Committee For Change: City of Chicago's 27th Ward Alderman Ballot in Question

CHICAGO, Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Committee for Change in the 27th Ward has announced that the ballot for the 27th Ward Alderman position is not finalized. All candidates are facing objections to their petitions including 15-year incumbent and current Alderman, Walter Burnett, Jr.

According to the objection, Burnett owes debt to the City of Chicago for fines on properties that he owns in person or as a beneficiary in land trust. The Illinois Election Code states that if an individual owes any debt to the city that individual is ineligible to run for city office.  A similar challenge has being made against 27th Ward candidate Victor Rowans for outstanding parking debt. Candidate Gevonna Fassett is being challenged as a non-resident in the City of Chicago pursuant to her Texas motor vehicle records, Texas property ownership and using her parents Chicago home as her candidacy address. The final candidate Tom Courtney is being challenged for not having enough signatures to be placed on the ballot. McKenzie Dyhr withdrew from the race.  

"With all the candidates having objections; we await an announcement from the Elections Board. Once the official ballot is released, we will begin our full analysis of the candidates to see where each stands on the issues important to our committee," said the Committee for Change (http://www.27thwardchicago.com).

The 27th Ward is located in the East Garfield Park area on the west side of the city. Business Week listed it as one of the most 'up and coming neighborhoods' in the United States in 2007. Since the recession, the growth has halted. The Committee for Change believes that change can spark the growth of the 27th Ward again.

About The Committee For Change:

The Campaign for Change in the 27th Ward of Chicago was launched in July 2010 to encourage positive change. The not-for-profit corporation and political action committee is committed to representing the best interests of residents in Chicago's 27th Ward. The campaign has put together several ideas and plans to continue to develop innovative solutions to improve the City of Chicago.

SOURCE Committee For Change