Candidates for 7th District State Senate Partake in Forum on Issues
January 23, 2008
By Melissa Benson - The Phoenix
"Young people don't feel empowered; they don't feel like they count," said Suzanne Elder, a Progressive Democratic candidate for the Illinois state Senate. Voters in Illinois' 7th District, representing the East Rogers Park and Edgewater communities, got the opportunity to pose questions and express their concerns to candidates Elder and Heather Steans (D) during a Candidate Forum on Saturday.
Both candidates stated that they hope to inspire more voters to participate in the election by ensuring them that they will be accessible to the constituents if elected. Despite cold weather, an auditorium full of voters turned out to ask questions.
The event was moderated by Christine Wellman, president of Rogers Park VOTER, an organization that aims to get local voters more involved in the election process and hold elected officials accountable. The group sponsored the event, which was held in the auditorium of the United Church of Rogers Park.
Both candidates agreed on issues such as the necessity for campaign finance reform and the need for increased funding for public schools. "The state is not doing what it should to fund schools," Steans said. "I don't think education should be based on [a student's] address. "
Question topics varied, including the problems of Lake Michigan's water quality, gay marriage rights and funding for the arts in Rogers Park. Attendees also expressed concern about corruption in Illinois politics and its effects on many elections, and Steans and Elder agreed that Illinois has a serious political problem.
"It's appalling that we are one of the most corrupt states," Steans said. Steans stressed that she put voluntary limits on her campaign based on federal standards, even though Illinois does not require it.
Steans also emphasized her many endorsements from local officials such as Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and from organizations such as Planned Parenthood.
Elder has worked as a small business owner and a health policy analyst at the University of Chicago. After her daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Elder began working as a political activist, pushing legislation for the rights of children with disabilities.
"The most important thing is judgment and how we approach constituents," Elder said. "I am committed to promoting strong grass-roots involvement [in the election]. "
Steans managed the budgets of state agencies in Wisconsin and worked as a strategic planner for the superintendent of Chicago Public Schools. She said she chose to run because she "leads [her] life based on social justice values" that she intends to bring to the office. Steans also said there is a need for "more independent, strong leaders " in the Senate.
Source: http://media.www.loyolaphoenix.com/media/storage/paper673/news/2008/01/23/News/ Candidates.For.7th.District.State.Senate.Partake.In.Forum.On.Issues-3163450.shtml?reffeature= htmlemailedition