Search to Fill 1st District Commissioner Seat
Cook County Board of Commissioners committee members held a meeting of the Democratic Party to fill the vacant 1st District Commissioner seat left behind when Brandon Johnson was elected Mayor of Chicago. Out of 19 applications submitted, only six individuals were asked to come in to be interviewed. Those people were Rev. Ira Acree (Chicago, Mayor Rory Hoskins (Forest Park), Tommie Johnson (Chicago), Zerlina Smith-Members (Chicago), Tara Stamps (Chicago), and Claiborne Wade (Forest Park).
After the Committee people introduced themselves, with the exception of two who had stand-ins, they selected Don Harmon (Oak Park Township) to serve as Chair. Then they selected Vice Chair — Committeeperson Karen Yarbrough (Proviso Township) — and the Secretary.
After a brief synopsis of what the meeting would pertain to, they began calling each candidate out one by one. Each interviewee was given three to five minutes to introduce themselves. The first one to be interviewed was Reverend Acree.
First Person Interviewed
After thanking the Committee Board, he introduced himself and stated where he was from. Then he explained why he was running to take the vacant seat. “I was taught early in life that when the door opens [of opportunity], you can’t be found getting ready. You need to be ready for the task,” Rev. Acree began.
For many years, Reverend Acree has been a pillar in the community. One who has helped advocate for people’s rights, safety, and way of life. Acree was one of the many who advocated for an assault ban in Illinois. Something that has since seen default and outcry by those against it.
He, like many others, feels there needs to be more done to put an end to gun violence. In addition, he stated he would use his citywide reach to help women who have fallen victim to sexual assault and domestic violence. Wanting to help the community, Acree threw his hat in the ring for two different city positions. However, the one he really wanted was the 1st District Commissioner seat. Taking Mayor Johnson’s place would allow him more opportunities, more chances, and more resources to assist the constituents.
Hoskins Plea to be 1st District Commissioner
The next person called up to be interviewed was Mayor Hoskins. He stated that he has lived in Forest Park since 1999. Prior to that, he resided in the First District. Hoskins’ career started as a Social Worker before moving into the Foster Care sector. Later, he worked for the Boys & Girls Club and then the Austin YMCA.
He stated that the smaller suburbs do not receive funding like the city of Chicago does. This means those areas are more overlooked and are not able to provide as many resources to their residents as the big city can. If he was selected to be the 1st District Commissioner, he was willing to step down as mayor. He felt it would be possible for him to balance the two positions during the transitional period. “We have a very able-body staff. I don’t need to be hands-on,” Mayor Hoskins added.
The two major issues he feels are important are economic development and serving the increased homelessness. Illinois and Cook County are set to receive enterprise funds. Hoskins would like to see some of the money moved into the Western suburbs. It would allow those communities to see more opportunities, such as employment, job training, and training centers.
Third Interviewee
The next person to interview for the position was West Side resident and businessman, Tommie Johnson. His family moved to the West Side of Chicago in 1970. He began his career helping the community as a truck driver. Now, he is the “Top third manager in the third largest department in the third largest city.”
Johnson takes pride in bringing services to Chicago, from street sweeping to garbage disposal to snow removal. He stated he was looking forward to taking his knowledge to the 1st District Commissioner seat. Johnson explained that he knew his responsibility is to all 50 Wards. “I understand the necessity of getting things done right away,” he added.
If he wasn’t selected, Johnson stated he plans on running when the 1st District seat is up for re-election, which is December 2024. Johnson feels public safety and education are important. He feels there should be more opportunities for the youth available, like organized sports. “Get the kids away from video games and mobile devices and get them involved,” he added. Additionally, he, like many others, believes there needs to be more public health facilities open.
Zerlina Smith-Members’ Interview
When Smith-Members was called upon to be interviewed, she gave the shortest opening remarks of the night. “I’m here to serve you,” she stated. Moreover, she said that one of the biggest concerns in the city was the safety of its people. “We can’t just talk about crime and not all of the things going on in the community,” Smith-Members added.
She stated she wanted to look at the $8.8 billion dollar grant fund to allocate funds to where it’s needed, like the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, EMT, etc. Additionally, she told the committee that she was “Tough on crime.” Later, she told them a story about how someone not from the West Side came to visit her and then vowed to never come back. As the person was visiting, a group of people fired off guns right outside her home. Smith-Members pointed out this is an issue that many people live with, something that they shouldn’t have to do.
Tara Stamps Advocates for the 1st District Seat
Tara Stamps began her interview by telling the committee all the hats she currently wears:
I’m a believer, a mother, a daughter, an advocate, a teacher.
Stamps has been in the Chicago Public Schools for over 20 years and is a current member of the Chicago Teachers Union. Her mother paved the way for becoming who Stamps is. She recalled her mother bringing her along to advocate for housing and other needed developments.
Referring to the funds coming to the city, Stamps stated, “There is enough for everyone to get what they need and what they want.”
She fully intends on running to keep the 1st District Commissioner position. Stamps stated she had the full support of Mayor Johnson, along with the CTU, to help support her in being the 1st District Commissioner.
Final Interview
The last person interviewed for the 1st District position was Claiborne Wade. “My heart has been in the First District,” Wade began. He has spent the past 33 years living in the area. It’s where he met his wife and where they are raising their four children.
Providing opportunities to the 1st District is important to Wade. Ensuring the community is able to buy homes, be profitable, and have learning opportunities is essential. He believes two of the main problems people face today are affordable housing and mental health services.
“They all go hand in hand. Making sure people have employment so they can provide for their families,” Wade added. Doing so will help some of the stress and anguish people face, which could improve their mental health.
Coming to a Decision
After Stamps finished her passionate and powerful bid to fill the vacant seat, the committee nominated those they wanted to fill the position. As expected, the six candidates were all nominated to fill the vacant seat.
Prior to the Committee rejoining the meeting to announce their decision, all six candidates lined up for people to take pictures. Moments later, the Committee members came back with their decision for the 1st District Commissioner.
Harmon began by thanking all of the candidates, saying they left them with a very difficult decision. Then, he spoke of how the Committee deduced their decision before announcing that Tara Stamps would be the new 1st District Commissioner.
Cheers immediately erupted from the crowd. Many people could be heard chanting, “Tara, Tara, Tara.” The decision became effective immediately.
By Sheena Robertson and Omari Jahi
Source:
First District Cook County Board District Committee: Meeting to Fill Vacancy
Images by Omari Jahi a TNS Staff member
