22nd Ward - 2023 Aldermanic Race
Kristian Armendariz - 2023 Aldermanic Candidates
Little Village Community Council youth organizer Kristian Armendariz has previously worked as a civil engineer for Habitat for Humanity Chicago. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management. Armendariz helped start a group called Mothers & Families United For Justice, which supports people who have lost loved ones to gun violence, according to his campaign website.
Neftalie Gonzalez - 2023 Aldermanic Candidates
Neftalie Gonzalez is a former Chicago Police officer who in 2017 founded the nonprofit “Opportunity-Oportunidad,” which is focused on mentorship and employment placement assistance. Gonzalez is also the owner of the Mundo Musical event venue, according to a candidate questionnaire published by WTTW during his 2019 run for the 22nd Ward.
Michael Rodriguez - 2023 Aldermanic Candidates
A lifelong Little Village resident, Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) jumped into the Chicago political scene through his work with community organizations like local nonprofit Enlace Chicago, where he served as executive director. In 2012, former President Barack Obama named Rodriguez one of 12 ‘Champions of Change’ in Youth Violence Prevention for his work with the nonprofit. Beyond his work in the nonprofit sphere, Rodriguez also worked as the executive officer at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office, where he oversaw legislation, budget and human resources.
He’s built his campaign around standing up for working families and protecting the environment. After Hilco Redevelopment Partners’ botched demolition of the Crawford Coal Plant in April 2020, Rodriguez proposed an ordinance that would prevent so-called “bad actors” and developers whose projects have negative impacts on citizens’ health from collecting property tax incentives. The City Council passed the measure unanimously.
Rodriguez has since passed a measure calling on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to release the full watchdog report on the botched 2020 demolition. The measure is non-binding, but he has spearheaded the calls for Lightfoot’s administration to release the full findings.
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