Alderman Will Burns wins endorsement from IVI-IPO during campaign kick off weekend

CHICAGO - Jan. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- (CHICAGO) --  Alderman William D. (Will) Burns (http://www.friendsofwillburns.com),candidate for re-election as Alderman of the Fourth Ward, capped off a weekend of campaign events by securing the endorsement of the  Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organization (http://www.iviipo.org) (IVI-IPO) on Sunday night.

The IVI-IPO (http://www.iviipo.org) announced their endorsement of Burns reelection after hearing presentations from the three candidates vying for the position and a vote of organization members who live in the Ward.

“I am deeply honored to be endorsed by the IVI-IPO.  Their endorsement is a recognition of the work we’ve done the past three years to make the Fourth Ward a community of choice for all residents,” said Burns.

Earlier that afternoon, Burns hosted the opening of his campaign office at 900 E. 47^th Street.  More than 100 supporters, volunteers and community residents attended the event and joined the Alderman in making calls to potential campaign supporters.  Among those in attendance were State Representative Christian L. Mitchell (D - 26^th District), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and former 4^th Ward Alderman Shirley Newsome.

The Coalition for Equitable Community Development’s (http://www.hpkcoalition.org) (CECD) Candidate Forum was the first of  campaign events held on Saturday. During the Forum, the Alderman related a story to the audience about a tip he received from a resident in Lawless Gardens regarding a planned drive by shooting.  Burns took the information to the 2^nd District Police Commander who was able to thwart the drive by and arrest those involved who were found with guns and drugs. “These are the stories about protecting our residents that never make the news,” Burns said.

The CECD hosted candidates seeking office in both the 4^th and 5^th Ward with a focus on the racial and economic diversity of the Ward.   Among the topics discussed were housing accessibility, education, public safety, TIF funding, the city’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) and The Obama Presidential Library. A video of the CECD debate is available on the organization’s website hpkcoalition.org as well as at aldertrack.com.

In summarizing his current term and why he is running for reelection Burns said, “My office helps people. That is what this job allows me to do.  I’m excited about all the new housing, excited about all the new businesses, excited from the increasing vitality that we’re seeing, not just in Hyde Park but in Grand Boulevard, in Douglas, in every part of the 4^th Ward.  But, ultimately, what we’re doing is saving peoples’ lives, we’re giving people opportunity and we’re making sure the city of Chicago is open and accessible to them.  For that reason, I hope you’ll elect me to another term as Alderman of the 4^th Ward."

The general election will be held Tuesday, February 24th and early voting begins Monday, February 9th.  For more information about the campaign, or to volunteer, please visit www.friendsofwillburns.com or contact Jazmine Johnson at the campaign office, 773-916-6605.

About Alderman Will Burns

William D. “Will” Burns is currently serving in his first term as 4th Ward Alderman of the City of Chicago. In February 2011, he was elected Alderman of the 4th Ward after being elected to two terms as Illinois State Representative for the 26th District. As alderman of the 4th Ward, Will is committed to attracting quality commercial and residential development, improving neighborhood public schools, enhancing public safety, and increasing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in city operations.

Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO)

The IVI–IPO is a not-for-profit, multi-partisan, independent political organization. Their mission is to achieve social justice through good government by increasing voter participation and knowledge, by providing a framework for candidate evaluation, and by electing responsive government officials. Their endorsements reach hundreds of thousands of voters throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

About CECD

The mission of the Coalition for Equitable Community Development is to convene residents, faith-based communities, civic, educational, and social organizations, and the business community in planning, guiding, and monitoring housing and related activities that will support the maintenance of an economically and racially diverse community in Hyde Park and Kenwood.