Harvey elections 2023: 2nd Ward primary candidate guide
Research into 2nd Ward runoff candidates.
A rundown of 2nd Ward candidates, listed in ballot order.
Candidates
Colby M. Chapman
In the past decade or so, Chapman has largely built a career in management roles and education. They currently serve as Director of Student Services at Excel Academy of Southwest in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood.
Chapman is also the founder of PennyUp, a startup that introduces young people to financial literacy. Chapman holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Master of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Her platform includes: developing an independent oversight board of the Harvey Police Department, assessing stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, tackling pollution and waste disposal problems, pushing for a 311 system so residents can submit complaints to city departments, public finance management reform, tackling root causes of crime via restorative justice and evidence-based community support programs, and supporting small businesses and job growth.
Chapman has never held public office before, but is no stranger to election campaigning. In 2019, she ran for the 2nd Ward seat. She made it out of the February primary election before losing to Alderman Marshun Tolbert (2nd), who is now running for mayor, vacating his seat. If elected, she would be the first Black 2nd Ward alderwoman and first Japanese alderperson ever.
Chapman has been mentored by Annette and Joseph Whittington, who previously served as 2nd Ward alderman between 2003 and 2019, prevented from running for another term due to a ballot measure that ushered in term limits.
A video recently surfaced of Chapman’s campaign pamphlets seen visible inside of a voting precinct. The man put the items away once a resident critiqued the matter, but they did file a complaint with the Cook County Clerk’s Office Elections Team.
Chapman herself wasn’t seen partaking in electioneering.
Endorsements
Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris
Harvey School District 152 Vice President Casey Nesbit
Cook County 5th District Commissioner Monica Gordon
View Chapman’s responses to the HWH candidate questionnaire
Yarif Vhora
Vhora is an occupational therapist. A 23-year Harvey resident, Vhora is a native of India. He regularly volunteers at the Center for Islamic Teaching and Community Development downtown Harvey.
Bullets flew through his home in 2020, prompting his decision to run for 2nd Ward alderman. According to Vhora, his complaints about violence in the community went unaddressed.
His platform includes: youth engagement, collaboration with county and state officials to tackle the south suburban climate crisis, neighborhood watch, mental health programs, equipping the Harvey Police Department with enhanced bias training, and making healthcare more accessible.
If elected, Vhora would become the first Indian 2nd Ward alderperson and first Indian alderperson ever.
View Vhora’s responses to the HWH candidate questionnaire
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