Chicago Citizen Newspaper 2016 Primary Election Endorsements
Napoleon Harris, Candidate for U.S. Senator
A former pro-football player, Napoleon Harris was born in Dixmoor and attended Thornton Township High School. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Northwestern University. In 2012, Napoleon Harris ran for the Illinois state senate to have a greater impact on the working families from where he grew up. As a state senator Napoleon has lifted his voice and his vote in support of working families who may struggle to make ends meet but never fail to do the right thing at work, in their schools and in their neighborhoods. Now Harris is running for United States Senator because Illinois needs a leader who can articulate the needs of all its residents; a leader who will envision a shared mission where all people have a chance at achieving their dreams and no one is left behind. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper energetically endorses him for U.S. senator.
Kim Fox, Candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney
Kim Foxx is an accomplished leader, prosecutor, and advocate for children and families in Cook County. She is running to become Cook County State’s Attorney to continue that work, and to restore public faith in a criminal justice system that has failed so many families.
Born to a teenage mother who struggled to make ends meet, and raised on Chicago’s Near North Side by her mother and grandmother, Kim’s life experience has given her a deep understanding of the impact of crime, violence and poverty on our communities.
Most recently, Kim served as Chief of Staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. As an advisor and lead strategist to the President of the nation’s second largest county, Kim oversaw a $4 billion annual budget and counseled President Preckwinkle on issues ranging from finances to public safety and juvenile detention. The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses her.
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. Clerk Brown has brought revolutionary changes to the operations of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office through her focus on improving services within five strategic areas: 21st Century Technology, Operational Efficiency, Customer Service, Employee Training and Development, and Financial Accountability. Clerk Brown has implemented a host of innovative programs, which have streamlined processes, improved quality service, saved millions of dollars for taxpayers, and increased revenue for Cook County administration. Brown is an Attorney, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and she holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA).
Susana Mendoza for State Comptroller
Susana A. Mendoza was sworn in for her second term as Chicago City Clerk on May 18, 2015. As the first woman ever elected to the Office of the City Clerk, she successfully transitioned 1.3 million customers away from an inefficient and archaic seasonal Chicago City Vehicle Sticker sales program dating back 105 years, plagued by tremendously long lines and guaranteed headaches, to a streamlined Year-Round-Sales program, modeled after the Illinois Secretary of State’s license plate renewal program. This historic change resulted in better customer service at lower taxpayer cost. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper proudly supports her efforts.
Bobby L. Rush, Candidate for U.S. Representative, 1st District
Congressman Bobby Rush has been a stalwart in African American community for decades. Since landing at the helm of the Illinois’ 1st Congressional District in 1993 he has consistently fought for citizens and bought resources to the area. His most recent advocacy for the 1st District includes obtaining a $4.9 million federal grant for the recently completed Bronzeville Metra Station. During the congressman’s, twenty plus 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 Newspaper proudly endorses Rush for Congress.
Robin Kelly, Candidate for U.S. Representative, 2nd Dist.
Congressman Kelly began her career representing Illinois’ 38th District in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2002 to 2007. Having served at every level of government, Kelly brings extensive legislative and leadership experience to the 2nd District. She began her government service as community relations director in the Village of Matteson. She was later elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and sponsored bills supporting economic development, increasing the minimum wage and protecting consumers from fraud. She also led the fight for landmark legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and improve public safety.She was the first female African-American to serve as Chief of Staff where she worked for a progressive agenda founded in social and economic justice through innovative investment strategy, encouraging small and local businesses, eradicating food deserts, and promoting financial literacy. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper proudly endorses her.
Danny K. Davis, Candidate for U.S. Representative, 7th District
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper proudly endorses Congressman Danny K. Davis for Congress. For more than 16 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, Labor. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper energetically endorses Danny Davis.
Kimberly A. Lightford, Candidate for State Senate, 5th District
Since the beginning of her political career, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford has been a vocal champion for her strongest passions: promoting quality education, advocating for quality healthcare and providing support for working families. After becoming Senate assistant majority leader in 2009, Lightford enhanced her role as an advocate for education reform. Her expertise positioned her as the top negotiator on the legislation developed as a part of President Obama’s Race to the Top program, leading to the establishment of stronger methods of evaluating teachers and tracking student progress. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper proudly endorses her.
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. 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 Senator, 13th Distirct
Sen. Kwame Raoul has represented the 13th District since 2004 when President Barack Obama vacated the seat for the U.S. Senate. Raoul, an attorney by profession, had 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 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 Sen. 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.
Jacqueline “Jacqui” Collins, Candidate for State Senate, 16th District
Sen. 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 Trotter’s 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 state’s KidCare program, which is designed to provide health insurance for low-income children. .
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 Newspaper proudly endorses 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.
La Shawn K. Ford, Candidate for State Representative, 8th District
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper 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 Ford’s work, in areas such as jobs, education, health, small business development and housing.
Arthur Turner, Candidate for State Representative, 9th District
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper 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 physician’s 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 & 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 Newspaper fully endorses Currie for re-election to the Illinois House.
Christian L. Mitchell, Candidate for State Representative, 26th District
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper 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. He’s worked with families to try to help provide a better life for children including tackling the issues of education and healthcare. Mitchell has also worked to help entrepreneurs to eliminate the possibility of shuttering their businesses. The candidate says that it’s 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 representative’s 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. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper 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. Rita’s accomplishments as a public official have earned him the respect and esteem of his peers and the community. Rita is the youngest son of the late John and Rose Rita, longtime public servants who taught Bob the value of hard work and service to the community. This lifetime of dedication has resulted in numerous victories for the people of the 28th District and Calumet Township The Chicago Citizen Newspaper proudly endorses Rita for re-election to the Illinois General Assembly.
Thaddeus Jones, Candidate for State Representative, 29th District
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper 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’s 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
Davis was born on July 2, 1968, in Harvey, IL. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1989, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and received his Master of Public Administration Degree at Governors State University in 2009. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and a founding member of the Better Funding for Better Schools Coalition. Davis has been recognized as the "Legislator of the Year" by the Illinois Association of Code Enforcement, the Illinois Primary Healthcare Association and the Illinois Association of Park Districts Davis has represented the 30th District since 2003. . The Chicago Citizen proudly endorses Rep. William Davis for re-election to the Illinois House.
Mary E. Flowers, Candidate for State Representative, 31st District
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper 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.
André M. Thapedi, Candidate for State Representative, 32nd District
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper supports André M. Thapedi an attorney, and real estate broker. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago), Morehouse College (Atlanta) and the John Marshall Law School (Chicago). He was an associate attorney with two major Chicago law firms before founding Thapedi & Thapedi law firm with his mother, retired Circuit Court Judge LLwellyn Thapedi. Thapedi believes that for young people to compete in the global economy, they must have a quality education. He is fighting to bring more state dollars home to local schools, reduce class sizes and invest more money in early childhood education. Thapedi supports education reforms that will ensure fairness in the way schools are funded and close the education funding gap that exists between wealthy and less affluent communities.
Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Candidate for State Representative, 33rd District
Former Deputy Chief of Staff for City of Chicago 8th Ward Alderman Michelle A. Harris; a cancer survivor since 2006; resides in Chicago's Chatham/Burnside community; B.S. candidate at Governors State University; 2013 Edgar Fellow; youth advocate and licensed IHSA official.
Marcus is actively involved in the local community, including directing the 8th Ward Democratic Organization Summer Sports Program and teaching basketball and cheerleading skills to children from the Chatham, Avalon Park, Grand Crossing, Calumet Heights and South Shore communities.
Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Candidate for State Representative, 34th District
Elgie Sims is serving his second full term as State Representative of the 34 District, which includes portions of the South Side of Chicago, Chicago's south suburbs, and Will and Kankakee counties.
Sims offers a wealth of legislative experience as an attorney, second-generation small-business owner, and former appropriations director for the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus. He understands the value of hard work and how to develop common-sense solutions to tough challenges. And that is why the Chicago Citizen Newspaper endorses him.
Al Riley, Candidate for State Representative, 38th District
The Chicago Citizen ardently endorses Rep. Al Riley for re-election to the Illinois General Assembly. Riley’s 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.
Camille Y. Lilly, Candidate for State Representative, 78th District
Camille Y. Lilly is committed to being an open and accessible advocate for local residents. She is working to address the needs and concerns of the area by fighting for educational assistance for families and students and initiatives designed to boost job creation and business development, striving to make health care more affordable and accessible, championing laws that increase health education in schools, and promoting more responsible state budgeting practices that fund the state's pensions and pay overdue bills to service providers while protecting critical funding for mental health services at the community level. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper proudly supports her.
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 receives—and she’s ready to take on that mission.
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