This response from our local candidate for County Clerk (who oversees elections) was so beautiful that I thought I should pass it along.
There was a radio ad done by my opponent that asked: "what has Aaron Ammons done except mop floors and clean toilets?"
Well, I'm glad you asked. During the 18 years that I have worked at the University of Illinois as a Building Service Worker, I have founded and co-founded 3 civic organizations, organized 10 Unity Marches, organized Forgiveness Weekend to address the issue of Felony Disenfranchisement, was Elected to Chair the Committee to diversify Jury Pools, wrote and published two books of poetry, coached basketball and baseball for 1st String, taught youth to find their voices through poetry and spoken word, taught youth how to garden, reared 3 children, and sent one to college.
I was instrumental in establishing the annual Expungement and Record Sealing event so people with felony convictions can have a 2nd Chance, ran the field operation for the 1st African-American Woman to ever be elected as State Representative of the 103rd District (Carol Ammons).
I've actively supported the campaigns of several other women (Danielle Chynoweth, Tanisha King-Taylor, Alicia Marie Beck, Maryam Ar-Raheem) who are now elected officials, I have been married for 17 of those 18 years, I was appointed then elected Alderman in Urbana Ward 3, I was elected as a delegate for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in his 2016 Primary campaign, and I was also elected and currently serve as Trustee of a $20 Billion Retirement System.
Wait there's more, I went from an inactive member of my Union to Steward, Chief Steward, Vice President and to President. I served on the negotiating team five times and I was the lead Negotiator in our last contract negotiation with the University of Illinois. In all four positions I have served and protected the jobs of over 350 decent hard working "floor moppers and toilet cleaners" and about 450 hardworking Food Service Workers who are all wondering, when did it become a negative thing to work hard, provide an essential service and help your family pursue the American dream?
I represent over 800 blue-collar workers at the University of Illinois SEIU Local 73 SEIU Chapter 119 - Local 73 and I will never be silent when our labor, sacrifice, and commitment is assaulted the way it has been by my opponent. I proudly stand with blue-collar workers and that will never change.
Sincerely,
Aaron Ammons
President SEIU Local 73 Chapter 119