VALERIE F. LEONARD EARNS IVI-IPO ENDORSEMENT IN 24TH WARD ALDERMANIC RACE

Valerie F. Leonard, candidate for 24th Ward Alderman, has been endorsed by the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO). “I am deeply honored to be endorsed by the same organization that has endorsed people like the late Mayor Harold Washington, Alderman Pat Dowell, Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., and President Barack Obama,” says Leonard.
    The IVI-IPO has been in existence since 1944. It is dedicated to good government, activism and an idealistic vision of open, honest government in Illinois. Leonard earned the IVI-IPO endorsement following an intensive review process that included an extensive questionnaire and in-person interview. She is a community development consultant and cofounder of the Lawndale Alliance. Her consulting practice focuses on strengthening nonprofit organizations and helping them secure federal funding. The Lawndale Alliance is a community-based group that addresses issues that impact local residents and the community. The group is most noted for minimizing the potential displacement of up to 1,200 residents as a result of implementation of the Ogden-Pulaski TIF district. Leonard is also the author of The Time for TIF Reform is Now, the Lawndale Alliance’s report detailing the pros and cons of North Lawndale’s TIFs and how the program may be improved. For information on Leonard’s campaign, call 773/521-3137.