CHICAGO: Indo-American Democratic Organization (IADO); a political arm of Indian Americans in Chicago land, announced its endorsement to Mayoral Candidate Jesus Chuvy Garcia before a diverse and enthusiastic crowd gathered at Patel’s Café in the heart of the Devon Avenue Business District.
Garcia also received endorsements from the grassroots political group MoveOn Chicago Council; and the Green Party Chicago.
Introducing Chuvy Garcia, the Cook County Clerk David Orr, observed that “Chuy Garcia is someone who will listen to people, someone who understands. He is the kind of person that can show people that there is trust and goodness and hope to make the city a better place for everybody.” He also praised him as an honest public servant who has the skills and experience to put the city’s finances on the right track. David Orr also happens to be a co-chair of the campaign.
“As an organization, we are 100 percent behind Garcia’s vision for fiscal sustainability and transparent management of the City of Chicago,” said IADO President Ram Villivalam. “Garcia’s plan for a smarter and more effective government can bring a new direction to Chicago and its residents,” added Villivalam.
IADO is a PAC (Political Action Committee) organized for the purpose of being a unified voice for the Indian American community and to encourage Indian Americans to participate in the political process.
Business and community leader Susan Patel of Patel Brothers welcomed the attendees and expressed her strong support to Garcia. “As a small business owner in an immigrant community, I appreciate Chuy Garcia’s commitment to job creation and business development in the neighborhoods,” said Patel.
Responding to the a spate of endorsements and hearty welcome from members of Devon Business community, Commissioner Garcia said that as Mayor of Chicago he would strive to make the City a more welcoming place for immigrants, small business owners, neighborhood residents and students.
He also described how his immigrant experience has prepared him to lead a diverse city such as Chicago. “As an immigrant from a small town in Mexico, I know first-hand the sacrifices, challenges and aspirations faced by all newcomers,” he added.
“My Administration will reflect Chicago’s diversity,” Garcia said. “Unlike today’s City Hall – where millionaire insiders, machine cronies and Hollywood moguls call the shots – you won’t have to look far to find everyday people in a Garcia City Hall.”
Garcia said that the vitality of the many small businesses along Chicago’s Devon Avenue reminds him of his own neighborhood, Chicago’s Little Village. As a public official and neighborhood activist, he worked closely with small business owners and appreciates the challenges they face in a City whose Mayor is focused on downtown, not neighborhoods.
In addition to advocating for immigrant rights, Garcia has been a long-time champion for quality schools, better housing, workers’ rights, environmental protection and social justice.
Garcia has more than three decades in public service. In 2010, Garcia was elected as Commissioner of the Cook County Board, where he serves as President Toni Preckwinkle’s floor leader.
He faces incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel in the April 7 run-off. He is running on a platform of putting neighborhoods first and making Chicago “a city for the 100 percent, not the 1 percent.” Garcia has earned the endorsement of many of Chicago’s Asian American leaders and organizations.
The current Mayor has dragged his feet on language access, minority contracts and minority hiring. Garcia will change that.
Garcia came to Chicago from Durango, Mexico as a boy. He has a Masters in Urban Planning from University of Illinois at Chicago. He and his wife Evelyn raised three children.
Vanessa Figueroa
