An individual who was allegedly part of an anti-gay incident a few years ago is on 47th Ward Alderman Eugene Schulter's staffbut another staff member is saying that the man is nothing but upstanding.
In 2007 Windy City Times reported that Andrew Szorc, who was hired to work for Schulter last year, reportedly yelled insults at Scott Waguespack during the primary election for 32nd Ward alderman. Waguespack's brother, Sylvestre, said at the time, "According to one of our poll-watchers, Szorc told people going in and out of the polling place [ at Holstein Park ] to not vote for the guy with the fag brother, the faggot brother, the queer brother. I mean, this is the 32nd Ward superintendent; this isn't some guy they got off the street to come help them." At the time, attempts to reach Szorc were not successful.
When Windy City Times reached out to Schulter about the hiring of Szorc, Communications Director Robert Rawls responded. Rawls e-mailed, "I asked Alderman Schulter if I could personally respond to this question and he agreed. Andrew Szorc has been a part of the 47th Ward Public Service Office staff since October 2009. As an openly gay man, it is very important to me that a respectful environment is maintained in our office. In my experience, Drew has been nothing but respectful to me and the constituents we serve.
"I can't speak towards comments made [ three ] years ago, though from my understanding through direct conversations with Drew, the incident was not accurately reported.
"I can say that the Drew I know is kind, compassionate, and supporting. I am happy to have Drew as a co-worker and as a friend."