Congressional Candidate Joyce Washington Rolls Out Program to Curb Gun Violence

Calls for more cops on the street, says voters deserve more than ‘professional politicians’

For immediate release

2nd District Congressional candidate Joyce Washington laid out her short term legislative plan to combat the recent surge in Chicago’s murder rate, and at the same time distinguished her candidacy from those of “professional politician” opponents.

Ms. Washington, a Health Care Executive and successful businesswoman, laid out a simple, four point plan to curb gun violence in the short term.  Her plan includes reinvigorating the President Bill Clinton’s COPS program to help cities like Chicago put more policemen on the streets in the worst neighborhoods.

The statement, made in a press conference at the site of a local murder two blocks from her home, also included a call for fully funding mental health care, a renewed assault weapons ban, and a closing of the gun show loophole for background checks.

Ms. Washington also branded her major opponents in the race (Debbie Halvorson, Robin Kelly, Toi Hutchinson, and Anthony Beale) as “professional politicians” who treat the voters of the 2nd District “with utter contempt.”

Several of Ms. Washington’s opponents have abandoned their previous positions on several prominent issues.  Ms. Washington said this amounts to “changing their positions from election to election and even from neighborhood to neighborhood,” and she called this “disgraceful behavior.”

Ms. Washington, who lives in the South Shore neighborhood, ran for Lt. Governor in 2002 and received 63% of the vote in the 2nd District.  She is the former COO of Michael Reese Hospital, former Vice President at Advocate Health Care and currently is the CEO and founder of her own successful Health Care Executive Consulting Company, The Washington Group.

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A Message To My 2nd District…

Dear Neighbor:

During challenging times, we need experienced leaders who will fight for our families and our community. We need leaders who are accessible to listen to our concerns and willing to act. We need a leader in Congress who can be trusted to work hard for us and deliver results.

It’s time for fresh leadership and new ideas to jump start our economy, create jobs and protect the programs which have been promised to our seniors and to those of greatest of need. 

I am Joyce Washington and with your support, I’ll work hard to be your voice as our district’s next Representative in the United States Congress. 

Unlike many of the other candidates, I have a strong background in balancing budgets, running a business and implementing solutions which have created jobs, protected necessary programs and served the public.

My strength is my experience in leadership, my expertise is in healthcare and my heart is always with our community. 

Many families throughout the district have been struggling, lost with the instability of the economy and our government. With your support, I’ll be your voice. Together, we’ll make a difference. 

I sincerely thank you for your consideration, your vote, and most importantly your prayers and friendship.

Warmest regards,

Joyce Washington

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Suburban Cook County early voting locations

Calumet City Public Library
660 Manistee Ave. Calumet City, IL 60409 Monday-Saturday:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Chicago Heights City Hall
1601 Chicago Road Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Faith Family Future Center
16931 South Park Ave. South Holland, IL 60473
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Matteson Village Hall
4900 Village Commons Matteson, IL 60443
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

County Clerk’s Main Office
69 West Washington St. 5th Floor Chicago, IL 60602
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Chicago Early Voting Locations:

Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Jeffery Manor Library, 2401 E. 100th St.

Palmer Park, 201 E. 111th St.

Vodak / East Side Library, 3710 E. 106th St.
OPEN: Mon. – Sat., non-holidays, 9 am-5 pm
CLOSED: Tue., Feb. 12, Lincoln’s Birthday
CLOSED: Sun., Feb. 17
CLOSED: Mon., Feb. 18, Presidents’ Day

Board of Elections, 69 W. Washington St., Lower Level
OPEN: Mon. – Sat., Non-Holidays, 9 am-5 pm
OPEN: Tue., Feb. 12, Lincoln’s Birthday: 9 am-noon
OPEN: Sun., Feb. 17: 9 am-3 pm
OPEN: Mon., Feb. 18, President’s Day: 9 am-noon

Will County

Village of Monee 5130 W. Court St.,
Monee Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30-12:30 and 1:00-4:30 pm Closed Feb. 18th.

Kankakee County only at the courthouse
189 E. Court St., Kankakee. EARLY VOTING Office dates and hours are: Monday – Friday February 11 — February 23 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Additional Early Voting hours at this location are: Saturday, February 16 8:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Saturday, February 23 8:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.