Thursday, March 29, 2012

State Sen. Steven M. Landek, Ward Committeemen, Keys for Chavez & Holiday, Pope Benedict XVI, Movie Review, Bert Sugar, Events


Steve Landek
          12th SENATORIAL DISTRICT: Steven M. Landek was appointed to fill the vacant seat left by retired State Sen. Lou Viverito in January 2011. In the General Primary Election Tuesday, March 20, 2012, Landek was elected as the new State Senator of the 12th District, which includes the Little Village community.
          OTHER communities in the 12th Senatorial District include Bedford Park, Berwyn, Bridgeview, Burbank, Cicero, Countryside, Hodgkins, Justice, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Riverside, South Lawndale [Little Village/Chicago] and Stickney. Landek campaigned in the Little Village community seeking votes, was well received and elected overwhelmingly over his Hispanic opponent. His campaign donated food to the Little Village Community Council Food Pantry for area residents and Landek has patronized several local restaurants. "I enjoy Mexican food," said Landek. 
August Sallas & Steve Landek
          A STATEMENT: Illinois State Senator Steve Landek released the following victory statement: "I would like to thank all of the voters of the new 12th District for their vote of confidence in my leadership. I want to also thank the community and elected leaders in the district who supported my candidacy for election in this new Senate District. I look forward representing the Democratic Party in the general election in November. 
          DURING THE past three months, I've addressed the issues the district's residents are concerned with and I focused on the district's needs. I visited every neighborhood and community to meet with constituents and I listened to their concerns. The 12th District is a very diverse district and I look forward to fighting for the needs of all of the district's constituents as I have always done during my career in public service," said State Sen. Landek. 
          LAST YEAR, Sen. Landek served as "Principal for a Day" at Heritage Middle School in Berwyn. After a tour of the school he spent the day visiting with students and teachers talking about the importance of education.  
          LANDEK is a lifelong resident of Bridgeview. He attended St. Blase Grammar School and Argo Community High School. He received his Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Landek has been a dedicated public servant for 35-years. His district office is located at 6215 79th Street, Suite 1A, Burbank, IL 60459, phone: 708/430-2510. We congratulate Sen. Landek. 
          WARD RESULTS: Most voters are unaware that every four years each Chicago Ward and/or suburban Township elects a Ward Committeeman. Depending on a voter's affiliation, the voter will vote for their Democratic and/or Republican party political Ward Committeeman. In Chicago, Democratic Ward Committeemen dominate the political scene because there are very few Republican voters. However, the few Republicans elect a Ward Committeeman. The Ward Committeeman is elected to be the political leader of their respective political party in the Ward and/or Township. Voters on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, elected a Ward Committeeman in each of the fifty [50] wards in Chicago. 
          MOST VOTERS don't know what the role is of a Ward Committeeman. The Ward Committeeman is a political party position, the party leader in the ward and non-salary position.  The responsibility of each Democratic and/or Republican Ward Committeeman is to register voters, choose judges of election [who work in the polling places on election-day], getting-out-the vote for their party, and most importantly to push for the election of the party slate of candidates. Depending on votes in the ward, he/she has political influence.
          A WARD Committeeman sits as a member in the Central Committee of the Cook County Democratic Party or the Republican Party and has a voice and vote as to whom will be the slated candidates for the party. Depending on the number of votes a Ward Committeeman is able to get for their party on election-day, these "weighted votes" gives the Committeeman a stronger voice in party matters.            
Joseph Berrios
          A COMMITTEEMAN who is loyal to the party, a team player, and who works hard to get the party's slated candidates elected, is rewarded politically. The election of a good Ward Committeeman benefits the party, voters and the political future of the ward and/or township.
           LATINO DEMOCRATIC Ward Committeemen in Chicago and Suburban Township elected in the General Primary Election March 20, 2012 are: 1st Ward: Proco "Joe" Moreno, 12th Ward: Anthony "Tony" Munoz, 15th Ward: Raymond A. Lopez, 22nd Ward: Ricardo Munoz, 25th Ward: Daniel "Danny" Solis, 26th Ward: Roberto Maldonado, 30th Ward: Ariel E. Reboyras, 31st Ward: Joseph Berrios. In the Town of Cicero, Charles Hernandez is the Democratic Committeeman elected March 4, 2010 for a 4-year term ending in 2014. Committeeman Joseph Berrios is the Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party.    
          KEYS FOR CHAVEZ: Several years ago members of the Hispanic American Labor Council began collecting discarded keys for the purpose of creating a statue in the likeness of Cesar E. Chavez [1927-1993]. The statue, constructed from melted down keys, would be erected in the Little Village neighborhood. HALC members continue the collection of discarded keys. Anyone willing to donate keys for the construction of the Cesar E. Chavez statue in Little Village should call 312/286-3405
Pat Quinn
          AS HALC President I have said on many occasions: "Cesar Chavez was a great labor leader and we must honor his life and legacy." Mayor Rahm Emanuel signed a City Proclamation designating Sat., March 31, 2012 [Chavez's Birthday] as "Cesar E. Chavez Day in Chicago." 
          STATE HOLIDAY: Hispanic labor leaders will be meeting this Saturday, March 31, 2012 with State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez [24th District] to discuss the possibility of a state holiday in honor of Cesar E. Chavez. Gov. Quinn is committed to the idea and would support the holiday. Quinn made this commitment to Hispanic labor leaders when he [Quinn] was Lt. Governor and when he ran for governor. 
          CHAVEZ QUOTE: "We can choose to use our lives for others to bring about a better and more just world for our children. People who make that choice will know hardship and sacrifice. But if you give yourself totally to the non-violence struggle for peace and justice you also find that people give you their hearts and you will never go hungry and never be alone. And in giving of yourself you will discover a whole life full of meaning and love," said Cesar Chavez.  
Pope Benedict XVI
          IN MEXICO:  Pope Benedict XVI visited Mexico Catholics on Sat., March 24, 2012 and celebrated Mass on Sunday in Guanajuato gathering 300,000 people. The Pope urged Mexicans to wield their faith against drug violence, corruption and poverty. Mexico is suffering from all the killings by drug cartel which has been affecting Mexico’s tourist trade. The Pope's only public remarks Saturday were for 4,000 children and their parents, giving the Mexican people hope. Fabiola Ganzalez, 17, said: "We're excited to hear his words, not just for this moment, but to carry in our lives and to know God better." Pope Benedict also met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon during his visit. 
          MOVIE REVIEW: "Act of Valor" movie is a true documentary about the Navy SEALS. In the movie, the SEALS engage in two dangerous missions, both riveting and action-packed. Valor is the centerpiece of the movie and how all the SEALS perform courageously. These men of valor, trained as SEALS, know how to survive while executing their mission to rescue and destroy. I enjoyed the movie so much I went to see it twice. It's hard to find the movie in theaters today; I had to go to LaGrange to see it again. I give it four stars.
          A TEN COUNT for boxing writer and sports historian Bert Sugar, 75, who died Sunday of cardiac arrest. Bert was an iconic boxing showman whose trademark was a fedora and cigar.
          
CALENDAR OF EVENTS


          Sat., April 7--For Little Village residents Free haircuts and manicures at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment necessary.
          Thurs., April 12--CAPS meeting, 6 p.m. Beat 21-22-13-14 at 10th District Police, 3315 W. Ogden Ave.
          Wed., April 18--CAPS meeting, 6 p.m. Spanish speaking, Beats 31-32-33-34 at 10th District Police, 3315 W. Ogden Ave.
          Sat., April 21--"Clean & Green" campaign in Chicago. Register by calling 311 for clean-up equipment.


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Latino Democratic Winners, Chavez Proclamation, CAPS Meetings, Clean & Green Campaign, Aliyah Shell, Calendar of Events


Silvana Tabares
          WINNERS: Our congratulations to all the Democratic Latino winners in the 2012 Primary Election held Tuesday, March 20, 2012. The winners are as follows: Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez, Representative in Congress [4th District] Luis V. Gutierrez, State Senator [1st District] Antonio "Tony" Munoz, State Senator [2nd District] William "Willie" Delgado, State Senator [11th District] Martin A. Sandoval, State Senator [12th District/Little Village] Steven Landek. State Representative [3rd District] Luis Arroyo, State Representative [21st District] Silvana Tabares, State Representative [24th District] Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez, State Representative [2rd District] Edward Acevedo, Judge, Illinois Appellate Court [1st District] Jesse G. Reyes, and Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit Cynthia Ramirez.     
          EARLY VOTING: Unfortunately, many Chicago voters did not take advantage of Early Voting. Early voter numbers in the Latino wards were extremely low. In the eight Latino wards early voter tallies are: 1st Ward: 391; 12th Ward: 197; 22nd Ward: 289; 25th Ward: 355; 26th Ward: 316; 30th Ward: 230; 31st Ward: 286; 35th Ward: 551. The early voting system in Chicago is very costly and the low response may persuade the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners to make some cost-saving changes.
Cesar E. Chavez
          CHAVEZ DAY: A Proclamation has been signed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel designating Saturday, March 31, 2012 as "CESAR E. CHAVEZ DAY IN CHICAGO". From the Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago: A Proclamation reads as follows:
          WHEREAS, Cesar E. Chavez [1927-1993] was the founder and president of the United Farm Workers of American [AFL-CIO]; and
          WHEREAS, Cesar E. Chavez, a union organizer, civil rights leader and non-violent social activist,  worked to improve the standard of living, wages and working conditions of farm workers; and
          WHEREAS, Cesar E. Chavez was a tireless advocate for justice and equality of all people; and 
          WHEREAS, Cesar E. Chavez dedicated his life to the service of others and strove for justice, individual advancement, community prosperity and cultural diversity; and
          WHEREAS, the work of Cesar E. Chavez called national attention to the plight of workers and
          WHEREAS, Cesar E. Chavez was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize during his lifetime and posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest  civilian honor; and
Rahm Emanuel
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, RAHM EMANUEL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2012 to be CESAR E. CHAVEZ DAY IN CHICAGO,  in celebration of his life and legacy, and I encourage all Chicagoans to recognize his important contributions to workers’ rights.                      
          DATED this 9th day of March, 2012
                                                 /s/ Rahm Emanuel, Mayor 
          MEXICAN HERO: Cesar E. Chavez dedicated his life to the labor movement. He struggled and fought to organize farm workers into a Union to better their working life. He was a great union organizer. He used his organizing skills effectively to form the United Farm Workers of America. Cesar built his Union with the weapons of boycotts, picketing, strikes and non-violent. He visited Chicago several times seeking support in boycotting grapes and lettuce. I admired Chavez's tenacity, perseverance and leadership. His message was loud   and clear: migrant farm workers are treated unfairly.
Cesar E. Chavez
          CESAR ESTRADE CHAVEZ was born in San Luis, Arizona, near Yuma on March 31, 1927. He was a Mexican-American who worked full-time in the fields after graduating the 8th grade to help support his family. Cesar  parents, Librado and Juana, had lost their farm during the Depression. 
          AT THE AGE of 17, Cesar joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. When he returned home he labored as a farm worker in California and became farm worker labor leader. He married Helen Fabela in 1948 and raised 8 children. Both Cesar and Helen taught Mexican immigrants how to read and  organized voter registration drives for new U.S. citizens.
          INFLUENCED: Cesar was greatly influenced by the peaceful philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi and Mohandas Gandhi. Chavez's motto was "Si, se puede," [Yes, it can be done] and used his lifetime quest for social justice as "Viva La Causa" [Long Live the Cause]. Cesar Chavez died on April 23, 1993.  
          CAPS MEETINGS: Two important CAPS meetings are scheduled in the 10th Police District, 3315 W. Ogden Ave. next month. On Thursday, April 12th at 6 p.m. Beat: 21-22-23-24; on Wednesday, April 18th at 6 p.m. Spanish speaking: Beats 31-32-33-34. New District 10th Commander Maria C. Pena will be present at both meetings. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the beat meetings. Mark your calendar now. 
          CLEAN-UP: The annual Chicago's citywide "Clean & Green" volunteer clean-up campaign will kick-off on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Residents and community organizations are urged to help in the Clean-Up campaign of their neighborhood. "Help beautify your communities by cleaning up and recycling accumulated litter and trash," said Thomas G. Byrne, Commissioner, Streets and Sanitation. 
          STREETS & SANITATION DEPT. will provide community organization with brooms, rakes, shovels and bags needed to get the job done. To register or for more information call 311. Registration deadline is April 13, 2012. "Keep Chicago Beautiful!"
          CONDOLENCES: Our deepest condolences to the family of Aliyah Shell, 6, who was shot and killed, in broad daylight, in front of her parents in Little Village Saturday, March 17, 2012. This tragedy was unfortunate and senseless. Young Aliyah was a “happy child”, said her uncle Roy Aguilar. She was a beautiful girl with her life ahead of her.  May justice prevail.  

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
          Sat., April 7--For Little Village residents Free haircuts and manicures at the Little Village 
          Community Council, 3610 W. 26th Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment necessary.
          Thurs., April 12--CAPS meeting, 6 p.m. Beat 21-22-13-14 at 10th District Police, 3315 
           W. Ogden Ave.
          Wed., April 18--CAPS meeting, 6 p.m. Spanish speaking, Beats 31-32-33-34 at 10th  
           District Police, 3315 W. Ogden Ave.
          Sat., April 21--"Clean & Green" campaign in Chicago. Register by calling 311 for clean
          -up equipment.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Primary Election, CPS Principal Search, Benito Juarez, Cesar Chavez, Maria T. Mooning, America's Career Institute, Golden Gloves, IBEW Local 134


CRUNCH TIME: Candidates running for public office in the Primary Election Tuesday, March 20, 2012 have only four days to convince voters to vote for them. However, most voters have their minds made up, or have already voted. For those who have not voted remember: Voting is important, Get-Out-And-Vote, and Vote Democratic!
          FARRAGUT: Kudos to members of Local School Council [LSC] at Farragut Career Academy, 2345 S. Christiana Ave. for opening the process in the selection of a new Principal. The LSC held four separate meetings to hear opinions and comments from stakeholders; LSC members met with the community on Tuesday, Feb. 14, parents on Tuesday, Feb. 21st, students on Tuesday, Feb. 28th and with teachers and staff on Friday, March 9, 2012. Each group expressed its own concerns and opinions.
          POSTING FOR the position of a new principal at Farragut Career Academy was announced by Chicago Public School [CPS] on Feb 15, 2012; and closed March 1, 2012. Applicants had to e-mail their resume, cover letter and requested application materials to CPS Central Office. CPS Central Office will review the resumes for eligibility and send qualified candidates to the LSC. The LSC members will review and interview perspective candidates, selecting three. The three finalists will be introduced to the stakeholders of Farragut Career Academy; at a Candidates Forum. The forum is designed to give the candidates an opportunity to address the school stakeholders.
          PRINCIPAL OPENING: There is an opening for a principal at Cyrus H. McCormick Elementary School, 2712 S. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, Il 60623. Position information available by contacting Amirah Salah, Chair Principal Selection Committee, CPSPrincipals@cps.k12.il.us
Application deadline is March 21, 2012.
          MEXICAN HEROES: The birthdays of two famous and historical Mexican leaders are celebrated this month. Benito Juarez [1806-1872] on March 21 and labor leader Cesar E. Chavez [1927-1993] on March 31. Both of these men's life and legacy made a tremendous impact on the lives of Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Here's a very small portion on the life of Benito Juarez.
Benito Juarez
          BENITO JUAREZ was born in a small adobe in the village of San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca, Mexico. His parents, Marcelino Juarez and Brigida Garcia, were peasants who both died of complications of diabetes when Benito was three years old. Benito was raised by an uncle. Benito described his parents as "indios de la raza primitiva del pais," ["Indians of the original race of the country."]. 
          AT THE AGE of 12, Juarez worked in the corn field and as a shepherd. He was illiterate and could not speak Spanish, only Zapotec at that time, and walked to the city of Oaxaca de Juarez to attend school. A lay Franciscan, Antonio Salanueva, arranged for Benito to be placed in the city's seminary. In 1834, Juarez became a lawyer and politician of Zapotec origin from Oaxaca. In 1843, Benito married Margarita Maza. He served five terms as President of Mexico: 1858-1861 as interim, then 1861-1865, 1865-1867, 1867-1871 and 1871-1872. In the Ley Juarez [Law of Juarez] of 1855 declared all citizens equal before the law and severely restricted the privileges of the Catholic Church. 
          JUAREZ fought against the French intervention of Mexico that proclaimed Emperor Maximilian von Habsburg I of Mexico in 1864. The last of Maximilian's forces were defeated in 1867. U.S. President Andrew Jackson gave diplomatic recognition to the Juarez government and supplied weapons and funding to Juarez. Benito Juarez died of a heart attack in 1872 while reading a newspaper social section at this desk in the National Palace in Mexico City. 
          TODAY, Benito Juarez is remembered as being a progressive reformer dedicated to democracy, equal rights for his nation's indigenous people, his antipathy toward organized religion, especially the Catholic Church, and what he regarded as defense of national sovereignty. His leadership is known in Mexican history as La Reforma del Norte [The Reform of the North]. 
Maria Mooning
          MARCH 21 is a national holiday in Mexico, which has continued to grow in acceptance within Mexican culture. Juarez's famous quotation continues to be well-remembered in Mexico: "Entre los individuos, como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la pas", [Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace."] A high school is the Pilsen neighborhood is named Benito Juarez Community Academy High School, 2150 S. Laflin St. The principal is Juan Carlos Ocon. Check encyclopedia of World Biography for more information on Benito Juarez.
          PROFILE: Maria T. Mooning was born in Chicago and has spent the last sixteen years at Farragut Career Academy High School. She has an impressive academic background: Masters of Art in Education, 1994 and Master of Art in English, 2003. Notable contributions are in areas of student, community, and professional service and with CPS projects and programs at Farragut, namely, Student of the month Director, and the Mayor Daley Book Club Head Facilitator. At Farragut she is the English Department Chair, the JROTC English Lead Teacher, instructor of Urban Student Empowered and is a fluent Spanish speaker.
          HER PASSION, the US Empowered program, aims to help juniors and seniors prepare for college. "Fifty percent [50%] of students, nationally, who enroll in college drop out in the first year," said Maria. Students drop out [of college] because they were not matched with the right college and lacked the support system needed to succeed. "My goal is to have every student in the Urban Students Empowered program graduate from college," she stated.
          PRESENTLY there are 25 students, thirteen girls and twelve boys, enrolled in the US Empowered program at Farragut. For these students their first year in college is an E-line program. Ms. Mooning said her students can contact her anytime during office hours to discuss their experiences. "I will be there for them on anything," said Maria. 
          TEN of her twenty-five students have been nominated for the National Honor Society which recognizes the best in any school. "It gives the student prestige and makes the student more marketable when they are applying for college, I enjoy what I am doing and there is nothing else I would rather do," said Maria.  
Sitting: Patricia Caraballo
          FREE HAIRCUTS: Cosmetologist and Nail Technician students from America's Career Institute, Inc. in Berwyn will be giving free haircuts and manicures to residents of Little Village on Sat., April 7, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. No appointment is necessary.
          AMERICA'S Career Institute, family operated since 1997, is dedicated to helping women and men to develop and express their creativity in a career in the beauty industry. ACI students gain the knowledge and skills for work as hair dresser, hair colorist, nail technician, instructor, makeup specialist, salon owner, product demonstrator or technician to a manufacturer. Students reach their creative goals leading to employment and a lifetime career of opportunities.
          THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR of America's Career Institute is Patricia Caraballo. ACI is located at 7000 W. Cermak Road in Berwyn. For information on the school, call 708/795-1500.  
          BOXING: The schedule for the Chicago Golden Gloves 2012 amateur boxing program at Gordon Tech High School, 3633 N. California Ave. is as follows:
                           March 15, 16 and 17th
                           March 22, 23 and 24th
            BOUTS begin nightly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the March 15th event. Tickets are $15 on March 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24th. The championship will be contested on April 12, 13 and 14. Championship bouts begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $35 Main Floor and $50 Ringside. Tickets can be purchased at the door on event evenings beginning at 6 p.m. 
          THE GLOVES provides scholarship money to worthy boxers and donate equipment to needy local boxing gyms. I'll see ya at the "gloves"!
          LOCAL 134: The International Brotherhood of Electricians, Local 134 Political Action Committee is hosting a "Meet Your Elected Officials and Candidates" reception and fund raiser on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 p.m. at Local 134 Union Hall, 600 W. Washington Blvd. At the event will be food, pop and beer. There will also be door prizes and raffles. Donation is $20. For more information call Ruben Almendarez at 708/563-1004.  

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Vote Early, Elizabeth Hernandez, Aurelia Pucinski, Ariel E. Reboyras, H.A.L.C. "Meet the Candidates", Jessica O'Brien, Edward J. Maloney, San Patricios


VOTE EARLY: Deadline for voting early is Thursday, March 15, 2012. Call the Chicago Board of Election at 312/269-7984 or log on chicagoelections.com to find the nearest polling place to your job or home.  Voters should take advantage of voting early. The "early voting" system offered by the Chicago Board of Election provides plenty of time to vote. There should be no more excuses for not voting! Based on my experience when I asked people why they didn't vote, I heard every excuse possible: "I forgot," "I was busy." Yes, people have shopping, banking, laundry, carpool and many other chores to do. My advice to them is not to wait until Election Day, Tuesday, March 20, 2011 to vote. Avoid the long lines.
          VOTE NOW, VOTE EARLY. You have until March 15 to vote early: Monday thru Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Elizabeth Hernandez
          VOTE HERNANDEZ: State Representative Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez’s campaign is suffering from vicious and aggressive vandalism by her "independent" opponent. Her opponent and his workers are running around the 24th District stealing and tearing down all of her posters and campaign signs, some even on private property with total disregard of the law. "They have stolen 600 signs. They are wiping me out of my campaign literature," said Rep. Lisa Hernandez. It's shameful Rep. Hernandez’s opponent is engaging in such dirty campaign politics. This behavior proves he is not worthy of public office or the public trust. PUNCH 63 FOR LISA HERNANDEZ!
          HIGHLY QUALIFIED: Aurelia Pucinski is a Democratic candidate for Supreme Court Cook County. She has been a lawyer since 1976, has heard more than 10,000 domestic violence cases, served as Appellate Court Justice and a Circuit Court Judge.
         CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION says, "Justice Pucinski has heard a number of major civil and criminal appeals. Justice Pucinski's management experience, knowledge of administrative law and commitment to public service would serve her well on the Illinois Supreme Court." 
Aurelia Pucinski
          COOK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION says: [Judge Pucinski] is "Recommended because [she] you possess the basic legal skills including a demonstrated awareness of the importance of diversity issues and character to be an effective Supreme Court Justice." 
          PUCINSKI is endorsed by the Chicago Bar Association, Cook County Bar Association, Sheet Metal Workers #73, IBEW #9, Italian American Political Coalition, The Chicago Police Sergeants' Association, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, David Roldan, President, Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association and many more. Give her your vote!    
          30TH WARD: Ald. Ariel E. Reboyras is seeking re-election as the Democratic Committeeman in the 30th Ward in the Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Primary Election. He was sworn in as Alderman of the 30th Ward on May 7, 2003 and has been the Democratic Committeeman since 2006. Ariel is a native of New York City and was relocated by his parents to Chicago at the age of twelve. He majored in Education while attending the University of Illinois at Chicago and was the Co-Captain for the UIC "Flames" baseball team. Ariel began his career as a teacher with the Chicago Public Schools at Roberto Clemente High School and was the Assistant Coach for football and wrestling. 
Ariel E. Reboyras
          AFTER HIS tenure as a teacher, Ariel began his career with the City of Chicago driving a truck for the City, worked as an Equipment Dispatcher, headed up an Underground Storage Tank Remediation program for Fleet Management, became an Equipment Coordinator for the Water Department and assisted with design specifications for the Fleet management Division. Ariel's dedication to public services was recognized and he was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in the Department of General Services.
          IN THE COMMUNITY Ariel has volunteered his services to various parks and non-profit organizations, including Little League baseball and youth football programs. He is the co-founder of the Northwest Youth Basketball Association and "Marathon San-Juan," an 8K Road Race in collaboration with the Chicago Puerto Rican Parade. Ariel is a member of the Healthy Streets Campaign Drive with Care's steering committee, a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials [NALEO], and serves on the Pace Citizen Advisory Board. 
          AS ALDERMAN of the 30th Ward, he is a member of the Budget & Government Operations, Committees: Rules and Ethics, Finance, Housing and Real Estate, Public Safety, Transportation, Vice-Chairman of Aviation and Vice-Chairman of License and Consumer Protection. He is in his third term as the Alderman of the 30th Ward. Ariel is a dedicated public servant and deserves to be re-elected.     
          HISPANIC LABOR: More than 100 Hispanic Labor leaders and union members attended the "Meet The Candidates" dinner meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The dinner meeting was held at Mi Tierra Restaurant in Little Village.
          DEMOCRATIC CANDIATES who attended the "Meet the Candidates" dinner meeting and presented their qualifications and candidacy were Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown, [Punch #82]; Supreme Court Cook County Judge Aurelia Pucinski [Punch #102]; Appellate Court Judge Rudy Garcia, [Punch #123];  Judge Jesse G. Reyes, [Punch #122];  Judge Cynthia Ramirez [Punch #149]; Judge Jessica O'Brien, [Punch #159]; Judge Edward J. Maloney, [Punch #156]; Judge James Michael McGing, [Punch #115];  Judge Diann Karen Marsalek, [Punch #153];  Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Democratic candidates Patrick Daley Thompson, [Punch #74]; Patricia Young, Stella Black, [Punch 71];  Debra Shore, Patricia Horton; Judge Kay Marie Hanlon, [Punch #113]; 10th Congressional District Farah Baqai, [Punch #12]; Judge Pamela Leeming, Judge Mathias William Delort, Judge Alfred M. Swanson, [Punch 169]; Judge William Stewart Boyd [Punch #124]; Judge Michael Forti [Punch #158]; Judge Stanley L. Hill, Judge James A. Wright, Judge P. Scott Neville, Jr., Democratic Committeeman Ald. Ariel Reboyras [30th Ward], Judge Rodrick F. Wimberly, Judge Nathaniel R. Howse, Jr., Democratic Town of Cicero Committeeman Charles P. Hernandez representing his wife State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez [24th District] who was in Springfield. Clerk of the Circuit candidate Ricardo Munoz was present but had to leave to attend another function before the introductions began. Munoz did not speak or present his candidacy to the Hispanic Labor leaders. The "Meet the Candidates" event was a huge success. All the candidates in attendance appreciated the opportunity to speak, "work the room", and distribute their campaign literature. As HALC President, I thanked all the Unions and their members for attending the informative event.               
Jessica O'Brien
          QUALIFIED: Democrat Jessica O'Brien [Punch #159] is a candidate for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to fill the Simmons vacancy. O’Brien was born and raised in the Philippines, trained as a chef and rose from bussing tables to senior management. She learned culinary arts in Switzerland and England. Jessica went to law school and worked in private practice before joining the Illinois Revenue Department. Attorney O'Brien is acting chief counsel for the Lottery and is active in the local bar association. 
          CANDIDATE O'BRIEN gave a rousing speech during the Hispanic American Labor Council's dinner meeting and was endorsed by Hispanic labor, Chicago Federation of Labor, Construction Trades Council, Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, IBEW Local 134, IVI-IPO, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7, Maine Township Regular Democratic Party & Committeeman Laura Murphy, 6th Ward Alderman & Committeeman Roderick T. Sawyer, 34th Ward Alderman & Committeeman Carrie M. Austin, Pipe Fitters Union Local 597 and many more. To contact Jessica: jobrienforjudge@att.net or call 312/965-6737.  Punch #159! 
          HIGHLY QUALIFIED: Democratic Edward J. Maloney [Punch #156] is a candidate for Cook County Circuit Court Judge to fill the Pucinski vacancy. He is the only candidate in this race endorsed by the Illinois Committee For Honest Government and found qualified and recommended by ALL Bar Associations. 
Edward J. Maloney
          MALONEY'S QUALIFICATIONS: He graduated from John Marshall Law School and worked as a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney since 1989. Maloney has over 20 years of courtroom experience, tried hundreds of felony trials, with appellate court experience in both criminal and civil court. He has argued cases on appeal in state and federal court, U.S. Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Northern Districts of Illinois, Trial coach, Chicago Public School and B.B.A., University of Iowa.
          MALONEY is endorsed by the Chicago Federation of Labor [CFL], Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, Wheeling Township Democratic Organization, Democratic Party of Leyden Township, Chicago & Cook County Building Trades Council, Laborers District Council, Chicago County of Carpenters, IBEW Electrical Workers, Locals 9 and 134, IUOE, Operating Engineers, Locals 150 and 399, Ironworkers Local 1, Machinists & Aerospace Workers, Local 126, Painters, Local 14, Sheet Metal Workers, Local 73, Cook County College Teachers Union, Local 1600, Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association, Italian, German, Polish, Greek American Police Associations, Cook County Sheriff's Police FOP Lodge #4. Give him your vote!     
          MEXICAN HISTORY: As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Sat., March 17th, Mexicans must be reminded of the historical bond between Mexicans and the Irish people. The bond forged when the St. Patrick's Battalion, mostly Irish soldiers, 500 deserted the U.S. army to fight on the side of Mexico during the U.S.-Mexican War 1846-1848. 
          THESE BRAVE IRISH soldiers were led by Captain John Riley of County Galway and were known as the San Patricios. They followed their conscience and crossed the Texas Mexican border to fight against an unjust invasion of Mexico; to be on the side of a Catholic country. "A fine documentary by Mark R. Day exonerates these heroes, giving Irish and Irish-Americans, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans great cause for pride and celebration" says Thomas Cahill, Author of How the Irish Saved Civilization. Learn more about this historical event by logging on: YouTube, click on "One Man's Hero" video and learn more about the San Patricios.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Early Voting, Recommended Candidates, Dirty Politics, 31st Senior Club, Kid's ID, Golden Gloves, Manuel Perez Jr. Birthday, Movie: "The Wild Bunch", Events


EARLY VOTING: There are only 25 days until the Primary Election, Tuesday, March 20, 2012. However, early voting began Monday, Feb. 27th and will end on March 15th. Chicago voters may use any voting site regardless of where the voter may live. Voters don't need any reason for wanting to vote early, but will need to show a government-issued photo ID to receive a ballot. There are 51 Early Voting sites in Chicago [Google: chicagoelections.com] that will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Board of Election offices at 69 W. Washington will also be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. including on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
         THE EIGHT Latino wards Early Voting sites are as follows:
1st Ward: Goldblatts Building, 1615 W. Chicago Ave.: Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
12th Ward: Davis Square Park, 4430 S. Marshfield: Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
22nd Ward: Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st St., Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
25th Ward: Chinatown Library, 2353 S. Wentworth Ave., Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
26th Ward: Humboldt Park Library, 1605 N. Troy St., Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
30th Ward: Portage Cragin Library, 5108 W. Belmont Ave., Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
31st Ward: Blackhawk Park, 2318 N. Lavergne Ave., Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
35th Ward: Logan Square Library, 3030 W. Fullerton Ave., Mon. thru Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
          REMEMBER: "Your Vote, Is Your Voice!", " Su Voto, Es Tu Voz!" and Get-Out-And-Vote! Someone said: "It's Cool To Vote!" Voting only takes 5 minutes depending on the time you arrive at the polling place. Vote for the candidates of your choice, but check their credentials and qualifications. A candidates experience in government, plus dedication in serving the community, is vital.
          DON’T BE FOOLED by candidates who use political affiliation phrases like "independent", "progressive," and "reformer"; these are empty phrases and used by candidates who typically do not have much to offer. Ask the candidate the important question, "What have you DONE to improve the quality of life in our community?” Campaign promises are good but what has the candidate done to deserve your vote? 


RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES 
Anita Alvarez*               Elizabeth Hernandez*      Steven Landek*            Rudy Garcia*
Cook County State's Attorney State Rep. 24th Dist.   State Sen. 12th Dist.  Judge, Appellate Court 
Cauthetemoc Morfin            Cynthia Ramirez         Carlos Claudio           Michael Cabonargi*
        State Rep. 2nd Dist.          Circuit Court Judge     Sub-Circuit Judge       Board of Review, 2nd Dist. 

Antonio  Munoz*              William  Delgado*          Edward J. Acevedo*          Silvana Tabares
 State Sen., 1st Dist.            State Sen. 2nd Dist.         State Rep. 2nd Dist.          State Rep., 21st Dist.
*incumbent

DIRTY POLITICS: State Representative Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez [D-24th District] Ad benches are being vandalized by her "independent" opponent. The defaced benches advertising her candidacy are located down 26th St. business district in Little Village, part of the 24th District. Her opponent plastered his political signs with his name over Hernandez's name. "Advertising my candidacy on Ad benches cost our campaign a lot of money," said Representative Hernandez. "If my opponent wants his name on Ad benches he should rent the benches," concluded Hernandez. A police report was made by the Hernandez campaign. 
Rep. Lisa Hernandez,
 Sally Martinez & Arlene Zriny
          HERNANDEZ'S campaign also reported four men wearing black hoods were observed stealing Hernandez's 4x4 campaign signs in Berwyn at night. "They stole a total of 25 signs, many on private property" said Hernandez's campaign. In the 22nd Ward, dirty politics is not new. Two years ago when State Rep. Daniel Burke was running for re-election his opponent defaced Burke's billboards in the 22nd Ward with black paint. 
          CANDIDATES who engage in this type of campaigning do not deserve the support of the voters. A candidate who resorts to vandalism is demonstrating their lack of character, integrity, and lack of respect for property value or freedom of expression. Stealing is illegal; this includes stealing political signs. A candidate who steals, engages in vandalism, or condones this illegal activity, especially a politician, cannot be trusted to hold public office and should not be elected. 
Dathna & Alexander Aguilar,
Louisa Keefe
          KID'S ID EVENT: Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza's staff person, Louisa Keefe, registered and photographed 35 Little Village children and adults with KID's and medical ID cards Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. The plastic ID cards carry vital information for the child and adult safety. Each card displays the Seal of Chicago and they are filed in the City Clerk's office for emergency use. The youngest child registered Saturday was a 4 month old baby by her parents. The City Clerk provided this free service at the Little Village Community office, 3610 W. 26th St., Chicago. Call the City Clerk's office for the KIDs and Medical ID service.    
          HONORS: Omar Headen, Ph.D., Coordinator, Culture of Calm at Farragut Career Academy announced the following students who were honored as “Students of the Month”:
Vanessa Avalos, Avelar Maribel, Willie Burns, Viviana Chavez, Rosalva Diaz, Darryl Magitt, Alyssa Manzanarez, Daniel Morales, Rodrigo Pantoja, Cristian Ramirez, Melissa Sotelo, Nancy Valasquez, Andres Vargas, Dulce Quintero. Congrats to all the students!
          BOXING: The schedule for the Chicago Golden Gloves 2012 12 nights of amateur boxing at Gordon Tech High School, 3633 N. California Ave. is as follows:
                                                   March 8, 9 and 10th
                                                   March 15, 16 and 17th
                                                   March 22, 23 and 24th

          BOUTS begin nightly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 on March 8, 9, 10 and 15. Tickets are $15 on March 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24th. The championship will be contested on April 12, 13 and 14. Championship bouts begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $35 Main Floor and $50 Ringside. Tickets can be purchased at the door on event evenings beginning at 6 p.m. 
PFC Manuel Perez Jr. 
          THE CHICAGO GOLDEN Gloves Charities sends a championships team to the National Golden Gloves Championships held annually in May and hosted by different cities. The Gloves also provides scholarship money to worthy boxers and donate equipment to needy local boxing gyms and the Chicago Park District. I'll see ya at the "gloves"!
           A HERO: PFC Manuel Perez Jr. [1923-1945] a Mexican-American was born March 3, 1923 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Perez Jr.'s birthday will be celebrated at noon this Saturday, March 3th by the members of the Little Village Dr. Hector P. Garcia AMVETS Post 326. AMVETS Commander William Luna said: "This is the tenth year that the members of the AMVETS, Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017, Mexican American Veterans Association [MAVA] and the Military Order of the Purple Heart are celebrating Perez Jr.'s birthday." The celebration will be held at the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial plaza at 26th St. & Kolin Ave. The Farragut ROTC Color Guard will post colors at the event and Rick Murray, a Korean veteran, will sing the National Anthem.
          PEREZ JR. was a United States Army soldier killed in action and posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration, for his heroic actions in the Battle of Luzon during the Philippines campaign of World War II. The Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017 is located at 27th St. & Hamlin Ave. in Little Village.
Emilio "El Indio" Fernandez
          FREE MOVIE: The classic movie, "The Wild Bunch" will be featured on a full screen at noon this Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Free popcorn will be served to the audience. Famous Mexican actor Emilio "El Indio" Fernandez plays a Colonel in the Mexican army in the movie that gets into a fierce bloody battle with the "gringos."
          FERNANDEZ, the model for the Oscar, posed nude as the naked Knight holding a sword for the statuette in 1929. Other actors in the movie are William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Jaime Sanchez. It’s an action packed movie directed by Sam Peckinpah. I give this movie four stars plus

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

            Thursday, March 1st  to March 28 -- Cesar Chavez Food Drive sponsored by State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez. Drop off donations at Hernandez's Service Office, 2137 S. Lombard Ave., Suite 205, Cicero. Items needed: Paper towels, canned fruits and vegetables, sugar, bottled water, etc. For more information call 708/222-5240.
            Saturday, March 3--"The Wild Bunch" movie at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. at Noon. Free admission. Emilio Fernandez, William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Juan Sanchez. 
        Sunday, Mar. 4--LAPA "Si Se Puede!" Comedy Jam with comedian Jose Sarduy direct from Texas. Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 each. For ticket information contact www.lapa961.com or call Ruben Dominguez at 773/501-2277.