I first met Councilman Scott Katz across the table at a dinner party in 2018. It was a large group having a robust discussion about the nation and the world, and Scott was lamenting that there needed to be more quality people in government. I told him if he wanted good people in government, he had to BE the good people in government. He looked at me stunned for a moment – but we continued that conversation for weeks, and I am so happy we got to yes that first time.
Over the past four years I have had the privilege of serving on committees with Scott. One thing I hear people say is that this administration ‘rubber stamps’ ideas. It is the opposite, we have loud spirited debates. We do not always agree. Scott always listens. He hears your perspective and is open to adjusting, to working towards consensus, to compromising.
This job isn’t easy if you expect to solve difficult problems with robust solutions. I have watched Scott address concerned constituents with grace and professionalism.
My favorite quality about Scott is his empathy. He is a deeply thoughtful and reflective person who is dedicated to creating and supporting an inclusive community. It was critically important to him to use his role as Councilperson to work towards combating racism and antisemitism so he asked to be the liaison for the Human Rights Advisory Commission where he is a dedicated partner supporting their work.
His love of outdoor recreation has guided him in his role as Recreation Commission liaison, and during his term he has spearheaded and supported initiatives such as the Bike Rodeo, 2 bike oases and critical playground improvements in Sycamore and Windsor parks.
He worked to tackle an issue that remained unsolved for decades- fields. And while everyone may agree on the best path- Scott never retreated from doing the deep work needed to come up with a solution. It is easy to do nothing. That’s why this problem is widely acknowledged and never solved. It takes a strong, dedicated public servant to boldly take on a controversial subject and act for what he believes is in the best interest of the youth.
AddamsFest, transformative road paving because of a road ordinance, public art, rainbow crosswalks and a historic preservation ordinance are all initiatives I worked on in my first term. It is important to remember how far we have come and the things we have gotten used to that never existed before. I trust Councilman Katz to continue the progress we started, knowing that the residents in Ward 4 are in competent, caring hands.
Please join me in supporting Councilman Scott Katz for Ward 4 on November 7th
Councilwoman Dawn Mackey Westfield
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