Deputy City Clerk Eduardo Gomez is running as a write-in candidate for Evanston City Clerk in the Feb. 23 primary.
Gomez, who’s 28 years old, offered the following information on his background and what he views as the key issues in the campaign in response to an Evanston Now questionnaire.
Background
I was born in Evanston to immigrant parents and currently reside in the 2nd Ward. As the son of immigrant parents, I know first-hand the importance of making sure everyone has access to resources and information. I knew that one of the most impactful ways I could help to make a difference for the Evanston community was to work from within the organization that had the ability to implement meaningful change.
I started my public service career by developing a bilingual computer course program for the Evanston Public Library. In that role, I helped parents, seniors, veterans and Spanish-speaking residents improve their access to technology. I brought those services to our residents by partnering with ETHS, District 65, Family Focus, Evanston Veteran Center, Jacob Blake Manor, Ebenezer-Primm Towers and Jane Perlman Apartments. This groundwork is now the foundation for the curriculum the Evanston Public Library now offers.
My three years as Evanston’s Deputy City Clerk prepared me to assume the responsibilities of City Clerk. My experience, coupled with the strong partnerships I have cultivated over the years will enable me to continue to offer the high level of service our residents deserve and have come to expect from the City Clerk’s Office. I will continue to provide ballot access and voter support, timely access to public records, meaningful civic engagement, and helping to provide accessible and transparent government services.
Key issues
As City Clerk I will provide the statutorily required services of City Clerk with a focus on transparency and efficiency. I have strong relationships with city staff, elected officials and community organizations that will help advance my vision for the office. In addition to the Clerk’s essential services, I seek to resume services previously performed by the City Clerk, such as passports and real estate transfer stamps. I will also implement a language access policy to make the Clerk’s services more accessible to our residents with limited English proficiency and producing the City’s newsletter and City Council minutes in Spanish.
To ensure we continue our commitment to transparency, I will maintain accurate official records, ensure that city legislation is accessible to residents, and support residents’ access to records through our FOIA process.
As City Clerk, I will utilize the strong partnerships I have developed over the years with community organizations and leaders to bolster our civic engagement. I look forward to working with ETHS, Evanston Public Library, League of Women Voters, to host events such as voter registration drives and civic education events. We will also use these opportunities to encourage residents to participate in City Council meetings.
Website and social media
Campaign website, Facebook campaign page.