The first full week in September was series of exciting events for our organization. We are now in full swing coming into the fall season.
Our scheduled salute to our candidates postcard writing event on Tuesday, September 6, was well attended (see our attached postcard). Members arrived two hours early to work on the 1,500 postcards that introduce our candidates. At the end of the evening, 1,100 of the postcards contained a personal note to a Kane County voter and were addressed and stamped. During the meeting, our members were delighted to welcome a new member, Briana Larson, and several guests who helped with the work.
Mike and Denise’s Pizzeria and Pub in Aurora was the venue on Wednesday, September 7, for our first meet and greet the candidates event. Judge Chris Kennedy, candidate for the Appellate Court 2, talked about the high stakes in this midterm. It’s about balancing those who sit on the court. His longtime advocacy for children with autism and other disabilities is paired with laws he has written to protect them. And he shares a commitment to protecting the individual rights and liberties for all with Liz Rochford whom he brought along, a democratic candidate for Illinois Supreme Court.
The audience also heard from Mavis Bates, District 4, and Michelle Gumz, District 8, both running for Kane County Board re-election. Mavis is an advocate for the environment, and Michelle is a former dispatcher for the Aurora Police Department who touched on the financial need to fund Kane County services. She remarked that 12 years have passed since the county raised taxes. Bill Tarver, Kane County Board candidate for District 10, is a seasoned professional with many volunteer experiences. Bill spoke to the audience about his work as a school social worker and his advocacy fighting the stigma associated with mental illness. He is currently the treasurer for a nonprofit. Matt Hanson, State Representative District 83 candidate understands the concerns of working families and spoke about how he will serve the community. Also in the audience Barbara Hernandez who is running for re-election as State Representative in the newly formed District 50. We welcome Barbara as the newest member to Kane County Democratic Women.
Last but not least, our Blue Wave Blues fundraiser on Thursday, September 8th, was hugely successful. Thank you to all who purchased tickets and the donations that poured in. We were heartened that State Representative District 66 Suzanne Ness was our guest speaker. There was a round of applause for the passion she instilled in all of us, especially those contemplating a role in political office who were inspired by how Suzanne balances her family life and her political career.
