Ray Suarez

Former Alderman Ray Suarez has dedicated his life to the City of Chicago, the 31st Ward and most importantly its residents. Since his election as Alderman in 1991 he has been devoted to meeting the needs of everyone in the 31st Ward. Having over 30 years of public service, Ray Suarez has established himself as the ideal leader and his tenure is a testament to that since he has been re-elected five times. Born In Yauco, Puerto Rico, Suarez is proud of his heritage and is part of numerous Hispanic organizations throughout the city of Chicago. Aside from his heritage, Alderman Ray Suarez also shared a strong passion for his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and is a Vietnam War Veteran. Prior to his election as Alderman, 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. He also 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. Furthermore, 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. Bearing this in mind, it is clear that Alderman Ray Suarez possesses strong leadership credentials which have played a vital role in his competence as a politician. Alderman Suarez believes in economic development that results in the creation or retention of jobs. 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. Alderman Suarez is a firm believer in giving back to his residents and as a result 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. Furthermore, Suarez is committed to keeping a healthy school environment. Each of the eight public schools in the 31st Ward has 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. Currently, Alderman Suarez 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 and is always pushing forward to better the 31st Ward and the City of Chicago as a whole. Alderman Suarez and his wife, Marta live in Chicago’s Cragin Community.