Ron Lawless rebuttal: Will include residents in my decisions

The Wednesday Journal endorsement offers interesting but misleading arguments for the Cook County commissioner race. Editors offer youth, enthusiasm and a prominent endorsement as the basis for their selection. They omitted one other, telling and prominent endorsement: their endorsed candidate received $50,000 in donations from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. They endorsed a 27-year-old who chose the insider route to political office, working for Rahm’s campaign four years ago.
I have been a certified candidate on a ballot for office three times in the past. My first run for political office was over 20 years ago. Then an idealistic and active young man, I was drawn to run by experiences as a community volunteer and a basic lack of responsiveness by elected officials.
My overall goal has always been the same: offer alternatives for participation without political strings attached. When Democratic leaders quietly advised me they wanted no opposition to the incumbent, I decided to run as a Green in the 2010 general election for County commissioner. I received about 1/3 of Oak Parkers’ votes then. Residents across the district heard my message, voting for me despite overwhelming support of Democratic political bosses for a candidate demonized by the Journal.
I know the district’s communities through service to neighborhood groups and advocates over many years. I’ve helped others understand and adapt government policies to their interests as well. My experience working over the years across the district is unparalleled. I’ve been called to communities from Garfield Park to Oak Park, from Austin to Westchester.
Sadly, the Journal seemingly ignores vital issues. Our lovely forest preserves need revitalization. Our correctional system is being overseen by the U.S. Justice Dept. Our prosecutorial system is broken, adding unnecessary costs and risks. Our low-income residents do not benefit from government procurement and hiring, using existing rules and funding. We must at least consider different revenue sources instead of ever-rising property tax levies. I seek workable alternatives. They exist, although party leaders ignore them.
As commissioner, I will offer a unique combination of experience, knowledge of the district’s communities and inclusion of residents in decisions great and small.