Meet Harvey’s 2027 1st Ward candidates

Harvey’s 1st Ward is the bedrock of the city’s vibrant Latino population. But even with that, the ward did not have Latino representation until Rosa Arambula was named acting alderwoman in March. 

In fact, Harvey has not elected a Latino alderperson to the City Council in its history. But that could change in 2027, given three of the four candidates who filed for this seat are Latino themselves.

The race’s significance comes as Latino residents have become increasingly frustrated with city officials. They have pushed Harvey to better engage Latino residents and incorporate more bilingual materials into City Council meetings, municipal operations, and communications. The 1st Ward specifically was rocked by immigration enforcement as part of the Operation Midway Blitz. City officials received criticism that they did not do enough to advocate for and protect undocumented residents. 

Latino business owners are also growing tired of city government. In 2020, Latino business owners expressed frustration after their desires to legalize street vending went ignored during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. That led them to unsuccessfully recruit a Latino resident to run against longtime 1st Ward alderwoman Shirley Drewenski, who held the seat for four terms but is now retiring.

Business owners also took ire with Drewenski after she voted in favor of an ordinance restricting licenses to establishments located at tax delinquent commercial properties. It sparked swift backlash because it also targets renters, led to upwards of $30,000 in fines, and prompted a federal extortion lawsuit. The bill backfired, spurring an exodus of businesses altogether to other Southland municipalities and nearby Indiana.

The 1st Ward has irregular boundaries. It spans 156th St. to the I-294 tri-state tollway, north to south and Vincennes Rd. and Center Ave., east to west. There’s also a northeastern section around 145th St. Here’s a look at who filed to lead the heart of Harvey’s Latino population.

Jonathan Ramirez

Jonathan Ramirez is a Harvey native, graduated from South Holland School District 151, Thornton Township High School in 2014, and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Loyola University Chicago in 2018. After college, he briefly taught Spanish at South Suburban College and English at the Calumet City Public Library.

He co-owns Ramirez Roofing, Inc. with his father on 158th St. in the 1st Ward. The company holds a 4.9-star rating on Google, with 52 total reviews. 

According to one review: “Calumet city was hit pretty hard with what we think was a tornado in June. Ramirez Roofing did a wonderful job on our storm damaged gutters. Replaced gutters, soffit, and fascia. Replaced wood and downspouts. Gutters perfectly matched the previous ones. All in one day as promised. Great communication and response time. Definitely will recommend to family and friends and we’ll use them again if necessary.”

Political allyships: Undetermined
See Ramirez’s election packet here.

Rosa Arambula

Rosa Arambula is the acting 1st Ward alderwoman, making her the first Latino person to serve on Harvey’s City Council. She was elected City Clerk in 2019 and again in 2023, but abruptly resigned from the position in January 2026. After 1st Ward alderwoman Shirley Drewenski was named acting mayor, Drewenski nominated Arambula to the seat. The two are close friends, as Arambula served as Drewenski’s longtime office assistant.

As clerk, Arambula faced scrutiny for obscuring the accuracy of meeting minutes, failing to properly document public comment that was critical of the Clark administration.

Political allyships: Donald Drewenski, Shirley Drewenski, Marshun Tolbert, Telanee Smith, Tyrone Rogers 
See Arambula’s election packet here.

Maria Gandarilla

Maria Gandarilla ran an unsuccessful campaign for South Holland School District 151 Board in 2025. She was employed as Harvey’s water department manager beginning in 2023 but was fired on April 21. 

“This action follows a thorough review of your conduct and a determination that your actions constitute a violation of established company policy and procedures. Such conduct is inconsistent with the standards of behavior expected by all employees is of a severity that warrants termination,” reads her termination letter and human resources file, available to read here.

Gandarilla allegedly swore and yelled at water customer service employees while a supervisor. When Gandarilla filed her petition packet, she walked past staff with her back turned to them. Gandarilla previously worked in South Holland for over 20 years as a clerk, administrative assistant in public works, and housing court administrator.

Political allyships: Undetermined
See Gandarilla’s election packet here.

Cleo Butler

Cleo Butler was an officer for Harvey’s Police Department part-time from 1997 to 2003. He serves as code enforcement inspection officer in Dixmoor, and has active status as a part-time police officer in Dixmoor since 2024, according to the Illinois Law Enforcement and Training Standards Board. Dixmoor clerk Juanita Darden accompanied Butler as he filed his petitions in October. He unsuccessfully ran for 1st Ward in 2019.

Political allyships: Undetermined
See Butler’s election packet here.