Former Inspector General and U.S. Senate candidate David Hoffman endorses James Cappleman for 46th Ward Alderman

Chicago, IL – Reform leader David Hoffman, the former Chicago Inspector General and U.S. Senate candidate, today strongly endorsed James Cappleman’s campaign for 46th Ward Alderman.  Cappleman, a social worker, former teacher and community advocate, is in the April 5th run-off election to replace retiring Alderman Helen Shiller.  Hoffman won the 46thward by 11 points in his February 2010 Democratic U.S. Senate Primary bid and is respected throughout the city for his clean government credentials, his anti-crime advocacy and his strong stance against the City’s controversial parking meter lease deal.

“James Cappleman has what it takes to fight crime and help reform Chicago’s City Hall,” said Hoffman, also a former federal prosecutor who fought gangs, drugs and gun violence prior to serving as Chicago’s top anti-corruption official.  “He supports critical ethics reforms and has the depth of experience necessary to tackle crime in the 46th ward.  He is the type of tough, reform-minded leader that we need in the Chicago City Council.”

“I’m honored to have David Hoffman’s endorsement” said Cappleman. “I plan on working with him to advocate for honesty and transparency in government.  I share his passion for fighting crime and cleaning up City Hall.”

Cappleman is also endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Heather Steans, the 46th Ward Democrats, 46th Ward Democratic Committeeman Tom Sharpe, former State Senator Carol Ronen, Illinois State Representative Deb Mell, Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Alderman Scott Waguespack, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioners Debra Shore and Mariyana Spyropoulos, every former 46th Ward Aldermanic candidate who has made an endorsement in the race, LGBT advocacy organizations Equality Illinois and Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, clean government organization IVI-IPO, the Chicago Teachers Union, pro-choice organization Personal PAC, Northside Democracy for America, National Democracy for America, National Association of Social Workers and the Chicago Sun-Times, which wrote:

“In the runoff, we’re backing James Cappleman, a former teacher and social worker with deep roots in this fiercely independent ward.

Cappleman has a broad and detailed vision for attracting businesses to the ward, fighting crime and giving residents a greater say in ward decisions. Cappleman and opponent Mary Anne “Molly” Phelan, a real estate and tax attorney, don’t differ significantly on the issues but do in experience… we prefer Cappleman because we believe he would be more independent. Cappleman already has many long-standing, constructive relationships in the ward and has displayed a willingness to reach out to those with whom he disagrees.”