Rey Colón

Rey Colón is alderman of the 35th ward of the City of Chicago; he was first elected in 2003.

Early history

Colón grew up in the Logan Square neighborhood. He graduated from Carl Schurz High School and Roosevelt University with a degree in Community Management.

Public service

Before becoming alderman, Colón worked as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, Area Manager of the Chicago Park District, and Executive Director of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. While working with the McCormick Tribune YMCA in Logan Square, Colón raised $7.5 million and oversaw construction of the new YMCA.

Aldermanic career

Colón was elected alderman of the 35th ward in 2003. Colón had also run unsuccessfully in 1999, but was encouraged by community leaders to run again. Colón's campaign was organized at the grassroots level against the incumbent candidate who had the support of powerful Chicago aldermen, the mayor, and the governor.

Colón's campaign had a strong focus on community input about zoning issues, and as alderman he organized a zoning committee to evaluate all the requests that come through the alderman’s office.

Colón has also helped to secure Preliminary Landmark Designation for Logan, Kedzie, and Humboldt Boulevards.

Colón serves on six committees: Committees, Rules and Ethics; Economic, Capital, and Technology Development; Health; Human Relations; Special Events and Cultural Affairs; and Traffic Control and Safety.

Controversy

Shortly after winning re-election in 2011, Rey Colón planned a hearing to oppose Logan Square's Farmer's Market. Colón initially refused to give a reason for his opposition, though critics claim he was motivated out of spite, as one of the organizers of the market had backed his challenger from the election, Nancy Schiavone. Colon later stated, “I’d like to urge those that are involved with the market to . . . keep it free of high-fructose corn syrup, free of pesticides and free of political activity," After newspapers and blogs picked up the story, Colón withdrew his request for a hearing.

In June 2011, Colón quietly passed a measure through the City Council, without public review, to establish free parking along parts of Logan, Kedzie and Humboldt boulevards. Residents opposed the measure which, citing congestion and concern that it would destroy the atmosphere of the historic neighborhood. Many were upset the measure was passed without any community input.

In July 2011, Colón began pushing through a permit for EZPawn at 3711 W Fullerton, despite neighborhood opposition. In a response to written letters of opposition Colon said "this national business will not have a negative impact and will provide an added benefit despite the outdated perceptions. Yes I will support the special use and will continue to increase the variety of businesses in the community. That's the word."

Personal life

Alderman Colón lives with his fiancée and his two daughters, Kristiana Colón and Coraliris Echevarria.

External links

• Alderman Colón's Website
• Alderman Colon's City of Chicago Biography