Videoclip of My Introduction at the Historic K-Town Candidates Forum

Merry Christmas

24th Ward Christmas Card

Education Town Hall Meeting

I thank those of you who attended the first of my five town hall meetings on December 7. I shared an overview of the state of education in the 24th Ward, including our local school performance, major policies that are impacting the Schools and the finances for CPS and our local schools. We had guest experts who shared their insights on instances of juvenile arrests, balanced and restorative justice and the need to better coordinate public benefits and supportive services in the Schools. I also shared my education agenda. There was significant give and take, and we learned a lot from our audience members. Here are handouts from the meeting.

Agenda-Education Meeting

Nehemiah 2,1-4

Education Town Hall Meeting-2003

Education Platform

It's Official...I'm On the Ballot--Now Help Me Win!

The Chicago Board of Elections met on December 13th, and have officially approved the recommendation that my name be included on the ballot for the February 22nd Municipal Election. The real work begins right now. I am asking you to donate $5, $10, $20, or whatever you can TODAY. Proceeds from your donation will be used to help me hire campaign staff, rent an office space and get my message out. Your donations will help me solidify community support, and put me in a stronger position to receive endorsements and matching funds.

I have attached a copy of a fundraising letter and my campaign bio. You may mail a check or money order to

Citizens to Elect Valerie F. Leonard
4111 West 21st Place
Chicago, IL 60623

You may also donate online by visiting http://vote4valerie.voterspace.com and clicking onto the “Contribute Now” button.

Fundraising Letter 4b

Campaign Bio

Faith N Sports Candidates Forum on January 8, 2011

Faith N Sports will be hosting a 24th ward candidates' forum on Jan. 8th 2011 at Paderewski Academy 2221 S. Lawndale 1:00 - 3:00. Come out and hear the Candidates response to your questions and concerns in order to make an educated choice for the decision maker of the 24th ward's future. Please RSVP by Dec. 30th to Frank Brim at 773 443 2746

Campaign Update -December 13, 2010

The Chicago Board of Elections met earlier today to review recommendations from the hearing officers regarding petitions challenges. I am pleased to announce that they have reviewed the findings in my case, and have declared that I am ON the ballot.

I want to thank each of you for your ongoing support, encouragement and feedback. Your input has truly helped to shape my candidacy, platform and this election, whether or not you are aware. This is democracy at its best.

I thank those of you who tuned in to Emilie and Friends last Saturday (December 4), where we discussed the pros and cons of TIFs, their impact on schools, the City's budget, and whether or not funds are being fairly distributed throughout Chicago. I will let you know when I get a copy of the CD to upload the audio to my website. This should happen within the next 10 days or so.

I thank those of you who attended the first of my five town hall meetings on December 7. I shared an overview of the state of education in the 24th Ward, including our local school performance, major policies that are impacting the Schools and the finances for CPS and our local schools. We had guest experts who shared their insights on instances of juvenile arrests, balanced and restorative justice and the need to better coordinate public benefits and supportive services in the Schools. I also shared my education agenda. There was significant give and take, and we learned a lot from our audience members. I will share more detailed information once I type out my notes from the meeting.

The next town hall meeting will be Tuesday, December 28, 2010, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Carey Tercentenary AME Church, 1448 South Homan Avenue. We will discuss jobs, economic development and technology. I will share an overview of the state of affairs in the Ward and provide my platform for jobs, economic development and technology. We will hear from guest experts in the areas of workforce development policy, workforce development programming and implementation of community-based technology centers.

I am in the process of responding to a number of questionnaires and meeting requests from community based organizations, the media and political action committees. The hottest issues on their minds include TIFs, education, bringing jobs back to the City, the City's finances, the City's pension funds, and the privatization of City assets and services. Let me know if you are interested in having me visit you, your organization or small group of colleagues so that we can discuss the issues that are important to you. You can e-mail me at valeriefleonard@msn.com.

What Are You Most Thankful for This Holiday Season?

I want to thank Mr. Fred Mitchell, "Prisoner of the 24th Ward" and Becca Martin for extending warm Thanksgiving wishes to the Every Block Chicago-24th Ward Community. Their well wishes, combined with an e-mail I got this morning linking positive mental health with being grateful, has truly caused me to reflect. I ask, "What are you most thankful for this Holiday Season? (Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year)

As for me, I am most grateful for my loving parents, Theodis and Essie Leonard, who have instilled in me a love of Christ and His Church; as well as an appreciation for education and volunteerism. I thank God for my brothers, sister, my brother in law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. I am grateful for my grandparents, aunts and uncles who have helped shape my past as well as my destiny. I am also thankful for the community that helped to raise me and encourage me to be the best that I could be. This includes my friends, elders and classmates who are brutally honest, members of Carey Tercentenary AME Church, my neighbors who kept me in check (and still do), my teachers and leaders of community based organizations. I thank God for sending me wonderful people who believe in me, and have contributed time, money, effort and ideas to my campaign. I also thank God for food, clothing, warm shelter, a car and a consulting practice where I can actually get paid to do the work about which I am most passionate. I could go on and on, but I think you get where I'm going with this.

I can honestly say that I feel even better after having written this note. I'd be very interested in hearing what you have to say, regardless of your faith, or whether or not you believe in God. I encourage you to not worry about making comments similar to others. I believe if we begin to focus on being thankful for what is working in our lives, we begin to unlock the potential to channel positive energy into everything that we say, do and touch. With your permission, I will post your responses on this campaign blog, and post a holiday shout out from you on the message marquee of my campaign website (http://vote4valerie.voterspace.com/).

May God bless you and yours this Holiday Season.

Responses From Our Supporters:

Peace,

I am thankful for God's watchful eye on me, like it is on the sparrow. I know that He created me for a purposeful life to do the work that He established in me before I entered into my mother's womb. I know the desires he has for my life, that is to prosper and do good. What is life if one does not have a cause worth dying for...

--Chaplain Marsha Montgomery-Taylor


and I am thankful for citizens like you who give their lives in service to others.

Fondly,

--Melanie Wojtulewicz


Give thanks to that which is priceless. That which no man, woman or entity can discard. That which brings great admirability. That which enhances the inner beauty in you and others. Happy Thanksgiving

--Jenice Sanders


Dear Valerie,

While I don’t know you from meeting the physical you, I feel I know your spirit and it’s one I’ve come to truly appreciate and admire ;-) You, my dear, are here to enlighten those who are really to step into their true nature and power in life. And that will not always be a smooth road.

You must keep your inner light and wisdom glowing and growing throughout this process.
You must awaken people to the understanding they can have a better, more joyful, more opportunity-filled life.

You must help your neighbors imagine what the possibilities are with schools that truly educate their children, with parks that offer boundless opportunities, with safe, welcoming streets.

Now take a deep breath Valerie—and another and know I’ll keep you in my prayers while to accomplish that which you are to do….

--Katharine



I am thankful to be able to help people and get joy.

--Margaret Davis

To Know Me is to Vote for Me

Town Hall Flyer

Elois McCoy Village Apartments Gets New Technology Center

I am pleased to announce that My Way Village, in partnership with DSSA and Habilitative Systems, Inc., launched the first of 23 technology centers for senior buildings across the State of Illinois earlier today. The project was funded by President Obama's Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP), and will provide technology centers, training and laptop computers for building residents who complete the training, as well as a year of free high speed internet service. The project was championed by Congressman Danny K. Davis, Governor Quinn, Commissioner Robert Steele and Don Samuelson, a local attorney and expert on broadband technology. Sankofa Safe Child Initiative, (also in North Lawndale) and Beth-Anne Place (in Austin) will also be launching technology centers in the near future.

I am deeply honored to have provided technical assistance in the development of the $7 million proposal as a consultant to the Illinois ResourceNet, a Funding Initiative based at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Illinois ResourceNet provides technical assistance to nonprofit organizations and municipalities seeking federal funds. We provide proposal reviews within the federal grant guidelines; assist in brokering partnerships among grant seekers; deliver online courses; provide workshops and conferences on federal funding. For further information on the initiative, visit http://illinoisresource.net/.

Check Out My New Ad

ValarieLeonard_1-8H_111110[1]

Build Communities That Work

I received the following e-mail from I Make America. Please consider joining. When America works, we can build communities that work.

Dear Valerie,

Our communities are hurting. Before the recession, manufacturing contributed over $243.3 billion to the US economy and employed more than 12.5 million employees. That number has dropped significantly - 550,000 jobs have been lost -- that's 2 out of every 25 manufacturing jobs. As the economy continues to struggle, we need to take proven steps to put people back to work. Right here in Illinois, we need to invest in infrastructure to continue being the transportation hub of the country and increase manufacturing jobs in our state.

Please visit http://www.imakeamerica.com/ today and register your support for Congress to pass a federal infrastructure bill, which would create manufacturing jobs throughout the country.For every $100 invested in our infrastructure, $350 is returned to the economy. For every $1 billion spent on infrastructure, 30,000 jobs are created. We don't have to guess whether these investments will work, or hope they will. We know they do. Manufacturing is needed to supply the steel to build transit systems and bridges, build the equipment and trucks needed to get the job done and protect the workers who make it all possible. Together, we can grow our nation's economy, create jobs and build a safer America!


Thanks a Bunch!!

I thank everyone who showed up on Saturday October 30th to go out canvassing the 24th Ward to get petitions signed. We had an opportunity to network with one another, meet more people in the Ward, and hear about the issues that matter most to them. We were very impressed to hear young people share their concerns about the need to reduce violence in their schools and to increase opportunities and funding for after school programs.

Help Me Get on the February Ballot in 3 Hours!

As you may have heard, there are a lot of people in the race for Alderman of the 24th Ward. Depending on who you believe, there could be anywhere from 13 to 25 candidates on the ballot in February. Because there are so many people in the race, there’s a good chance that people have signed for more than one candidate. When people sign petitions for more than one candidate, their signatures can be disqualified. If enough signatures are disqualified, then the candidate gets kicked off the ballot. We can’t take that chance.

I NEED YOUR HELP!! Join us on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, for Walkers and Talkers, an event for circulating petitions and phone banking. We will meet at Carey Tercentenary AME Church, 1448 South Homan Avenue.

Each session will include an overview of the issues, an update on our campaign, training for petitions and phone banking, followed by 2 hours of gathering signatures and making phone calls. I will bring donuts & coffee.

Optional: Bring a copy of your resume to be included in the Job Exchange bulletin board immediately (no strings attached), and to be considered for community development committees when I am elected. Contact me if you have questions about the bulletin board.

For Further Information: Contact me 773-521-3137, or valeriefleonard@msn.com.


Visit my Online Candidate Profile at http://onlinecandidatelinks.com/citizens-to-elect-valerie-f.-leonard.html.
Visit the campaign website at http://vote4valerie.voterspace.com/.

Visit the campaign blog at http://vote4valerie.blogspot.com/.

Follow me on Facebook, MySpace, Scribd, Twitter, and Every Block Chicago-24th Ward.



This message was approved by Citizens to Elect Valerie F. Leonard.

Check Out the Medill News Service Video Clip

Our campaign made the Medill News Service.
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=170716

Where Do We Go From Here on the Education Front?

The Chicago Public Schools has been under Mayoral control for the past 16 years. Under the Mayor’s leadership we have had School Reform, Renaissance 2010 which called for school closings and reopening them as charter schools, and attempts to qualify for the national Race for the Top (which seems to have been modeled after the local Renaissance 2010 initiative). The changing of the guard in City Hall could have serious implications for the direction of education in Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune ran an interesting article regarding the fact that the State's standardized tests have been made increasingly simpler over the last 5 years. (“Students Can Pass ISAT With More Wrong Answers", October 17, 2010 online edition, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-met-isat-answers-20101018,0,308277.story). It should be noted that the article does not mention the fact that Chicago Public Schools lobbied the State to simplify the test 5 years ago.

At the same time, the Chicago Tribune’s Editorial Board is urging the next Mayor to continue the course that has been laid by the current Mayor, and suggested that the new Mayor keep the current CPS CEO on board to continue the reforms that have been made. ("Reform on the Ropes?" October 17, 2010 online edition, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-rhee-20101018,0,6816965.story).

Reading the editorial and the article causes me to think about a number of questions. 1) Should the next Mayor continue the same course in education, including keeping the same staff in place? 2) How has North Lawndale fared under the current school reforms? 3) Can we believe the headlines we have been reading over the past 16 years telling us that the schools have improved? 4) Do we need more of the same policies, or do we change course?

While there is a case to be made for keeping the current team in place to minimize further disruption of the school system, I believe the next Mayor needs to hire his own team. This would increase chances of loyalty to the new administration; increase the likelihood that the new cabinet members will fit within the new Mayor’s vision; and increase accountability to the new leader, who will in turn, be accountable to the public. Under the current system, the Mayor’s team would include the CPS CEO.

The best performing school districts in Illinois are headed by a duly qualified Superintendent, with a doctorate in education, with significant experience with the business of running schools. Members of the business and civic community that are most influential in shaping our public school policies typically send their own children to school systems headed by educators. I believe that over time, Chicago should have an independently elected school board headed by a duly qualified Superintendent with a history of real success in school improvement. I also realize that meaningful future school improvements will not be completed over night, as it took several years for Chicago Public Schools to go from one of the best systems in the country to where we are now.

CPS ISAT data reflect that on average, 49.21% of CPS students met or exceeded state standards in reading in 2005. In 2006, the year the test was changed, 59.66% met or exceeded standards in reading. CPS students have been making steady "gains", as the required number of points to pass the test were steadily decreasing over the years. By 2009, the CPS school performance data showed that 66.2% of CPS students were passing the test. It should be noted that Illinois ranks 46 of 50 states in terms of academic standards.

What has School Reform meant for North Lawndale in recent years? One indicator is test scores. The data show that even though North Lawndale schools' performance continues to lag behind the rest of the City, our schools were making greater "gains" than the students citywide. CPS data show that 36.4% of North Lawndale students met or exceeded standards in 2005; 48% passed the test in 2006 and to 55.5% met or exceeded standards in 2009. Some North Lawndale schools have made significant one year gains--as high as 8 percentage points between 2008 and 2009.

With few exceptions, when we move past the headlines and review CPS school performance data, it is difficult to see where we are making real improvement. The data show that elementary school students are making significant gains in performance on standardized tests, yet only 38% of North Lawndale students graduate high school (CPS 2004). Our top performing community based high school had 17% of its students passing the reading section of the Prairie State Achievement Test in 2009. Only 3% of African American students going through CPS were graduating from college in 2004. At the rate we’re going, our children will not be able to compete for jobs in a global economy, and very few, if any, world class employers will re-locate to North Lawndale given the skill level of our workforce. This situation is not helped by the fact that the City Colleges have scaled back on remedial courses.

What we have learned over the past 16 years is that, regardless of what policies CPS puts in place, schools will only truly improve when the community begins to value education again. Most importantly, we must take responsibility for our children’s education. Then, we must hold CPS accountable to educate all children, regardless of what school they attend, or their skill level.

Furthermore:

1) While tests are important indicators of performance, schools should stop teaching to test and focus on truly educating students. When students graduate high school, they should be prepared for the rigors of college or the global workforce.

2) Parents and guardians need to be more involved in their children’s education. Students whose parents or guardians are engaged in their education are more likely to perform well in school.

3) Community leaders must engage CPS and local citizens in public discussions around education policy. Communities that exhibit higher levels of civic engagement tend to have higher quality schools that serve their needs.

4) There should be increased quality in the local community high schools, with strong support from the feeder schools.

5) There should be a wide array of high quality after school programs geared to reinforce lessons learned in school, while providing outlets for leadership development and organized recreation.

6) Schools should regain their status as the center of community, and provide activities for parents, students and local residents during after school hours. This could include evening classes at the high school and junior college level; vocational education and job training, etc.

The City's 2011 Budget and the Least of These

Here's an article that I wrote regarding the City's 2011 budget and reporting process.
The City of Chicago-Budget and the Least of These

Wanted: Walkers and Talkers

Wanted: Walkers & Talkers
For canvassing and phone banking
• Saturday, October 16, 2010
• Saturday, October 30, 2010
• Saturday, November 13, 2010

Carey Tercentenary AME Church
1448 South Homan Avenue
9:00 A.M.-12:00 Noon

Each session will include an overview of the issues, an update on Valerie’s campaign, training for petitions and phone banking, followed by 2 hours of gathering signatures and making phone calls. Valerie will bring donuts & coffee.

Optional: Bring a copy of your resume to be included in the Job Exchange bulletin board immediately (no strings attached), and to be considered for community development committees when Valerie is elected. Contact Valerie if you have questions about the bulletin board.

For further information contact Valerie at 773-521-3137, or valeriefleonard@msn.com. Visit the campaign website at http://vote4valerie.voterspace.com. Visit the campaign blog at http://vote4valerie.blogspot.com. Follow Valerie on Facebook, MySpace, Scribd, and Twitter.

Feel free to download a copy of the flyer and pass on to your networks.

Flyer-Canvassing and Calls

The Last Day to Register to Vote for the November Election is October 5, 2010

The following information is for anyone who needs to register to vote; needs to change his/her name on his/her voter registration card; whohas moved and needs to register to vote at his/her new address; who needs to vote absentee; interested in early voting,or would like to be an election judge. The following information is from the Chicago Board of Elections website http://www.chicagoelections.com/:

Voter Registration

To register to vote, you must:
-- be a U.S. citizen;
-- be at least 18 years of age by election day;
-- live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election;
-- not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction; and,
-- not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

In Chicago, voters may register or change the address or name on their registrations:

-- by submitting this mail-in form to register / file a change of address/ file a change of name.
-- in person at 69 W. Washington St., Sixth Floor.
-- at any Secretary of State's office where driver's licenses and state IDs are issued.
-- through an active deputy registrar affiliated with a local organization, such as a political party, ward office, business, etc.

After the form is processed, we will mail a new voter card.

Tues., Oct. 5, 2010 is the deadline to register to be eligible to cast a ballot in the Nov. 2, 2010 General Election.

Early Voting

On Monday, October 11, Columbus Day, Early Voting will be offered only at these three locations:
-- 69 W. Washington St., Lower Level, 9 am - 5 pm
-- 22nd District Police, 1900 W. Monterey, 9 am - 5 pm
-- Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside, 9 am - 5 pm

All other Chicago Early Voting sites will open Tuesday, October 12.

By law, Early Voting for this election will end Thursday, October 28.
Go to the Board of Elections website for more information about early voting.

Absentee Ballot Application for the Nov. 2, 2010 General Election

By law, the first day that voters may apply to cast an absentee ballot is Sept. 23, 2010. By law, voters cannot submit applications by fax or email unless the voter is in the military or living overseas.

The following provides information on absentee voting for persons who choose to vote by mail.

What is Absentee Voting?

Voters are allowed to cast their ballots prior to Election Day -- either in person at an Early Voting site or by mail through Absentee Voting.

Who Qualifies for Absentee Voting?

All persons registered to vote in Chicago are eligible to cast absentee ballots. The voter must file a completed and signed request for an absentee ballot by the legal deadline.

- Applications from voters in the United States must be received at the Election Board by close of business on Oct. 28. NOTE: Original forms must be submitted by mail, certified courier or in person. Forms from civilians in the United States cannot be accepted by email.

- Applications from military and civilians overseas must be received at the Election Board by close of business on Oct. 22.

Go to the Board of Elections website to download an absentee ballot and see frequently asked questions regarding absentee ballots.

Become a Judge of Election

What are Judges of Election?

Judges of election are the officials who are responsible for the conduct of the election in the precinct polling place. The judges of election are the backbone of the electoral process. Their jobs are challenging, interesting and personally rewarding.

In each precinct, the judges share in responsibilities, duties and authorities that include:

(1) Opening the polling place and setting up voting equipment at 5 a.m. on Election Day;
(2) Conducting a fair and impartial election in the precinct polling place, allowing voting from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(3) Tabulating the vote totals for the precinct and transmitting them to Election Central after the polls close at 7 p.m.

The Judge of Election application for the term that ends with the 2012 Primary is available here. (NOTE: This form may not be used for those participating in the High School Student Judge program. See instructions on that program below.)

Be sure to include your:

-- Name
-- Home Address
-- City/State/ZIP
-- Phone
-- Home Ward

The Democratic or Republican committeeperson in each ward has the ability to assign qualified judges for their respective parties for each precinct in that ward. Judge of Election applications without the signature of a committeeperson will be considered: (1) if there are vacancies not filled by the local committeeperson; (2) if the prospective Judge of Election is willing to work in another precinct if all of the judge positions are filled in his or her home precinct.

Mail completed forms to:

ATTN: JUDGES DEPARTMENT
CHICAGO ELECTION BOARD
69 W WASHINGTON ST STE 600
CHICAGO IL 60602-3006

Salary

Judges of Election are paid $170 only upon completion of training and service on Election Day.

Extra compensation is also paid to judges who:

--­ Pick up the Election Judge key envelope on either the Saturday or Sunday prior to Election Day;
-- ­Allow the use of the judge's cell phone (by all judges within the polling place) on Election Day;
--­ Return the election materials to a receiving station on election night (to be determined by all judges on Election Day.)

Training & Materials

The Judge of Election Handbook for the Nov. 2, 2010 General Election will be available at training sessions. The contents of the handbook are also available here: (You need to go to the Board of Elections website to download this information.

What's New For This Election / Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Voting Equipment
Chapter 2. Important Information About Judges of Election
Chapter 3. Who's Allowed in the Polling Place
Chapter 4. Check Election Supplies/List of Supplies/Illustration of Supply Carrier
Chapter 5. Setting Up the Polling Place
Chapter 6. During Voting Hours: Who May Vote; Provisional Ballots; Issuing Ballot Scan Ballots; Issuing Provisional Ballots; Issuing Touchscreen Voter Cards; Split Precinct Instructions; Spoiled Ballot Procedure; Assistance for Voters with Disabilities
Chapter 7. Closing the Polls
Election Terms
Forms Index
Troubleshooting Instructions. Ballot Scanner; Touchscreen Voting Unit; Voter Card Activator; Emergency Ballot Scanner Instructions
Index

High School & College Student Judges of Election

The Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago is proud to lead the United States in hiring high school and college students to serve as judges and to provide technical support. In the 2008 elections, more than 4,500 students helped administer elections in Chicago.

High School and College Student Judges of Election hold the same responsibilities and receive the same pay as other Judges of Election. Students may begin to serve as early as their junior year in high school, even before they are registered to vote, so long as they have a 3.0 grade-point average, sign-off from a parent/guardian and sign-off from a principal/college advisor.

Go to the Board of Elections website for more information on Judges of Election and High School and College Student Judges of Election.

Survey Reveals That Majority of 24th Ward Voters Believe the Ward is Headed in the Wrong Direction and New Leadership is Needed

24th Ward Public Opinion Poll

Chicago's Pension Funds Are in Trouble

Chicago's pension funds are in trouble. According to this report, it will take over $710 million a year, and an increase in employee contributions just to begin to address the issues. The next Mayor and the City Council will need to make tough decisions regarding the City's finances.

CSCP Final Report Vols1-2

Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition and Congressman Danny K. Davis to Announce Federal ARRA and Illinois Jobs Now! Grants

Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition and Congressman Danny K. Davis to Announce Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Illinois Jobs Now! Grants for Broadband Adoption Project

I am very pleased to announce that a project for whom I provided technical assistance through the Illinois ResourceNet has received state and federal funding to provide computer training, equipment and high speed internet service for seniors in 23 publicly-funded senior buildings throughout northern Illinois. Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition Congressman Danny K. Davis will be holding a press conference on Monday, October 4, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), 425 South Kilpatrick, in Chicago. More details are found in the press release below. I hope to see you there.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2010

Contact: Ira Cohen (office of Rep. Danny K. Davis)
773-533-7520

The Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition and Congressman Danny K. Davis will announce federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Illinois Jobs Now! grants for broadband adoption project to help Illinois low income seniors and people with disabilities cross the digital divide

Press Conference
10:00 a.m.
Monday, October 4, 2010
HSI
415 South Kilpatrick
Chicago, Illinois 60644

The Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition and Congressman Danny K. Davis — a group of nine Illinois public housing authorities, five private providers of affordable housing and other partners — will announce that its program to get Illinois low income seniors and people with disabilities across the Digital Divide has won awards worth $5.9 million from the federal and Illinois governments. MyWay Village, Inc., the grant awardee, will be responsible for the implementation of the program at 23 rural, suburban and inner-city sites in Illinois over the next 24 months.

“Senior citizens and people with disabilities need adequate, affordable access to the tools of the 21st century,” said U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis. “This project represents a powerful way to close the digital divide by increasing computer training and high-speed Internet availability in our Illinois communities.”

The program will fund new computer equipment, Internet access and Connected Livingr training programs to over 3,000 residents of low income housing in Northern Illinois as well as to residents in surrounding neighborhoods. Connected Living by MyWay Village is a comprehensive technology adoption program that combines simplified technology with engaging training content and curriculum delivered by Ambassadors who are expert at getting first-time users online.

Low Income seniors and people with disabilities will gain new computer skills, improved communications with family and friends and better access to valuable information, education and health services. Trainees who pass a basic computer proficiency test will receive a highly discounted computer and Internet service. The program will collect adoption data, evaluate best practices and disseminate learning to affordable housing managers through a series of conferences and online tools.

“Low income seniors and affordable housing communities in Illinois deserve equal access to technologies that can deliver better health and economic opportunity,” said Sarah Hoit, CEO and Co-Founder of MyWay Village. “Over the last three years, we have connected thousands of seniors with our `high-tech and high-touch’ approach which has proven to be a winning combination.”

The partners in the Illinois Senior Internet Adoption Coalition include:

o Atmosphere Communications
o The Benton Foundation
o Bethel New Life (Chicago)
o BMA Management
o Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb
o DSSA Strategies
o Grundy County Housing Authority
o Habilitative Systems (Chicago)
o Housing Authority of Henry County
o Housing Authority of Joliet
o Kankakee County Housing Authority
o Moline Housing Authority
o MyWay Village, Inc.
o Oak Park Housing Authority
o Rockford Housing Authority
o Rock Island Housing Authority
o Sankofa Safe Child Initiative (Chicago)
o Senior Lifestyle Corporation

More than $4.7 million in federal funding was awarded competitively through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). More than $1.2 million in Illinois Jobs Now! public works funding provided the financial support needed to secure the federal award for Illinois, and coalition partners are contributing and additional $0.9 million in matching funds to bring the total project value to $6.8 million.

About MyWay Village, Inc.

MyWay Village, Inc. is a Quincy, MA based social impact company. The Connected Livingr program currently serves thousands of seniors residing in communities managed by such thought-leading organizations as Brookdale Senior Living, Emeritus Senior Living, Benchmark Senior Living, Beacon Communities and the Atlanta Housing Authority. For more information, visit www.connectedliving.com, call the Connected Living Center at 800.223.5080, or view our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/connectedliving)

–
Ira Cohen
Director of Issues and Communication
Representative Danny K. Davis (IL07)

Poverty in the Chicago Area

The Chicago Tribune published statistics for Chicago area poverty rates. The numbers are staggering.

Chicago Area Poverty Statistics

Campaign Update September 28, 2010

Volunteer Training/Meet and Greet

We will be hosting a new volunteer orientation on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at 9:00 a.m., at a location to be announced once we confirm. We will give an overview of the campaign and issues, solicit volunteers and provide training on petitions and phone solicitation. Be prepared to circulate petitions and begin phone banking for 2 hours immediately following the training.

Video Clips from the Campaign Kickoff

I thank Robert Pairs and Keith McDonald for covering the Campaign Kickoff. Here are the videos.

Photo Montage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEo-zSK63z4

Kickoff Video Part I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ci31-K4wVY

Kickoff Video Part II

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa16zv-eXQE

Kickoff Video Part III

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j5-yzVXjv8

24th Ward Public Opinion Poll

As I walk through the Ward I hear story after story about how the current Alderman has lost touch with the very people who put her in office. The issues that are near and dear to our hearts are pushed to the back burner. I don't want to make the same mistake. Will you please take 15 minutes to complete a public opinion poll? Your answers will be kept confidential, and will be used to help prioritize issues that voters think are most important. Click onto http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K9BGQB2 to get started. We will post the results the first week of October.

From Progress Illinois

Check out this article on Progress Illinois' blog. They will be tracking candidates for Mayor and Alderman in real time.

Turnover On Chicago's City Council: A Real-Time Candidate Tracker Progress Illinois
http://www.progressillinois.com/
Some analysts think up to 20 of the city's coveted aldermanic seats could switch hands in next year's elections. Our simple database includes all of the latest news and rumors. (I am included in the database)

Check Out My Online Candidate Profile

http://onlinecandidatelinks.com/citizens-to-elect-valerie-f.-leonard.html

Photo Montage from My Campaign Kickoff

I thank Robert Pairs for producing the attached photo montage from my campaign kickoff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEo-zSK63z4

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Here is a story that cbs2 Chicago did on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program back in February. At the time, the City only made 2 invesments in North Lawndale, and none in West Garfield. The City got $55 million in Round1; $98 million in Round 2; and $168 million is expected soon. It will be interesting to see if we get any funding from Round 3. http://cbs2chicago.com/local/North.Lawndale.foreclosures.2.1507122.html

Chicago Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Here's a video clip for the abc 7 news story on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). This story includes coverage of a public hearing on the Neighborhood Housing Program. I worked with a coalition of community leaders around the city to request the hearing to get an update on the rate of investment in communities like North Lawndale. At the time we (Chicago Citizens for Neighborhood Stabilization)called for the hearing in February 2010, only 2 investments had been made in North Lawndale, and none in West Garfield. The City will be getting $168 million more. It will be interesting to see if North Lawndale or West Garfield get any of the money.

Illinois Political Candidates : Citizens to Elect Valerie F. Leonard

Check out my link to Online Candidates.com
Illinois Political Candidates : Citizens to Elect Valerie F. Leonard

Check Out A PSA for My Aldermanic Campaign

I want to thank Chantel Jordan for recording this PSA for my campaign. Check Out A PSA for My Aldermanic Campaign

Survey for 24th Ward Residents

As I walk through the Ward I hear story after story about how the current Alderman has lost touch with the very people who put her in office. The issues that are near and dear to our hearts are pushed to the back burner. I don't want to make the same mistake. Will you please take 15 minutes to complete a public opinion poll? Your answers will be kept confidential, and will be used to help prioritize issues that voters think are most important. Please respond by Monday, September 20, 2010. Click here to take survey

Feel free to forward this message to others who may be interested in completing the survey. They must be 24th Ward residents to be eligible. I thank you in advance for your time. In the meantime, if you have any questions, call me at 773-521-3137 or e-mail me at valeriefleonard@msn.com.

We Need Your Support

Our campaign really needs your help. Please read the attached letter and let us know to what level you may contribute or participate.

Fundraising Letter 4b

Come Out to the City's Budget Hearing

The City of Chicago will host its second public hearing on the budget tonight at Westinghouse College Preparatory High School, 3223 West Franklin Boulevard, at 7:00 p.m. You should arrive at 5:30 if you want to testify.Find out more about the hearings and budget at http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/obm/provdrs/city_budg/alerts/2010/aug/2011_preliminarybudgetpublichearingsrescheduled.html

Come Out to Congressman Davis' State of the District Town Hall Meeting

Come out to Congressman Davis' State of the District Town Hall Meeting on Friday, September 10, 2010 from 5:30 pm -9:00 pm, and Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at Malcolm X College, 1900 West Van Buren. I will be facilitating a workshop on Saturday on how to start a tax exempt organization (501(c) 3). Guests will include representatives from the IRS and CEDLP. The workshop is free.

Real Time N Politics

I was invited to be a guest on Congressman Danny K. Davis' internet television show, Real Time N Politics. Check out the interview. http://www.starplanettv.com/rtpshow1.html

Campaign Kickoff

Experience and Heart

Check out my unique qualifications to become the next Alderman of the 24th Ward.
Experience and Heart

Campaign Update September 2, 2010

THANK YOU!!

I just want to say thanks again for your show of support for my work in the community, including my campaign to become the next Alderman of the 24th Ward. We are off to a great start. We had our kick-off event on August 24th and it was was very well attended, with over 130 people present. We circulated petitions and planted seeds for fundraising. Indeed, we thank you for your financial, in-kind, moral, spiritual and other support.

WANTED: PETITION CIRCULATORS

The first day for signing petitions was Tuesday, August 24th. We will be circulating petitions on Saturday, September 4, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. We will meet in front of Homan Square, 3333 West Arthington, and circulate in the surrounding community. We would be honored to have you join us. The only requirements are that you be a citizen of the United States and be 18 years old. If you are unable to join us on Saturday, but would like to circulate within your own schedule, please e-mail or call me and we can drop petitions by your home. My phone number is 773-521-3137, and my e-mail is valeriefleonard@msn.com. If you know of students, or others who may be interested in joining us, please bring or refer them. We'd be happy to have them. We would also like to thank those of you who have already begun circulating.

ROAD SHOW

We will be taking our show on the road, reaching every corner of the Ward. If you know of events that we should be a part of, or attend, or if you know of groups of people, organizations, churches, individuals, block clubs, or other stakeholders with whom we should meet, please let us know and we will include the events on our schedule of meet and greets and mini-fund raisers.

COMING SOON: CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

Our website is under construction and should be ready the day after Labor Day (or sooner). The state of the art website will provide an overview of our issues and platform, and will provide visitors with opportunities to review campaign news and events, schedule appearances, volunteer and make contributions on line, and provide a mailing address to which to send contributions. The URL for the website is http://vote4valerie.voterspace.com/. We will notify you when the site goes live.

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We need volunteers to make phone calls, organize special events, write press releases, take pictures, stuff envelopes, get out the vote (in February, 2011), register voters, perform light office work. if you are interested, please respond to this e-mail. We will make sure you "get in where you fit in".

DONATIONS NEEDED

Our campaign is about returning government to the hands of the people. We are now accepting campaign donations from friends, family and residents of the 24th Ward. The proceeds will be used to fund things like office space, printing, marketing, copies and general campaign operations. We are accepting donations by mail, in person and through the website when it is operational. We will notify you when the website is done. In the meantime, Please send checks to

Citizens to Elect Valerie F. Leonard
4111 West 21st Place
Chicago, IL 60623


The maximum donation for an individual is $2,300. We will accept cash and in-kind donations of any amount, starting at $1.00.

POLITICS N REAL TIME

Wilbert Cook and I were interviewed by Congressman Danny K. Davis on his Politics N Real Time internet talk show. The show streamed live on Friday, August 27, 2010, from Starplanettv.com. The show will be available for one week by logging onto www.starplanettv.com. We will archive the show on our website within about a week.

VALERIE IN THE MEDIA

CAN TV

As you may recall, the Lawndale Alliance and North Lawndale Community News held the annual Community Awareness Series in June. A couple weeks ago, we shared with you air dates for the meetings o n CAN TV. We just got word of additional air dates. If you weren’t able to make the meetings, you will have other opportunities to catch up. The meetings will air on CAN TV as follows:

Stimulus Package/Neighborhood Stabilization Program Town Hall
Wednesday, September 1st, 12:30 PM, Channel 21

TIF Town Hall
Friday, September 3rd, 8:00 AM, Channel 19
Thursday, September 9th, 12:00 PM, Channel 21

You may also download handouts from the meetings at http://lawndalealliance.blogspot.com
Contact Valerie F. Leonard at 773-521-3137 or valeriefleonard@msn.com


Austin Weekly News

West Side activist makes bid for 24th Ward alderman
http://www.austinweeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=2921&TM=8576.095

North Lawndale Community News

The North Lawndale Community News covered the Campaign Kick-off. They are expected to run a story this weekend.


BECOME AN ELECTION JUDGE

What are Judges of Election?

The judges of election are the officials responsible for the conduct of the election in the precinct polling place. The judges of election are the backbone of the electoral process. Their jobs are challenging, interesting and personally rewarding.
In each precinct, the judges share in responsibilities, duties and authorities that include:
(1) Opening the polling place and setting up voting equipment at 5 a.m. on Election Day;
(2) Conducting a fair and impartial election in the precinct polling place, allowing voting from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(3) Tabulating the vote totals for the precinct and transmitting them to Election Central after the polls close at 7 p.m.
The Judge of Election application for the term that ends with the 2012 Primary is available here. (NOTE: This form may not be used for those participating in the High School Student Judge program.)

PASS THIS UPDATE ON

If you know of others who may be interested in this update, please feel free to pass it on. Your assistance, as always, is most appreciated.

My Decision-July 27, 2010

First of all, I would like to thank each of you for the support you have shown me over the years. Some of you are family, friends and neighbors. Some of you have been nonprofit clients. Others of you are former employers. Some of you are loyal readers of "In the Loop" and follow the "Staying in the Loop" blog. Others of you have been allies (or even adversaries--) working on a number of issues and projects, including North Lawndale Votes; TIF reform; the impact of Renaissance 2010 and school closings; equity (or lack therof) in community development; the Olympics; the need for greater equity in the implementation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program; capacity building for nonprofits; the need for equitable access to healthcare for all people; the creation of community wide strategies for youth programming; the need to structure the State Capital Budget to address the needs of "the least of these"; advocacy for community based alternatives for ex offenders, etc. Regardless of how I know you, I appreciate you.

After careful thought, prayers and consideration, I have decided to follow that "Still Small Voice" and enter the race for the Alderman of the 24th Ward.

Pictures from the Campaign Kickoff August 24th, 2010