TITLE: Call for a review of all 25th Ward permit requests prior to May 20th, 2019, and the establishment of more exacting standards of approval within the 25th Ward in keeping with Executive Order No. 2019-2.
RESOLUTION
Whereas, Daniel Solis, former alderman ofthe 25th Ward, failed to adhere to the standards demanded of our elected officials such that for over two decades the constituents of the 25th Ward have been subject to an unchecked pattern of patronage especially with regard to licensing and zoning, the latter of which former Aid. Solis served in Committee as Chairman for ten years,
Whereas, the systematic lack of transparency and accountability, specifically by way of preferential treatment, in the ward during former Aid. Solis's 23 year tenure has significantly advantaged some while disadvantaging others thus compromising equitable economic development,
Whereas, former Aid. Solis has reneged on his aldermanic duties since January 23 when the extent of his abuse of the powers of elected office was revealed, practices for which he remains under federal investigation, and
Whereas, due process for approvals were particularly not heeded during the alderman's unexcused absence during which dozens of constituents have since reported that permits and licenses were approved and signed in the former alderman's name by proxy of unauthorized persons,
Whereas, since the new 25th Ward administration has taken office, these contraventions of processes have invited a significant number of appeals and follow-up requests particularly regarding licensing, zoning and development, and
Whereas, the new mayoral administration has clearly and unequivocally stated in Executive Order No. 2019-2 that the process of granting permits and licenses ought to be "based solely on the public interest, in accordance with clear, consistently-enforced standards".
Be it therefore resolved, that all 25th Ward permit and license requests made prior to May 20, 2019, including those currently in committee, be subject to extensive review by the aldermanic office and relevant city agencies, as well as follow any standards and procedures henceforth introduced by the Office of the Mayor.
Be it further resolved, that within the next 100 days 25th Ward Aldermanic Office will establish more exacting approval guidelines attendant to challenges specific to the ward, working closely with the mayor's office in process, and in keeping with the tenets set forth by Executive Order No. 2019-2.
Byron Sigcho-Lopez 25th Ward Alderman
Respectfully submitted,