December 2007

Bennett on S-CHIP

ArchPundit December 13, 2007 17 Comments

Statement of Mayor Jerry Bennett (Candidate for
Congress, IL-3) re Bush Veto of SCHIP Bill

"As a small business owner and Mayor, I have always
made sure my employees and those working for the City
of Palos Hills have quality, affordable health care
because it is devastating to be without coverage.
George W. Bush’s veto of health insurance for children
is outrageous and an all-too-familiar example of why
we
need experienced leaders in Congress who can be
effective on key issues such as comprehensive health
care – especially for the youngest and most vulnerable
in America."

Also, missed this one in the inbox about Mayoral Endorsements for Bennett after the flip

66 Mayors Endorse Jerry Bennett for Congress

Mayors in 3rd CD, Southside and Across Chicagoland
Join Bennett, Call for Change in Congress

[HOMETOWN, Illinois] – Surrounded by local leaders at
the VFW Hall in Hometown – one of Chicago’s southwest
suburbs – Palos Hills Mayor and 3rd Congressional
District candidate Jerry Bennett today announces 66
mayors from across the region and state of Illinois
endorse his campaign for the February 5th Democratic
Primary Election to bring much-needed change to
Washington, DC.

A driving force among municipal leaders throughout the
Southland, greater Chicago region and entire state,
Bennett is serving his 27th year in office, he leads
the Southwest Conference of Mayors, he chairs the
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and he is
President-elect of the Illinois Municipal League.

“Mayors, municipal leaders and voters are supporting
my campaign in large numbers because we need a change
in Congress,” says Bennett. “I have lived and worked
my entire life on Chicago’s South Side and suburbs
with no ambition other than to serve our community.
Congressman Lipinski is letting us down. We need a
true Democrat in Congress and I’m running to bring
real change to Washington, DC.”

No other candidate running for the United States House
of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District
can match the decades of service and civic
accomplishments of Mayor Bennett.

"Jerry Bennett is a proven leader and he will be a
strong voice for our cities and communities in
Congress," says Oak Lawn Mayor Dan Heilmann.

Joining Bennett today are mayors from across the 3rd
Congressional District and the region, including Mayor
Don Roberton (Hometown), Mayor Robert Straz (Palos
Heights), Mayor Irene Brody (Robbins), Mayor Alan
Nowaczyk (Willow Springs) and Mayor Ed Zabrocki
(Tinley Park).

Mayor Don Roberton of Hometown says, "I've worked with
Jerry on economic development projects for our
community.  He understands our area's needs, and will
be an effective voice in Congress."

Another Mayor from the Congressional District – Mayor
Alan Nowaczyk of Willow Springs – adds, "local and
federal officials will need to work together to face
the challenges of the future.  Bennett has a clear
vision for making our region a vibrant, healthy, and
safe place to live and work."

During his tenure as mayor, Jerry Bennett founded
Southwest Central Dispatch – a life-saving emergency
action center that coordinates police, fire and EMT
response. As founder of the Southwest Conference of
Mayors and President of the Illinois Municipal League,
Bennett leads the way on coordinating critical public
works, infrastructure and economic development
initiatives benefitting residents and businesses
regionally and statewide.

“Mayors are on the front lines of all public policy
matters, delivering services and ensuring the quality
of life for the very communities in which they live,”
says Orland Park Mayor and Bennett Campaign Co-Chair
Dan McLaughlin. “We need a mayor like Jerry Bennett in
Congress to fight for real change.”

Read More

Footlik Endorsed by IFT Local 504

ArchPundit December 13, 2007 No Comments

IFT Local 504 Endorses Footlik in the 10^th District

 

Local President: “Footlik has the experience and political savvy to beat Mark Kirk”

 

Highland Park – The Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 504 endorsed Jay Footlik today for the democratic nomination in Illinois’ 10^th congressional district.  Local 504 represents over 6,000 teachers and education paraprofessionals within the 10^th district, making it the largest union operating within the district.

 

“After meeting with both candidates, it was clear to me that Jay Footlik has the experience, commitment and political savvy necessary to beat Mark Kirk,” said Mike McGue, Local 504’s President. “We endorsed Dan Seals last time, but this time we are proud to stand with Jay Footlik.  Jay will be able to hit the ground running in Washington and deliver education solutions that are in line with our values.”

 

Local 504 has a history of standing up for electable and experienced candidates before the rest of the political establishment recognizes their viability.  In 2003, Local 504 supported Barack Obama in the race for the democratic nomination for Senate.  Like Senator Obama’s run, there were few unions willing to meet with both candidates prior to their endorsement.  And like Senator Obama’s run, Local 504 met with both candidates and made their recommendation based on the quality and electability of each.

 

“We ask a lot from our teachers and education workers, and they deserve a Representative in Congress who supports them,” Footlik said.  “I am proud to have earned the support of Local 504, and proud to stand with them as we move forward.”

 

The Lake County Federation of Teachers, Local 504, is an affiliate of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO.