Alderman Ray Suarez

Since his election as alderman in 1991, Ray Suarez has been dedicated to meeting the needs of the people in the 31st Ward. With more than 30 years of public service, Ray Suarez has established himself as a fine example of leadership you can trust!

Born in Yauco, Puerto Rico on October 26, 1946, Suarez is proud of his heritage and serving his country. Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and is Vietnam War Veteran. He is also a charter member of the Puerto Rican Lion’s Club.

Experience:

In 1974, Suarez coordinated the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act Programs (C.E.T.A.) for the Department of Streets and Sanitation. In this capacity, he worked on behalf of the unemployed who desperately struggled to attain employment. Ray Suarez served in the Mayor’s Office as an Administrative Assistant, working with the Urban Development Action Grants (UDAG). In this position, Suarez ensured monies were distributed fairly throughout the city. Before being elected as alderman, Suarez held a position as Assistant Commissioner in the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation.

Leadership:

Ray Suarez possesses strong leadership credentials and understands the problems that plague the Latino Community. In 1989, the governor of the State of Illinois appointed him to serve on the Illinois Job Training Coordinating Council (IJTCC). His duties included advising the governor on how monies budgeted for employment and job-training programs could be more wisely spent.

Alderman Suarez believes in economic development that results in the creation or retention of jobs. He was the first to bring Menard’s into the city limits. He initiated more than 2,500 jobs for residents through several job fairs and at least 19 new businesses now located in the 31st Ward. In addition, Ray Suarez was responsible for bringing the Secretary of State Express Facility into the community.

Suarez acquires funding and promotes events which meet the needs of the people, including an annual senior citizen health fair and an annual children’s health fair. These free events are a one-stop access for seniors and children to retrieve vital health screenings, immunizations and information on programs and other services available to the residents of the 31st Ward. In addition, Alderman Suarez sponsored citizenship workshops and food drives.

Achievements:

Suarez is committed to keeping a healthy school environment. Each of the eight public schools in the 31st Ward have undergone major structural improvements. More than $55 million has been invested in improving the local schools to provide lead abatement, new windows, roof repairs, painting, infrastructure repair, additional lighting, and street and alley re-pavement. In September 1997, the new Nobel school was opened. To ease the problem of overcrowding in our schools, Suarez has played a key role in having annexes built onto five of our neighborhood public schools. Furthermore, Alderman Suarez is the key component in the $33.8 million project to have a new high school built in the community. The new Kelvyn Park South High School will contain expanded classroom space, updated computer and science labs, a library and gymnasium.

Alderman Suarez was a key component in urging immediate action for an effective solution to basement flooding prevention. The Rain Blocker Pilot was established to regulate rainfall during heavy storms and, as a result, keep basements free of sewage backup.

Suarez serves on various committees in the City Council. Presently, he is Chairman of the Committee on Housing & Real Estate. As Chairman of the Committee, Alderman Suarez is committed to working with the Mayor in bringing a wide range of affordable housing programs and services to the community. He is continuously working to develop strategies to meet the housing needs of all Chicago residents. Each year Alderman Suarez hosts a Housing Expo, which has been successful in providing his constituents with a broad range of information on city housing, neighborhood-related and energy-assistance programs and services.

Alderman Suarez and his wife, Marta live in Chicago’s Cragin Community.