Gay activist picked for Illinois House vacancy

Dan82 · Apr 18, 2011

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/...-state-house-vacancy-20110418,0,3771269.story

Democratic officials in Chicago have picked an assistant Cook County state's attorney to fill a vacant seat in the Illinois House.

Kelly Cassidy was chosen from a field of 23 candidates Saturday to serve as state representative in the 14th District. She's replacing Harry Osterman, who was elected to the Chicago City Council in February.

The 42-year-old lesbian activist will be the third openly gay member of the state House. She reports to Springfield on May 16.

Cassidy says she knows there are some tough budget votes ahead and she plans to work to preserve the social services offered in her district. She plans to run for election in March 2012.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/...-state-house-vacancy-20110418,0,3771269.story
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---------- Post added 18th Apr 2011 at 10:39 AM ----------

more here:http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=31428

Long-time lesbian activist Kelly Cassidy has been appointed to fill Illinois' 14th District state representative on Chicago's Far North Side. State Rep. Harry Osterman is leaving the post to assume assumes his 48th Ward aldermanic duties in May.

Another lesbian, Paula Basta, had been in consideration for the post, as was transgender activist Catherine Sikora, vice president of the board of Equality Illinois. There were more than 20 people positioning for the appointment.

Basta, regional director of the Levy Center, which serves seniors in Chicago, is not stopping her campaign, however; she announced she is running for the 14th District seat in the 2012 elections.

On May 16, Cassidy will join two other openly gay members of the state House: Rep. Greg Harris and Rep. Deborah Mell. Cassidy is currently director of programs and development as part of the Cook County State's Attorney's executive staff.

The replacement for a vacant post was decided by Democratic ward committeepersons in the area, after a lengthy public meeting April 16. Committeewoman and former state Sen. Carol Ronen had a large influence because of the location of her district within the state rep area...

http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=31428
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Gay activist picked for Illinois House vacancy

Dan82 Full Member

Dan82
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