Vote for Me Early Between Now and February 17

Good evening. I am writing a note to remind those of you who live in the 24th Ward to vote for me early between now and February 17. You may go to Douglass Library, located on the corner of 13th and Homan, between 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Punch 56 if you want to see the 24th Ward fixed.

If you or someone you know, wants to cast an absentee ballot, click onto this link for further instructions and download the application. http://www.chicagoelections.com/page.php?id=169

Send completed applications to the Board of Elections. When you get the ballot, punch 56 to see the 24th Ward fixed.

Thank you for your vote. I look forward to serving you as your next Alderman.

Ad-Early Voting

City Braces for Severe Winter Storm to Hit Chicago
City Officials Maintain that Public Safety is Primary Concern

February 1, 2011 News Release

Mayor Richard M. Daley, city officials this afternoon provided the latest update regarding preparations for the impending snowstorm.

“The National Weather Service has issued a ‘blizzard warning,’ for our area, which remains in effect until 3 p.m. tomorrow,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley at the OEMC press conference. “As has been reported, we may be potentially dealing with a storm of historic magnitude, the likes of which we have not seen in decades. This means very large amounts of snow falling very quickly in waves and extremely strong winds, especially near the lake front.”

We urge residents to exercise common sense during the storm. Whether you’re commuting to work or shoveling snow, please be careful. We want to assure everyone that the City is doing everything we can to respond to this storm and we are as prepared as we can be for a storm of this size and scope,” said Mayor Daley. “I want to make clear that our first priority is public safety. We need to ensure that our major streets are clear and that emergency vehicles can get through.”

“The City of Chicago continues to track the path of the winter storm bearing down on the area,” said Jose A. Santiago, Executive Director, Office of Emergency Management and Communications. “The forecast from the National Weather Service remains the same in terms of the timing of the storm and the dangerous weather conditions expected to accompany the storm.” Santiago said:

Snowfall started afternoon, between 1 and 4 p.m. We expect to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour

The worst snowfall should arrive between 9 p.m. this evening and 5 a.m. tomorrow morning.

During this time, snowfall is expected to be in the range of 3 to 4 inches per hour. Winds are expected to increase to 40-50 miles per hour inland, and 50-60 miles per hour near the lake

In addition, lake effect snow will start Wednesday morning and may add up to an additional 6 inches of snow

Total accumulation in the City is expected to be as much as 1 ½ to 2 feet

In addition to snow, a Lakeshore Flood Watch is also in effect this evening to Wednesday afternoon. Thirty to 40 mile per hour winds with gusts up to 60 miles per hour at the shore is expected to create 14 to 18 foot waves with occasional waves up to 25 feet

The City has activated the Emergency Operations Center. The Emergency Operations Center will be staffed with representatives from all key city departments, and remain open as long as necessary.

In addition:

The Department of Streets and Sanitation is prepared to use the whole fleet of 274 Snow Trucks and 120 garbage trucks with quick hitch plows, to clear main routes and Lake Shore Drive as effectively as possible.

Due to safety concerns, Chicago Public Schools has canceled classes for tomorrow.
Chicago Public Schools has cancelled all after school programs yesterday including elementary and high school sports, driver’s education, extended day preschool (22 locations/700 students), and Park District/CPS after school programs.

All Central Office employees, principals, assistant principals, lunchroom managers, engineers, custodians and security personnel are required to report to school. Teachers, paraprofessionals and other staff will be excused. All administrative personnel in Area Offices will be required to report to work.

Based on the expectation of record snowfall and high winds during this storm, The City Colleges of Chicago made the decision to close all facilities, including the District Office downtown, at 2 pm today. Classes will resume Thursday, February 3rd.

There will be no classes or event at any CCC facility on Wednesday, February 2nd, including our two restaurants.

The FIVE daycare centers will be fully staffed today until the last child is picked up this evening. We operate daycare centers at Malcolm X College, Daley College, Truman, Olive Harvey and Kennedy-King College. Essential personnel will be at all of our facilities regardless of the weather.

CTA buses and trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule; however, CTA will run longer trains during the day to accommodate riders who decide to leave work early due to the storm. Normally, after rush hour, the CTA reduces the number of cars in each train.

The City’s six warming centers located within our Community Service Centers will be available to provide emergency, temporary shelter and supportive services for our most vulnerable residents. In addition to the Garfield Center, we will extend operations of two centers, North Area and King Center, to offer 24-hour assistance beginning tomorrow at 7 a.m. through Thursday at 5 p.m. All other centers will be open during regular hours of operation.
Additional Resources

· Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive extreme weather alerts via phone, text and/or email from the Office of Emergency Management (OEMC)
· Go to www.alertchicago.com and click on “Notify Chicago.”

· Early Voting: ALL EARLY VOTING SITES IN CHICAGO'S WARDS WILL BE CLOSED ON WED., FEBRUARY 2, 2011.

· On Wed., Feb. 2, the only Early Voting site in Chicago that will be open will be at the Election Board offices at 69 W. Washington St. on the Lower Level from 9 am to 5 pm. Visit the Board of Election website here.

City Officials Discuss Snowstorm Preparations

Currently, airlines at O’Hare are reporting delays of 30 minutes or more and have canceled over 1,300 flights today to minimize delays and stranded passengers. Over the next few hours, most of the airlines will stop operating flights at O’Hare for the remainder of the evening. Three more international flights may be arriving at O’Hare this evening.

At Midway, airlines have canceled operations for the remainder of today.
Most of the airlines at O’Hare have indicated they will have limited or no operations tomorrow.

City officials also issued the following reminders:
Drivers need to slow down and yield to emergency vehicles, including police vehicles, fire trucks,ambulances, and snow plows.

Landlords are reminded that they are required to provide heat for tenants at 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees at night.

Any resident suffering without heat or in need of shelter should call 311 immediately for assistance or transportation to a warming center.

With more than 4,000 beds available in 60 shelters across the city, and the capacity to add more beds as needed, there is no reason for anyone to sleep outdoors or in a cold house or apartments
Residents can also use Police District Stations and Fire Stations as safe havens from the cold and snow.

Check on the well being of relatives, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. If you can’t check on them yourself, then please call 311 to request a well being check.

Additional Resources

Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive extreme weather alerts via phone, text and/or email from the Office of Emergency Management (OEMC)Go to www.alertchicago.com and click on “Notify Chicago.”

Early Voting: ALL EARLY VOTING SITES IN CHICAGO'S WARDS WILL BE CLOSED ON WED., FEBRUARY 2, 2011.

On Wed., Feb. 2, the only Early Voting site in Chicago that will be open will be at the Election Board offices at 69 W. Washington St. on the Lower Level from 9 am to 5 pm. Visit the Board of Election website here.

IVI-IPO Endorsement Provides Momentum to Campaign

Press Release IVI IPO Endorsement

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.

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

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

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