MWRD Board Endorsements from the Chicago Sun-Times

This in today’s Sun Times. They have endorsed Matthew Podgorski, Kathleen Meany and Mariyana Spyropoulous for MWRD Board Commissioners. Congratulations and good luck to these three worthy candidates. John Presta.

Water Reclamation District

The race for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board, which plays a crucial role in protecting our drinking water and safely managing the treatment and disposal of our wastewater, has become as clear as a glass of H20.

The region is still reeling from petroleum giant BP’s nervy attempt last year to dump more pollution from its Whiting, Ind., plant into Lake Michigan, the source of our drinking water. We advocated a BP boycott on these pages.

This extreme yet necessary action underscored the need for the nine-member board to stay engaged in the scientific esoterica necessary to safeguard our water supply, protect against floods and pursue green technologies. Board members earn $50,000 to $80,000 a year to attend 24 regular meetings, not including study groups. Voters will elect three new commissioners, who should give taxpayers a return on their investment.

We’re encouraged by the energy and grit of Democratic candidate Matthew Podgorski of Park Ridge. Podgorski, a continuous improvement manager at Kraft Foods and Northeastern Illinois University professor, led a BP boycott and march. A willing vessel with no apparent political debts to pay, he would be a refreshing addition.

Kathleen Therese Meany, a commissioner since 1990, has gained the confidence of her colleagues by being selected as vice president. Meany, a Democrat, takes credit for launching the district’s illegal sewer dumping hotline and supporting the adoption of a “green” purchasing policy.

Democrats Mariyana Spyropoulous and Dean Maragos, both attorneys, are fresh voices who possess the ability to engage in creative, futuristic thinking. But we’re tipping our hat to Spyropoulous, who is endorsed by an impressive array of progressive politicians, including Democratic U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis.

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Today’s Observations – January 22, 2008 – Some perfect fits

Here are some candidates to give serious consideration on Tuesday, February 5th.

Barack Obama, of course.

Mark Pera has run a highly-charged campaign against incumbent Dan Lipinski. The Reading on Walden Political Discussion Group met Mark Pera late last summer, and he impressed many of the group members. I know that Lipinski is taking this seriously keeping close tabs on the “Ward Organizations;” however, the “Ward Organizations” do not have the same influence on the electorate that they had even several years ago. And Pera is raising money, lots and lots of it, on the internet. If you wish to donate to Mark Pera, click on this. He has raised $185, 592 from 3,517 individual donors. The goal is 5,000 individual donors. As I love to quote former Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen, “A million here, a million there, pretty soon it adds up to real money.” Many members of the Reading on Walden Political Discussion Group are out there pounding the pavement for Pera. A Lipinski defeat would restore faith in the electoral process. It could happen. Good luck Mark, or should I say Congressman Pera.

Another candidate that met early on with the Reading on Walden Political Discussion Group is Matthew Podgorski, running for Cook County Commissioner of the MWRD (Metropolitan Water Reclamation District). Take a good look at this fine young man. Our group endorsed him last September. If I were an incumbent on the current Board, I would be nervous. And also check out Mariyana Spyropoulos, another good candidate for Commissioner of the MWRD.

For Cook County State’s Attorney, support our friend Larry Suffredin. He is the real deal. Sometimes you meet a person that is a perfect fit for a job. I felt that way about Senator Barack Obama. I thought, “He’s going to be President of the United States.” When I met Debra Shore it was clear she was perfect fit for MWRD and is proving us correct everyday she serves there. Alexi Giannoulias is a perfect fit as Illinois State Treasurer. Would also be a perfect fit as Governor of Illinois. And then there is Larry Suffredin. If any one was born to be Cook County State’s Attorney, with his great legal mind and background, his sense of fairness and his great intellect, it is Larry Suffredin. The crowded field and all the heavyweight endorsements, he will win this race and distinguish himself in this job, a perfect fit. The only downside to a Suffredin victory is that the Cook County Board will lose a fine member. John Presta.

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Reading on Walden Political Discussion Group Endorses Matthew Podgorski for Commissioner of the Water Reclamation Board of Cook County

Center seated, Matthew Podgorski, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Commissioner of the Water Reclamation Commission of Cook County for the 2008 primary. From left to right are, Larry Unruh, Eileen Fay, Garnet Fay, Neil Pomerenke, Michelle Presta, Betsy Perrine and Tom Barber. The Reading on Walden Political Discussion Group voted to endorse and fully support Matthew Podgorski in his bid to win a seat on the Water Reclamation Commission. For more information about Podgorski, visit his web site at http://www.ourpurewater.com . Podgorski is running on an environmental platform. The Group had previously endorsed and supported Debra Shore, a sitting Commissioner of the Water Reclamation Commission, for the 2006 primary and general election in which Shore received the most votes in both elections. The Group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm at Cafe Luna, located at 1742 W. 99th Street.

See Matthew Podgorski thank you letter below and be sure to visit his web site.

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A Big Thank You from Matthew Podgorski

Dear Reading on Walden Political Discussion Group,

I just wanted to say thank you for letting me speak to your group last week, and an even bigger thanks for endorsing me in my bid for MWRD Commissioner! It really is an honor. I hope to work with you on the campaign over the coming months.

Please keep an eye open for my posting next month regarding tertiary treatment of the effluent. Thanks!

http://www.ourpurewater.com/

- Matthew Podgorski

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