrawealthy.
That’s why so many of my neighbors are excited about my candidacy, because of the shared vision I stand for:
Building more homes that are affordable and accessible for those who want to live and work in Lakeview.
Creating safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, families, and everyone who lives and visits here.
Running a transparent and accessible ward office that listens to residents, not special interests, and engages with the community on a consistent basis.
My success in finding so much support proves that there is huge energy for change in Lakeview, and I’m excited to champion those ideas. We have been talking about how our current Alderman has shown he is more beholden to corporations and special interests with his votes, actions, and inactions over the last few months. On our side, we have been very active in fighting for what residents want: defeating the planned expansion of the Cub’s parking lot, expanding protections for renters, pushing for the city budget to be balanced by making corporations pay their fair share, and so much more.
But I realize that this fight is beyond me. It’s a people-powered movement! And we are ready to win! Going forward, our efforts will intensify. We will be knocking on doors every week until Election Day (Feb 23) to share our vision for a Lakeview for all! I invite you to join us and help me become your new Alderman. Please help me fight for the Lakeview we all need and want!
This Week in Running for Office
What have I been up to?
Saturday, October 17
I bookended my busy Saturday by supporting Karen Zaccor’s bid for School Board District 4A. In the morning, we launched a canvas from Jennivee’s Bakery & Café. In the evening, what could be more fun than a trivia fundraiser, especially for this worthy candidate for School Board?
It was the last weekend for Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing before the petition deadline, so we spent a lot of time this Saturday with our volunteers to get signatures to get me on the ballot to become your Alderman and fight for a better Lakeview for us all!
We also attended the Janssen Ave Block Party to socialize with our neighbors and spread the work about building a better Lakeview!
Sunday, October 18
This was the last day for Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing before the deadline to submit our petitions to get on the ballot, and we canvassed the entire afternoon, ending with a final social to show our appreciation for our volunteers.
Monday, October 19
I filed my nomination papers on Monday morning! Thank you to all the volunteers, neighbors, and Lakeview residents who supported my efforts! I am ready to fight for a better Lakeview for all of us!
Wednesday, October 21
I participated in the Chicago Growth Project General Meeting, an ongoing effort to build a better City for us all. Meeting at the Beer Temple, we had an evening gathering of fellow urbanists.
What’s coming up next?
Saturday, October 24
Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing: We submitted my petitions to get on the ballot, but canvassing never ends! Now we'll be talking to voters to earn their support. Join us at Dark Matter Coffee a little after 11 a.m. We’ll meet back up around 2 p.m. and have an after-canvass social on the lakefront to celebrate a job well done!
Sunday, October 25
Kalen for 44th Ward Canvassing: On Sunday, we’ll be canvassing Lakeview, starting from the Mariano’s at 3030 N. Broadway Street at 10 a.m. Come join us!
Tuesday, October 27
Chi Community Jail Support Fundraiser: Join me at Second Unitarian Church of Chicago from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a Next Door Dinner. This community dinner project is fully volunteer-run and donates proceeds to mutual aid in the city.
Thursday, October 28
DSA Lakeview Social: I’ll be participating in the Lakeview monthly CDSA social! It’s located at Cheesie's Pub & Grub, Lakeview, right next to the Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line Station! Food is available onsite! Come on down!
Friday, October 25
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
If you’ve been following my newsletter, I am sure it’s obvious that running for office takes a lot of time and effort. However, it’s also important to not forget to make time for yourself and your loved ones. My partner and I recently traveled to two out-of-state weddings for dear friends, one was in Pittsburgh, the other in Atlanta. I love weddings for many reasons. They are chances to enjoy the company of friends and family and have a good time. But weddings are also opportunities to celebrate and support our loved ones as they start new chapters in their lives. They are commitments between two people in love, but they are also a promise to build lives together, support each other, and thrive in a community in which they choose to live.
That’s a lot like what my partner and I are doing here in Lakeview. We tried other cities, but Chicago drew us here for many reasons, and this is where we want to live and thrive. That’s why I became interested in community activism and politics, because I wanted to help make my home be the best it can be for us and our neighbors. I hope you will help me do so.
