Chicago Mayors race down to 5

         

 
The race for Chicago's mayor is heating up, candidate Willie Wilson's sails finally loosing wind. The race is almost to a thirty day count down. As the candidates prep for the final stretch, were left to wonder if  Rahm can be beat? Bob Fioretti is gaining traction as well as Chewy Garcia, but will it be enough to gain them a win? The races is heating up with campaign funds booming in attempting to seal a win. Willie Wilson showing $1,166,452, Rahm Emanuel's showing $8,694,508 , Bob Fioretti showing $439,934, Chewy Garcia with over $1,000,000 and Dock Walls with $25,000. This race could get ugly by the end, and we could see some hard plays by a few candidate in the race. The true challenge for Rahm Emanuel seeming to be Chewy Garcia.

          These 5 will battle it out for the February 24th election. The mayor having had high public popularity last election, does not have an Obama initiative behind him this year. With this election being a rough on anything can happen. "We may or may not have a new Mayor come February" Chicago south side resident Andy Shetlzen. "We can expect to see a real race".  So it shall candidates and incumbent alike taking to social media, media, and TV with add's and campaign moves.

     We will defiantly see what these candidates have under their sleeves for this election season!  We can expect dirty shots, and many candidates falling short of the necessary votes. But the winner is yet to be determined, and nothing can be counted out at this point!
   

33rd Ward Race is on

       

Deb Mell - 33rd Ward Alderman

  (PS) Chicago alderwoman Deb Mell took her fathers seat as Alderwoman on July, 24th 2013. She succeeded her father and famed Chicago alderman Richard " Dick" Mell. Now in 2015 she is in the midst of a run for her seat. With Tim Meegan and Annisa Want up against her. This election will defiantly be interesting! With current poll's stating that Deb Mell is not a corrupt politician, and her public approval poll's so high, Deb should have little to no issues retaining her seat.

           Deb has been a long time supporter of same sex marriage and her constituents as well. She is best known for her hard work and great ethics in Springfield as the Representative of the 40th district. She fought hard to gain citizens the right to a cost of living minimum wage raise, and to ensure we were entitled to know the side effects of the durgs our doctors prescribe us. She has fought vigorous fights for the people of the 40 district and now the citizens of the 33rd ward.

          Deb Mell is by far one of the best politicians to ever work in Illinois. From honest voting, to real hands on work in her community, Deb takes her position seriously, and practices what she preaches. As the election cycle moves forward her opponents face and impossible battle.

Interview with Susan Sandoval candidate for Chicago's 35th Ward

What would you do to better the ward if elected alderwoman?

I have already started working with community leaders.I feel we need a tighter community, and that we should focus in on education, and jobs. We do not have a high school, and could use a way to make this possible. I also feel we need to build a chamber of commerce, building a tighter network of business would result in a a more fluent local economy.

How do citizens get in contact with you?

Twitter and facebook. I am also always available within the community as well!

What street related issues do you feel can be impacted this election cycle?

Parking meter situation, and meters. We all know the city can be expensive, and there are better ways to deal with these issues.

How do you plan to work with the business in your area?

 I plan to work closer with small business owners.  I recently attended the metropolitan council meeting and almost everywhere there seems to be need for changes. While attending the meeting I  loved hearing from residence,I also feel if we work on the affordability of living in the city, we can in turn help grow the local economy.

What is your educational  background?

 I have worked in Non profit management most of my adult life. I  studied accounting at DePaul University and worked in non profit for years and also worked in a family owned business. I have also been engaged with local and national issues.

I served nationally for the head-start association for 5 years. I had an opportunity to engage my constituents within the city and state! I made sure to maximized the use of the programs within their budgets . 

How do you feel you can help put a stop to the violence in the city of Chicago?

About 4 years ago I began working with an interfaith coalition, I feel that working tirelessly with the community and pre-existing organizations,we can implement and carry out clearer and better plans to cease the violence in our community. 

Where do you stand on the city's budget?

I had fiduciary over look over one of the city's grants, I feel some of the tiff funds be re allocated into the school systems. I feel we need to bridge the gap between schools and park boards. As well as the fair amount of non profit efforts on tiff funding, and use of public land and creating more green spaces for folks as well as finding affordable opportunity for family's to enjoy city and it.

What other public positions have you held?

I served on park advisory council, and many other council, I worked with over 17,000 children whom received head start and I oversaw  all needs and grants. 

What opportunity do you see if elected alderwoman?

A lot of opportunity to cause change, betterment over the city over all. Usher in an era of new public service. Our community is well past due for a real leader. 

What have been your campaigning struggle?

We have a very embedded electoral system and that the system over protects incumbents. I first noticed this when serving on the local school council. If elected I plan to insure were instituting a transparent system, I was raised on the South East side my father is a retired still worker of 46 years. I had the opportunity to see the world. Now as a single mother i have seen and lived through hard times.  I feel we have an uphill battle but spending time and energy where you live is essential. 

Spending the time and having a hard skill set are necessary, and having a transparency in the office is a massive need in the city! I would be blessed and honored to serve in the ward, and add more engaging and transparency. Certified grant writer so I do understand the fiscal responsibility.

Important fact that should be known?

Being a single parent and having the understanding of limited resources and the willingness a citizen of the entire city, and track record speaks for it's self, and the willingness to sit with constituents and create organizations. Were hoping to bring the alder-manic office into a community center. Background in work force development, and community development into the city. Making sure we have the business cared for while providing jobs to citizens. Also being familiar with what our office does. writer, certified grant writer and fiscal responsibility just hope to make the 35th ward a better place to live in. all age demographics and hoping to build the network and better the community and an understanding of where their tax dollars are.

7th ward

       Chicago's 7th ward is up in smoke today. With over 11 candidates on the ballot. we have seen election after election candidates from all over the ward pop up. Usually the 7th,8th and 9th are crazy. With that many people in the race it becomes bot vicious and hard to handle. Challenges are finishing up with 7 weeks left in the race there is a lot of room left to push and drive for votes, but maybe one to many people? Chicago's 7th ward has heated up over the past 12 months and candidates now have to show what they are capable of doing.

      We have multiple people from different walks of life and age ranges running for office. With Gregory Mitchell running for the second run in a row, and quite a few others this race should be one of the hardest in the city.

Mayors Race Heating UP

                   Mayors Race Heating UP

Willie Wilson

Bob Fioretti

Were left wondering if 2015 will bring Chicago a new more hard working mayor, of if we will re elect the current mayor. There are a slew of candidates in the race this year. From Chewy Garcia, Rahm, Collins, Wilson, and Walls. The vote is expected to be split pretty evenly. With Auroras Matt Harrington involved with Dock Walls that will surely tamper with his vote totals. As Willie Wilson is showing as a strong hold for the African American voters. With his wisdom and success under his belt, thus far in the race he is expected to pull 33% of the African American vote.

     

Chewy Garcia 

Fredrick Collins 

Chewy Garcia seems to be attempting to sway the African American vote. Pulling on some prior Rahm supporters, trying to use that as a base to get himself elected as Mayor. Though his tactics may work in his world, this is not a sure fire win for him, but instead a very off cycle up hill battle. He is not being looked at as a winning candidate at this point.

                                                           

Rahm Emanuel 

 Rahm is expected to win this election but only by a small

margin thus far. After a sketchy term, and last minute failed attempts to boost his own reputation, Rahm is falling behind in his election moves. His campaign barley even off to a start. Fredrick Collins a Chicago police officer has yet to show his hand as well and could easily rake in quite a few votes within the city limits as well.   Alderman Robert " Bob" Fioretti is also expected to make some splash, taking a good chunck of Rahms votes as well. So with the election up in the air we need to see something from the Mayor if he hopes to rake in enough votes to be re-elected!

     Watch out Rahm, get up or get off the pot. Chicago is on it's way to new powers if the mayors campaign does not get up or start moving soon!

Chuks Onyezia official endorsement

                                           Official Endorsement 

      Chuks Onyezia a candidate for alderman in the 18th ward in Chicago is more than qualified for the job.  With three degrees and a mind for the community, we would like to announce our endorsement of Chuks Onyezia for alderman of the 18th ward in Chicago. With years of experience and roots to the community, Chuks can bring a shift that the 18th Ward has been looking for, for years. New leadership and a solid structure for the community!

                                     


                                                              Chuks Onyezia Bio:

 Chuks Onyezia is a candidate for alderman in the 18^th ward. Chuks was born and raised in Chicago having a mother who is a director of a Chicago based nursing home, a father that works as an environmentalist for the state of Illinois, and two younger sisters that work as a psychologist and a CPS high school teacher, respectively. This is why Chuks Onyezia understands the challenges facing the City of Chicago and its residents, and is why he is committed to his calling to serve others. Chuks is Married and has welcomed his first child into the world this past October. As alderman, Chuks Onyezia will fight for money to increase the number of sworn officers and police presence, create jobs with increased economic development in the city, and improve the fiscal and financial responsibility in the city’s use of assets and tax dollars. Most importantly, Chuks will fight for our youth to have more of the opportunities that he had while growing up.

Currently, Mr. Onyezia is employed as an Attorney in the area of Business Real-estate, where he gains specialized experience directly dealing with statutory interpretation of finance, real-estate transactions, banking, tax, investments, municipal bond, and credit. In addition to this position, Chuks Onyezia held a Career Development Detail position as a training assistant with the Patent Training Academy where he gained specialized experience directed to technical, legal, and patent examining practice and procedure training, management as well as issue spotting and quality review. Chuks also is a proud dues paying Union where he actively assists his union in the development of a new telecommuting program.

Chuks Onyezia has earned degrees in both, The University of Illinois' MBA Program with concentrations in Finance and The University of Illinois' College of Law. As for professional recognition and licensure, Chuks Onyezia holds an active license to practice law in the State of Illinois with active bar membership in good standing. In addition to these accomplishments, Chuks Onyezia’s technical background consists of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from The University of Illinois, followed by work experience as a quality control engineer for one of the worlds leading aerospace technology manufacturing company. Chuks Onyezia has past experience working at Illinois’ Civil Litigation Clinic, and Public Defender's Office where he attained real courtroom litigation experience. In addition, to his legal experience, Chuks Onyezia has experience as an educator teaching High School physics, a research assistant, a graduate councilor, and an academic advisor. Chuks Onyezia also plays key roles in his community. Chuks has drafted proposals and is responsible for over $5000 in grant monies being assigned to his community and personally worked with the Cook County Clerk of Courts Office introducing the career of law to inspiring teenagers and assisting ex offenders clear there criminal records. Chuks served as the Co-chair of the capital improvement committee of his Local Park Advisory Council, Active participant in CAPS, business and finance steering committee member of the Black and Latino Achievers Program, coach of the City youth and Government Program, Executive Vice President of the Illinois MBA's of Color Association, executive board member of the Black Law Students Association, and Vice-President of the Intellectual Property Legal Society. Chuks currently serves as member of Scottsdale Homeowner Association, Omega Psi Phi Community service co-chair Rho Mu Mu Chapter, and Founder and Publisher of The Neighbor, a community based newspaper that is distributed monthly to over 13,000 homes and businesses in the Ashburn community.

Chuks Onyezia’s diverse background, both educational and Professional, his leadership qualities, communication skills, and inner drive to succeed, all add to the potential productivity that he can bring to any environment, and will allow Chuks Onyezia to make major contributions immediately, as your next Alderman! 

Who is Dick Mell

                                 Who is Dick Mell 

Richard "Dick" Mell 

 Richard "Dick" Mell was a long time Chicago alderman, and a political hero to many. Richard was born in Muskegon Michigan in 1938, and lived there through his childhood. As he grew older he and his wife settled down in Chicago, and Dick opened a spring factory. It was not until 1972 that Richard got himself into politics. Loosing his first run for Democratic committeeman by 500 votes.  From there he worked within the community and built himself into a successful run for alderman in 1975. Taking his seat as the alderman of the 33rd ward.

        Richard went on to hold the seat for 38 years, or 9 terms. As alderman he saw his fair share of Mayors, and political machines. Dick whom is a very well articulated individual told me recently in conversation that he enjoyed his time working within his ward, and that he had worked hard over the years.

       At one point in his early years he had quit his job, Margie his then fiance had dropped his his engagement ring back in his hand and split up with him.  They went on to have three children. Deb Mell, Patricia, and Richard.

    Richard went on to control the 33rd ward for more than 38 years, pushing fourth many laws, and regulations as an alderman, to help better the Chicago community in a whole. With a legacy that will be remembered for many years, and a family whom has worked hard over the past 40 years his name and history will live on forever!