By: Ashmar Mandou

Chicago native Elizabeth “Betty” Arias-Ibarra is looking to make an impact in City Hall. “I know I’m in for a challenge, but I truly believe I can be the change this city needs because I am not a politician,” said Arias-Ibarra. “I am a single mother of three who owns her own business trying to make a difference. I have the passion.” Unsatisfied with the current administration, Arias-Ibarra believes her experience serves a leverage to be a great leader. “I attended Jones College Prep High School and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from National Louis University. I helped to coach my children’s football team, I organized events for children in foster care. I have over 20 years’ experience in finance consulting Latinos,” said Arias-Ibarra. Her hunger for change is only matched by her level commitment as she has traveled across the city garnering signatures and meeting with residents. “As I meet with families their main concern is affordability. If I’m elected as City Clerk of Chicago, I will work on behalf of the residents of Chicago to create programs that will benefit them.” Arias-Ibarra outlined her three primary goals and is currently looking for volunteers who believe in her mission for change.

• Making Chicago more AFFORDABLE by reducing all pricing and fees for Chicago City Windows Stickers and Vehicle Registration for seniors and low income individuals while creating “fee-related” payment plans, grace periods and offering six and 12-month payment\renewal options. This would increase revenue (more affordable), save money administratively while putting less people in a financial spiral regarding their vehicles and other fee-based services that we already pay for.

• Making Chicago more ACCOUNTABLE by ensuring that all freedom of information request is granted without the necessity of having to file lawsuits to obtain information, records, meeting notes and more. In essence, we need better transparency in general. While Pet registration is on only $5 – and even cheaper for seniors, we need to offer financial and/or tax incentives to landlords who rent to pet owners, as well as incentives to Chicagoans who adopt older dogs to decrease the number of dogs that are euthanized in Chicago because both are problems not being addressed.

• Making Chicago more ACCESSIBLE by making common and simple request for deeds, business license replacements easier to obtain, and pricing should be reduced for low-income and senior Chicagoans. The communication should be better between the City Clerks’ Office as well, with reminder emails for registrations and a running BLOG should be put up by the Clerk with NEWS, updates and more to be accessed via computer or a phone, along with a complaint, suggestion and problems form that is monitored by the Clerk’s office. If you would like to learn more about Arias-Ibarra campaign, visit www.bettyforcityclerk.com.

Photo Caption: Chicago native Elizabeth “Betty” Arias-Ibarra campaigns across Chicago to gather signatures in an effort to run for City Clerk of Chicago.