2012 Endorsements

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Barack Obama, Candidate for President of the United States

President Barack Obama has made several gains during his first term in office. He has committed himself to putting Americans back to work and restoring economic security to middle-class families. The Obama administration has added more than 5.6 million private sector jobs and seen two years of uninterrupted job growthbut understands more need to be done. The president is taking aggressive steps to create an economy where hard work pays and accountability is rewarded. The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses President Obama for President of the United States because he is the only candidate qualified to continue Americas strive toward change.

Bobby L. Rush, Candidate for U.S. Representative, 1st District

Congressman Bobby Rush has been a stalwart in the African American community for decades. Since taking the helm of the Illinois 1st Congressional District in 1993 he has consistently fought for citizens and brought resources to the area. His most recent advocacy for the 1st Congressional District includes obtaining a $4.9 million federal grant for the recently completed Bronzeville Metra Station. During the congressmans 19 years of service, Rush has obtained millions of dollars in grants for libraries, police departments, hospitals, schools, and art programs. Coupled with his strong community involvement and progressive leadership style, the Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Rush for Congress.

Jesse Jackson, Jr. Candidate for U.S. Representative, 2nd District

Since 1995, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. has worked to bring change to Chicagos South Side and portions of the south suburbs, and he has arguably done so.

Jackson has led numerous initiatives to transform the quality of life for the 2nd Congressional District. He has backed the revitalization of the former U.S. Steel South Works site in the South Shore neighborhood and addressed the persistent water and flooding issues in Ford Heights.

In addition, Jackson secured over $800 million in federal funding for infrastructure, health care, education, transit, housing, community centers and other projects in the District. This along with the congressmans tireless work ethic for his constituents is why the Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Jackson for Congress.

Danny K. Davis, Candidate for U.S. Representative, 7th District

The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Danny K. Davis for Congress. For more than 15 years, Davis has championed reform in the 7th Congressional District. A strong orator and indomitable leader, Davis has used his immeasurable experience as a public servant including years as 29th Ward alderman and as a Cook County commissioner to effectively bring change to his constituents. Currently in Congress, Davis serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census and the National Archives and serves on the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal, and Labor.

Nathaniel Howse, Jr., Candidate for Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of Johnson Coleman)

Justice Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse, Jr. had 22 years of experience before being an elected a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1998. He was appointed to the states Appellate Court in 2009 after 11 years as a Circuit Court Judge. The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Howse for the Illinois Appellate Court because his career has demonstrated his commitment to fair justice.

P. Scott Neville, Jr. for Judge Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District, (Vacancy of Gallagher)

Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. possesses an ardent legal aptitude that is studied and analyzed by the legal community. Neville has authored over 748 opinions, which includes Rule 23 orders, summary orders, and dissents and The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin has written more than 80 articles highlighting his decisions. Neville was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2000 and was appointed to the Appellate Court in 2004. Currently, Neville is the Acting Presiding Justice of the Third Division, and a member of the Appellate Courts Executive Committee. The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Neville for the Illinois Appellate Court.

Terrence J. Lavin, Candidate for Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of Tully)

Justice Terrence J. Lavin was appointed to the states Appellate Court in 2010. The appointment came after a nearly 30 year career as a trial lawyer which he represented individuals in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He has also has published more than 50 articles on civil trial practice and has given numerous presentations to various bar associations over the course of his career. The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Lavin for Illinois Appellate Court.

Erica L. Reddick, Candidate for Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Kirie Kinnaird)

In 2012, Judge Erica Reddick was appointed to her current seat as judge because of her impressive education, professional and civic background. A public defender for over 19 years, Reddick gained wide experience as a trial attorney, attorney supervisor, and deputy chief, practicing in the areas of juvenile justice, domestic advocacy, post convictions, felony, misdemeanors, and paternity, and having tried numerous cases. Reddick currently sits in the Child Protection Division of Juvenile Court. Initially assigned to the First Municipal Division, Chicago Traffic Center, she migrated to her current post in Juvenile Court, an area in which she has the greatest opportunity to help children and families. The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Reddick for Cook County Judicial Circuit.

Russell W. Hartigan, Candidate for Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Moran)

Judge Russell William Hartigan has a rich legal career and as attorney tried over 60 jury trials in state and federal court, working on behalf of both the plaintiffs and the defense. His cases have covered civil issues, including casualty and municipal defense, workers compensation, personal injury, plaintiff arbitration/mediation and Hartigan has handled personal injury defense for clients. He is also a major case mediator for the Circuit Court of Cook County and an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Hartigan for Cook County Judicial Circuit.

Diann Marsalek, Candidate for Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of O'Mara Frossard)

Judge Marsalek was appointed Cook County Circuit Court Judge in October of 2011 (Frossard Vacancy). She was admitted to the Illinois State Bar and United States District Courts in 1990. Marsalek is committed to the people of Cook County and intends to continue to use her extensive experience to be fair, just and a contributing member of the county judiciary. Marsalek has extensive trial experience and tried over 30 federal jury trials when she was an assistant attorney general. The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Marsalek for Cook County Judicial Circuit.

Candidates for Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, MWRD

Up to three candidates can be elected for the three vacancies open on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board. The Chicago Citizen ardently endorses the following candidates.

Kari K. Steele has worked over 13 years as a chemist. Currently, there is not a chemist on the MWRD and Steele believes her professional experience will be instrumental in helping the board make significant decisions about Chicagos water system. She is currently a formulating chemist for LOreal USA, and has past work experience working at the Jardine Water Purification Plant (as a water chemist) and the MWRD (as a water sampler and lab tech).

Patrick Daley Thompson is an attorney that is concerned with the challenges that the MWRD continues to face. With record flooding and climate change in recent years, Thompson understands residents must be prepared to adapt to the water. He pledges to create strong partnerships between the MWRD and local communities impacted by recent storms to mitigate impact, and improve storm water management across the district.

Dorothy Brown, Candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court, Cook County

The Chicago Citizen energetically endorses Clerk Dorothy Brown for re-election as the clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She has made significant technological innovations to the office during her tenure. Brown implemented online payments of traffic fines and to request court dates for court diversion tickets. The clerk has also installed information kiosks at Criminal/Felony, Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Divisions for easy case lookup and retrieval. Moreover, she has raised awareness of $16-plus million in unclaimed mortgage foreclosure surplus funds for distressed homeowners.

Karen Yarbrough, Candidate for Cook County Recorder of Deeds

The Chicago Citizen heartily endorses Karen Yarbrough for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. She currently serves as 7th District state representative. Yarbrough has spent her legislative career working hard for her constituents. She has championed several issues including public health, public safety, and social justice. She has also been a stalwart fighter to increase assistance for those incarcerated individuals. Yarbrough believes that the Record of Deeds office is mandated to investigate and verify the documents that it receivesand shes ready to take on that mission.

Anita Alvarez, Candidate for Cook County States Attorney

The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez for re-election. She was first elected in 2008 and is the countys first female and the first Hispanic States Attorney. Since taking office, Alvarez has carried out many of the promises that she made to voters while on the campaign trail. Alvarez has championed many issues concerning violence in communities including drafting legislation that has increased criminal penalties for gang members arrested with guns.

Casey Thomas Griffin, Commissioner, Cook County Board of Review, 1st District

The Chicago Citizen confidently endorses Casey Thomas Griffin for Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review, 1st District. Since 1999, Griffin has served as deputy recorder in the Cook County Recorder of Deeds office, where he possesses an integral knowledge of the legal documents, laws and regulations pertaining to real property. Griffin is also active in the community having served as football coach at Marian Catholic High School and Homewood-Flossmoor High School.

Michael Cabonargi, Commissioner, Cook County Board of Review, 2nd District

The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Michael Cabonargi for re-election as Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review, 2nd District. Cabonargi has served since 2011 and prior he served as a senior attorney in the Chicago Regional Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) . In 2008, Cabonargi earned the SEC Directors Award for Excellence for attacking financial schemes targeting seniors and in 2007 he received the Chairmans Award for bringing the largest private offering fraud case filed by the Commission in the amount of $2.8 billion.

Larry Rogers, Jr., Commissioner, Cook County Board of Review, 3rd District

The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Larry Rogers, Jr. for re-election as Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review, 3rd District. Rogers has served the 3rd District since 2004 and has made it a priority to inform property owners of their right to appeal property tax assessments. The commissioner is also an attorney at the law firm of Power, Rogers and Smith. The firm has a rich history of supporting victims rights, representing individuals and consumers who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to negligence by individuals, corporations and government.

Mattie Hunter, Candidate for State Senate, 3rd District

Mattie Hunter has served in the Illinois Senate since 2003. Hunter came to the Senate with a background in human services. She is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Prevention Specialist in the State of Illinois and Indiana. The state senators training allows her to champion legislation that effectively serves her constituents. She has passed over 100 bills involving breast cancer, childhood vaccines, environmental issues, and education. The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Hunter for state senator.

Patricia Van Pelt Watkins, Candidate for State Senate, 5th District

The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Patricia Van Pelt Watkins for Illinois Senate representing the 5th District. Watkins ran for mayor of Chicago in 2011 and demonstrated makings of a leader during that race. A native Chicagoan and community leader, Watkins has the tenacity to bring much needed resources to 5th District residents. Among her many professional accomplishments, she is founding director of Target Area Development Corporation which developed a model that improves public safety in communities through programs that reduce recidivism and change conditions that can lead to violence and crime.

Kwame Raoul, Candidate for State Senate, 13th District

Sen. Kwame Raoul has represented the 13th District since 2004 when Barack Obama vacated the seat for the U.S. Senate. Raoul, an attorney by profession, championed critical issues during his time in office including the recent historic legislation that abolishes the death penalty and legislation creating the Torture Inquiry Commission. Raoul has consistently demonstrated that he serves his constituents to the fullest and the Chicago Citizen proudly endorses the senator for re-election to the Illinois senate.

Emil Jones III, Candidate for State Senate, 14th District

The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Emil Jones III for Illinois Senate. He first joined the legislature in 2009. Son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., Jones III has carved a name for himself in the Illinois Senate and is frequently acknowledged for his active leadership and unwavering vow to the 14th District residents. Jones III is an animate advocate for education reform and recently backed a plan to increase education funding, supplied property tax relief to families, and allowed the state to pay down its pension debt.

Napoleon Harris, Candidate for State Senate, 15th District

A former pro-football player, Harris was born in Dixmoor and attended Thornton Township High School. He later earned a bachelors degree in Communications from Northwestern University. Harris owns and operates two Beggars Pizza locations and he and his family lives in Flossmoor. If elected, Harris has pledged to preserve neighborhood safety, keep kids off the streets and recruit businesses to the area. Harris will be a new and refreshing voice representing citizens of the 15th District and the Chicago Citizen energetically endorses him for Illinois senate.

Jacqueline Jacqui Collins, Candidate for State Senate, 16th District

Jacqueline Jacqui Collins has served in the Illinois Senate since 2002. During her first year in office, Collins successfully supported and passed legislation to support Illinois working families, protect children and assist senior citizens. In 2006, in response to growing occurrences of mortgage fraud in Chicago, and chiefly in her district, she introduced legislation to provide better consumer safeguard from deceitful and dishonest brokers. Collins has a clear and consistent vision for her constituents that is continually demonstrated. The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Collins for re-election to the Illinois senate.

Donne E. Trotter, Candidate for State Senate, 17th District

Sen. Donne E. Trotter has deep roots in the Illinois legislature. Prior to being elected to the Senate in 1992 he served in the House for 5 years. The Chicago Citizen energetically endorses Trotters re-election to the Illinois senate because he has consistently brought reform to his constituency through the years. Among his many legislative accomplishments, Trotter has constructed an admirable record on healthcare and public health issues. He was one of the key leaders in helping to create the states KidCare program, which is designed to provide health insurance for low-income children. Additionally, he has been a tireless advocate for funding critical health care investments including the FamilyCare program, which provides medical coverage insurance to the parents of children enrolled in KidCare.

Toi Hutchinson, Candidate for State Senate, 40th District

Sen. Toi Hutchinson was appointed to the Illinois Senate in 2009. During her 3 years in office, Hutchinson sponsored legislation that has made a significant impact on her constituency and the state of Illinois. She pushed the Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act to require law enforcement to test rape kits and fought to make prescription drugs more affordable. The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Hutchinson for Illinois senate.

Ken Dunkin, Candidate for State Representative, 5th District

The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses state Rep. Ken Dunkin for re-election to the Illinois General Assembly. Dunkin was first elected to the state House in 2002. Prior, he was a social worker which enabled him to help families access needed resources. As a representative, Dunkin concentrates on legislation to raise the quality of life for working families, children and seniors, and has been successful in boosting Illinois' economy by working to strengthen Illinois' tourism and film industry.

Esther Golar, Candidate for State Representative, 6th District

Rep. Esther Golar is a major stalwart for bringing resources to her constituents. She has served in the state House since 2006 and serves on nine committees including Veterans Affairs and Health Care Availability Access. Her chief legislative issues are schools, crime, and healthcare. The Chicago Citizen ardently endorses Golar for re-election to the Illinois General Assembly.

La Shawn K. Ford, Candidate for State Representative, 8th District

The Chicago Citizen energetically endorses Rep. La Shawn K. Ford for re-election to the state House. Ford is a drum major for change in his legislative district. The representative has served in the Illinois General Assembly since 2007. Ford remains very accessible to his constituents. Increasing social justice and addressing disparities are the common themes in Fords work, in areas such as jobs, education, health, small business development and housing.

Arthur Turner, Candidate for State Representative, 9th District

The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Rep. Arthur Turner for re-election to the Illinois House. Turner worked to pass Illinois new Patients Right to Know Act to guarantee that a physicians professional background is available to consumers. The legislation necessitates the formation of a searchable Internet database with information on all of Illinois 44,000 licensed physicians. Turner is the son of former state representative and deputy majority leader Arthur L. Turner.

Barbara Flynn Currie, Candidate for State Representative, 25th District

Barbara Flynn Currie has served the people of the 25th District since 1979. In 1997, she became the first woman Majority Leader in the history of the Illinois General Assembly. As the second ranking House official, Currie works closely with colleagues from both parties and all regions of the state to fashion solutions to the problems that face Illinois. Her legislative accomplishments include sponsorship of the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit Act, which allows families to keep more of their income, and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the law that ensures access to public records. Over the years, she has also passed several improvements to the original law, such as ending blanket exceptions from public disclosure of correctional and law enforcement records. The Chicago Citizen ardently endorses Currie for re-election to the Illinois House.

Christian L. Mitchell, Candidate for State Representative, 26th District

The Chicago Citizen enthusiastically endorses Christian L. Mitchell for the Illinois General Assembly. Mitchell is a graduate of the University of Chicago and began his career as a community organizer. Hes worked with families to try to help provide a better life for children including tackling the issues of education and health care. Mitchell has also worked to help entrepreneurs to eliminate the possibility of shuttering their businesses. The candidate says that its the courage of everyday people that inspires him to serve.

Monique D. Davis, Candidate for State Representative, 27th District

Rep. Monique D. Davis is a powerhouse in the Illinois House. Since being elected to the General Assembly in 1995, the former educator has passed numerous pieces of legislation on issues including education and criminal justice. The representatives committee assignments reflect her dedication to education and health care. She is Chairperson of the Insurance Committee and the Financial Institutions Committee and the Appropriation-Higher Education. Davis continues her active involvement with several community and charitable organizations including the NAACP, Operation Push, Phi Delta Kappa, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago Urban League and Beverly Area Planning Association. The Chicago Citizen ardently endorses Davis for re-election to the Illinois House.

Robert Bob Rita, Candidate for State Representative, 28th District

Rep. Robert Rita has served the 28th District since 2002. Rita lists economic redevelopment, equitable school funding, and increased health care availability as his main concerns in the state legislature. Ritas accomplishments as a public official have earned him the respect and esteem of his peers and the community. The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Rita for re-election to the Illinois General Assembly.

Thaddeus Jones, Candidate for State Representative, 29th District

The Chicago Citizen energetically endorses Rep. Thaddeus Jones for re-election to the Illinois House. He was sworn in as State Representative of the 29th Representative District in January 2011. Jones platform includes employment opportunities for families, expanded crime prevention and youth programs, and his staunch advocacy for education continues to unify the district. The representative continues to fight for property tax relief and equality in education funding that does not use the property values of a community to regulate the amount of funding a school receives.

William Will Davis, Candidate for State Representative, 30th District

The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Rep. William Davis for re-election to the Illinois House. Davis has represented the 30th District since 2003. His top legislative priorities include education funding, increased health care availability and economic development. Davis is focused on spurring economic development and revitalization in the South Suburbs. As an advocate for small businesses, he understands that they are the backbone of our community and provide the services, products and employment that sustain our economy. To help stimulate the Illinois economy, Davis worked to increase the state loan amounts available to small businesses owned by minorities, women and people with disabilities from $50,000 to $100,000.

Mary E. Flowers, Candidate for State Representative, 31st District

The Chicago Citizen zealously endorses Rep. Mary E. Flowers for re-election to the Illinois House. Flowers was first elected in 1985. She is a fervent child advocate and sponsored "Kids Initiative 95," which is a series of bills pertaining to children's legal rights and needs. She also introduced legislation that created the state's first in-school daycare center at a Chicago public high school. In addition, Flowers also sponsored the first low-income energy assistance program in the state of Illinois and proposed legislation requiring African American sensitivity training for all police officers in Illinois.

Al Riley, Candidate for State Representative, 38th District

The Chicago Citizen ardently endorses Rep. Al Riley for re-election to the Illinois General Assembly. Rileys focus in Springfield has been advancing the issues of resource allocation and equity for the Southland region of the Chicago metropolitan area. The representative has tackled major concerns such as included mass transit and transportation inequities, education funding reform, property tax relief and reform, and a lack of coordinated economic development.

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