By Juanita Bratcher

In a last ditch effort appealing to voters to get to the polls and vote in the midterm election, President Barack Obama, in an email from the DNC, said “If you don’t vote today, you’re letting someone else decide the future for you.

“You’re letting someone else pick a reality that will shape your life for two years. Today is just that simple.

“So don’t let it happen.”

As the Publisher & CEO of CopyLine Magazine, I urge all voters, African American voters in particular, to make sure that their voices are heard in this election and in all elections in the spirit of our forefathers who went through some difficult and abusive times to get the right to vote in this country.

It is important that we exercise our right to vote especially in the wake of strong efforts by Republican governors and predominantly Republican legislatures to try and suppress our voting strength through Voter ID legislation and voter registration purges. We must be mindful of that, stay vigilant and continue our fight for voting rights through the courts to make certain that every voter has the right to participate in this country’s democratic process.

We should make certain that democracy is provided to every American citizen/voter, that they have a right to the ballot box without quick fixes put in place for political reasons to deny them that right and disenfranchise thousands of voters in the process.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Our forefathers fought every step of the way – valiant and forthright – in their efforts to overthrow bigotry and racism, and open up the ballot box to blacks. And they never thought about surrendering to those injustices being heaped upon them.

Our forefathers fought valiantly for political reform. There was a desire on their part to transform the political process, even though some could not read and write. And that set up roadblocks for them. And because of this, they were systematically being barred from the ballot box. Their voting rights were either denied or abridged. Yet, when it seemed to be creeping along somewhat toward the road to victory, literacy tests were used as roadblocks on the part of the establishment to further stop their efforts.

In his contributing introduction to my book, “Lest We Never Forget: The Power of the Ballot ©,” prominent Justice R. Eugene Pincham (now deceased), declared: “It is glaringly apparent why the oppressive power structure, throughout the years in America, has gone to the extent that it has gone to prevent black participation in government and to deny the ballot to blacks – physical violence and even death, intimidation, the poll tax, the literacy test, the Grandfather Clause, and other devious schemes.”

It appears now that Pincham’s words are a definitive description of the so-called Voter ID laws that are now permeating in many state legislatures around the country. That’s why we must fight back these atrocious legislations of injustice! Our efforts must be penetrating and remain intact.

If you didn’t vote during Early Voting, today is your last chance to go to the polls and vote in this November 4^th election. Please make a special effort to do so. Go to the polls today and vote so that your voices can be heard and make for a more democratic process.

Go out to vote! Let your voices be heard in this most critical election that will play an integral role in our country’s future agenda and democracy.

Juanita Bratcher is an Award-Winning Journalist, the Publisher of www.copylinemagazine.com and the author of several books, songwriter and poet. She has been a Journalist for more than 38 years covering politics, education and a wide-range of other topics.

CHICAGO, IL – On the eve of one of the most important elections in recent history, faith, political leaders will gather to celebrate the success of the  “Souls to the Polls” program Monday, November 2, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at the historic Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2401 South Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, that resulted in an historic early voting turnout of faith voters and seniors.

As part of “Raise Illinois’” early vote campaign, “Souls to the Polls” has brought together more than 400 pastors to urge their congregants and community members to vote early for a higher minimum wage. The program specifically targeted those who typically don’t vote in mid-term elections, which is a crucial voting bloc that could reshape this election.  We are urging voters to turn out in huge and unprecedented numbers.

Nearing the end of early voting, the numbers are stark. More than 50,000 people voted early this cycle that didn’t vote at all in 2010 and of those 1 in 5 was mobilized by the “Souls to the Polls” program.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, State Senator Kwame Raoul, and other political leaders will join faith leaders to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

Joining President Preckwinkle will be: Lt. Governor hopeful Paul Vallas, Senator Kwame Raoul, Rev. Walter Turner, Apostle Carl White, Aldophus Kindle and Jaquie Algee, “Souls to the Polls / Raise Illinois” representative. The Turner Sisters will perform.

Raise Illinois is an advocacy campaign dedicated to raising the minimum wage to support low-wage workers, families and our communities.

Cornell William Brooks
President and CEO, NAACP

Today, the power to fight back against racial profiling, police brutality, and unequal opportunities in education and the economy will truly be at our fingertips.

To wield this power, all we have to do is vote.

We may not be choosing a new president, but this election is a big deal: There are 471 seats up for election tomorrow.

Make sure your friends and family know that what we do on Election Day matters. Before you cast your ballot, share this image on Facebook encouraging them to vote, too.

Exercising our right to vote is our duty as Americans and as activists in the civil and human rights movements. It’s our chance to stand up for a strong Voting Rights Act, and a strong economy. It’s our chance to vote against those who wish to thwart our rights to full democracy, and those who do not see Ferguson, and Sanford, and situations in countless other communities as problematic and unjust.

When we speak at the polls, we take another step toward building the America we want to see: a society that thrives on justice and equality.

Every election matters, but in light of all that has transpired in the past few months, we must not back down from our ideals. Now is the time to take action on the issues that affect our communities and our nation.

Help get out the vote—share this image on Facebook before you head to the polls:

http://action.naacp.org/2014-vote

In solidarity,

Cornell William Brooks
President and CEO
NAACP

P.S. If you need more information on voting in your state, click here. And you can report any problems voting to 1-866-OUR-VOTE (687-8683).

A few days before today’s much-anticipated November 4^th general election, more than 300 African American ministers held a press conference at the historic Parkway Ballroom visually showing their solid support for Gov. Pat Quinn and saying the endorsement controversy by some black clergy is not confusing the black community.

Led by Pastor Walter Turner, Pastor Leslie Sanders and Rev. Clay Evans, the coalition gave a clarion call to the black community to vote early.  Two buses and a van were parked outside of the building, located at 4456 South King Drive, to take people to 43^rd and Cottage Grove, the nearing polling place. Sanders said they are urging people to vote early. ”Don’t wait until Tuesday. Anything might happen. We can’t have no tricks….”

With some division among black faith leaders over the endorsement of Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Rauner, African American ministers wanted to set the record straight to let the masses know those handful of black preachers don’t represent their political choice.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Rev. Clay Evans, Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-7^th), Rep. Bobby L. Rush (1^st), Senator Jackie Collins (D-16^th), Senator Donne Trotter (D-17^th), Markham Mayor David Webb, Jr., political icon Chuck Bowen, Rikki Jones, business icons Elzie L. Higginbottom, Howard Medley and Everett Rand, Aldermen Pat Dowell (3^rd), William Burns (4^th), Toni Foulkes (15^th), former Ald. Ed H. Smith (28^th), Leonard Muhammad, chief of staff to Nation of Islam Leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, Chief Apostle William McCoy, Rev. Leon Finney, activist Wallace “Gator” Bradley, John Clark, CEO Reggio Pizza, construction giant Larry Huggins, and many others made it clear why Gov. Quinn is the better choice for the state of Illinois and for the black community.

Often called the “Godfather” of the faith community, Rev. Evans said Quinn has character and is a man who “stands for something.” “The man who we are supporting with God to help us and if we encourage our people to vote, we can win with Quinn…. We can do it. He has served us well against all of the opposition that he has had to go up against and has done a good job. We know him.

“Those who are running opposite against him, we don’t know them,” Rev. Evans said. “People can make you all kinds of promises. It doesn’t mean a thing, but Quinn has integrity. He has character. He’s been concerned not just election time.

“People think they can just come at an election and can buy us off, but they can’t do that. We are men and women of the cloth. We know when a person has been doing us well and will continue to do us well. I beg of you brethren and sisters, get behind Quinn. Let’s win with Quinn,” Rev. Clay concluded receiving a round of applause.

Turner introduced President Preckwinkle who said, “When Pat Quinn came into office, we had one governor in prison and one on the way,” she said referring to former Governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. “It was a very difficult time for our state, and he has restored integrity and confidence in the government by the force of his personality and good deeds.”

Preckwinkle praised Quinn for “supporting our effort to bring people into the Medicaid expansion program that was part of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act early.” She said the County began enrolling people in November of 2012 in County Care and since that time, the county has enrolled 92,000 people. Those are people who had health care only sporadically or not at all in their lives; so this has been a godsend to them and it’s also been a godsend to the rest of us….”

Saying Gov. Quinn support the County’s expansion effort, Preckwinkle said, “Bruce Rauner said he would vetoed Illinois’ participation in President Obama’s Affordable Care Act…. Pat Quinn stands for reasonable gun laws. He believes that people who want to buy guns should undergo background checks. That seems to be perfectly reasonable to me, but Bruce Rauner opposes that.

“He also believes, apparently, that you should be able to have your assault weapons any where you want to take them.” Preckwinkle said the only reason to have those weapons is to “kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible….”

Preckwinkle said Gov. Quinn supports raising minimum wage unlike Rauner she says opposes it. “He has even said on some occasions that we ought to eliminate the minimum wage. Here is a man who makes $30,000 an hour and minimum wage workers make $16,500 a year; so it’s not just the way he made his money but in having so much money he’s unwilling to be generous to those who work hard every day and make very little…incomprehensible to me….” She urges all to vote early.

Rep. Davis called the interfaith coalition “godfathers and godmothers of our communities and one way we can protect our people and our community is to elect for governor someone who thinks like we think.” Saying Quinn is his neighbor; Davis said Quinn is engaged at the grassroots level. He knows the difference between having enough money to pay your bills at the end of the week and having nine mansions to live in because he sees it everyday.”

Davis said Quinn understands the importance of having health care and “knows what it’s like to fight institutions that have gouged our people and our communities who have taken their little resources and did what ever they desired.

“Anybody in our community who for some reason or another think voting for the other candidate is in their best interest I think it would be the same as a turkey voting for an early Thanksgiving,” Davis said to a cheering crowd.

Thanking the clergy, business and youth, for their leadership, Davis said, “the only thing left for us to do is to be all in with Quinn.”

On the mixed messages some black ministers are giving with their very visible endorsement of Rauner, Rep. Rush set the record straight. “Our community must re-elect Pat Quinn for governor.” Referencing “some of the confusion that has been leveled by our community by some of our friends, some by members of the clergy and others,” Rush concluded, “It seems as though when you come into contact with a billionaire then somehow you lose your sense of direction.”

Rush said Quinn’s opponents “are asking us to do is to focus on some kind of hype…billionaire hype and that this billionaire is all of a sudden our friend. Somehow they are trying to redefine what Republicans mean to our community. They are trying to get us to forget about Richard Nixon and George Bush, Chaney and all the rest of those Republicans who have been so hateful and so detrimental to…our community.

“I don’t know how they can expect us to forget how the Republicans have treated President Obama for the last eight-years,” said Rush. He said it was the Republicans who shut down government “who cut every social programs…the lifeblood for so many in our community.

“How do they want us to forget this recent history and all of a sudden embrace this Republican,” Rush said. “We are much clearer than that. We know that they want us to eat the wrapper and throw the candy bar away….. We know Pat Quinn…. Has Pat Quinn been perfect”? Rush, who is also a minister, referred to Christ when the said there is only one perfect person.

“We can work with Pat Quinn because we know Pat Quinn.                                                                                                                                                            This newcomer, this billionaire from what I know hasn’t done anything but hurt people in order to reach the billionaire status. We’re not confused in this election. We are crystal clear. Our mind is made up…and when you make up your mind, the whole universe gets into order.” Rush said on Nov. 4^th, “we’re going to march lock step to the polls, and we’re going to push for Pat Quinn and win once again with Pat Quinn,” Rush said as the coalition joined in the chant.

Mr. Rand, a second-generation businessman, said Illinois “is now leading the Midwest in job creation. The hospitality industry has 517,000 employees. We are the largest single employer in the state of Illinois. We contribute over $22 billion to the state’s economy. We are a force to be reckoned with,” he said. “We are clearly behind Gov. Quinn. We can win with Quinn because he’s one of us.

“He has made a commitment to the community…to education. I fault no one how they made their dollars, their enrichments, but Gov. Quinn has made sure that everyone has the opportunity not for our kids to just stand by and hold the ladder of success for somebody else to climb it, but he wants them to climb it also,” Rand said. “This election is not about today. It’s about tomorrow…the future of our kids and the future of our communities…. We can do this…. We got to work together. Divided we will always be the same, but together we stand.”

Mayor Webb said he represents 14 towns in south suburban. In supporting Quinn, the mayor said, “That’s the only governor I’ve seen in the southland in a very long time. Quinn has not only talked the talk. He makes things happen” like economic development and job creation.

Turner said, “We need to send a clear message about what is at stake. We stand to lose health care…Medicare and Medicaid. We stand to lose educational funding. We stand to lose living beneath already a poverty level. Somebody wants to get rid of it so that we all will be part of the poverty level.” Turner bellowed, “We will win with Quinn…. We need to take our souls to the polls.”

After the press conference, Senator Collins said Quinn has a proven record in the African American community, education and other issues. “Quinn has been there for us…,” she said including supporting the Affordable Care Act “which is the heart of President Obama’s agenda.” Collins said Quinn has been in the forefront for funding education and other social issues like supporting a ban on assault weapons and raising the minimum wage. “We know that 64 percent of women in the workforce are minimum wage…. I believe that Quinn has the consciousness and heart to ensure that we retain the guarantees and resources” they need.

Ald. Dowell said, “I know Quinn has been good for the city of Chicago. In my ward, he has been very helpful in bringing back money for infrastructure. He supported a lot of social service programs that continue to get funded…. I have not seen evidence of what a Rauner victory would positively impact our community.” Dowell said she’s sticking with Quinn whom she knows.

Pastor Turner said if you need transportation to the polls, in the suburbs, you should call 708.856.5228. In the city, they should call at 773.734.5483 or the Clergy for Quinn number at 708. 674.5539.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.

From Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign

Foreclosure Vigil – Tuesday, 10/4 – 4:15 p.m.  – 7204 S. Union Chicago, IL 60621

As Reverse Mortgage Solutions stands by their decision to evict a grandmother without proper counseling, community members will come to the resident’s home to listen to her story.

Chicago, IL -  A member of the Englewood community is in danger of being evicted from her home: Reverse Mortgage Solutions Inc. (RMS) did not provide the necessary information for Louise Hammond to live out her days at 7204 S. Union Ave. This put into action a slew of scenarios that created a domino like effect, precipitously crashing into eviction. Thus, community members will stand with Louise outside of the home she has lived in for 35 years. Please come join Louise and concerned members of the community in fighting fraudulent evictions!

Ms. Hammond has seen the neighborhood transform around her, from a vibrant community to one where violence and vacant buildings have eroded the community fabric. Louise’s home could now add to those Englewood homes unoccupied. The 84 year old south-side resident, who houses her daughter and grandson, has come to this juncture because RMS failed to properly notify Louise of her responsibilities.

Louise Hammonds took out a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage with Reverse Mortgage Solutions inc (RMS), in 2009. Two representatives of RMS came to Louise’s house, with a watermelon in hand, to discuss a reverse mortgage. When they came to finalize the agreement they said, “You’ll get a check every month. The bank will pay you to stay here in order to keep the building.”  Louise needed the money for living expenses, considering her monthly SSI was and is her only income. She enthusiastically accepted. However, RMS did not send monthly checks; one $1,000 check was sent.

The representatives failed to notify Louise that if she did not pay homeowner’s insurance and property taxes, then RMS would foreclose. This is precisely what happened considering RMS only sent one check. Because of this, Louise was forced to pay for all of the house maintenance. It was discovered later on that her property taxes were sold to WHEELER FINANCIAL before the foreclosure was initiated too; Louise could not have paid for her property taxes even if she wanted to. Thus, Louise hired lawyers from Consumer Law Group (CLG) when the foreclosure process started. In the two years CLG had Louise as a client, they charged $4,000. No resolution or bankruptcy was filed when Louise requested. Because Louise was disregarded by RMS and Consumer Law Group, had her taxes sold to WHEELER, and had to pay for house maintenance, this exacerbated her ability to fight for the home monetarily.

This is important to know because reverse mortgages are supposed to help the elderly live out their days comfortably. Instead, they are displacing a vulnerable population in Chicago, and across the nation, insidiously: the promise that end of life matters will be respectful and graceful in the home. Companies like RMS are monsters for what they do to our elders. In Louise’s case, they expected her not to fight. However, they were wrong. Because RMS withheld vital information, even after federal counseling laws are mandated, they will be challenged and held accountable.

What: Foreclosure Vigil for the Hammond’s Family

When: Tuesday, November 4^th at 4:15 p.m.

Where: Hammond Family Home, 7204 S. Union Ave, Chicago IL 60621

For more information, contact the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign: 773-236-0559

CHICAGO, IL – American consumers fear their identity being hacked more than any other crime, according to a recent Gallup study. It’s not a minor concern as 69% of consumers polled feel that way. The fear follows cyber-attacks against Target, Neiman Marcus, Home Depot and other retailers. Add programming flaws such as the recent “Shellshock/Bash Bug” to that and previously, “Heartbleed”, plus the potential harm that can be done to computers, laptops, servers and personal devices. While warning against undo worry, because of bugs like “Shellshock/Bash bug” the Better Business Bureau recommends consumers take steps to protect themselves.

“Shellshock/Bash bug” is a system flaw effecting machines using Unix-based systems including Linux and Mac OS X. Security experts say this vulnerability is more serious than others because of the number of devices it can affect. The list includes servers, routers for home use, Android phones, Mac computers, medical devices, printers, even systems that run power plants and municipal water systems.

“This system flaw has been around for at least 25 years but it was just discovered,” says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “The real concern for everyone is that this bug allows a hacker to not only take control of the computer or device, but to tell it or others what to do.”

With the possibility that “Shellshock/Bash bug” could expose individuals to potential fraud, financial loss, or access to confidential information consumers need to be alert and monitor their accounts.

With thousands of devices that use these operating systems and connect to the internet, it is important to follow these steps if you have concerns:

• Make sure you have a firewall installed.
• Apply patches for routers, computers and other devices as they are available.
• Run up-to-date- security software on your devices.
• If you have specific questions, contact your manufacturer.
• Monitor all credit and debit card accounts.
• Change your passwords to protect your personal and financial information and to restrict access to those accounts.

Bernas noted “Most experts agree that issues with computers and the internet, such as these with “Shellshock” and “Heartbleed”, will not go away and that we’ll have to continue to be aware of the technological risks.”

For tips on cyber-safety, visit bbb.org and for the latest, check out our blog, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

On October 29, the Chicago Transit Authority added two new fully electric-powered buses to its fleet. These additions are part of the company’s efforts to modernize their fleet and become more eco-friendly.

The two new buses will provide a cleaner, quieter ride that will reduce fuel costs and significantly decrease emissions, improving air quality for the customers and the general public. These electric powered buses will save the CTA over $25,000 annually in fuel costs.

The CTA is the first of any major U.S. Transit to use all electric-powered buses as part of its regular service. These buses are part of their initiative to go green. In addition to the new vehicles, the CTA is increasing the amount of hybrid buses in their fleet, replacing old lighting with new energy efficient LED light bulbs, and recycling employee refuse and vehicle material like batteries, oil, and anti-freeze.

The buses hit Chicago streets immediately and will be used on the #7 Harrison, #120 Olgilvie/Streeterville Express, #121 Union/Streeterville Express, #124 Navy Pier, #125 Water Tower Express, and #157 Streeterville/Taylor routes.

For more information, read the full article from the CTA’s website.

Updated List of 2015 Alternative Fuels and

Advanced Technology Vehicles

WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts

• David J. Berteau – Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, Department of Defense
• Leigh A. Bradley – General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Mona Dixon – Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
• Mark Scarano – Federal Cochairperson, Northern Border Regional Commission

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

• Jeffrey Bleich – Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
• Michael K. Goto – United States Commissioner, Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean
• Mary Lou Leary– Deputy Director for State, Local, and Tribal Affairs, Office of National Drug Control Policy
• August William “Bill” Ritter – Representative of the United States, Western Interstate Nuclear Board
• William Sabol – Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Department of Justice

President Obama said, “These fine public servants bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their important roles.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

David J. Berteau, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, Department of Defense

David J. Berteau is currently Senior Vice President and Director of the National Security Program on Industry and Resources at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a position he has held since 2013.  Previously at CSIS, he was Senior Vice President and Director of the International Security Program from 2011 to 2013, and he was Senior Adviser and Director of the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group from 2008 to 2011.  In 2008, while at CSIS, Mr. Berteau was the Chair of the Resources Working Group for the Project on National Security Reform.  From 2003 to 2008, he served as a Director at Clark & Weinstock, and from 2001 to 2003 he directed the National Security Studies Program at Syracuse University.  From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Berteau was a Senior Vice President at SAIC, and from 1993 to 1997, he was the company’s Corporate Vice President of Business Development.  In 1993, he served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Production and Logistics, and from 1992 to 1993 he was the Chairman for the Defense Conversion Commission.  From 1990 to 1993, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Production & Logistics and in 1989, he served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management and Personnel.  Mr. Berteau was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Resource Management & Support from 1986 to 1989, and he served in several roles at the Department of Defense from 1981 to 1986.  Mr. Berteau received a B.A. from Tulane University and an M.P.A. from University of Texas at Austin.

Leigh A. Bradley, Nominee for General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs

Leigh A. Bradley is currently Director of the Standards of Conduct Office in the Office of the General Counsel at the Department of Defense (DOD), a position she has held since 2008.  Since July 2014, she has served on detail from DOD to the Department of Veterans Affairs as Special Counsel to the Secretary.  Previously, Ms. Bradley was at the American Red Cross, where she served as Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk and Chief Risk Officer from 2005 to 2007 and as Chief of Staff from 2004 to 2005.  From 2001 to 2004, Ms. Bradley was a Partner at Holland & Knight, LLP, and from 1998 to 2001 she was General Counsel at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  She served as Principal Deputy General Counsel for the Department of the Navy from 1994 to 1998 and as a senior attorney in the Office of the Deputy General Counsel at DOD from 1987 to 1994.  A veteran, she also served on active duty as a Judge Advocate for the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 1986.  Ms. Bradley received a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Alabama.

Mona Dixon, Nominee for Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

Mona Dixon currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club (BGC) of Tempe, AZ, a position she has held since 2013.  Ms. Dixon has been a Keystone Advisor for her local BGC since 2012 and in 2013, she served as a Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) Ambassador to the Military Teen Leadership conference.  Since 2009, Ms. Dixon has been engaging communities as an active motivational speaker and performing public service announcements dedicated to helping young people graduate high school.  She was a Success Coach for First Year Success at Arizona State University (ASU) from 2013 to 2014.  Ms. Dixon served as an Outreach Ambassador at ASU from 2012 to 2013.  From 2011 to 2013, she was a member of the Board of Directors for United Methodist Outreach Ministries New Day Centers.  In 2014, she was awarded the Compassion, Courage, & Advocacy Award and was selected as a Glamour Girl’s Top 10 College Women’s Reader’s Choice Award Nominee.  In 2010, she was selected as the National Youth of the Year by BGCA, and in 2011 was selected as one of the Top 28 Most Influential Black Women in America by Essence Magazine.  Ms. Dixon received a B.S. from Arizona State University.

Mark Scarano, Nominee for Federal Cochairperson, Northern Border Regional Commission

Mark Scarano is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Grafton County Economic Development Council, a position he has held since 2006.  Previously, he was the Executive Director and Business Development Director for the Piscataquis County, Maine Economic Development Council from 1999 to 2006.  From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Scarano served as the Community Development Director for the Town of Millinocket, Maine.  He received a B.A. from the University of Southern Maine and an M.A. from Iowa State University.

Jeffrey Bleich, Appointee for Member, J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board

Jeffrey Bleich is a litigation partner with Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, a position he has held since 2013 and previously held from 1995 to 2009.  He is also a visiting professor at Sydney University.  Mr. Bleich served as the United States Ambassador to Australia from 2009 to 2013 and as Honorary Co-Chair of the Australia – U.S. Fulbright Board.  Mr. Bleich also served as Special Counsel to the President in 2009.  He taught Constitutional Law and International Law at University of California from 1994 to 2003.  He was also Chair of the California State University Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2009, and the President of the State Bar of California from 2007 to 2008.  Mr. Bleich clerked for Chief Justice William Rehnquist from 1990 to 1991, Judge Abner Mikva from 1989 to 1990, and Judge Howard Holtzman of the Iran – U.S. Claims Tribunal in the Hague from 1991 to 1992.  Mr. Bleich is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Law Institute, and the American Bar Foundation Fellows.  He received a B.A. from Amherst College, an M.P.P. from Harvard University, and a J.D. from University of California Berkeley School of Law.

Michael K. Goto, Appointee for United States Commissioner, Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Michael K. Goto has served as a member of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council since 2012.  He has served as the Chair of the Committee on Pelagic and International Fisheries since 2012.  Mr. Goto has held various positions for the United Fishing Agency, Ltd., including Auction Manager since 2014, Executive Assistant to the General Manager since 2007, and Sales Manager from 2009 to 2014.  He currently serves as a Director and Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Longline Association.  He also serves as a Director on the Board of Directors for the Domestic Commercial Fishing Village Association at Pier 38, Honolulu Harbor.  Mr. Goto received a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University.

Mary Lou Leary, Appointee for Deputy Director for State, Local, and Tribal Affairs, Office of National Drug Control Policy

Mary Lou Leary is currently the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice (DOJ), a position she has held since 2009.  Previously, Ms. Leary served as the Executive Director for the National Center for Victims of Crime from 2005 to 2009.  From 2004 to 2005, she was Senior Counsel to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, and from 2001 to 2004 she served as Principal Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.  Ms. Leary served as Acting Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Justice Programs from 2000 to 2001 and was Deputy Associate Attorney General from 1998 to 2001 at DOJ.  She served as Acting Director for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services at DOJ in 1999, after serving as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia from 1997 to 1998.  From 1985 to 1998, Ms. Leary served in several positions in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Chief of the Superior Court Division, Executive Assistant for the U.S. Attorney for Operations, Deputy Chief of the Superior Court Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney.  She was a Law Clerk for Judge Frank J. Murray at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and for Judge Fred B. Ugast at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  Ms. Leary received a B.A. from Syracuse University, an M.A. from Ohio State University, and a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.

August William “Bill” Ritter, Appointee for Representative of the United Sates, Western Interstate Nuclear Board

August William “Bill” Ritter currently serves as the Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University, a position he has held since February 2011.  From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Ritter served as the 41^stGovernor of Colorado.  Prior to this, he was the District Attorney for the City and County of Denver from 1993 to 2005. Mr. Ritter worked in the U.S. Attorney’s office in Denver from 1990 to 1992.  From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Ritter and his wife served as missionaries for the Catholic Church in Zambia.  Mr. Ritter worked as a Deputy District Attorney from 1981 to 1987.  He currently serves on the board of the Energy Foundation.  Mr. Ritter received a B.A. from Colorado State University and a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder.

William Sabol, Appointee for Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Department of Justice

William Sabol is currently the Principal Deputy Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice (DOJ), a position he has held since 2010.  Since 2013, Mr. Sabol has served as the Acting Director of BJS.  From 2006 to 2010, he was the Chief of the Corrections Statistics Unit in BJS.  Before joining DOJ, Mr. Sabol served as the Associate Director of Homeland Security and Justice at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) from 2003 to 2006; this was his second role with GAO, having previously served as Senior Social Scientist from 1991 to 1995.  From 2000 to 2004, he was Associate Director of the Center on Urban Poverty and Social Change at the Mandel School of Applied Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.  From 1995 to 2000, he was the Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute.  From 1990 to 1991, he was a Project Director at Cosmos Corporation.  He began his professional career at the University of Maryland, serving first as a Faculty Research Associate in the Afro-American Studies Program from 1987 to 1988, and then as an Assistant Professor of Afro-American Studies and Criminal Justice from 1988 to 1991. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge from 1986 to 1987.  Mr. Sabol received a B.A. and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

• Leon Aron – Member, Broadcasting Board of Governors
• Jeffery S. Hall – Member, Farm Credit Administration Board, Farm Credit Administration

Dr. Leon Aron is Resident Scholar and Director of Russian Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a position he has held since 1993.  He was a weekly Contributor at the Voice of America’s Russian language radio and television show Gliadya iz Ameriki (Looking from America) from 1990 to 2004.  Dr. Aron was previously an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University from 1994 to 1996 and a Senior Policy Analyst at the Heritage Foundation from 1987 to 1992.  He was awarded the Peace Fellowship from the U.S. Institute of Peace from 1992 to 1993.  Dr. Aron received a B.A. from Moscow State Pedagogical Institute and an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Jeffery S. Hall, Nominee for Member, Farm Credit Administration Board, Farm Credit Administration

Jeffery S. Hall is the President of The Capstone Group, a firm he co-founded in 2009.  Mr. Hall was the State Executive Director in Kentucky for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency from 2001 to 2009.  Previously, from 1994 to 2001, he served as the Assistant to the Dean at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.  Prior to that, Mr. Hall was a Legislative Assistant in the Office of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.  He has held leadership positions in a number of non-profit organizations.  Mr. Hall received a B.S. from Purdue University.

Lewisville, TX (BlackNews.com) — William (Bill) Lawrence, a black American lawyer, Vietnam veteran and retired United States Air Force Reserve Colonel, is no stranger to achieving breakthroughs despite the odds. In year 2000, he made history as the 16th and first black American elected Mayor of Highland Village. Bill announced that he has also been elected the first President of the Denton County Federation of African American Republicans (DFAAR) and Vice President for the Eastern Region State Auxiliary.

According to Lawrence, DFAAR is part of a leading edge multi-ethnic engagement approach by Texas GOP Leadership to help the Republican National Committee (RNC) win greater voter support from black communities. Bill is a long-time conservative Republican and said, “My long association with the party is due to similar values. I believe we are “One Nation Under God”, our country is exceptional and that our Constitution should be honored and upheld. Lawrence said in a news release, Specific goals of DFAAR include; correcting misinformation, improving an anemic public relations image and increasing engagement of the black press/media. A key focus is on promoting Republican ideals, asking blacks for their support and growing the voter base.”

Lawrence said, he is confident critical problems for black America like jobs, education, healthcare, family and the justice system are resolvable. He noted that well into the current Democratic Administrations second term; only black unemployment escalated to a high of 13.4%, despite the fact that Democrats enjoy voting support of over 90% of Black America. As a result, I think blacks are fed up and beginning to weigh the pros and cons of both political parties. This opens the door of opportunity for Republicans and for a future of bright possibilities within our party, he said.

In addition to a law degree from Indiana University, Lawrence received a masters degree from St. Marys and a bachelor degree from Tuskegee University. He was also born in Tuskegee, Alabama, while his dad served in World War II, with the U.S. Army Air Corps all black combat flying unit, known as the “Tuskegee Airmen.” Bill Lawrence and his wife, Grace are 30 year homeowners in Highland Village. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Photo: Bill Lawrence

Students at Bennett College Retreat for Reciprocal Mentoring with Impact