Voices of love and compassion rolled through the halls of the Union League Club during a press conference held for the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organizations endorsed candidates for the February 22, 2011 Municipal election. While the city is under economic distress and the crime rate is to the ceiling, the concept of connecting love to the venue of politics may be something well needed. But with the reputation that the IVI-IPO has in terms of it's selection and it's decision making process as it pertains to selecting it's endorsee's, one would only expect the best type of candidate to be put in the forefront to represent the people of Chicago. The IVI-IPO is known for it's "Good Government Ticket," and in order to live up to it's standards of selection, words like love, transparency, and unity have to be in alignment with it's potential picks. The education system and the youth were also amongst the prioritized missions of every candidate. With so many problems that the youth are dealing with in the public school system, the time for change according to each candidate is now. Each candidate spoke about the importance of change from the corruption that has been display through local government and the education system and how they will contribute to a make that change, speaking in layman terms in order to make plain the process so that the youth can understand and be apart of the political process.
According to 14 out of 30 candidates who spoke at January 12th, press conference it was definitely an honor to be selected by such and organization like the IVI-IPO due to it's reputation and the past leaders who have been endorsed by the IVI-IPO. The sincerity observed with words like improving the education system, unity, transparency and love may have been the main reason why many of the candidates were selected. The process consisted of a 115 question paper interview and a panel interview which is also open to the public. The questionnaire was mailed out to every candidate who has signed up to run for office in the city of Chicago. To be exact 435 invitations were mailed out to each candidate in order to apply for an endorsement. IVI-OPI's State Chair Alonzo Zaragoza says,"Each candidate has to have something unique to offer," based on the "Good Government Ticket," concept. Out of the 435, The IVI-OPI endorsed 30 candidates. Diversity amongst each candidate is also important and amongst the candidates who were selected it's very easy to see, hear and feel the diversity.
Che' "Rymefest" Smith: who is a candidate for the Alderman's position in the 23rd Ward's main focus is to build the community back up with the concept of unconditional love. Che' says "My definition of revolution is love--love should be the basis of any movement." Che' adds "Resuscitation through education will be his main goal." Che' feels like this is where he fits into the candidacy.
Walter Burnett Jr.: who has a long history of working with the Cook County government is looking to bring a fresh new concept of unity to the community by reaching out to those who are not aware of the resources that are available. Mr. Burnette says "My obligation is to the people of Chicago." He adds "I will continue to fill the vacant lots in my jurisdiction with housing and businesses." Burnette is currently the Alderman of the 27th Ward.
Pat Dowell: feels that her place is to restore the people of the 3rd Ward's confidence in the Aldermanic process. With so much corruption and disappointments that the people of Chicago have been exposed to, Ms. Dowell is confident about her position and is ready to move forward into her next term. Dowell winning the Best Aldermanic Voting Record Award in 2010 speaks volumes to a community who wants and needs more.
Greg Brewer: who is running for the 50th Ward Alderman seat says "I'm looking for honest independent leadership for the 50th Ward." Ethics and accountability is most important to Brewer when it comes to leadership. Brewer adds "It is my job as a leader in the 50th Ward to bring people together on shared concerns."
David Moore's: concept of a great leader is based on "Vision, Values, and Voice." Moore is currently in line to become the 17th Ward's Alderman. Moore believes that "It takes a village to raise a child," and feels that this type of mentality will change the city of Chicago. Reaching back and building the community by mentoring the youth is most important to Moore, and he explains that he is already mentoring two young 7th graders who he is molding for leadership. As a church Deacon and servant to community, Moore pledges to carry out his mission for community improvement by helping all.
Valerie Leornard: of the 24th Ward wants to start an academic task force. Leornard say "I understand the lack of jobs, the crime, etc., but it is only until we get people educated that these problems will be solved." Moore's main focus will be to make sure the the curriculum in the school system is relevant to the needs of the youth and staff in order to help get the youth and those in her community educated.
Ambrosio Medrano Jr.: who is running for the 25th Wards Alderman seat plans on being proactive when it comes to all that needs to be done in his community as he always has. Medrano plans on getting schools, community, the park district, and social organizations together to help make a difference in his community.
Burl McQueen: plans on winning the ticket as Alderman for the 34th Ward. With his leadership, he says "I will make the 34th Ward a model community." His main goal is working hard for economic stability in his community. Currently, McQueen is working strongly with the seniors and youth in his community in order to help make a positive change.
Charles Eastwood: of the the 43rd Ward is looking to become Alderman based on his focused motto of an honest, open, transparent government. As the 43rd Ward's Alderman he feels that he will be able to help change the city of Chicago by having and open ear and listening to the needs of the people and helping to fix each problem.
Mogul Sotomayor: a veteran of the local school board of Chicago is looking to become the 35 Ward's new Alderman. Sotomayor is looking to create leaders in the community through education. Education, crime security and safety are the most important issues on his list as an Alderman candidate. He feels that because he knows the true value of education, he will be able to make his community a better place to live.
Don Nowotney: feels that respect is one of the most important parts of the political process. "Respecting one another will help a community of people go a long way," says Nowotney. He adds "As the 46th Ward's Alderman I will be able to help bring people together based on their diversified concepts.
Charles Maida: says "Helping our city by exchanging development solutions is important." As the 23rd Ward's Alderman, Maida feels that his most important responsibility as Alderman will be to help shape Chicago through accountability and transparency.
Stephanie Neely: who has been the City of Chicago's Treasurer for four years is looking very much forward to keeping her position. Ms. Neely says "I don't work for the Mayor, the Clerk, or the Council--I work for the citizens of Chicago, and I love what I do." Stephanie is responsible for 2 clean audits, earning $1/2 billion in excess interest earnings and has conducted the treasurers office as an independent safe guard for census money at about $7 billion.
Miguel del Valle: wants to end corruption in the city of Chicago. As a public servant Del Valle has already begun his journey. De Valle says "My position is to ignite democracy throughout the city of Chicago." He plans to work towards an open government with out a secretive dictatorial agenda. Miguel adds "Transparency and accountability is the most important goal in involving the people in the political process." These are only some of the most important reasons why Mayoral Candidate Miguel del Valle knows that he is the best candidate.
As displayed each endorsed candidate has a very unique platform which defines diversity---and according to their presentations feel that they will add a multitude of help, wisdom and skill to the city of Chicago. With Chicago's history of crime and corruption "The Good Government Ticket," concept may be the only way to save the city. While each candidate expressed that with alot of love, helping to change the education system for the youth, transparency, accountability, and respect there is no room for corruption. Perhaps we should all look forward to a brand new city, nation and world as Chicago is amongst the worlds leaders when it comes to "Thee" decision making process.
For more information on candidates running for office in 2011 log on to:
http://www.elections.il.gov/ For more information about the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organizations log on to:
http://www.iviipo.org/
Posted By: Talibah Bakhit
Monday, January 17th 2011 at 5:27PM
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