Bruce Rauner’s presentation at CSU not enough to sway votes

Dr. Willie Wilson to offer another forum

By Chinta Strausberg

When GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Rauner recently gave his economic development presentation at Chicago State University, he didn’t sway the political convictions of many including Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-7^th) who said supporting the right candidate in this race is a “matter of trust.”

Business icon, humanitarian and chairman of the Chicago Baptist Institute International Willie L. Wilson and a coalition hosted the forum. While Gov. Pat Quinn was invited, he could not make the event.

Wilson said he is holding a second forum “to show the interest of the black community. It also shows we are not just Democrat or Republican.” He hopes both candidates will attend his next event.

In reacting to Rauner’s speech, Dr. Gale Frazier, Construction Management Consortium, Limited and Associate Minister–Reformation Evangelical Church, said,  “I thought that the topic Rauner was discussing was very progressive. I believe that he does want to work with African American contractors and other things pertaining to the economic programs. We should consider him as a viable alternative if necessary.”

However, Rep. Davis said, “There is nothing better than a good meeting….” On Rauner, Davis said, “There isn’t anything he can say that’s going to change my position.” Quoting his mother, Davis said she taught him, “What you do speak so loudly until I can’t hear what you say.”

“I want to see the minimum wage raised in Illinois and throughout the country,” said Davis. “I want every citizen to have access to health care. You show me a governor anywhere in this country who has done more to make healthcare accessible to low and moderate income people than Pat Quinn and I’ll walk across Lake Michigan….” Davis said Illinois has one of the best records of implementing the Affordable HealthCare of any state in the country.

“I want to create jobs and see jobs and work opportunities created. It’s tough. We need some public job creation…and I don’t think Mr. Rauner is in favor of any of that. Mr. Rauner’s party (Republican) in the House of Representative will not provide unemployment checks to over 3 million people in this country. I know he is not in Washington, but birds of a feather stick together.’ Davis said if elected, Rauner would support the Republican agenda.

In his district, Davis said he has already come up with a slogan for this gubernatorial campaign—“7^th CD is all in with Quinn.”

“I think not only has he made a difference in public life, but he will continue to make a significance difference in elevating the quality of life for the people of Illinois,” said Davis. He added, “Who do you believe is going to get to where you’re trying to go.

Referring to Rauner’s alleged billionaire status, Davis said, “It’s not whether you’re a billionaire. It’s what do you do with your billions and what will you do with state resources. Will you provide bread for the hungry?

“It’s a matter of trust,” said Davis. “You trust those whose philosophies are more similar to yours. I trust Pat Quinn. I know that he wants as many people in the state of Illinois to get health care as he can possibly get because he expanded Medicaid. He’s already done it.  I know that is what he wants. I know he is in favor of childcare or as many people who can get it.

“I also know that Pat Quinn believes in the restoration of folks and in favor of banning the boxes for people who have fallen off the track. People who committed offenses and will never be able to get a job in a lifetime who will be dependent on the state as long as they live.

“Many of them will go out and commit crimes putting them back into the penitentiary and the state tax payer will continue to take care of them as long as they are alive. I’m a Pat Quinn man. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Pat Quinn,” said Davis.

When told that Rauner is allegedly giving money to black ministers, Davis said,  “If he is, that is all right. Man does not live by bread alone. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world at the same time suffer the loss of his soul.”

Told that sources say some ministers need money to pay their mortgages, Davis said,“They don’t have to just mortgage the church but don’t mortgage your principles. Always try and deal with politics from the vantage point of what is good for the masses, and if you do that, there is no way in the world you can miss voting for Pat Quinn.”

Dr. Margaret King, professor, Geography and Economics and director of International Studies at CSU, voiced strong support for equal education and believes all schools should offer the same quality courses. Rauner promotes charter schools.

Also reacting to Rauner’s presentation was A. Ariel Adkins, an architectural consultant for the Triad Consortium, Ltd. “This was a very interesting presentation, but I didn’t get anything out of it other than another political speech from someone who is not in a position to do anything…. Present your credentials…what have you done?

“How many black folks do you have in your billionaire business”? Asked Adkins. “He didn’t tell us that. All of this about what his wife does is just smoke and mirrors….”

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.