In the race for Waukegan’s 3rd Ward Alderman, Juan Martinez has the resume and character necessary to effectively represent the community. We find he brings a refreshing set of priorities and his history of community service makes him well qualified for the post.

Martinez is focusing on infrastructure improvement, increasing public safety, supporting small business and embracing diversity as well as expanding opportunity. His values well reflect that he is dedicated to all of the people in the ward.

Martinez has a solid history of community service. He is President of Neighborhood Watch, serves as Democratic Precinct Committeeman and was also a Waukegan Housing Authority Commissioner. He understands the community he seeks to serve as Alderman.

He is also endorsed by Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, State Representative Rita Mayfield, Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc Jones, Park Commissioner Anton Mathews and the Waukegan Democratic organization.

Darren Lewis is also running for the position. While Lewis has a solid business career, he has no history of community service and failed to demonstrate an understanding of the ward.

On his campaign website, Lewis criticized Martinez for his sensible platforms. Darren took issue with Juan creating a Neighborhood Watch insisting that is the responsibility of the police department (NW helps law enforcement). Martinez also created an Adopt-an-Alley program, advocates for better street lighting and a better emergency notification system. Strangely, Lewis sees this as grist for negative campaigning and dismissed it all as the responsibility of someone other than the Alderman.

Instead, we find Martinez’s proactive steps as laudable and it is unquestionably positive that as Alderman, Martinez will work hard to get these changes done.

Juan Martinez gets the nod for Waukegan Third Ward Alderman.