ASHBURN — Chicago voters in the 18th Ward will decide in February whether Ald. Derrick Curtis earns a fourth term or yields the seat to one of five challengers. Curtis, who has won every election since his 2015 runoff victory with more than 60% of the vote, is being pressed on his record on the Ford City Mall site and on recent petition challenges filed against his opponents.
Incumbent’s record and the Ford City Mall issue
During his last two terms, Curtis has focused on the future of the former Ford City Mall, which closed this year because of deteriorating conditions. The property now sits vacant, attracting break‑ins and other criminal activity. Curtis supports redeveloping the site into a warehouse campus, a plan that some neighbors have opposed. All five challengers have criticized his handling of the property, arguing for alternative uses that would create mixed‑use development and more jobs for the South Side.
The challengers
Joshua Barksdale runs on a platform of safe neighborhoods, economic development, strong families and a cleaner community. He founded the nonprofit 67 Social in 2024 to help minority neighborhoods affected by gun violence, drug abuse and domestic violence.
Nicole Allison lives in Auburn Gresham and has filed petitions to run in the 18th Ward, though no campaign website or social media presence could be located.
Artemiza “Tammy” Chavez is a real‑estate agent, nonprofit board member and member of Stevenson Elementary’s Local School Council. A mother of three who has lived in Ashburn for more than 35 years, she emphasizes listening, transparency and community engagement. Chavez has publicly opposed Curtis’s Ford City Mall rezoning plan.
Glenford Flowers Jr. is a lifelong Chicago resident and political‑science student. He advocates turning the Ford City site into a mixed‑use destination that creates jobs, attracts investment and expands public amenities. Flowers also calls for a ward audit, greater budget transparency and improved local transportation infrastructure.
Toni C. Galloway works as an administrative assistant at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Her platform focuses on public safety, support for local businesses, new investment, infrastructure upgrades and expanded community services.
Petition challenges and ballot certification
All five challengers face objections to their nominating petitions, filed by Nelson Garcia and Donald Kimball with the Chicago Board of Elections. Hearing officers will review the challenges, and the Board is expected to issue decisions later this year. The ballot is slated for certification on Dec. 17.
Election timeline
The municipal election is set for Feb. 23. Voters in the 18th Ward, which includes parts of Ashburn, Scottsdale, Parkview, Marycrest, Wrightwood and Beverly View, will receive a ballot that could list up to six names depending on the outcome of the petition hearings.
Beyond the Ford City Mall debate, the race highlights broader concerns about public safety, economic opportunity and transparent governance—issues that resonate with families and faith‑centered communities across Chicago.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
