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Influential Faith Leaders Urge Activist Pastor to Run for Office

Current West Side Commissioner Barbara McGowan has been on the water reclamation district since 1998. She announced over the summer that she will not be seeking re-election. Her seat will be available with candidates all over the county vying to fill it. Pastor Ira Acree of Greater St John Bible Church and his supporters feel that he is the most competent and prepared leader from the west side to replace her.

Chicago as well as our nation has witnessed Pastor Acree on the front line, selflessly fighting for others. He has a track record of being able to get things done. He’s an extraordinary communicator and a tremendous leader, that’s why we support his candidacy for commissioner of our water reclamation district,” stated Dr Johnny L. Miller the Commissioner of the Baptist Ministers Fellowship of Chicago and vicinity.

“We need people in elective office who truly care about the residents. Rev Ira Acree is one of those people and I support him 110% for commissioner of the Metropolitan water reclamation District,” stressed Dr. Phalese Binion, president of the WestSide Baptist Ministers Conference.

“Our community needs Rev. Ira J. Acree as Water Reclamation Commissioner.  Rev. Acree has an extraordinary combination of passion, integrity and brilliance and is committed to bringing transformative change to the people who need it most.  Electing Rev. Acree will be a victory for the people of the west side and a victory for all of us who support racial, social and economic justice,” said David Cherry, President of the Leaders Network.

“We need the leadership of Rev. Ira Acree to represent the interest of the Chicago and west suburban corridor with water reclamation. His work in our network demonstrates the finest of public service,” said Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Church of West Garfield.

“Having Rev. Ira Acree as a Water Reclamation Commissioner brings not only competent proven leadership to the office, but he has more than 20 years of experience championing causes that improve the quality of life for Westside residents,” said Pastor Cy Fields, New Landmark MB Church, East Garfield Park.

“I’ve been asked by the people to run for commissioner of the Metropolitan Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. If I’m fortunate enough to get the endorsement of the Democratic party and go on to win, it would be an honor to continue the hallmark of my work: fighting for equity and clean water for all,” stated Rev Ira Acree, pastor of Greater St John Bible Church

“My life’s work and deep roots on the west side as well as the western suburbs has prepared me for the task. I believe I can win and help the ticket with the support of our 28,760 people who are affiliated with the Leaders Network. I was also president of Rainbow Push west and I’m currently one of the  Chicago leaders of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. I enjoy great support from both of those social justice organizations as well,”  Acree added

Acree will appear before the Cook County Democratic Party slate makers on Monday, December 13th to make his case.

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