14th District

David Orlikoff

I'm a grassroots organizer from Chicago who moved to the Northwest side 10 years ago. I was the DefundCPD Outreach Lead for the 35th Ward, where we got over 2,500 petition signatures and 71 group endorsements to reduce CPD's budget by 75% and reinvest in solutions that provide the care our communities need. I decided to run when I discovered we didn't have enough candidates, knowing I couldn't squander this opportunity to make positive change.

Fairness and justice have always been important to me. But experiencing our so-called justice system reveals fundamental inequity. I became very involved in organizing during college with Occupy Chicago, marching against the banks that stole millions of families' homes and then got huge handouts while people suffered. I organizers and groups like CAARPR doing great work in this city, and I also experienced a lot of violence, harassment, abuse of rights, targeted attacks and organized lying by police.

87% of Chicago voted to Defund CPD in the Mayor's budget survey. That makes sense given how Chicago spends among the most per capita of any US or global city on police—almost half our total budget. It's not a question of bad apples but a system that allows them to abuse their position. Police should not be above the law or the people. There isn't a single person who should be trusted to use their power and authority to police themselves. And there isn't a single politician you should trust saying police are the solution to all our problems. That's the convenient lie of corruption.

Endorsements: United Neighbors of the 35th Ward

Ashley Vargas

Hello, I am Ashley Vargas. Born and raised in Logan Square. I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants and the youngest of 5 children. I am running as a write-in candidate for the 14th District. I began to get involved in my community during high school, organizing for immigrant rights and affordable housing. Now, I have worked in successful grassroots campaigns and plan to continue my work of liberating marginalized people.

My family and I have been traumatized at the hands of law enforcement. Growing up, I have visited my brother in the hospital after getting beat up by the police and because of the gang database he was constantly harassed while running errands or being out with his family, this led to the displacement of him and his family from this city. I am going to fight with my District Council team to build a coalition of community members and elect the right people who want to see a change in police policy and budgeting.

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Endorsements: United Neighbors of the 35th Ward