Clint Krislov today posted a thank you letter to his supporters on his website. Clint's words reminded me why I'm happy I helped him in his run:
The voters have spoken, and my sincerest congratulations go out to David Miller, now the Democratic nominee for Comptroller. In an election cycle in which the process seemed to reach new lows, I am proud that we all three managed to run the best race on the ballot. We addressed issues, took positions, and, despite a few swipes at each other, did a pretty good job of doing what campaigns are supposed to be about.
Today, I return to the fulltime practice of law, taking on the system and the "big guys" for all of us; for taxpayers, workers, investors, consumers, voters-the "us" who are the people who the laws protect, but only with someone standing up and demanding that those laws be enforced, to hold the big guys accountable. I have the privilege of being able to do that every day.
Read what we should be pressing David Miller to do to make the next Comptroller do to get our support here:
The Daily Herald came out today with their endorsements in the races for Illinois State Treasurer and Comptroller.
Clint Krislov, IVI-IPO's lawyer in the suit to overturn the Chicago Parking Meter deal, and the lawyer that's done the most of late to ease the crazy petition rules meant to keep non-machine candidates off the ballot, was endorsed for State Comptroller:
From this impressive trio, we like the ethics-minded Krislov, who already has proved he's more than talk. He pushed for and helped fund the Center of Open Government at Chicago-Kent College of Law. The center offers free legal assistance in cases challenging closed government processes. A class-action lawyer, we believe he has the courage to stand up to powerful public and private interests.
Robin Kelly, currently Chief of Staff in the Treasurer's office, and before that, a State Rep. from Chicago's southern suburbs (and also IVI-IPO's endorsed candidate), gets the DH nod for Treasurer:
We endorse Kelly. She will reach out to citizens and already has demonstrated leadership in the House, sponsoring bills that protect consumers and victims of domestic violence. Her experience will facilitate an easy transition.
One of the best ways to stifle opposition to things you are doing when you're an elected official, is not to tell the taxpayers what you are doing in the first place. One of the best ways to combat that tactic is known as the Freedom Of Information Act, or FOIA. Initially a federal act, companion acts have been passed in most state and municipal jurisdictions. As Wikipedia says:
Freedom of information legislation (also known in the U.S. as sunshine laws) are rules that guarantee access to data held by the state. They establish a "right-to-know" legal process by which requests may be made for government-held information, to be received freely or at minimal cost, barring standard exceptions. Also variously referred to as open records or (especially in the United States) sunshine laws, governments are also typically bound by a duty to publish and promote openness
But as David Starrett, IVI-IPO's former lobbyist, and something of an Illinois FOIA expert said at a recent reform symposium, the Acts themselves are not sufficient if they don't have teeth (a lot do not) and you can't find a lawyer to help you fight the good fight. Well, now the last part of that problem has at least one solution.
Two people I think highly of are running for elected office. These are not the offices that attract a lot of attention. They are not glitzy but they are two of the offices that affect each and every one of our lives. Both of these individuals are solid, progressive Democrats. Both have asked for help with gathering signatures.
Andrea Raila is running for Cook County Assessor. She's a tax geek in the best sense of the word and is running against several candidates, most notably Joe Berrios, who is chairman of the county's Democratic Party and commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review.
Clint Krislov is running for State Comptroller. Clint is an attorney and is representing the IVI-IPO in its parking meter lease lawsuit. An experienced and savvy advocate, Clint is competing with Raja Krishnamoorthi and David E. Miller for the seat.
It's been a big day for IVI-IPO. More to come from state chair, Bob Bartell in coming days...
Meter deal illegal, suit asks for court to declare contract void
CHICAGO - The Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization and board member Aviva Patt, represented by atty. Clint Krislov, filed suit in Cook County Court Wednesday in an attempt to overturn the city's privatization of parking meters.
