Big issues in Gardiner’s reelection bid in 45th Ward are crime, development — and Gardiner himself

Candidates in the 45th Ward (from left) Ald. Jim Gardiner, James Suh, Megan Mathias, Marija Tomic, Susanna Ernst and Ana Santoyo participate in a forum at the Copernicus Center in Jefferson Park earlier this month. Public safety and economic development are key issues, but Gardiner’s profane text messages and complaints from residents whom he deems enemies are also top of mind for voters. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)

Incumbent Ald. Jim Gardiner would seem to have a relatively easy path to a second term representing the 45th Ward.

He can tout the start of several stalled, multimillion-dollar developments and his status as one of the loudest critics of Mayor Lori Lightfoot on the City Council — all popular stances in one of the city’s most conservative wards.