Objections Filed Against Alderman Patrick J. O’Connor, 40th Ward Incumbent

CHICAGO, IL – Dianne Daleiden, aldermanic challenger in Chicago’s 40^th Ward running against 32-year incumbent Patrick J. O’Connor, reacts to Objectors’ Petition filed against her opponent December 3, 2014:

“Campaign finance oversight of Aldermanic races is virtually non-existent now since my opponent’s bold move last July transferred those powers to the Chicago Board of Ethics – a body that hasn’t issued a finding against a single alderman in 25 years.  My supporters understand that and will be monitoring his disclosures, or lack thereof, very closely,” said Daleiden.

One objector, Leah Fried, a registered 40^th Ward voter, is concerned by Mr. O’Connor’s Statement of Economic Interest as filed (see attached) who said, “How will we ever restore faith in elected officials and basic democracy in Chicago when these games are played by the City Council Floor Leader?  We don’t need to see that you filed.  We need to see what you filed.”

“This is why people don’t vote.  When your Alderman hides legally-required information to run for office – to be on the ballot – you can sympathize with people who say “why bother to vote?  They’re all crooks,” said Daniel Sheehan, the other objector on record.

Daleiden (Duh li’ den) is a 30-year, 40^th Ward resident, and is currently a Chicago Public Schools math and science teacher at North River Elementary School, Chicago Teachers Union member, and long-standing member of W.A.N.T. (West Andersonville Neighbors Together).  Previously she worked as a social worker, a community advocate with the Illinois Women’s Agenda, and in office furniture sales.  She is divorced and has one son, Griffin Daleiden, who is a practicing attorney.