Politics & Government News
The 12th Ward Independent Political Organization (IPO) again hits a home run for civic engagement in the McKinley Park neighborhood by bringing Illinois gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss to a forum this Saturday, March 25, starting at 4 p.m. at 3520 S. Archer Ave.
Biss, who represents the 9th District in the Illinois Senate, announced his candidacy on Monday, March 20. Saturday's forum will be one of his first engagements and an opportunity for the public to meet and learn more about this candidate.
Biss joins a growing field of Democratic candidates for Illinois governor and distinguishes himself by focusing on his background as a mathematics professor, his service in the Illinois legislature and his dedication to fighting corruption and money in politics.
Read more: Illinois Governor Candidate Biss to Speak at IPO Forum
The 12th Ward Independent Political Organization (IPO), a nascent advocacy group serving McKinley Park and the other neighborhoods of Chicago's 12th Ward, has continued its mission to extend a progressive political movement heralded by the campaigns of Bernie Sanders, Chicago mayor candidate Jesús "Chuy" Garcia and 12th Ward alderman candidate Pete DeMay.
"We're a group of progressives who are interested in reform in government, local decision-making and equitable policies that promote social and economic justice," said Bill Drew Jr., 27, IPO Chairman and lifetime resident of McKinley Park. "We're keeping the Bernie revolution alive in the 12th Ward."
Read more: 12th Ward IPO Advances Progressive Politics for McKinley Park and Its Neighbors
The Montessori Foundations of Chicago, a McKinley Park neighborhood-based preschool and kindergarten, has achieved the Silver Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, a state program that establishes and certifies standards for early childhood education. With the award, the State of Illinois recognizes that the school meets or exceeds standards for teaching, the educational environment, administration and training and education.
"Being recognized by ExceleRate is a source of pride and affirmation not only for our school and the Montessori community, but for our entire community," said school principal Beata (Betty) Skorusa. "It's an assurance for our current families, visitors and prospective parents."
Read more: State of Illinois Recognizes McKinley Park Montessori School for Quality
Efforts by community groups and City of Chicago officials and staffers are bringing a focus to the trees of McKinley Park, part of a broader push to green the neighborhood and restore a tree canopy devastated by the emerald ash borer and stressed by climate change.
As first noted by 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas at an April 2016 community meeting, tree trimming and removal has been underway throughout the spring, with all 2015 trimming requests now completed by the Department of Forestry. Meanwhile, the McKinley Park Community Garden and the alderman have promoted tree planting by distributing free oak tree saplings at the garden's Sustainability Saturday event this past Saturday, June 11.
