As Early Voting Begins, Five Former 43rd Ward Alders Release Unity Letter Supporting Ald. Knudsen

Chicago — Today is the first day of early voting in the runoff election, and five former 43rd Ward alderpeople are encouraging residents to vote for Ald. Timmy Knudsen in a new unity letter that is being sent to households across the ward. 

“My message to voters is clear: I’m a leader who has prioritized making our whole ward safer and our city finances stronger,” said Alderman Timmy Knudsen. “With the support of former aldermanic candidates and the leaders that came before me, I am humbled to be running for alderman to bring a new generation of leadership into City Council.”

The newly-updated list of endorsements on Knudsen's campaign website includes quotes from 15 officials and the backing of dozens of community leaders and organizations. The letter to 43rd Ward voters reads as follows:

FROM THE DESK OF YOUR FORMER 43RD WARD ALDERMEN

March 20, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

All of us have had the honor of serving our Ward in the City Council. And all of us believed that our service was based on three fundamental principles: independence, community participation in local decisions, and aggressive service to residents.  

In the next election, on April 4th, we strongly support Alderman Timmy Knudsen in the runoff. We do so fully confident in his commitment to those same principles. The Ward history of strong principled, honest and independent representation has served us very well. 

As you may know, Timmy was appointed our Alderman in September and so we have had an opportunity to work with him on behalf of the 43rd Ward. We are pleased he has made public safety and fiscal stability two top priorities. He took immediate action to invest in security cameras using resources from the Ward’s infrastructure budget. In the City Council, he worked to secure a commitment for $100M dollars for increased funding for more officers and anti-violence initiatives. He worked hard and successfully against several attempts to increase property taxes. 

We know that the job is demanding and requires constant attention to the smallest details and the biggest issues. We have seen Timmy do this in just the brief time he has been Alderman. 

Based on his commitment to the three principles mentioned above that have guided us, and based on our observance of his work since his appointment in September, we have full confidence in recommending that he be elected to a full term in the City Council.  Please join us in supporting him on April 4th.

Sincerely,

Alderman Michele Smith 

Served from 2011 to 2022

Alderman Chuck Bernardini 

Served from 1993 to 1999

Alderman Edwin Eisendrath 

Served from 1987 to 1993

Alderman Marty Oberman 

Served from 1975 to 1987

Alderman Bill Singer 

Served from 1971 to 1975

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