2nd District Candidate Patrick Brutus Remembers the 'Booming' Chicago Heights
The candidate wears his connection to the South Suburbs like a badge of honor. Brutus also points to his public sector experience as a valuable asset to the district, should he be elected.
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Patrick Brutus talks about his background in the public sector and his connection to the South Suburbs.
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On Thursday, Jan. 24, I met with Patrick Brutus at his South Side Chicago home.
Brutus revealed early in the interview that, while he is a Chicago resident and City of Chicago employee, he spent 30 years of his life in the South Suburbs. The candidate said his current residence and his University Park roots would give him a unique perspective when it comes to representing the city and the suburbs equally.
Speaking of the city, Brutus also touted his current role in economic development for the City of Chicago, as well as several previous public sector roles, has given him a wealth of work experience to make up for his lack of political experience.
Visit Patrick Brutus' candidate profile on Patch to watch the extended video of the interview.
Key Issues
Government Intervention
Brutus said he doesn't necessarily believe in bigger government, but repeatedly pointed out how much the government can do to actively improve the quality of people's lives. Part of his platform points to past elected officials not doing enough with their influence for people.
Building Infrastructure
Brutus spoke extensively about his 17 years of experience in the public sector, including 11 years with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Brutus currently works in economic development for the City of Chicago. The candidate said his experience gives him a unique perspective on improving transportation avenues, providing more affordable housing and creating jobs.
Housing
Brutus said he would work with Cook County to promote a freeze on property taxes, if elected.
Noteworthy Quotes
"We've done one good thing, on one hand, utilizing NSP money from the federal government to address foreclosures, but we can't let those people who are beneficiaries of a program like that .... then go back into foreclosure because the County continue to evaluate your property as increasing performing property when your market rate value is declining." - On reducing foreclosures and freezing property taxes.
"When I was growing up ... Chicago Heights was a booming industrial area. Booming. Everybody was working... I remember, if you were in the South SUburbs and you lived in the Heights or further south, you wanted a quality of life that was like people north of route 30 ... We wanted to be like the Joneses." - On his connection to the South Suburbs.
The Takeaway
Brutus's passion for the University Park and Chicago Heights area was apparent. He seemed equally invested in the South Side of Chicago. People in those areas may appreaciate that if they take the time to find out who he is.
On the flip side, Brutus's lack of experience as an elected official will make it difficult for him to make the giant leap to federal-level representative.
What do you think? Does Patrick Brutus's public sector work experience make him a viable option for you? Tell us in the comments!
On Monday, Feb. 4: Debbie Halvorson explains her much-discussed stance on assault weapons and talks about running against the woman she appointed to a state senate seat.
Return to our intro page to learn more about this series and see the full list of candidates.
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Flintstone
12:04 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Wonderful....another candidate that views most of the district as the takers while viewing Homewood and Flossmoor as the payers.
Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.
12:35 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Although I think his chances are slim, I did not interpret his response in this interview as to seek anything from H-F. Everything he said seemed as if he admired what was north of Rt 30 and hoped to aspire to be that. He seem more genuine than any of the interviews so far.
James Tiernan
12:06 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Mr. Brutus currently works in economic development for the City of Chicago, focusing on improving transportation avenues, providing more affordable housing and creating jobs. True, he will tested by his lack of elected-official experience, but we desperately need an intellegent and honest person like him to represent us.
Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.
12:06 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I like this guy... I wish he had more money/presence.
Joe Lake
8:44 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Another good candidate for the IL 2nd Congressional District Special (Open) Election for the voters to consider. Joe Lake, Chicago
Lorraine S.
7:27 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Patrick Brutus is a great candidate that can make a difference!
Pam
10:08 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2013
CHARLES RAYBURN is not in this race merely to engage in the domestic politics of the 2nd congressional district of Illinois.
CHARLES RAYBURN is not running for congress DCP, just to engage in "Church Building," although our churches are dire need of such.
As much as CHARLES RAYBURN loves a good social uplifting; CHARLES RAYBURN refuses to limit his work to just participating in "FEEL GOOD" philosophical rhetoric.
CHARLES RAYBURN always has been and always will be about the business of "NATION BUILDING." (more to come)
Pam
10:30 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2013
"Hadiya Pendleton's death did not happen on candidate CHARLES RAYBURN'S Watch.
Her death happened on the watch of our elected officials who would rather spend their time seeking other offices; rather than taking a look at how ineffective they are in their present positions; like the Rich Central "SHAMELESS" (5).
Candidate CHARLES RAYBURN was instrumental in getting Hadiya Pendleton, the South Shore Drill Team, the Ridh Central Band, and others (see emails to 57th committee) (more to come)
Val Z
11:04 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Mr. Brutus is the real deal. I worked with him years ago and he is an honest, intelligent, hard working and kind individual who can be trusted 100%. I hope the voters look at alternative candidates like Patrick who can make a difference.
Marty McC
3:21 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Patrick Brutus is a genuine guy that works for the people. I also worked with him agree that he is an honest, intelligent, hard working man who can be trusted 100%. I hope the voters of the second district can look past the machine candidates and vote for someone who is not a puppet.