Fox Valley Labor News: Naperville Welcomes Candidates, Democrats

The Fox Valley Labor News published an article (penned by our own Dianne McGuire) about the lovely April 26 party at which we met and chatted with a number of local democratic office-holders and candidates.  Thank you again, Ramin and Marina!  Here’s the text:

Naperville welcomes candidates, Democrats

By Dianne McGuire
Special to the
Fox Valley Labor News

NAPERVILLE — Democratic candidates Congressman Bill Foster; State Sen. and candidate for State Treasurer Mike Frerichs; Jean Kaczmarek, candidate for DuPage County Clerk; State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, Ed Agustin, candidate for State Rep., District 41; DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Dr. Shannon Burns and DuPage County Board Member Laurie Nowak were the guests of honor April 26 at a Naperville cocktail hour reception, hosted by Naperville residents, Ramin Mikaili and Marina Reznitskaya.

The free event was coordinated by Dianne McGuire, College of DuPage Trustee and Chair of the Naperville Township Democratic Organization (NTDO).

Candidates and guests enjoyed their time together, especially the opportunity to converse informally and to share concerns.

Many Democratic election judges were in attendance, as well as NTDO precinct committeemen/women and Democratic supporters. COD Trustees Kim Savage and Nancy Svoboda, Will County Board Member Jackie Traynere and District 203 School Board member Mike Jaensch, were also in attendance.

NTDO Precinct Committeeman Max Bochmann and his associate Art Shuter provided live music for the event was.
With regard to the obstructionist tactics of the Republicans, Congressman Foster said he’s become discouraged.  “I consider that if we can pass comprehensive immigration reform in this congress, and keep other really devastating legislation from being passed — I will consider my time well served,” Foster said.

He explained that his earlier term served (2008-10) is a stark contrast to his current term.

“Being in the majority meant we were able to pass real legislation that improved the lives of the American people. The power of the Speaker is really quite remarkable. If he so chose, immigration reform could be brought to the floor immediately and it would pass,” Foster said.

Once elected, Sen. Frerichs would like to work towards lowering the fees for Illinois’ 529 College Savings Plan, indicating they currently are among the highest in the nation for such a program.

“More competitive bidding for the contracts would help. If the banks want our taxpayer dollars for investment, they should also provide competitive rates for the taxpayers,” Frerichs added.

Those in attendance agreed with Rep. Kifowit who called the Democratic party the fiscally responsible party.

“In response to our critics who claim the Democratic Party has been financially irresponsible, I would point to the many reforms we have made in the last four years and to the progress we have made,” she explained.

Kaczmarek, candidate for DuPage County Clerk believes if everyone who voted in 2012 votes again in 2014, Democrats can win in DuPage.

“Barack Obama won this county, not once, but twice. Voter turnout is absolutely the key to winning,” she explained.

Nowak knows the difficult battle ahead, as she is one of only three Democrats holding seats on the DuPage County Board. “I believe we have contributed significantly to creating a more bipartisan approach to issues. I am facing a very competitive campaign for re-election,” she said.

Dr. Burns noted the Forest Preserve for DuPage County has worked hard to earn the trust of residents, acknowledging the leadership role she took with regard to an investigation into practices at the Danada Equestrian Center.

“The Forest Preserve for DuPage County controls a very significant portion of the open land in the county. We are charged with managing it well, with an eye to the future needs of our constituents,” Dr. Burns said.