Elect

Valerie F. Leonard
Alderman, 24th Ward

Dear Friend,

I’m Valerie Leonard, a lifelong resident of the 24 th Ward and I’m running to become your next Alderman.
Why am I running? Because, as I speak with people all around the neighborhood, there is a general feeling
that we are headed in the wrong direction. Our youth are killing each other in record numbers, with no end
in sight. Basic public services, like tree trimming, maintaining vacant lots and fixing sidewalks and streets
are going neglected. Our schools are 20 years behind the rest of the city in terms of performance. People
are losing their homes while new houses are sitting empty. Crime is on the rise and police response times
get longer and longer. If youth and adults don’t agree on anything else, they do agree that we need jobs
that pay enough to keep food on the table. Now is the time for strong leadership.

What would I focus on as Alderman? I want to work with you to bring fresh ideas and be a true voice of the
people in City Council. Like you, I would like to see the 24th Ward be the best that we can be. We need
safe streets and schools. We should not have to travel outside of our community to get fresh groceries,
new clothes, have dinner in a sit down restaurant, or go to the movies. Our police department should serve
and protect the citizens, rather than having citizens and police treating each other as enemies. Economic
development programs should help home-grown businesses, as well as attract larger employers.
Residents need to be a part of the government process rather than pushed to the sidelines. It can be
done—I have spent the last decade bringing community residents together around such issues. Some of
my accomplishments are listed on the following pages.

Now, I’m asking you make an investment of time and money in making this vision a reality—together.
Please complete the attached response form and attach a check in any amount that you see fit. Proceeds
from your donations will be used to secure an office, purchase supplies, and pay for advertising and
community outreach. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 773-521-3137 or e-mail me at
valeriefleonard@msn.com. Thank you in advance. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Valerie F. Leonard
Candidate for Alderman, 24th Ward

4111 West 21st Place Chicago, IL 60623 Phone 773-521-3137 Fax: 773-521-3137
Website: http://Vote4Valerie.voterspace.com Blog: http://Vote4Valerie.blogspot.com
 Elect Valerie F. Leonard
Alderman, 24th Ward
Hands-On Experience, A Heart for the People

 Through Lawndale Alliance, moved the City to revise the $100 million Ogden Pulaski TIF Redevelopment Plan--
reducing the number of housing units potentially displaced from 317 to 24. Nearly 1,200 residents impacted.
 Helped Carey Tercentenary AME Church get $30,000 grant to build an elevator for seniors/people with disabilities.
 Worked through the Illinois ResourceNet to provide technical assistance for a $7 million federal grant to provide
internet access and technology training for 23 publicly funded senior housing developments in Northern Illinois,
including North Lawndale’s own Sankofa House and Elois McCoy Village Apartments.
 Helped secure $5 million HUD grant to build Enola Dew Apartments sponsored by Habilitative Systems Inc. The
senior housing complex is expected to be completed in 2011.
 Helped Mount Sinai Health System secure $107.5 million in HUD funds to renovate its Emergency Room,
Obstetrics Unit and Outpatient clinics, and expand the Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital. This led to an increase in
the number of low income and uninsured patients served each year.
 Served as Founding Executive Director of North Lawndale Small Grants. Partnered with former Alderman
Chandler, the Small Grants board, residents of the 1200 Block of Central Park and the 3500 Block of 12th Place to
bring more than $250,000 in improvements to the African Garden and Target Blocks programs.
 Participated on the North Lawndale Employment Network’s Community Advocacy Team, which advocated for
community based alternatives to incarceration for adults and youth.

Together, We Can Make the 24th Ward Work Again

 Develop public-private partnerships to strengthen businesses and create local jobs
 Provide opportunities for training and development for new workers and experienced workers
 Increase internet access and training for seniors, small business owners and students
 Work with Parents and CPS to improve quality of schools
 Create Crime Free Zones
 Increase opportunities for recreation and organized sports
 Create citizen-led committees to prioritize public improvements, TIF-funded projects and community development

To find out more about Valerie, visit

http://vote4valerie.voterspace.com http://vote4valerie.blogspot.com
http://policyontheground.blogspot.com http://lawndalealliance.blogspot.com
http://valeriefleonard.com http://valeriefleonard.com/StayingintheLoop/nfblog

4111 West 21st Place Chicago, IL 60623 Phone 773-521-3137 Fax: 773-521-3137
Website: http://Vote4Valerie.voterspace.com Blog: http://Vote4Valerie.blogspot.com
 Response Form
Name______________________________________________________________________________________________

Organization________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone__________________________________________ Fax______________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________________ State__________ ZIP__________________________________

E-Mail Address_____________________________________________________________________________________

Yes! I will support Valerie’s bid to become the next Alderman of the 24th Ward in the following way(s):

Donating the following amount:

______$1.00 ______$5.00 ______$10.00 _____$25.00

______ $50.00 ______ $100.00 ______$250.00 _____$500.00

_______$1,000.00 ______ $2,300 (maximum individual contribution) _____Other

Volunteering:

______Circulating Petitions ______ Voter Registration ______Light Office Work

______Phone Tree ______ Get Out the Vote

______Distributing Literature ______ Community Outreach

Hosting an Event:

______ Fundraiser _______ Rally _______ Meeting

Event Description_____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Send Checks To:

Citizens to Elect Valerie F. Leonard
4111 West 21st Place
Chicago, IL 60623

Pay by Credit Card Online:

http://Vote4Valerie.Voterspace.com

4111 West 21st Place Chicago, IL 60623 Phone 773-521-3137 Fax: 773-521-3137
Website: http://Vote4Valerie.voterspace.com Blog: http://Vote4Valerie.blogspot.com