For this month's First Friday Party at Sidetrack, Equality Illinois sent out invitations to 102 candidates competing in the March 21 primary elections. Approximately 25 of them showed up and mingled with a crowd of more than 200 interested voters at the non-scripted meet-and-greet cocktail event.
Although a number of candidates were running against each other, all were on their best behavior, contributing to the cordial, almost festive atmosphere. In a manner reminiscent of speed-dating, they made their way around the room, going from one cluster of people to another while shaking hands, dispensing campaign literature and offering quick quotes. Many were accompanied either by their campaign managers or dedicated friends.
EI Political Director Rick Garcia was very pleased with the turnout. 'This is a fabulous event. We have candidates from a wide range of offices in Cook County and what's even better is we have four community people as candidates,' he said. Commenting on the advantage of holding the event in the Halsted street bar, he added, 'It's a great opportunity for these candidates to meet gay folks face to face, but also for our community to ask questions of importance to them.'
Here is a sample of what the men and women who hope to have their name on the ballot in November had to say about themselves. Depending on which office they are running for, they were each asked by WCT two or three of the following four questions: What experience would you bring to the position if elected? Why have you chosen to run now? How do you envision your role as an agent of change? Can you share your views on issues such as reproductive rights and same-sex couples' civil rights?
Sylvester Baker ( D ) , for Cook County Sheriff: 'I came up the ranks, 22 years of experience, two years in corrections, 19 years with the sheriff's department. I served on task forces: FBI, DEA and Illinois State Police. My plan has five points: professionalize the department, more community involvement, eliminate wasteful spending, more involvement in public safety, create an 800 number for quarterly activity, and my main item is to reduce recidivism through training and treatment. … If I'm elected, we will have at least 5 to 10 percent of the jail population in a learning situation.'
Debra Shore ( D ) for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner: 'I'm the only candidate running with actual conservation credentials. That's why I'm the only one the Sierra Club has endorsed. And I'm also the only openly gay candidate. I've been endorsed by the Victory Fund, Equality Illinois and by Stonewall Democrats. The district got new authority for storm water management a year ago. I have some ideas for how we can keep more fresh water here in the Lake Michigan basin instead of sending it into the sewers, where it gets contaminated. We later treat it and then we end up sending it downstream to be part of New Orleans's problem.'
Dean Maragos ( D ) for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner: 'I have extensive government experience, I'm an attorney and an accountant. I worked in the Water Reclamation District in the Land Use Division. I am a land use attorney and I'm assistant director of revenue for the City of Chicago. … I want to protect our two most important assets: our environment and water supply for now and future generations, and our property taxes. I plan to decrease them.'
Siobhán Maura Murphy ( D ) for Circuit Court Judge: 'In that race I think there is really one issue and that is 'Will you be a fair and good judge?' … Running for judge is about listening first, thinking second and ruling third. So my own opinions would not necessarily predict how I'd rule in any given case, because the arguments that come up and the particular facts may result in a ruling that's different from where you start out philosophically. With regard to reproductive rights, which is the hardest one for most people, I am pro-choice. I think people should so far as possible choose life and I think it's incumbent upon us to cherish the living. I have had people ask 'Are you pro-abortion?' and the answer is 'no' but if that's the path that you need to take, I don't think that the government should be telling you that you can't take it.'
Martha A. Mills ( D ) for Circuit Court Judge: 'I spent five years in Mississippi in the '60s as a civil-rights lawyer and I fought for people's rights before and since, including gay and lesbian rights. I'm taking a very strong stance on judicial independence so I am not raising money from lawyers, law firms, and special interest groups. So I really need people who are impressed with my qualifications to reach out to people. The Circuit Court of Cook County really does need some good judges who will respect everybody, work hard, be flexible but can move cases along so it doesn't cost people an arm and a leg.'
Ann Collins Dole ( D ) for Circuit Court Judge: 'I am highly recommended by the Gay and Lesbian Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. … Fifteen years as a trial attorney and chief assistant corporation counsel for the city, 13 years as an art administrator and educator before I went to law school. I feel that this is the culmination of everything else that I've done. I've spent a lot of time in the courtroom on one side of the bench and I think I know enough to be on the other side.'
Marguerite Ann Quinn ( D ) for Circuit Court Judge: 'I've been a lawyer for 20 years. For 13 of those years I was a state's attorney and now I do tax law. … I have run once before, eight years ago, and it's such a grueling process it took me eight years to do it again. But I'm out with a lot of energy.'
Joy Virginia Cunningham ( D ) for Appellate Court Judge, First District: 'I'm supported by Art Johnston, Rick Garcia and many other members of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community. I have been active in the community for many, many years and I'm proud to have the support of community leaders, such as Vernita Gray among others. I am endorsed by Personal PAC, which endorses candidates who they believe are fully supportive of reproductive rights and of the rights of people of all sexual orientations to adopt children and have families. … I've been the president of the Chicago Bar Association, where I was the first African-American woman to head a major municipal bar association in the U.S. I think it's an opportunity for me to bring diversity to the Appellate Court and I ask for the support of your readers.'
Some of the other candidates in attendance included Cook County Board President candidate Forrest Claypool ( D ) ; Cook County Sheriff candidate Tom Dart ( D ) ; and Cook County Judge candidates Mike McHale ( D ) and Mary Colleen Roberts ( D ) .
