Email address*:
Answer: santiagoforthe4th@gmail.com
First name*:
Answer: Edwin
Last name*:
Answer: Santiago
Age:
Answer: 34
Address:
Answer: 1466 Douglas Ave Racine Wi 53404
How long have you lived in the community:
Answer: 15
What position are you running for?*:
Answer: District 4 Alderman
Have you ever held an elected office position before?* Yes or No
Answer: No
If so, what position(s) were you elected to?*:
Answer: N/A
In thinking about your election bid, what top three issued need to be addressed?*:
Answer:
Residential dwelling code must be enforced pertaining to owner/occupant and owner/Landlord alike, as well as public infrastructure must be improved.
Partner with community based organizations to create more after school youth mentoring programs in order to provide alternatives to engaging in negative activity in the streets.
Advocate for new small to medium businesses in district 4, and create an atmosphere in which the district is “easy to do business with”.
How would you plan to address those issues?*:
Answer: The city has currently rolled out a program to assist renters who are living in conditions that do not adhere to dwelling codes. My duties would include following up with and enforcing our dwelling code infraction policy. I would also assist in procuring low to zero interest loans that are available through the city to address code infractions. I would also be proactive in the pursuit of Grants that may be available. When it comes to youth programs, I am currently working with several organizations including LULAC, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity INC from UWParkside, Gama Alpha Omega Sorority from UWParkside, and several other community actives in linking middle to high school aged children with mentors after school. We are also working towards collaborating with existing programs such as Scott Torrey’s program at Park High school. When it comes to bringing small to medium businesses to District 4, my aim would be to become an all around advocate. The idea is to make our district “easy to do business with”. By offering my time as a no -biased liaison for community members that are looking to start or open a business in Racine, I may be able to provided resources and information that may otherwise prove daunting or unattainable without knowledge. I have first hand experience with obtaining commercial building occupancy permits through my business as a contractor, as well as opening small businesses in Racine over the years. I have personally known of business owners who have chosen to move or grow their business in Kenosha, due to the ease of doing business there, while doing business in Racine is thought to be difficult.
In reference to those issues you have identified, what would success look like to you in making an impact?*:
Answer: Success would mean quality living conditions for our districts residents, a place for young men and woman to connect with mentors who can guid them and keep them off the street, and thriving business in District 4 not limited to, but including Douglas Ave, that is inviting to passers by along hey 32, while also creating potential jobs in a district that is experiencing unemployment rates as high as 48%.
Why are those issues important to you?*:
Answer: There are plenty of issues that need to be addressed in District 4, but improving living conditions and infrastructure, providing programs that provide more opportunities to our youth, and bringing jobs within walking distance are some of the most pertinent issues that will have a profound impact on the everyday lives of District 4’s constituents.
At the end of your term, what would you like to have accomplished?*:
Answer: I would like to see a thriving community with an emerging business district and an appealing physical aesthetic.
Why should people vote for you?*:
Answer: If the people elect me as they’re Alderman, I will take a hands on approach to governance. Most people don’t even know who they’re Alderperson is, much less meet them or know what they’re initiatives are. If you vote for me, you will know me. You will see me, and you will know that I am giving my all. I have a history of speaking up and speaking out. I welcome criticisms and ideas. I promise to keep the best interest of the constituents in the forefront and to communicate promptly and honestly.
What is your educational background?*:
Answer: I attended UWParkside for a Bachelor of Arts
What civic organizations do you belong to?
Answer: I am not an official board member of any official organizations, however I occasionally attend meetings with LULAC, the Caesar Chavez center, and I have led efforts to assist Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. I am in the process of creating the “young Knights” program with the assistance of my college Fraternity and I occasionally assist Father Bruce Clanton, who is a staple of proactive youth advocacy in our district.