Knudsen Announces Candidacy for 43rd Ward Alderperson
Filing A Day Early, Knudsen Shares Support of Over 100 Residents and Civic Leaders including Caroline Vickrey, Jared Smith and Art Johnston
CHICAGO — Timmy Knudsen is officially announcing his candidacy for the 43rd Ward alderperson, filing an application to fill the vacancy with the City of Chicago on Thursday, one day ahead of the deadline.
“When Alderperson Michele Smith announced her retirement from public service last month, I was overwhelmed with support and encouragement from 43rd Ward residents and local leaders alike,” said Timmy Knudsen. “I am proud to answer their call and put my name in the running for 43rd Ward Alderperson. The selection of the next Alderperson of the 43rd Ward is a momentous opportunity for fresh leadership in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, Old Town and Gold Coast communities.”
Knudsen has called the 43rd Ward home for seven years, currently residing in Old Town Triangle after spending four years in Lincoln Park. He has formed deep community roots through door knocking for policy mobilization and petitions, organizing a large (and “socially distanced”) food drive during the pandemic, and serving as a local voter protection officer on several election days.
His professional experience includes serving as an attorney for innovative start-up companies, founders and their investors, as well as representing LGBTQ+ applicants for asylum in Chicago and Tijuana, Mexico. He has served on the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals since 2019, and as Chairman since 2020. Knudsen has worked as a grassroots organizer and Chairperson of the independent 43rd Ward Judicial Candidate Review Panel. He also serves on the Board of Equality Illinois PAC and The '33 Council, an advisory group of tech growth non-profit P33 Chicago.
Knudsen began his candidacy by meeting with local leaders to discuss solutions for the 43rd Ward’s most pertinent issues, and his initial platform includes pillars of championing neighborhood associations, public safety and public schools.
“Our ward is filled with Chicago's most beautiful parks, historic streets, and opportunities for small businesses. It is full of families who want safe neighborhoods and the very best schools for their children. It is brimming with a hope, energy and possibility that inspires me every day,” added Knudsen.
Knudsen’s candidacy was endorsed through formal letters of recommendation by Caroline Vickrey, who came within 79 votes of the incumbent 43rd Ward Alderperson in 2015; Jared Smith, longtime 43rd Ward resident and Co-Founder of RXBAR; Justin DeJong, Board Chair of Equality Illinois; and Art Johnston, legendary LGBTQ+ activist, founder of Equality Illinois and co-owner of Sidetrack.
In addition to the letters of recommendation required in the application, Knudsen submitted a supplemental letter of community support signed by over one hundred 43rd Ward residents and Chicago civic leaders such as Ali Khan, Chief Medical Officer at Oak Street Health; Julie Jahn, former Board Chair of the Lincoln Park Conservancy; William Kent Beach, Board Chair of the Design Museum of Chicago; Mark Ishaug, CEO of Thresholds; Tom Kehoe, Founder of Kehoe Designs and the Geraghty; and many more.
As he puts his name in the running to represent the 43rd Ward, Knudsen will be on leave from his role as Chairman of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals until the Mayor has made an appointment. He has established the ‘Friends for Timmy Knudsen’ campaign committee with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
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