After numerous phone calls to the Cook County Democratic party and

           Chairman Joseph Berrios.  After conversations with other members of the Cook

           County Democratic Party, it is clear that there is a systematic plan to                        disenfranchise the voters in the 16^th ward of having a voice for an interim                    replacement for the 6^thState Representative seat.  The 16^th Ward                              Committeeman seat has been vacant since the untimely death of Alderman and            Committeeman Joann Thompson in February of 2015.  Since then the 16^thWard            has not had a voice with the city, county, or state party. 

 

          “We understand that in August of 2015, vacant committeeman seats in other                wards  were filled.  Why not the 16^th Ward?  As the sitting elected Alderman of            the 16^th Ward and a Democrat, I am mad as hell at the slight and the                          disrespect given to not only myself, but the voters of the 16^th ward who are                being disenfranchised under the “One man One vote” concept by the Cook                  Democratic Party.  The party in essence is violating their own by-laws and the            Illinois State Election Code on this matter.  It was my hope that this issue                  could be handled out of the public eye.  But I cannot sit idly by and allow the              Cook County Democratic party to disrespect and disenfranchise the people that            voted for me to represent them.  If the Cook County Democratic Party wants a            fight going into the upcoming Presidential Primary then that’s what they’ll get.              We will see them in court and definitely see them on March 15, 2016 primary                election.” said Alderman Foulkes.

 

                                         

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