In my previous diary, I wrote that fighting for reform hasn’t always been easy.
I’ve spent a career in Cook County government on the opposite side of the Chicago political machine on virtually every issue. That itself can make one’s career tough.
But the truth is that I enjoy finding ways to improve government. Call me naive, but my view is that government should play an important role in improving the lives of citizens. I believe that government can and should do more.
I am running for Congress in IL-05 to replace Rahm Emanuel because we desperately need reform and because it’s too important right now in our country’s history to not have our best and brightest fixing our problems.
I have written nine reports over the past eight years outlining detailed, specific solutions for Cook County's nearly $3 billion budget.
From the first report on Fiscal Strategies for the County to the latest report on reinventing Tax Increment Financing, these reports provide ways to make government leaner, greener, and more efficient.
That’s the same kind of energy I want to take to Washington, D.C.
When folks take a look at the candidates in this race, I think one of the more important questions that must be asked is not only what will you do, but what have you done to prove to us that you are capable of achieving real change.
Yes, I understand that reforming county government is different than reforming the federal government, but I believe that the same spirit of reform is needed in Washington and the same determination and energy is required.
This is plain to see. When Congress authorizes $350 billion in financial industry bailouts, abdicates its oversight responsibility, and is being asked to authorize $350 billion more, we know the time for reform and accountability is now. With somewhere around $700 billion dollars in additional stimulus measures proposed, we need leaders to watch over our tax payer dollars.
I’ve been doing that my entire career.
This is a big job, and I need your help. Please visit our campaign website, www.QuigleyForCongress.com, learn a little more about me and please get involved in the campaign if you like what you see.
With a lot of good friends, we were able to make a difference in Cook County. With a lot more, we’ll make a difference in Washington.
I look forward to hearing your ideas and laying out the rest of my agenda in the coming weeks.
If you'd like to join this campaign, particularly as a Netroots Coordinator to help spread our message online, sign up as a volunteer.
Mike