The 2010 General Assembly election could produce many new faces, and one community organizer is hoping hers is one of them.
The 2010 General Assembly election could produce many new faces, and one community organizer is hoping hers is one of them. Tracy McLemore, 42, a Democrat, single mom and former campaign volunteer to U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-2nd, announced July 5 her candidacy for state representative for the 28th District, which is currently held by Democratic incumbent Robert Rita, who is white. The 28th District covers many south suburbs that have predominately Black populations, including Robbins, a small municipality that has operated without a budget for over a decade. “My campaign is about helping people. I am running to change things, not to keep things the same,” McLemore told the Defender. “Suburbs like Robbins, whose residents continue to live in poverty stricken conditions need help. Orland Park, a middle-class suburb, has among the highest foreclosure rates in the south suburbs. And funding for poor school districts also needs to be improved.” And while many of the problems, such as unemployment, foreclosure and affordable health care, facing residents in the 28th District stem from the sour economy, McLemore said poor leadership and a disconnection from the community have compounded it. If elected, McLemore will look at increasing education funding, access to health care for everyone, developing better foreclosure programs and creating more jobs through economic development. McLemore said while she may be considered a long shot and an outsider, “I have been that way all my life and have always came out successful, so my chances of winning are good.” She plans to hold her first fundraiser July 17 on the South Side. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.