The chairman of the Center for Native American Youth’s Advisory Board and a member of the Chi Nations Youth Council, Tamez says, “Enforcing the consent decree is critical to our community’s safety,” and believes “police accountability can become a reality through co-governance.”

Alderpersons Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th Ward) and Andre Vasquez (40th Ward), United Neighbors of the 35th Ward, 30th Ward United, 50th Ward United Working Families, and 39th Ward Neighbors United have endorsed.

Image of a bullhorn denoting the candidate has an activist or organizer background.
Activist or organizer Credit: Amber Huff
Illustration of a suit coat and tie, denoting the candidate has political endorsment(s).
Political endorsement Credit: Amber Huff
Image of dove, indicating candidate supports more police accountability
Supports more police accountability Credit: Amber Huff

Candidate questionnaire responses

  • Do you have experience as an activist or community organizer? Yes
  • Do you have experience interacting with CPD? Yes
  • Do you have experience working or interacting with government? Yes
  • Should the city hire more police officers? No
  • Is CPD adequately funded? Yes: funding should be reduced.
  • CPD reform: The police should be defunded or abolished.
  • Mental health crises: Police should not be involved in mental health crisis calls at all.

What do you consider the primary role of a police district councilor to be?

  • Establishing civilian control of the police department
  • Communicating with the department on behalf of the community
  • Helping the police do a better job

Why are you running for Police District Council?

I’m running for 17th District council because I believe that enforcing the consent decree is critical to our community’s safety, I remain committed to initiatives like treatment, not trauma, and believe police accountability can become a reality through co-governance. It is clear that I have a strong commitment to improving public safety and building trust in the 17th District, and I am well-suited for the police district council role. By running for this position, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community and to work towards a safer and more equitable future.