Chicagoans commuting at the Roosevelt CTA station in the South Loop Monday morning got a chance to talk directly to Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, after he kicked off his campaign for Chicago Mayor over the weekend.
"I really have liked exactly what you've done with the Secretary of State's office," Craig Sims told Giannoulias. "I am going to be looking forward to casting my vote for you next February."
Sims was one of several who signed Giannoulias' nominating petition. He said for him, choosing who to vote for for mayor next year is an easy choice.
"I really love what he's done with the Secretary of State's office," said Craig Sims. "He has really improved it. He has really streamlined everything. Of all the people that's running, I think he's the better choice."
Chicagoan Deran Carpenter said he's voting for Giannoulias because he's genuine and doesn't make false promises.
"I think it's more of him being as real as he is," he said. "He gets out with the people, talks with the people. He's real considerate in the things that he do. I also know that he never makes promises. He just handles the situations he can handle."
Voters Monday morning said crime, CTA improvements and reform in the Chicago Police Department are big issues for them as they prepare to vote for Chicago's next mayor.
"Honestly for me, too, just traffic violations," said Lauren McCloskey. "I walk a lot so there's a lot of cars that drive unsafely."
"The only thing I hope with the next mayor that steps in is that he do the things he say and that he keeps the promises he can keep," Carpenter said.
Giannoulias joins a group of at least 12 candidates running for mayor. The 2027 mayoral election takes place February 23.
