LWV of H-F and Park Forest Areas Host Candidate Forum

Though a small audience greeted the candidates who participated in the Feb. 24 candidate forum hosted by the Leagues of Women Voters of the Homewood-Flossmoor and Park Forest Areas, those who did attend appreciated hearing these candidates' positions on a variety of issues. 

Democrat Maggie Crotty chose not to run again for the 19th Legislative State Senate seat she has held for ten years. Opponents in this race are Michael E. Hastings of Orland Hills and Gregory J. Hannon of Tinley Park. 

Mr. Hastings, a graduate of West Point and a veteran of the Iraq war where he was awarded a Bronze Star, works for Johnson & Johnson and is vice-president of the District 230 Board of Education.

Mr. Hannon, retired as a small business owner, spoke of his twenty-five years' experience as a trustee for the Village of Tinley Park. 

Current State Representative for the 38th Representative District Al Riley (D) is being challenged by Clifton Graham, Jr. of Country Club Hills. 

Mr. Riley referred to his experience as a legislator for the past several years to answer a variety of questions posed to all the candidates regarding how to improve the financial state of Illinois, the pension system, Medicare/Medicaid, and Southland development.

Mr. Graham emphasized his position that a greater emphasis has to be placed on education and bringing more jobs to the area.

We hope that more residents of the area will avail themselves of the opportunity to become informed voters prior to the March 20th primary by attending our next candidate forum: Wednesday, Feb 29, 7:00 p.m. at the when candidates for state senator in the 15th District --  Patricia "Pat" Mahon and Donna Miller -- will be sharing their positions on a variety of issues.  Napoleon Harris, also a candidate, is unable to attend this forum due to a scheduling conflict.