From political philosophy to crime fighting, 41st Ward Ald. Napolitano discusses variety of issues

by BRIAN NADIG

Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st) touched on a variety of issues — from his political philosophy to crime fighting — at his Oct. 16 state-of-the-ward address.

“I’ve always (considered) myself an independent, and that was given to me by my father,” the three-term alderman said. “Be true to the candidate, not the party.”

He added that his father’s advice has served him well despite today’s political climate. “You can see politics is all over the place … very ugly.”

Napolitano also said that he governs based on what is best for the ward, even if it were to hurt him politically. “I love this neighborhood. I wear it on my sleeve,” he said.

Before being elected to the City Council in 2015, Napolitano had served as both a police officer and a firefighter. His father also was a police officer.

Napolitano gave his annual address to the Norwood Park Historical Society during a meeting at the Noble Seymour Crippen House, 5624 N. Newark Ave. It was built in 1833 and is a city landmark.

On the issue of public safety, Napolitano praised the recent appointment of Robert Vanna, who has served more than 30 years with the Chicago Police Department, as the new commander of the 16th (Jefferson Park) District. “His goal is to get every car manned and use his overtime to the best of his ability,” the alderman said.

In recent months the removal of ShotSpotter, detection technology designed to notify police of the location and time of gunshots, has generated a storm of controversy in City Council. Close to 40 alderpersons have been fighting against the removal of ShotSpotter by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, Napolitano said.

The technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating investigations, helping to free up officers for other duties, Napolitano said. Those officials who claim otherwise about its effectiveness are “lying,” he said.

Napolitano said that another effective crime-fighting tool is police observation device cameras, but “they’re going after our camera budget now.” POD cameras are often teamed up with license plate readers, notifying the police of location of stolen cars, which are often used in robberies and burglaries.

The “agenda driven” administration is no longer allowing alderpersons to use their discretionary budgets to pay for new cameras, Napolitano said.

Napolitano also addressed recent reports about some firehouses operating without their full lineup of equipment.

The cost of repairs comes out of the fire department’s budget while the purchase of new fire trucks needs to be approved separately by the City Council, and assembling the larger fire engines can take up to 2 years, Napolitano said. He added that the city is short of workers who can repair fire trucks.

Recent mayoral administrations have not prioritized the need to upgrade fire equipment, Napolitano said.

In the Edison Park and Norwood Park business districts, several new restaurants and other businesses have opened in recent months or are in the works, including a Mexican eatery inside the former Mecca Supper Club, 6666 N. Northwest Hwy., Napolitano said. A construction permit to improve the building was issued Sept. 6.

Permits also have been issued for the new EP Market, 6783 N. Northwest Hwy., replacing the former Happy Foods grocery store. “Their goal is to hire within the community,” Napolitano said.

Also, Napolitano said, a new “really cool” restaurant is in the works for Northwest Highway in Norwood Park, and details will be announced at a later time.

Decorative lights have been installed on light poles in Downtown Edison Park and the Norwood Park Train Station, 6088 N. Northwest Hwy., Napolitano said. The light poles in Norwood Park lack the electrical outlets that are on the poles in Edison Park, he added.

Also during his address, he said that some of the ward’s collector streets, which often connect residential subdivisions to arterial roadways, are being repaved with funds separate from discretionary funds that are used to resurface side streets.

Napolitano also said that delays in repaving side streets are due to moratoriums, as utility, sewer and other work is planned for the block. The city wants to avoid resurfacing a street to only have it torn up a year or two later, he said.

Each ward receives an annual relocation of $1.5 million in discretionary funds for side street resurfacing and other smaller infrastructure improvements.

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