Meet Harvey’s 2027 3rd Ward candidates
Acres of land sit vacant at the site of the former Dixie Square Mall. Here are the four political hopefuls residents will push to get it redeveloped.
The 3rd Ward is Harvey’s sleeping giant.
The ward is currently home to the Wood St. project, a major state-funded infrastructure redevelopment. The ward is home to the coveted Dixie Square Mall. Acres of undeveloped land sit there, except for the police headquarters and Jesse Jackson Senior Housing.
For years, residents have pushed the city to be more proactive in using the land as Harvey’s next economic jolt. The Clark administration pushed for a Southland logistics center, but it never took off. And locals have complained that while the city is in the transportation, distribution, and logistics hub, they want to see more economic diversification in the businesses — not just motor vehicle-related facilities like trucking, auto body shops, or gas stations.
The next alderperson is challenged to revive that area stretch of Dixie Hwy. while supporting businesses that are already there
The 3rd Ward spans from 151st St. to 161 St., north to south; and Ashland Ave. to Western Ave., east to west. Major entities include the Harvey Police Department headquarters and UChicago Ingalls Memorial Hospital.
Here’s who filed to take the seat.
Anthony Arrington
Anthony Arrington is a Harvey native, member of the storied Arrington family, and goes by the nickname “Amir.” He is a musician who frequently performs at the Techone Safari Cafe on 163rd St. and Halsted St. Arrington runs a recording studio on 155th St. Through his nonprofit, he hosts an annual toy giveaway and takes children to Six Flags Great America.
Political allyships: Undetermined
See Arrington’s election packet here.
Asucena Gutierrez
Asucena Gutierrez ran unsuccessfully for the West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147 board school board election in 2025. Gutierrez joined a slate of Black and Latino women who wanted to racially diversify the board, which is exclusively Black and does not accurately reflect changing racial demographics of Dixmoor and Harvey. City Clerk candidate Sharron McGee, who was on that very slate for WHD SD147, accompanied Gutierrez when she filed her 3rd Ward petitions in October. On her Facebook page, she is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence awareness.
Political allyships: Colby Chapman, Glynis James-Watson, Amanda Askew, Sharron McGee
See Gutierrez’s election packet here.
Telanee Polk Smith
Incumbent of the 3rd Ward and chair of the economic development committee, Smith is seeking her second full four-year term. In 2022, Smith was appointed by late mayor Chris Clark to fill the vacancy left by Quindon Crudup, who resigned.
Smith has had a track record of controversial interactions with the public. Over the summer, attendees complained about giving the middle finger towards audience members during City Council proceedings. She was a staunch supporter of Clark and openly disparages Ald. Colby Chapman (2nd), who sparred with Clark over transparency and spending. But with Clark’s passing, Smith might be politically vulnerable as she needs to win over voters without his political clout.
Smith voted in favor of a water detention pond on 153rd St. and Myrtle Ave., which displaced longtime Black and Latino residents.
Political allyships: Donald Drewenski, Shirley Drewenski, Marshun Tolbert, Rosa Arambula, Tyrone Rogers
See Smith’s election packet here.
Mauzkie Ervin
Mauzie Ervin is a Harvey native who previously served as a Harvey Public Library District trustee from 2015 to 2021. During his tenure, he cautioned against the new construction and increasing capital expenditures while the library was dealing with declining property tax revenues. He ran unsuccessfully for 3rd Ward alderman in 2019 and in 2023 and lost library bids in 2021 and 2025.
Ervin has also been outspoken during public comment about scare tactics used against aldermen on the City Council. In 2023, he helped circulate a petition against a water detention pond on 153rd St. and Myrtle Ave., ultimately securing over 1,000 signatures of residents who opposed the project.
Political allyships: Colby Chapman, Glynis James-Watson
See Ervin’s election packet here.
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