Less than a week on the heels of laying out his comprehensive campaign platform on LGBT issues at an East Lakeview forum, mayoral candidate Gery Chico followed that event with another tidbit of particular interest to the city's gay community—the Dec. 3 announcement of political consultant Todd Connor as his new campaign co-chair.
Chico said he had sought out Connor, who is openly gay, for the position because his campaign felt he is "a great businessperson who cares an awful lot about this city" and "a renaissance man" with a demonstrated impulse toward public service.
"[T]hat's exactly the kind of people we need in government," Chico said of Connor. "People who are going to bring a fresh look at things and come up with ideas to make things better."
Connor has previously worked as an investigator with the Illinois inspector general's office and Booz Allen Hamilton, a management consulting firm, before forming a firm of his own. Connor—who ran for a position as Metropolitan Water Reclamation commissioner earlier this year—also served in the U.S. Navy and has been outspoken on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy as that issue has come under serious deliberation in recent months.
Connor said he accepted Chico's offer because he feels Chico is "the best candidate in the field," owing to his extensive record in the public sector and his reputation as an independent, "reform-minded" leader. He further described Chico as very committed in his support for matters concerning LGBT Chicagoans.
"I see the politicians who come to Boystown seeking funding and support. I'm used to that drill and you could argue our return on investment on those candidates is not always as good as it should be," Connor said. "Gery has distinguished himself for his consistency and commitment to our issues always."
Connor hoped the LGBT community will closely examine where all the mayoral candidates stand on queer issues and understand that the race is of deep importance for the community.
"We've got to look for politicians that are going to be consistent and have a record of success we can point to and know will be with us when things become less certain," he added.
In addition to announcing Connor as his new co-chair, Chico addressed the General Assembly's passage of the civil unions bill (SB 1716) as "a huge step in the direction we want to go."
"I believe strongly in equal rights and was so, so pleased to see the legislature do the right thing this week after so many years, to give people peace of mind about their relationships," Chico said. "I really look forward to the governor signing that bill."
Chico further reiterated what he sees as the top priorities on LGBT issues for Chicago's next mayor, including aiding the successful implementation of civil unions for Chicagoans and fighting bullying and harassment in the city's schools as part of a renewed focus on education.
"I want to make sure this becomes a fundamental part of our curriculum. The issue has gotten worse over time and I'm not going to stand by and watch that happen," Chico said.
Lastly, Chico said he hopes the next mayor will follow Mayor Richard Daley's example of advocacy on marriage equality. Chico has been on the record as supporting same-sex marriage dating at least back to his U.S. Senate run in 2004, where he was the only candidate to hold that view.
"I don't see civil unions as the end of the line," Chico said. "I am in support of gay marriage. We have to continue down that path. ... I really see the next mayor as having to continue the advocacy toward that goal."
The mayoral election will take place Feb. 22. 2011.
