32nd Ward Democratic Party

Hon. John A. Fritchey Committeeman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2012 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Nick Wilbat 773-477-8683

Statement by Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey

CHICAGO For the past sixteen years, I have enjoyed not only living in the 32nd Ward but the opportunity to represent its residents in capacities ranging from State Representative to Cook County Commissioner to Democratic Ward Committeeman. During that time, I have been proud to work with neighbors, community groups, chambers of commerce and Local School Councils to improve our community for all of us. I have also watched numerous elected officials put their egos and ambitions before other, more important considerations. I have always worked to not be one of those individuals. Over the past couple of weeks, I have looked at the new ward map recently passed by the City Council. With my present residence barely in the new ward boundaries and my office now located in the newly-created 2nd Ward, I came to realize that, at this point in time, it is simply not practical for me to commit to continuing to be a resident of the 32nd Ward for the four-year term that my reelection as Democratic Committeeman would require. While a replacement could be appointed should I move out of the ward, running with that scenario in mind would not be the right thing to do to my neighbors who have given me their long-standing support. As such, I am withdrawing my candidacy for re-election as 32nd Ward Democratic Committeeman. As I have in the past, I will continue to work on behalf of like-minded progressive Democrats at every level of office who share my goals of smarter, better government. My decision is made easier with the knowledge that I will still represent large portions of the old (and new) 32nd Ward in my position as Cook County Commissioner for the 12th District. In that capacity, I look forward to continuing my efforts to make government more accountable, more transparent and more efficient for the people I represent.

Paid for by the 32nd Ward Democratic Party, Suite 288, 1341 W. Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. A copy of our report is, or will be, available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springeld, Illinois.

I want to sincerely thank all of my supporters, volunteers and neighbors for their belief and support of my re-election. I hope that you can understand and agree that this decision, while difficult, is the fairest thing to do for the residents of the 32nd Ward.

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Paid for by the 32nd Ward Democratic Party, Suite 288, 1341 W. Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. A copy of our report is, or will be, available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springeld, Illinois.