I've Been Endorsed by the IVI-IPO!!

Happy New Year. I just received news that I have been endorsed by the Independent Voters-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO) for Alderman of the 24th Ward. This is a great way for me to start the New Year. God is good!

About IVI–IPO

The IVI–IPO has been in existence since 1944. It has been dedicated to good government activism and an idealistic vision of open, honest government in Illinois through pragmatic means that confront cynicism and corruption with equal force. The organization's primary tools are voter's registration, voter information and candidate endorsement. They also lobby on behalf of governmental reforms designed to open the system and better inform the public on the political process.

The IVI–IPO is a not-for-profit, multi-partisan, independent political organization. Our endorsements reach hundreds of thousands of voters throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Their work on campaign finance and ethics reform in the past and in the present has gotten high marks from all quarters and our commitment to good government is as strong now as it has ever been.

The IVI–IPO Mission Statement

IVI-IPO's mission is to achieve social justice through good government by increasing voter participation and knowledge, by providing a framework for candidate evaluation, and by electing responsive government officials.

You may visit http://www.iviipo.org/2011Endorsements.html to see their full list of endorsements.

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

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

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

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