Sexual Assault Conviction
Safe Halloween Tips
Dear Neighbor,

On October 26, 2018, Isidrio Valverde was convicted for the sexual assault of a DePaul student on August 20, 2015. He was arrested on August 21, 2015 on video evidence and has been in custody since then.

The sexual assault conviction carries a term of 4 - 15 years. The sentencing will be Nov 26, at the 26th and California courthouse, and I encourage any community members available to attend.

Valverde still faces a trial for aggravated battery of a police officer when he ran his car into a policeman while evading arrest. Any sentence imposed in that case will run consecutively. 

The case demonstrates the challenges of getting a conviction and also, the necessity for community involvement. As you may recall, Valverde was arrested initially for three alleged assaults . In two of the cases, however, crucial evidence was unavailable because two of the victims could not positively identify Valverde and no video tape was available.

In the third case, however, the victim did identify Valverde who was quickly arrested after a citizen identified him from the photo.

Our thanks to the Court Advocacy program of the Chicago Police and the volunteers who followed this case for the last three years. Their efforts ensured that justice was delivered to our community. If you are interested in becoming a court advocate, please email me.
General Safety Tips

  • Carry your purse across your chest or under your arm, making it harder to grab.
  • Men should carry wallets in their inside coats or side pants pocket, avoid your back pants pocket where it is easier to steal.
  • Walking to and from work or public transit stations, particularly at night, use well-lit and populated streets.
  • To keep our city safer, we should all report suspicious activity by calling 911 and report on conditions that contribute to crime.
Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween should be a day of fun for kids and families who of trick-or-treat in Chicago. Following basic safety tips can ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration!

  • Costumes: A safe costume should be a priority.
  • Choose garb that is light colored and easily visible.
  • When using dark colors, put reflective tape in several parts of the costumes -across the back, front and sides to ensure visibility in all directions.
  • Avoid masks-they restrict vision - substitute with face paint
  • Company: Young children should be accompanied by an adult. If you can’t accompany your children, make sure they go trick-or-treating with an adult or responsible young adult you know well.
  • It’s always safer to go with a group of family and/or friends.
  • Location: Visit homes in your neighborhood and trick-or-treat at familiar places
  • Never enter a home for a treat... stay on the porch or sidewalk..
  • Warn children never to approach cars or accept treats from cars.
  • Timing: Confine trick-or-treating to daylight hours. If you can only take your child in the evening, limit your visits to homes with porch or outside lighting.
  • Treats: Allow your child to accept only wrapped treats...throw away fresh fruit, unwrapped candies, open candies or anything that looks suspicious.
  • Consider small toys, non-toxic bubbles or sugar-free items as treats
  • Remember, some children have dietary restrictions.
  • Walk, don't run! Wait at the curb and look both ways, cross at the corner...do not cut in between parked cars!
  • Obey all traffic lights!
  • When driving on Halloween use extra caution - be alert for kids on the street.

The Chicago Police Department and our 43rd Ward Office hope Halloween is safe for all of Chicago’s children. If you'd like more information on how you can get involved in keeping the neighborhood safe year-round, please visit either the 18th CAPS Office or the 19th CAPS Office and let our office know.
Appeal Your Property Tax Assessments
Lakeview Township
Get Help with Your Appeal at Our Office:
Friday, November 2 and
Monday, November 5

The Cook County Board of Review will be open for property valuation appeals for LAKEVIEW township (north of Fullerton) until Tuesday, November 13th. In light of the large increases that were recently issued by the Assessor, we encourage everyone to appeal. To see the step by step process, and to file an appeal online, click  here  .

Our office will host two days of office hours to assist taxpayers with property assessment appeals.

Friday, November 2nd:  Meet with staff from Board of Review Commissioner Mike Cabonargi from 2:30 - 5:30 PM.

Monday, November 5  : Meet with staff from the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (10th) at our Ward office from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Have a Happy and Safe Halloween,






Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman
43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T - F 9 AM - 6 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org
Text Us for Constituent Services: 773-906-4333