Wildwood resident Leah Cunningham Pouw announces candidacy for 45th Ward aldermanic seat

by BRIAN NADIG

Wildwood resident Leah Cunningham Pouw has become the second challenger to two-term incumbent 45th Ward Alderman James Gardiner (45th) in next year’s municipal election.

Pouw said that she is running in part because she sees a “disconnect” in the ward. As an example, she said, residents in her community at the north end may not even know that there are some great entertainment options, including live theater, in Jefferson Park and Six Corners near the ward’s south end.

As alderperson, she said she would help connect small businesses to resources and opportunities in an effort to revitalize the business corridors and would work to make the business districts more vibrant, with planters and other beautification features, adding that stronger commercial districts can help deter crime as foot traffic increases and vacant storefronts get filled.

Pouw said that she also would address the ward’s traffic issues, which includes some of the most congested intersections in Cook County. She added that the roadways should be useable and safe for all users.

“I’ve spent my entire career fighting to make the system work for families and those in need. But too often it falls short — and we need to do better,” Pouw said in her campaign announcement. “The 45th Ward deserves an alderperson who will put the people first and make sure every voice is heard. From day one, my door will always be open.”

Pouw and her husband Bryson and their two children moved to Wildwood in 2016. She has served two terms as secretary on both the Wildwood School Local Council and the Wildwood Park Advisory Council, which during her time on the council held a community vote on a new playground.

Pouw works as a policy researcher for the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois.

Pouw said that she is looking forward to meeting more residents during the campaign, adding that she has been knocking on doors the last two years as a volunteer with the 45th Ward Dems, an organization run by 45th Ward Democratic Committeeperson Michael Rabbitt.

Pouw said that both her parents went to Taft High School and that her grandfathers were both Chicago police officers — Joe Caputo, who headed the Italian American Police Association, and Abner Cunningham, who arrested serial killer William Heirens.

Also running in the race is S Gronkiewicz-Doran, a Jefferson Park resident, who announced their candidacy in February.

This is just part of today’s coverage. Get the full story - every article, every ad, every page. Subscribe now.

The Latest From Our Community