Representative Danny Davis is retiring. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity. There is so much in Washington that is broken right now, and we have a lot of work to do to restore the rule of law and to deliver services for the public good.
If only we could find a forward-thinking, hard-working young person who will fight for families and working people, for safe and well-paying jobs, and for accountable government that delivers services, not retribution.
I was surprised and delighted to meet one such candidate — someone who is young and also ready for the job. His name is Anthony Driver Jr., and he is running for Congress.
Anthony has worked at all levels of government and holds a leadership position in the SEIU, a union of many kinds of working people. He has worked on policy and bread-and-butter issues for SEIU’s members. As head of Chicago’s Civilian Police Oversight Commission, Anthony has enacted reforms that keep us all safer. He has the skills and experience to bring people together, to negotiate with people of all perspectives, and to fight for essential services for everyday people.
Anthony is a lifelong resident of the district, except while earning his degree at Howard University in Washington D.C., and while working for President Obama. He will hit the ground running for constituents’ services. He will bring people together. When the count in Congress changes, he will work diligently for legislation that helps families and working people.
This race has a number of people running who claim the progressive mantle. I don’t know them, so I presume that at least some of them are telling the truth. What I do know is that Anthony has already achieved the kind of successes that show he’s ready to lead. I met Anthony more than a month ago and am firmly in his camp.
Anthony Driver Jr. is ready for this job. Can’t we elect this fine young man and start to make government in Washington work for us?
Ruth McBeth
Oak Park