Alvarez's allies
Dear Editor:
We are writing to express our support for Cook County State's Attorney candidate Anita Alvarez.
Anita is a 21-year veteran of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. She began her career in 1986 and presently serves as third in command of the second largest prosecutor's office in the nation. In that time, she has handled every type of case from domestic violence to narcotics and public corruption to gang homicides. She has served in a supervisory role for the past ten years. We have evaluated her background carefully and have gotten to know her personally as well. Each and every step of her career has been noted by achievement, excellence and dedication.
Anita has reached out to the LGBT community and has sought not only our support but our ideas, insight and concerns. Her campaign staff deliberately includes several members of our community and her agenda reflects a sensible approach to law enforcement, crime prevention and inclusive sensitivity for all communities. She is also committed to changing a culture that has long existed within the State's Attorney's Office that seems to support and promote only white heterosexual males to the detriment of other committed employees of more diverse backgrounds.
In this election, she is opposed mostly by career politicians. They are heavy on clout, machine politics and special interests, but devoid of experience representing the victims of crime in Cook County. Some are Aldermen, Commissioners, and Lobbyists in the pockets of special interests and backroom politicians. Unlike Anita, many have not held the hands of victims of crime or stood up for people other than their own power base. Anita stands alone, speaking out for justice and victims of crime. She has never turned anyone away because of their skin color, accent, ancestry, creed or sexual orientation. She never will.
In the entire history of this county, voters have never elected anyone but white males as State's Attorney. That strikes us as absurd in light of this county's demographics. It also strikes us that now, in the same year that America is poised to elect its first African American or woman as president, it is also a time for change at the local level. We need someone as State's Attorney who has the experience and qualifications coupled with a history of fighting for recognition, inclusion and equality. She stands firmly with the LGBT community and is the best qualified and experienced candidate in this race. It is our sincere hope that the LGBT community stands with Anita Feb. 5.
Very truly yours,
Paula Basta
Amy Bloom
Jeremy Gottschalk
Ray Koenig
Brian Walker
Steven Zick, former Assistant State's Attorney
Letter:
Full Steans ahead
Dear Editor:
History tells us that the February 5, 2008 Democratic Primary election in Illinois' 7th District will dramatically impact the future of equal rights for the GLBT community. Retiring State Senator Carol Ronen has been a singular leader on human rights issues in the Illinois General Assembly. We must rally around someone with her passion and ability to get things done to continue our progress. Heather Steans will continue our fight for marriage equality. She is a strong and vocal advocate for same sex marriage.
It gives us some comfort that Heather has been endorsed by progressive groups such as Equality Illinois, Personal PAC, Planned Parenthood, and the Sierra Club. Moreover, many of our local leaders such as Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, retiring Senator Carol Ronen, and Representative Greg Harris have endorsed Heather as well. These groups and individuals consistently fight radical reactionaries that would deny us the basic dignities and protections of equal rights under the law. They will mentor Heather to become a leader for our community and create natural accountability for results that we need and deserve.
Endorsements are not enough, however, when we consider the need to promote a leader for our community for the next generation. Heather has a lifetime of experience promoting social justice issues. She was the Budget Director over Wisconsin's equivalent to the Department of Human Rights so she understands the need for practical enforcement measures to meet the intensity of the legislation we pass. She has worked on school reform issues and promoted age appropriate sex education in our schools. Finally, she has promoted job development in Chicago for many people that would otherwise be left behind and rejected by our mainstream economy.
Our concern over losing Carol Ronen's effective voice for us in Springfield must be channeled in this final week before the election to replace her with an effective leader for our community. Heather Steans will be that leader and deserves your support Feb. 5 in the Democratic primary for State Senator in the 7th District.
Brandon Neese and Kelly Cassidy
Chicago
