Candidates for the 38th Ward debated Wednesday night. View Full Caption shutterstock

PORTAGE PARK — The first debate in the 38th Ward aldermanic race covered a range of topics Wednesday night, including the rise of Six Corners, school boards and tax caps, and what to do about crime and gang activity.

The candidates, Nicholas Sposato (currently alderman of the 36th ward), Belinda Cadiz, Tom Caravette, Michael C. Duda, Carmen Hernandez, Jerry Paszeck, and Heather Sattler all agreed that when it came to discretionary city funds the winner will have to spend on streetscaping, infrastructure is a priority over aesthetic.

The question of whether there should be an elected school board brought on a broader range of responses from candidates, with some saying such a board would provide accountability and others saying it would only lead to more politics or even corruption.

Sposato said that he would support an elected school board, but he would want to ensure equal representation of all communities. Duda was against the elected school board, citing what he considered inevitable corruption. Sattler said introducing more politics to education through a vote would have a negative effect on the board, which is now appointed by the mayor.

Nearly all candidates agreed there should be a new school in the area, with the caveat that it must be a public school, not a charter. Cadiz asked why is it that constituents need a new school, and suggested instead that the problems with the existing ones be addressed.

When asked what he would do to help business in the 38th Ward, Caravette said that Tax Increment Financing revenue is underused and that he would invest in schools, after which young families and business will follow.

Sattler said there’s been economic growth in the 38th Ward, citing the Irving-Austin Business District, and praised the Portage Park Neighborhood Committee for promoting new businesses. She also said there is more work that can be done, and she would work with local chambers of commerce.

The question of whether or not the 38th Ward should be made more bicycle friendly received varying degrees of support. Caravette said he agrees with bike lanes and more parking for bikes particularly near the "L" stops, Cadiz said she would decide based on what the constituents want and Duda claimed that bicycle paths interfere with drivers, citing traffic on Milwaukee Avenue.

“I don’t think we need any more bike paths, I really don’t,” said Duda.

On crime, Sposato said that he would try to get more police officers on the streets, but he also encouraged communities to watch over their elderly neighbors and stay vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to the police.

Hernandez, who has two sons who are police officers, said the topic “hit home," adding that he favors more police on the street.

“When you call 911 you should have police at your door immediately, not 10 or 20 minutes later,” said Hernandez.

The debate was held at St. Pascal School, 6143 West Irving Park Road, and lasted from 7 to 9 pm.

A second debate for 38th Ward candidates is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Stahl Family Theater at St. Patrick High School, 5900 W. Belmont Ave.

The election is Feb. 24th.

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