Suburban Mayors Throw Support Behind Lipinski

CHICAGO, IL -- Thirty suburban mayors from Illinois 3rd Congressional District announced their support of U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski in the upcoming primary, according to a campaign news release. The 7-term congressman is in a heated primary race with challenger Marie Newman, a non-profit founder and anti-bullying advocate. One of those endorsers is LaGrange Mayor Tom Livingston, Newman’s home base. The Illinois gubernatorial primary is March 20.

“From his seat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Dan Lipinski has played a key role at both the federal and local level in providing parking critical to our downtown revitalization, helping us mitigate flooding, and making rehabilitation of our iconic Stone Avenue station possible with $700,000 in federal money,” Livingston said in a written statement. “I’m proud to support Dan because he’s delivered for our community.”

Elected officials cited the congressman’s “care for his constituents, accessibility, success leveraging resources and support for local communities.” Also mentioned was Lipinski’s constituent services.

“I am honored by the overwhelming support of 30 mayors and village presidents from the Third Congressional District who back my reelection to Congress,” Lipinski said. “My belief in working to bring people together to solve problems for my constituents encompasses all levels of government. I cooperate closely with local officials because they understand the needs of their communities; in my capacity as a representative I have been very happy to help them build better places for residents to live, work, and raise their families.”

The Newman-Lipinski primary has been touted as one of the top democratic primaries to watch by Politico, The Hill, Huffington Post and CNN.

Here are a few of the endorsement statements, and a complete list of mayors, village presidents and village managers who endorse Lipinski.

“As President of the Southwest Conference of Mayors for the past 35 years, I know how important it is to have a Representative who works closely with local elected officials and helps them to take care of their communities. Dan Lipinski has done just that, working with mayors and other officials to make our communities even better places to live and work.” ~ Mayor Jerry Bennett, Palos Hills

“Congressman Lipinski is an accessible and highly visible representative who listens to our community’s needs and produces results. He has had a real tangible impact in making Oak Lawn an even better place to live, work, and shop by bringing us weekend Metra service, getting a train horn quiet zone added, aiding our first responders in acquiring multiple grants, and helping with revitalization around Patriot Station.” ~ Village President Sandra Bury, Oak Lawn

“I’m endorsing Dan because our community cares deeply for our veterans and seniors and so does he. Dan’s constituent services are outstanding, especially when it comes to helping our veterans get support from the VA and our seniors get their benefits from Medicare and Social Security.” ~ Village President Kyle Hastings, Orland Hills

“Dan has been a fixture in our community. From attending Fourth of July parades to Cops Night Out events, he always takes the time to meet with our residents and to listen. That’s why Dan is successful as a congressman – because he listens to his constituents and fights for their interests.” ~ Village President Christopher Getty, Lyons

“Dan Lipinski is a great advocate for the Village of Summit. We are working with him to modernize our community’s transportation infrastructure, which includes upgrading our Metra station and improving local roads. And he secured federal resources to help keep our emergency responders safe. He cares for us.” ~Acting Village President Sergio Rodriquez, Summit

“I’m endorsing Congressman Lipinski because he is fighting for federal resources and support that can help spur economic growth, create jobs, and make our community an even better place to live. He has been an incredibly accessible congressman for Will County.” ~ Village President John Noak, Romeoville

Complete list of suburban mayors and village presidents who endorsed Lipinski for reelection:

Alsip - John Ryan
Burbank - Dan Foy
Bridgeview - Steve Landek
Chicago Ridge - Chuck Tokar
Hickory Hills - Mike Howley
Hometown - Kevin Casey
Justice - Kris Wasowicz
Merrionette Park - Dennis McGee
Oak Lawn - Sandra Bury
Orland Hills - Kyle Hastings
Palos Heights - Bob Straz
Palos Hills - Jerry Bennett
Palos Park - John Mahoney
Worth - Mary Werner
Bedford Park - Dave Brady
Berwyn - Bob Lovaro
Cicero - Larry Dominic
McCook - Jeff Tobolski
Stickney - Jeff Walik
Forest View - Tom Heller
Summit - Sergio Rodriquez
LaGrange - Tom Livingston
Western Springs - Alice Gallagher
Willow Springs - John Carpino
Lyons - Chris Getty
Hodgkins - Noel Cummings
Indian Head Park - Tom Hinshaw
Lemont - John Egofske
Lockport - Steve Streit
Romeoville - John Noak