Uptown business and civic leaders as well as elected officials and community activists paid heartfelt tribute to State Rep. Larry McKeon, D-13th District, at Uptown United!'s annual dinner, held Oct. 5 at Edgewater's Saddle & Cycle Club, 900 W. Foster.
McKeon will retire from the Illinois General Assembly in January, following 10 years of serving constituents in his district, which includes parts of Ravenswood, North Center, Lincoln Square, Uptown, Lake View, Bowmanville and Andersonville. He made history in 1996 as the first openly gay representative elected to the state legislature.
Greg Harris, who will succeed McKeon as the 13th District state representative as the result of a slate-making meeting, ran unopposed on the Nov. 7 ballot. 'Carrying on the tradition of leadership Larry has shown in the community is very daunting challenge. I hope I can do half as well,' Harris said.
Though perhaps best-known for his trailblazing role as a gay legislator, McKeon was praised by many for his equally passionate leadership on such issues as business development and education.