To serve all the residents of the City of DeKalb
Vote for a Stronger, Safer, and Affordable community on April 1, 2025.
Building a strong community to give residents a sense of belonging, support, and shared Identity in the community they live in. Increase social interaction, engagement and make communities a valuable resource for information and help.
We believe that to have a strong community is to build, create and strengthen connections among residents and businesses. Increase well-being, resilience, social connection, accountability, and opportunities for collaboration in the DeKalb community. To achieve that goal, it will involve a variety of activities and programs, such as:
a. Promote unity through community based initiatives that bring residents together
b. Networking events between businesses and residents
c. Educational and family games among wards
a. Collaborate with city council and city manager to develop tax policies and fiscal strategies that support economic growth.
b. Promote DeKalb’s cultural and historical assets to boost our local economy.
c. Implement policies to attract businesses geared toward students, families and single residents.
a. Collaborate with Northern Illinois University to ensure the workforce is prepared for future job demands by creating training opportunities.
b. Collaborate with religious institutions to develop and support programs that engage the youth to guide them away from unhealthy activities.
c. Collaborate with schools and Northwestern Hospital to promote nutrition education, physical activities, and mental health awareness among students and the community.
d. Collaborate with Northern Illinois University to have students volunteering their skills in new and existing programs.
a. Campaign to encourage residents to keep their spending within the DeKalb economy.
b. Prioritize local businesses over those in neighboring cities.
c. Encourage local businesses and workforce development to create economic stability.
d. Advocate for policies and partnerships that prioritize community well-being.
a. Encourage residents to participate in community events and or workshops to show support and stay connected.
We believe that a safer community provides a greater sense of well-being, encourage social interaction, boost property value, attracts businesses, improves mental health, and encourages residents to freely participate in activities without the fear of crime. By emphasizing engagement and collaboration, the DeKalb community can not only address immediate concerns but also build resilience against future challenges.
a. Foster relationships among residents through neighborhood watch programs, social events, and local meetings to increase awareness and cooperation.
b. Work alongside law enforcement to foster a culture of trust and accountability.
a. Enhance street lighting in public areas to deter crime and improve safety at night so that residents may walk at night without fear of being attacked.
a. Establish channels for residents to connect with the officers patrolling their neighborhoods, interact with them, and participate in activities together.
b. Ensure the community’s voice is heard in decision-making.
a. Host workshops covering safety topics and addressing specific safety concerns affecting the community, including self-defense, emergency preparedness, and conflict resolution.
a. Establish regular meetings between residents and local law enforcement to build trust.
b. Work with police and local government to address safety concerns and ensure police presence is visible throughout the community.
c. Create channels for residents to provide feedback on policing strategies.
a. Work together to allocate resources effectively, focusing on high-need areas identified through community input and crime statistics.
a. Create and support youth activities and mentorship to engage them in the community and reduce delinquency.
b. Create and support a community center to provide the youth with an alternative to unhealthy activities.
c. Develop outreach programs to support at-risk individuals and reduce crime
a. Provide access to mental health resources and social services to address underlying issues that contribute to crime.
b. Partner with local authorities to develop programs addressing the unique needs of the community, such as drug awareness campaigns and youth outreach initiatives.
We believe that making DeKalb affordable is a key component in making our community stronger, improve quality of life, better health, economic stability, and community development. To do that, it will require a combination of policies, programs, and community involvement. Below are some strategies that will be applied to achieve our goals:
a. Encourage development of affordable housing units through zoning changes and tax incentives for developers who build or renovate affordable housing.
a. Establish community land trusts to acquire land and maintain it as affordable housing, separating land ownership from housing ownership.
a. Implement inclusionary zoning policies requiring a percentage of new developments to be affordable for low- and moderate-income households.
a. Work with landlords to find a suitable and equitable solution that will benefit both the renters and the landlords. We all know what a burden it is for someone trying to move in with all the expenses associated with the move. We also know what a headache it is for landlords to recover after the tenants leave…
The number one concern for homeowners is property tax. The city is doing a good job so far with the property tax, but as a homeowner myself, I believe we can do more.
a. Provide a sustainable property tax through regular property value assessments to ensure taxes are based on a fair current market value.
b. Implement a gradual tax rate adjustment to give property owners the opportunity to adjust their taxes and avoid sudden tax hikes as the rate changes over time.
c. Implement a property tax relief program for seniors, low-income homeowners, and people with disabilities to protect them from losing their home due to high property taxes.
d. Cap or freeze property taxes for long-term residents or homeowners who have lived in their homes for a long period of time to prevent them from being taxed out of their homes due to rising property values.
a. Work with local businesses to find ways to reduce their expenses and pass those savings to residents.
About Me
My wife and I have been happily married for 30 years. Over 26 years ago, we moved from Chicago to DeKalb, where we planted roots and raised our two children. Growing up in the DeKalb community has had a profound, positive impact on their lives, and we are grateful to be part of such a supportive and nurturing environment.
I currently work at Northern Illinois University in the Division of Information Technology and I graduated from the same institution with a bachelor’s degree in Operation Management and master’s degree in Management Information System.
I am a dedicated member of my local church, Cathedral of Praise, where I served as a council member for five years, offering guidance and support to the pastor on matters related to his vision and goals. For over fifteen years, I have led the Married Couples Ministry, been an active member of the prayer team. I overseen the benevolent fund, which provides crucial support to church members and those in need within our community.
Feedback
Kouame has been a DeKalb resident for a great deal of time. He knows what is good about our town and what could be worked on. Kouame is a hard-working man with goals to help himself excel in everything he does. He has been a mentor for NIU students while working on campus, a member of the church community, and an advocate for those in need. Whether it is organizing a fundraiser to get people to donate medical supplies for communities in need or providing meals to youth who need help. He is always looking to lend a hand. I believe that Kouame would make a wonderful mayor of DeKalb because he is for positive change and wants our town to be accessible for all.
Dekalb Resident
Kouame is an active member at a local Dekalb church congregation, good friend, and amazing chef.
Leadership isn’t a title, it is a personality trait. Because of that, Kouame will always be a leader. No election will change that. Leadership is a part of who he is. He challenges the status quo. He is brave. And there is comfort and peace when he takes the lead.
Dekalb Resident
With Respect To Each Voters
We Appreciate Your vote