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