South Suburban Mayors, Elected Officials Endorse Congressman Jackson for U.S. Senate

Posted on 20. Nov, 2008 by admin in Community Focus, Global News

Left photo: (Pictured left to right): Interim Mayor Andre Ashmore (Matteson); Mayor Al McCowan (University Park); Mayor Rick Reinbold (Richton Park); and Mayor Dwight Welch (Country Club Hills) along with Hazel Crest Mayor Robert Donaldson (right photo) said Congressman Jesse L. Jackson Jr. (center photo) would be a great choice for U.S. Senate because he mirrors the image and reflects the agenda of President-elect Barack Obama.

 

by Lesley R. Chinn

While Gov. Rod Blagojevich is still making up his mind about whom to select to succeed Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, a group of South suburban mayors and other elected officials came together to endorse Congressman Jesse L. Jackson Jr. (2nd District) to take the seat.

At a press conference last Saturday in Country Club Hills, the group hoped to send a message to the Governor about why they think the Congressman should be selected. “We’re here to influence the decision process by saying that we believe we have a superior candidate from this congressional district that could represent the entire state of Illinois,” said Country Club Hills Mayor Dwight Welch.

“He’ll be a wonderful spokesman for Illinois,” Welch continued. “He’ll help get the economic stimulus going for our state,” he said. “There’s no question. He’s very electable.” 

If Congressman Jackson is appointed, he’ll have to serve out the remainder of Obama’s term which ends in 2010. At that time, whoever is selected, would have to campaign for the office in order to retain the seat.

Hazel Crest Mayor Robert Donaldson added that Jackson’s agenda mirrors President-elect Obama’s. “He [Jackson] has the same attitude and respect for President Obama,” Donaldson stated.

South Chicago Heights Mayor David Owen described the Congressman as “young, vibrant, and energetic,” while Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold added that Jackson has only missed two votes during his entire seven-year tenure. He expressed confidence in his ability to serve the Southland well in the Senate. “It would be a great asset for the people of Illinois,” he said.

As a member of the House Appropriations committee, Olympia Fields Mayor Lindsey Fields said Jackson has brought home more than $600 million in various projects statewide that have gone towards infrastructure projects; colleges and universities; housing and health care programs; and police and firefighter grants. “He will hit the ground running in the Senate and we know that he will be a great leader in supporting the initiatives of our president both domestically and internationally,” Fields stated.

While East Hazel Crest represents the smallest South suburb, it is part of a diverse 2nd Congressional District that includes the Far South side of Chicago and South suburban Cook County in addition to portions of Will County. “Congressman Jackson does not just work with Democrats, he works with Republicans, Independents, business, labor, old, young, city and suburbs. He represents and works for a very diverse community and we expect that work will continue as he represents the State of Illinois,” stated East Hazel Crest Mayor Thomas Brown.

Rich Township Committeeman Tim Bradford spoke on behalf of state Rep. Al Riley (D-38) who could not be in attendance. In a released statement, Riley said, “Congressman Jackson has been one of the most effective members of the Illinois Congressional delegation since his election in 1995. His effectiveness has been made manifest by his commitment to local and regional economic development, human capital enhancement and equity in all modes of transportation. There are very few people who could travel the length and breadth of this state, espousing issues of public policy that are germane to each region,” he said.

South Holland Mayor Don De Graff, who also issued a statement in support of Congressman Jackson, added, “I have been privileged to work closely with Congressman Jackson on many regional initiatives. He has been a model legislator and a tireless champion for his diverse district, as well as for our state as a whole. His support of regional initiatives such as the third airport and the Southeast Metra line will benefit not only his constituents, but all of Illinois,” he said.

When asked about news reports of the Governor possibly appointing himself to the U.S. Senate seat, the group had no comment and reiterated support for Jackson. In response to questions about what could possibly happen to the Congressman’s seat if he is appointed, Welch and University Park Mayor Al McCowan said that it’s unknown as to who would take the Congressman’s seat, however, they added that the Governor would probably go through the same process in terms of appointing someone to replace Jackson.

Tags: Lesley R. Chinn