21st Ward Candidate Ronnie Mosely…On the Record

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor

Community organizer, Ronnie Mosely secured his spot in the 21st ward aldermanic runoff race on Feb. 28th. He will face his opponent, retired fireman, Cornell Dantzler in the April 4th runoff. Both are seeking to replace retiring alderperson, Howard Brookins, Jr. In the February 28th election, Mosely received 25% of the vote and Dantzler received 21.9%. The 21st ward now includes the 34th ward under the city’s new ward remap and serves parts of the Auburn Gresham, Brainerd, Longwood Manor, West Pullman, and Fernwood neighborhoods.

Mosely spoke with Chicago News Weekly about his vision for the 21st ward, the accusations and why he feels he is the best candidate in this upcoming election. Why he Decided to run

I wanted to give back to the community that has poured so much into me. It was really about the makeup of our community and as I thought about the 21st ward, which has always had the largest amount of registered black voters in the city now merging with the 34th ward, which also has a large voting population, I thought we now have an opportunity to demand resources that will improve our quality of life. That takes real leadership and I felt best positioned to take this ward to where it needs to be and to deliver those resources for our people and for our community.

Bringing more resources to the 21st Ward

I want the 21st ward to be a destination for those who live here so we can stop sending our dollars outside of our community contributing to other economies and strengthening their jobs and opportunities when we need it right here, but I also want others to come to the community and contribute. We have so many answers to our issues right around us, but it takes leadership to cultivate and develop and pull these things together.

Economic Development in the 21st Ward

One of my first priorities is to build a strong business district. There are five different malls in our ward, and I want to see more businesses in those areas. I want our ward to look appealing and inviting and plan to work with leaders and the community on landscaping and the beautification of the ward. I want our business district to be a place where the community can shop, contribute to our economy, and enjoy the experience. It’s what we deserve. There is so much land that is ready for development and I want to make sure that we have a plan in place so that we aren’t always reacting to the dreams of others. This is about our community, and we have to decide how this works for us first. We plan it as a community, then as alderman, my job is to go find people whose dreams are in sync with ours and bring them to the table.

My office is going to be a hub for all services, not just city services. I want to be visible in the community. We also plan to continue the monthly and quarterly town hall meetings in addition to our weekly constituent meetings. I plan to bring city representatives to these meetings to speak to residents about city services as well.

Our community wants a police force that is reflective and that is responsible to us and for us. Policing and public safety are priorities, but we must be smart about them. We call the police after a crime is committed but what are we doing about preventative measures? How are we responding to the root causes of crime? What are we doing about poverty and providing jobs? How are we getting people who need mental health support access? Where are affordable housing options in our ward? I believe by working to develop the neighborhood economically, we can also create a thriving workforce by hiring within the ward. Economic empowerment can bring

Two weeks before the Feb. 23 election, Mosely was accused of fabricating his academic credentials. Mosely responded to the controversy by saying, “I’ve said “I’ve completed studies” at Morehouse college and that is true but I did not receive my degree. I used the term “completed studies” because I took my classes there, I took my senior capstone, I took my internship, and so forth and that was interpreted as me saying I graduated from Morehouse and although I have not used that language, that’s the interpretation. I apologize that my language was not clear. My degree is important to me. While I may not be coming back next semester, I’m going to earn my degree at Morehouse College. I guarantee before my four years are up, I’ll have that degree.

Mosely launched his campaign in September 2022 and has been endorsed by Ald. Brookins, Jr and Michelle Harris, St. Sabina pastor, Rev. Michael Pfleger, former state senator Jacqui Collins, Gov. Pritzker and more. His opponent has also questioned the validity of his work experience.

As for his work history, Mosely says he’s worked since he was a teen and says that experience makes him the best choice for the 21st ward. “I’ve learned at different levels of government and understand how it works and not just from an idea or theory that we get from books but also from working in these institutions. Having these relationships is key and allows me to be ready on day one. “If I was lying about working from them, I’m sure they would have pulled back their endorsement but they haven’t because they see me working for and with them, and see how I’m able to get things done.”

Who he Supports for Mayor

Mosely said after the February election he would support who the community supports. The 21st ward voted 22% for Brandon Johnson and 6% for Vallas. “I’m still talking to community members, but I think our community’s pretty much spoken about that who they want to see as their mayor.”

Why he feels he’s the best choice for the 21st Ward. Yeah, this is a part of my life’s mission. Addressing the community’s needs will be my guiding compass in doing this work and we’re going to do this work together. I need a strong board organization, blocks clubs and community organizations ready because it takes all of us together. This isn’t about the 21st ward and the 34th separately. We are now one ward and I intend to serve everyone in it because we all deserve a better community. This is how we use our power and make our voices heard and demand resources.