February 5, 2010 Southwest News-Herald - City
Zalewski Rolls To Victory In State Rep Race
In the race for 21st District State Representative, Michael J. Zalewski brought home a blowout victory over his opponent, Terry Collins. Zalewski compiled 78 percent of the vote.
In his acceptance speech in front of a crowd of more than 100 Tuesday night at the Mayfield Banquet Hall — including his wife, 4-month-old daughter and father, Ald. Mike Zalewski (23rd) — he thanked everyone who came out to the polls, despite messy weather conditions, and voted for him.
He also thanked his precinct captains in what he called “non-stop campaigning” to help him win the position.
“Everyone did a great job,” said Zalewski. “The constituents came out and showed their support, and the numbers showed it.
“We own this ward. If someone tries to take us out, they never will,” he said as the crowd cheered him on.
Collins was unavailable for comment.
Jack Neven, precinct captain for the west end of the 23rd Ward, said that he knows the constituents will be proud that they voted the right person into office.
“Mike takes pride in his community and he is passionate about the district,” said Neven. “I have watched him show interest in politics since he
was a little boy, following his father around everywhere he went — parades, ward picnics, he was there.”
He added that Zalewski brings a fresh start to the district with new ideas, and an energetic personality.
“He’s a bright light for the people of the area, and his work ethic can’t be matched,” said Neven.
Ald. Zalewski said he is proud of his son and all the hard work he put into campaigning, but noted that none of it would have been possible without the people of the 21st District.
“We are proud of the community and what they did,” said Zalewski. “I know what the constituents and precinct captains did and I pride myself on it.”
Robert Molaro, who was the state representative of the 21st District before Zalewski, said that the victory brings a young, energetic spirit to the office.
“Mike will do very well,” said Molaro, a resident of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood. “He works hard at what he does, and hard work will always pay off in the end.”
Zalewski said that with a victory under his belt, it is time to get to work.
He will be heading to Springfield this week with two bills in mind that he would like to see passed.
One of those bills involves consumer protection rights that will allow those being sued for a debt to have more options on how to help resolve their problems.
Zalewski said that during these tough economic times, people need to be given as much assistance as possible to help them save money.
The other bill allows for new parents to be given a safe driver discount if they complete a child safety seat installation session.
“This is now the time to really get to work on issues that affect everyone,” he said. “There is nothing that could be taken for granted.”
In his acceptance speech in front of a crowd of more than 100 Tuesday night at the Mayfield Banquet Hall — including his wife, 4-month-old daughter and father, Ald. Mike Zalewski (23rd) — he thanked everyone who came out to the polls, despite messy weather conditions, and voted for him.
He also thanked his precinct captains in what he called “non-stop campaigning” to help him win the position.
“Everyone did a great job,” said Zalewski. “The constituents came out and showed their support, and the numbers showed it.
“We own this ward. If someone tries to take us out, they never will,” he said as the crowd cheered him on.
Collins was unavailable for comment.
Jack Neven, precinct captain for the west end of the 23rd Ward, said that he knows the constituents will be proud that they voted the right person into office.
“Mike takes pride in his community and he is passionate about the district,” said Neven. “I have watched him show interest in politics since he
was a little boy, following his father around everywhere he went — parades, ward picnics, he was there.”
He added that Zalewski brings a fresh start to the district with new ideas, and an energetic personality.
“He’s a bright light for the people of the area, and his work ethic can’t be matched,” said Neven.
Ald. Zalewski said he is proud of his son and all the hard work he put into campaigning, but noted that none of it would have been possible without the people of the 21st District.
“We are proud of the community and what they did,” said Zalewski. “I know what the constituents and precinct captains did and I pride myself on it.”
Robert Molaro, who was the state representative of the 21st District before Zalewski, said that the victory brings a young, energetic spirit to the office.
“Mike will do very well,” said Molaro, a resident of Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood. “He works hard at what he does, and hard work will always pay off in the end.”
Zalewski said that with a victory under his belt, it is time to get to work.
He will be heading to Springfield this week with two bills in mind that he would like to see passed.
One of those bills involves consumer protection rights that will allow those being sued for a debt to have more options on how to help resolve their problems.
Zalewski said that during these tough economic times, people need to be given as much assistance as possible to help them save money.
The other bill allows for new parents to be given a safe driver discount if they complete a child safety seat installation session.
“This is now the time to really get to work on issues that affect everyone,” he said. “There is nothing that could be taken for granted.”