What Makes Our Campaign Different
On Saturday February 17th, I participated in a candidate forum at Roosevelt High School organized by the HANA Center, Communities United, and the Latino Union of Chicago. Thanks to the organizers, the attendees, and Roosevelt students who helped draft and ask the questions. The topics focused on how the state can provide more mental health resources, stem the tide of displacement, and aid immigrant communities. It was a well managed and informative event.
I spoke with one of our supporters afterwards and he gave me some interesting feedback. He noted that other than for a few exceptions (like my skepticism on Universal Basic Income) that all four candidates had similar responses to most of the questions that were asked. I replied that our similar responses were the result of all us being Democrats and that most of the people in our party hold similar views on the topics that were discussed. It did make me think though “what makes our campaign different?” I believe that every candidate in this race is committed to protecting the rights of immigrants, our LGBTQ friends, and women seeking abortion care. We have all been good citizens and have benefitted our communities, but none of us has a legislative record to run on. So what make our campaign different from the others? Here are a few examples:
Our campaign is beholden to no one other than the people of the 20th District. We are the only campaign not backed by the party bosses, lobbyists, or a big bank account. This is a campaign by working people for working people. I am not indebted to the state party or any special interest group, and I’m not some rich guy looking to buy a State Senate seat.
I am the only candidate in this race that is a Chicago Public School parent. I believe that the goals of the Chicago Public School District and the Chicago Teachers Union are normally aligned with the needs of parents, but sometimes they are not. When they are not aligned, I am going to be on the side of parents.
We are the only campaign calling for a ban on Illinois lawmakers working as lobbyists while they are in office. Illinois State Senators and State Representatives currently can work as paid lobbyists while they are in office. I had to leave my job at WBEZ Chicago to run for this office so there wouldn't be an appearance of impropriety. We should hold our elected officials to higher standards.
We are the only campaign that believes we can address the root causes of crime and the current consequences at the same time. It’s not a choice between one or the other. We must do both simultaneously. It is like treating an illness in a human body. You have to rectify the conditions that led to the illness and also treat the symptoms at the same time. We can do that.
If you have any questions on what makes our campaign different please contact me HERE. This form send messages directly to my personal email.
Thank you for your support,
Geary