2019 Chicago Heights Elections: George Brassea, 5th Ward Alderman

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Patch asked all candidates running for elected office in the April 2, 2019 municipal elections to participate in our voters guide. All submissions are voluntary. Those whose names are not listed chose not to respond or did not respond to requests for information. Responses are edited for style or space only.

Get to know your candidates:

Name: George Brassea

Age:31

Position Sought: Alderman of the 5th Ward

Party Affiliation: Independent

Family: Sara (wife), Sigmund Freud (dog), Emma & Winston (cats)

Education: Greenbriar School Class of 2001, Bloom High School Class of 2005, Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, Westwood College 2009, Masters in Professional Counseling, Olivet Nazarene University 2014, Masters in Business Administration, Olivet Nazarene University 2017

Occupation: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Business Owner of True Heights Treatment LLC

List Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: None

Campaign Website: www.georgebrasseaforalderman.com

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: None

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: The most pressing issue facing Chicago Heights is the lack of transparency and resistance to reform. Currently, the city council meetings take place at inconvenient times and are not filmed for citizen viewing. Citizens are left in the dark about proposed ordinances and resolutions until they become part of the municipal code. If elected to office, I will be transparent and share the specific language of any proposed ordinance or resolution with the residents of the 5th ward in order to receive resident feedback prior to presenting it to the City Council. In addition, I will reform the City Council meetings by live streaming and storing them on the cities website and a separate YouTube channel which will allow future viewing opportunities.

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? The key difference between me and the other candidate seeking this position is professionalism. I intend on bringing a high standard of professionalism, respect, and integrity into this office, which has been lacking during the current incumbent’s terms. I will behave in a manner that is consistent with the expectations of the residents by not engaging in bullying, workplace violence or using elected office for personal gain like the incumbent has done in the past.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)? Taxpayers are not the gift that keeps giving to politicians in any level of government. I believe in fiscal responsibility but not at the expense of vital services such as infrastructure, police and fire. I am in favor of auditing all contracts that were approved by the previous City Council specifically any contracts involving law firms that are politically connected such as Del Gado Law & Montana and Welch. The Unity Party used these two law firms as legal weapons to remove various opponents from the ballot despite taxpayers covering the costs of their fees as part of their arrangement with the city government.

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? My opponent has missed over 20 City Council meetings since he was elected in 2011. Please watch the video, which details his truancy.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: The other issues that define my campaign platform are economic development and business growth. As the next Alderman, I will establish the 5th Ward Business Alliance. The 5th Ward Business Alliance will support and promote already existing businesses in the 5th Ward as well as collaborate with the residents and identify and advocate for the businesses they would like to see in the ward.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? If I win this position, I would define my term in office as a success by the positive relationships I have built within my community and the services I have provided to meet the needs of the residents of the 5th Ward. Furthermore, my term in office will be a success by allowing my residents to have a voice and highlighting their strengths in order to create a more vibrant community.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career. When I was 18 years old my family moved to Frankfort, Illinois. One evening when I was returning back to Frankfort from Chicago Heights I was arrested for drinking and driving. I was never convicted due to my legal council and Unity Party President TJ Somer. This life-changing event motivated me to put my time and attention towards things that would make myself and my family proud such as going to college to pursue my dream of becoming a mental health counselor.

Why should voters trust you? I have demonstrated transparency and openness during my time as a candidate.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have held several leadership roles in community mental health and the founding of my private practice required discipline, faith and empathy all qualities that will make me an excellent addition to the City Council to represent the residents of the 5th Ward.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am very proud of the city's past but I believe that Chicago Heights best days are ahead of it and as the youngest candidate running for City Council I want to help bring Chicago Heights into the future. It will be 2050 when I am the same age as my opponent and I want to make sure that Chicago Heights is a thriving place for generations to come.