Rep. Ford has support despite highly publicized indictment
I apologize for going "off message" of this story. By now, I'm sure everyone reading this has heard that State Representative La Shawn K. Ford has been indicted for bank fraud that allegedly occurred before he was elected in 2006. I don't know the facts of this case, but I will say this here, openly, because State Rep. Ford has been one of the few legislators to address the issues relating to an elected school board.
Representative La Shawn K Ford, I want you to know that I appreciate the work you do on behalf of your constituents, and those of us who live beyond your borders. You have been a champion of democracy in education, offering to push legislation that will create a task force to study the most efficient governance structure and process for CPS. You offered to bring David Vitale, the Chairman of the Board of CPS, and Penny Pritzker, a member of the Chicago Board of Education to the community to hear our concerns and open the lines of communications between CPS and a community that has long been ignored. You voted "No" on the bill to extend time for CPS to disclose the list of schools to be closed to encourage them to develop a much more comprehensive process and to minimize disruption to our community. You have sponsored and passed legislation that has increased opportunities for African American and women contractors and employees. You have been a champion for those who need a second chance, in spite of a sometimes hostile environment that would choose to capitalize upon the plight of the incarcerated. You have sponsored countless events to foster relationships between the government sector (fed, state and local), small businesses and the financial sector. You have educated the masses on homeownership, affordable housing and foreclosure. You have been a teacher, father, a neighbor and friend to many. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, AND ALL YOU WILL DO!
I apologize for going "off message" of this story. By now, I'm sure everyone reading this has heard that State Representative La Shawn K. Ford has been indicted for bank fraud that allegedly occurred before he was elected in 2006. I don't know the facts of this case, but I will say this here, openly, because State Rep. Ford has been one of the few legislators to address the issues relating to an elected school board.
Representative La Shawn K Ford, I want you to know that I appreciate the work you do on behalf of your constituents, and those of us who live beyond your borders. You have been a champion of democracy in education, offering to push legislation that will create a task force to study the most efficient governance structure and process for CPS. You offered to bring David Vitale, the Chairman of the Board of CPS, and Penny Pritzker, a member of the Chicago Board of Education to the community to hear our concerns and open the lines of communications between CPS and a community that has long been ignored. You voted "No" on the bill to extend time for CPS to disclose the list of schools to be closed to encourage them to develop a much more comprehensive process and to minimize disruption to our community. You have sponsored and passed legislation that has increased opportunities for African American and women contractors and employees. You have been a champion for those who need a second chance, in spite of a sometimes hostile environment that would choose to capitalize upon the plight of the incarcerated. You have sponsored countless events to foster relationships between the government sector (fed, state and local), small businesses and the financial sector. You have educated the masses on homeownership, affordable housing and foreclosure. You have been a teacher, father, a neighbor and friend to many. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, AND ALL YOU WILL DO!
By: Valerie F.Leonard
Thanks Again
Thank you for elevating these remarks to "article" status.