I've Been Endorsed by the Chicago Chapter-Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

I am deeply honored to have been endorsed by the Chicago Chapter-Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. I have included an excerpt from their website to give more background on them and who they represent.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists consists of members from seventy-seven international and national unions with forty two chapters across the country. CBTU seeks to fulfill the dream of those Black trade unionists, both living and deceased, who throughout this century have courageously and unremittingly struggled to build a national movement that would bring all our strengths and varied talents to bear in the unending effort to achieve economic, political and social justice for every American.

The basic objectives of the CBTU are reflected in its activities and projects:

•Improve economic development and employment opportunities for black workers.

•Work within the framework of the trade union movement to provide a voice and vehicle for greater black and minority participation.

•Increase union involvement in voter registration, voter education and voter turnout projects.

•Organize unorganized workers.

•Actively support civil rights and civic groups working to improve living and working conditions in the black community.

•Increase effective political alliances between labor, churches and the general community.
CBTU will continue to support job training initiatives and programs aimed at reducing the black youth unemployment rate, which consistently hovers around 50%. Recognizing the correlation between youth unemployment and education, CBTU chapters continue their support for the public school systems and oppose reduced funding for educational projects and programs, particularly those involving inner city schools.

CBTU will continue to work for protection of consumers from escalating price increase for the four necessities of life: food, energy, housing and medical care, the areas where inflation hits hardest. We oppose cutbacks in social programs, health, welfare, aid to the cities and support services for the disadvantaged until they are replaced with full employment and other necessary safety nets.

We pledge to work in coalition with organized labor and other allies whose mission is consistent with these objectives.

Who Will Make the Best Candidates Candidates?

The North Lawndale Community News is carrying a story this weekend focusing on the IVI-IPO endorsements. I am deeply honored to have been included representing the 24th Ward. http://www.nlcn.org/?q=node/30

Handouts from Public Health and Safety Town Hall Meeting

I thank everyone who was able to attend our town hall meeting on public health and safety on January 11th.

Here is a testimonial from Dr. Shemuel Israel.

"I enjoyed the town hall meeting very much. Gatanya's info on public benefits is so valuable and Dr. Henderson's lecture on public health in North Lawndale was excellent. We applaud the work of the Dept of Public Health as they funded some of our work in the community. And Valerie, no other candidate in the 24th Ward is doing what you are doing to bring awareness and empowerment to our community."



Here are copies of the handouts.

Agenda-Public Health and Safety Meeting
Public Health and Safety Town Hall Meeting

Guide to Public Benefits

Candidates' Responses to Tribune Questionnaire

Here is a link to candidates' responses to questionnaires for all races, including Citywide offices and aldermanic races. You can click onto the links to read our responses. To the best of my knowledge, there are only links in instances where the candidates responded.http://elections.chicagotribune.com/editorial/

Experience and Heart

As I have been going about the community campaigning for Alderman of the 24th Ward, many people want to know who I am and what I have done. CHECK OUT my Experience and Heart flyer to see some of my accomplishments as they demonstrate my life-long commitment to public service in the 24th ward and elsewhere. As you will see, my heart has always been with the people.
Flyer_Experience and Heart-2-Color 2[1]

Volunteers Needed

We are headed into the home stretch, and we need all hands on deck. We need people to make phone calls, go door to door and host events. If you are interested, please call 773-521-3137.

24th Ward Talk

I will be hosting a cable television call in show on Fridays, beginning January 21, 2011, going through February 18th. Download the attached flyer for details.
Flyer Talk Show