Micah Caldwell is running for office for the first time. He is endorsed by Your Berwyn and Rep. Chuy Garcia. According to Caldwell’s Facebook page:

Here’s why I’m running to be your First Ward Alderman: As a mental health therapist, small business owner, and community organizer, I’ve dedicated my career to listening, solving problems, and bringing people together. Now, I want to put these skills to work for you, every day, as your Alderman. I grew up in a Milwaukee bungalow, in a close-knit neighborhood much like Berwyn. So when my wife and I first moved to Berwyn in early 2021, we instantly felt at home. The warmth of our neighbors, charm of the local businesses, and the vibrant community convinced us this was where we wanted to put down roots and raise our family. As our family has grown, so has our love for Berwyn. But great cities don’t thrive by accident. They thrive through the dedication of engaged citizens and responsive leadership. After settling in Berwyn, I began attending city council meetings. What I saw was concerning. Many on the current city council, including my opponent, often rubber-stamped proposals, budgets, and resolutions without proper debate or consideration. Residents’ concerns fell on deaf ears and community input was ignored.

I believe Berwyn deserves an Alderman who truly listens. You deserve government officials who are as hardworking and resourceful as the residents they serve. You deserve an independent voice who genuinely represents your needs. If elected, I pledge to work tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to you:

1. Fiscal Responsibility: Our tax dollars should work as hard as we do. I’ll advocate for the first independent audit of our city spending to ensure transparency and efficiency. Our taxes should translate into visible benefits. I’ll work to cut unnecessary fines, fees, and red tape that burden residents and businesses.

2. Infrastructure: From flooding basements to dangerous intersections, our infrastructure needs urgent attention. I’ll advocate for practical, sustainable, data-driven solutions that make our streets safer and easier to navigate for everyone, keep our homes drier as climate change continues, and our community more prepared for whatever the future holds.

3. Business Revitalization: We need strong community hubs and flourishing small businesses. I’ll work to attract diverse, family-friendly businesses that people in the neighborhood really want while limiting video gaming parlors. We also need to fix the rat problem that plagues our homes and local businesses once and for all.

4. Connecting Our Community: Finding out what’s happening in Berwyn shouldn’t be a treasure hunt. I’ll create an easy-to-use events calendar on our city website so you can discover all the local happenings in one place. I’ll also advocate for the creation of new community spaces like a farmer’s market, public market, and others. And I’ll always make sure our parks and recreation facilities are protected and supported.

5. Open and Responsive Government: You deserve a City Hall that works for you, not special interests. As your independent voice, I’ll hold officials accountable, challenge nepotism and self-dealing, and make decisions that put you first. I’m committed to keeping you informed in real-time, hosting regular town halls and creating an easy online feedback form for your 24/7 input. We need a more transparent, accessible, and ethical Berwyn government.

I’m running for Alderman because Berwyn deserves better than the status quo. Our city has changed a lot in recent years, becoming more diverse and welcoming a new generation of residents. But our local leadership hasn’t always kept up, often sticking to outdated practices and old-school political networks that don’t serve our modern city. Like many of you, I chose Berwyn for its unique character, its potential, and its sense of home. As a newer resident with roots in a community much like ours, I bring a fresh perspective to our city’s challenges and opportunities. I see paths for growth that can benefit all our neighbors, longtime residents and newcomers alike. My goal is to inject new energy and ideas to our city council, guiding Berwyn towards future that honors its traditions while embracing positive change. I’m running for Alderman because I love Berwyn, and when you love something, you fight to make it better. This campaign isn’t just about winning an election. It’s about laying the groundwork for the kind of community that you can feel proud of for generations to come. So let’s move our city forward, together.

• Caldwell’s responses to Online Candidate Forum from Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative (not completed by Ald. Lennon)
• Caldwell’s responses to Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Survey (not completed by Ald. Lennon)
• Voter Guide by IL League of Women Voters (not completed by Ald. Lennon)