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2007 ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
Over 17,000 men and women from across all fifty wards of the City of Chicago are members of the
Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Founded in 1883, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® is “the voice
of real estate” in Chicago. This year the Association is distributing this questionnaire to all candidates for
Alderman to determine which candidate will best represent our members and the families our members
serve. Your responses will assist the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee
(CARPAC) in making their decisions, which may include contributions to your campaign and will also be
shared with the members through our 2007 Voter’s Guide.
REALTORS® IN CHICAGO
As stated, over 17,000 individuals make up the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Our membership is
comparable in size to the Chicago Police Department, and one of the largest groupings of real estate
professionals in the nation. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® also runs a real estate school which
educates over 25,000 individuals each year. Collectively our members have added nearly $1 billion in real
estate transfer taxes to the City’s budget over the past four years making us a vital part of Chicago’s
economy. While our membership is large and diverse, the median income for a REALTOR® in Chicago is
less than $40,000 a year.
Please answer the survey honestly. Completed questionnaires are due no later than Friday at 3:00 PM,
January 19, 2007. You may fax your response to 312.506.1840 ATTN: Brian A. Bernardoni, Director of
Governmental Affairs or send the questionnaire through the mail in the enclosed stamped self-addressed
envelope. Questionnaires not received by 3:00 PM, will NOT be shared with the CARPAC Board of Directors
for their review or consideration of funding.
CANDIDATE NAME _____________________________________________________________________________________
CAMPAIGN OFFICE ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE NAME _________________________________________________________________________
PHONE ____________________________________ FAX ___________________________________________________
CAMPAIGN MANAGER ______________________________________ PHONE ___________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________________________
WEBSITE ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________
WARD _______________________________________ INCUMBENT YES NO
1. ARE YOU OR AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER CURRENTLY, OR HAVE EVER BEEN, A REAL ESTATE
LICENSEE IN ILLINOIS?
YES NO (If no, skip to question 6)
IF “YES”, PLEASE IDENTIFY _______________________________________________________________________
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
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2. ARE YOU OR AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER A REALTOR®?
YES NO
3. ARE YOU OR AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER A CURRENT OR PAST MEMBER OF THE CHICAGO
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®?
YES NO
4. ARE YOU OR AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER A MEMBER OF ANOTHER REALTOR® ASSOCIATION?
YES NO
5. ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ASIDE FROM YOUR PRIVATE RESIDENCE
THROUGH INVESTMENT, MORTGAGE, INSURANCE BUSINESS, LEGAL CLIENTS, TITLE, APPRAISAL OR
ANY REAL ESTATE AFFILIATED BUSINESS OR SERVICE? PLEASE EXPLAIN
6. ARE YOU CURRENTLY, OR A PAST MEMBER OF A UNION? YES NO
(If yes, please indicate which union and local)
______________________________________________________________________________________
6. IS THIS YOUR FIRST CANDIDACY? YES NO
(If no, please indicate which office and time period when you last ran)
______________________________________________________________________________________
7. Please detail your relevant work and educational history. (You may attach a biography or resume
to this document.)
8. Are you a member of a fraternal, ethnic, professional, civic, ward or social organization? If so,
which ones?
9. Why are you running for Alderman? What are your priorities?
(Please feel free to use additional paper to answer any and all questions)
HOUSING ISSUES
10. There are two proposed ordinances before the Chicago City Council which mandate affordable
housing on “as of right” developments. Generally, Mayor Daley’s proposal indicates that a
mandate of 20% affordable units would apply only on projects where the City provided special
variances or services. Alderman Toni Preckwinkle’s ordinance would apply a 15% mandatory set-
aside on all developments of ten-units or more. Which ordinance most closely fits your vision for
your ward and why? Further,
a. Do you support a mandate on affordable housing?
b. Do you have a different plan to make the cost of housing more affordable for the average
citizen?
11. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® has offered several proposals to the Chicago City Council
on housing affordability for discussion purposes. Which of these would you consider supporting if
they were presented in ordinance form? (PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX AND FEEL FREE TO
ADD EXTENDED COMMENTS IF NEEDED)
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
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a. The City of Chicago, in order to maintain existing buildings scheduled for demolition should create
a rehab building code that emphasizes affordability. These affordable changes can range from
pull switches in closets and wrought iron fencing to split face brick and vinyl siding.
YES NO
b. The City of Chicago should review the building code and ask the tough questions about how
changes we make impact affordability.
YES NO
c. The City of Chicago should work with a broader scope of labor and trade associations as was
specified in the late 1990’s when the building code review process was instituted to assess at bare
minimum the impact on housing affordability of the building code changes.
YES NO
d. The City of Chicago should investigate opportunities to allow renters who itemize their income tax
to deduct their portion of property tax benefits such as what is done in the State of Oregon – as a
benefit for renters.
YES NO
e. The City of Chicago should work with utility companies to freeze rates and taxes for qualified low-
income occupants
YES NO
f. The City of Chicago should work with the Cook County Assessor to consider a tax rate for
Affordable Units to keep them affordable.
YES NO
g. The City of Chicago should work with the Cook County Assessor to assist seniors in keeping their
homes affordable as a matter of City policy.
YES NO
h. The City of Chicago should consider varied incentives for community areas allowing additional
benefits for developers to build affordable units.
YES NO
i. The City of Chicago should consider a widening of permit waivers for affordable or low income
projects.
YES NO
j. The City should consider impact fee waivers, permit expedition, and sales tax rebates on low-
income units.
YES NO
k. The City of Chicago should review the practices of governmental entities like CHAC and others – to
assure that excessive bureaucratic regulations do not create false barriers to rental properties.
YES NO
BUILDING CODE; FIRE/LIFE SAFETY
12. The Chicago Building Code is regarded by many as one of the best in the world, with a high
emphasis on life safety. For others, the ordinance is expensive and an inhibitor to the development
of affordable housing. What is your view?
13. The City of Chicago has increased its focus on fire/life safety, especially due to recent high-rise
fires. Much of the regulatory activity has focused on fire sprinklers. Would you support a proposal
to lower the threshold for fire sprinklers to new construction of multifamily (town home, condo and
apartment) buildings less than 80 feet in height? Further,
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
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a. Would you support a mandate of fire sprinklers in any of the following options?
Single Family (stand-alone homes) YES NO
Multi-family YES NO
Attached town homes YES NO
Mid-rise condos YES NO
Mid-rise apartments YES NO
14. Do you support an ordinance which would mandate brick construction for all new residential
developments and eliminate other options including more affordable cladding materials?
YES NO
RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD TENANT ORDINANCE
15. The Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (5-12-010) has served as a single source for handling
many disputes between landlords and tenants in the City of Chicago. This stated, some feel the
ordinance needs revision, especially in section (5-12-080) where many attorneys have filed
expensive class-action suits against landlords for minor errors in the payment of security deposits.
Would you support an ordinance which would allow landlords a “right to cure” on security deposit
violations whereby the landlord would be able, after notice of the violation from the tenant, to
have ten days to pay a set fine outside of the judicial proceedings rather than incur a severe
penalty, which under the current law, is two times the security deposit, plus the interest plus legal
fees?
YES NO
REAL ESTATE SIGNAGE
16. Do you support the rights of property owners (or their licensed agent) to post a sign on private
property to sell or lease a property?
YES NO
17. Would you commit to OPPOSE any ordinance which would limit real estate signs in the City of
Chicago?
YES NO
PLANNING/LAND USE/ZONING/ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING
18. What role do you believe the City of Chicago should play in land use planning and zoning
process?
19. What is your position on historic land marking within your community?
20. What is your position on eminent domain?
21. In what situation is it appropriate for the City of Chicago to seize an individual’s property through
Administrative Hearing?
22. Assess the success of the City of Chicago’s Administrative Hearing process and Building Court. Are
there any changes you would advocate for?
23. What role do you plan to have in directing economic development and planning to encourage
growth within your community, and what process do you have for community involvement
currently or plan to implement in the future?
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
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24. As housing has continued to be an economic engine and strength in many of Chicago’s
communities, commercial development has seemed to lag behind. What kind of incentives or
other stimulus packages do you support to increase commercial viability in your ward?
PREDATORY LENDING
25. The anti-predatory lending law, commonly known as HB4050, has been a very controversial issue
for many communities and business people in ten zip codes on the south and south west sides of
Chicago. What are your thoughts and/or position on HB4050?
CONDOMINIUM/ CONDO DISCLOSURE REFORM
26. Would you support a comprehensive Condominium Disclosure Reform document which would
compel a developer to disclose details on a property from the property location to developer’s
license, permit and contractor license numbers to minimize fraud?
YES NO
27. Would you commit to SUPPORT a continuation of the Condominium Refuse Rebate?
YES NO
PARKING
28. Would you support making permanent a current ordinance which created a citywide zone
parking permit which allows State licensees easier legal parking access, for limited hours, to service
a residential home or their families with health care or real estate needs? The ordinance includes
all services provided by home health care workers and real estate licensees. The existing
ordinance created a revenue stream for the City of Chicago of nearly $2.5 million.
YES NO
29. Would you support for state licensees with parking tickets in the City of Chicago, an affidavit of
proof documenting that the licensee was serving a client in their home as a legitimate affirmative
defense for health care workers and real estate licensees?
YES NO
TAXATION/BUDGET
30. Would you support an increase in the Chicago Property Tax to balance the City’s budget?
YES NO
31. Would you commit to OPPOSE any and all efforts to increase the Real Estate Transfer Tax Increase
to balance the City’s budget during your term?
YES NO
32. If the City of Chicago must make cuts to the budget where would you recommend those cuts be
made and why?
33. If you were to propose a revenue enhancement to balance the budget, what type of proposal
would you make?
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
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34. What are your views and suggestions regarding property tax reform in Cook County?
35. What are your views regarding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in the City of Chicago?
OTHER ISSUES
36. Do you support Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics?
YES NO
37. Do you support a Living Wage ordinance requiring all large big box retailers to pay all workers a
minimum wage of $10/hour + benefits?
YES NO
38. Do you support CAPS? If so, how? If not, why not and what would you do to improve it?
39. Assess your community’s infrastructure and identify your priorities in utilizing your aldermanic menu
to improve it?
40. Do you feel it is important to have the support of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®? If so, will
you accept a CARPAC contribution?
41. How would you grade the Chicago Public Schools overall?
Thank you on behalf of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® for taking part in this questionnaire. Please
don’t forget to sign the last page prior to submittal.
Completed questionnaires are due no later than Friday at 3:00 PM, January 19, 2007. You may fax your
response to 312.506.1840 ATTN: Brian A. Bernardoni, Director of Governmental Affairs or send the
questionnaire through the mail in the enclosed stamped self-addressed envelope. Questionnaires not
received by 3:00 PM, will NOT be shared with the CARPAC Board of Directors for their review or
consideration for funding. Questions or comments should be placed to bbernardoni@chicagorealtor.com
only. No phone calls relating to the survey please.
END OF QUESTIONNAIRE
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
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REALTOR® CONTACT INFORMATION
The Chicago Association of REALTORS® has a full time Governmental Affairs staff and is part of a larger
collective of lobbyists utilized by the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of
REALTORS® who all work together to research and advocate on behalf of private property rights and the
interests of the real estate community.
As part of our grassroots outreach, we have utilized local REALTORS® from within your community or ward
to work with you on issues important to the community and the City at large.
If you have a REALTOR® contact that you would like us to utilize, please identify that individual.
REALTOR® Name ______________________________________________________________________________________
Company _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone _________________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE PAGE
I affirm these answers and comments represent my deeds and thoughts and these answers may be shared
by the Chicago Association of REALTORS® to its membership.
_____________________________________________________________
Signature and Date
Completed questionnaires are due no later than Friday at 3:00 PM, January 19, 2007. You may fax your
response to 312.506.1840 ATTN: Brian A. Bernardoni, Director of Governmental Affairs or send the
questionnaire through the mail in the enclosed stamped self-addressed envelope. Questionnaires not
received by 3:00 PM, will NOT be shared with the CARPAC Board of Directors for their review or
consideration for funding. Questions or comments should be placed to bbernardoni@chicagorealtor.com
only. No phone calls relating to the survey please.
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
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