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(Ed. Note: The Journal & Topics is asking candidates for local election in the November 8, 2022 General to provide biographical and background information on who they are and why they’re running. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz of Glenview is running for reelection to the Illinois State House 17th District against Republican Bradley Martin.)

Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D)

Age: 53 

Education: B.A., Indiana University, J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law, L.L.M,  Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law

Job/professional background: Human rights & immigration attorney and former litigation attorney at Winston and Strawn

Elected office currently or previously held, and/or any other service as a volunteer, or in  community, education, etc. settings: Founding member and co-chair of the Illinois Unaccompanied Children’s Task Force;  former Director of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic; former board member of the  Glenview Education Foundation

How long have you lived in the district you wish to represent?: 19 years

Do you have any conflicts of interest, which could arise from holding this office? If so,  how would you address those?: No.

Do you have any financial or business interests within the boundaries of the district you seek to represent, or who may work in the district you seek to represent?: No.

Do you have any criminal convictions (other than a minor traffic violation)? Please  explain the circumstances: No.

Who are personal heroes to you, or who has provided significant guidance, insight, or acted as an example for how to live your life? How and why?: My late father, Michael L. Gong, was and still is my most important teacher not only for the reasons that parents typically are but because his constant presence in my life served to teach life’s most important lesson – how to focus on what matters and, in the end, what it means to live a life well-lived. Doing the right thing came naturally to my dad but he didn’t do things for recognition. In fact, many of his most admirable achievements are things he shared with only those who knew him best. One example is his early participation in the Civil Rights Movement. When my dad was at UCLA, he joined other students on buses to register Black voters in the deep South and was thrown down a flight of stairs in Mississippi or Arkansas (I don’t remember which), but he rarely talked about it except to share in passing his observations about the time. He saw none of it as heroism but simply the obvious act of one engaged in their civic duty to right a grave injustice. My dad’s principal motivation was always his family, and he endeavored to leave the world a better place through the choices he made every day. I  learned this from my dad: there are no small acts of love or charity. 

What is something about yourself that might surprise people?: I was among the first in my party to call on Speaker Michael Madigan to step down. What began as a small handful of us eventually became 19, which ultimately forced the first change in both party and legislative leadership in a generation.

Why should someone vote for you?: I have always acted and always will act in the best interests and values of my diverse and vibrant district. I stood up for women’s rights when I co-sponsored the Reproductive  Health Act, made historic environmental progress with the Climate & Equitable Jobs  Act, and passed consecutive balanced budgets that are getting Illinois’ finances back on track. Currently, I am working to ban assault rifles & extended magazines, lower the cost of healthcare for seniors and families, and continue to improve upon Illinois’ excellent public education system.

Why are you running for this office?: I believe that our budget is a moral document, and I believe that Illinois needs to spend responsibly in a way that reflects the shared values of our community. That’s why I  worked towards and helped pass a responsible, balanced budget that stabilizes Illinois’  finances, funds critical services like education, senior resources, and health care. Making pension payments in full and on time – and in cases like the FY23 budget,  paying them early – will continue to reduce the overall financial obligation while honoring commitments to retirees and being responsible stewards of our state finances.

What experience do you have, which prepares you to hold this office?: As the only immigration and human rights attorney in the General Assembly, my educational and professional background informs my work as Chair of the Judiciary Civil and the House Immigration & Human Rights Committees and gives me a unique perspective in the General Assembly.

 

The post Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz: State House Candidate – 17th District first appeared on Journal & Topics Media Group.

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October 9, 2022 at 04:36PM