Handouts from Town Hall Meeting on Jobs, Economic Development and Technology

Press Release-Economic Development Town Hall Meeting Outcome

Jobs, Economic Development and Technology Meeting

The27th Psalm

Jobs, Economic Development, Technology Town Hall Meeting

Chicago Westside Branch NAACP Candidates Forums

I thank Rev. Walter Harris, Pastor of Carey Tercentenary AME Church, for providing information on a series of upcoming candidates' forums for the Mayor and Select Aldermanic races. I will participate in the 24th Ward forum.

Chicago Westside NAACP Candidates Forum Flyer

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