CHICAGO: The Democratic Party of Dupage County celebrated Presidents’ Day 2014 with a Gala party on Saturday February 22 at Carlisle Banquets, Lombard, a southwest suburb of Chicago. This year’s theme was “Rebuilding the Middle Class, Rebuilding the American Dream.” Over 300 members and guests attended this exciting program.
The Master of Ceremony, Bob Peickert, Chair of the Democratic Party of Dupage County welcomed the guests and thanked them for supporting DPDC.
The program began with Senator Dick Durbin’s initial remarks where he asked IL Democrats to work together in a coordinated effort to help elect Governor Quinn and his running mate Paul Vallas in the next election.
Paul Vallas, in his brief address, commended the efforts of Governor Quinn in creating more jobs, expanding early childhood education programs, improving K-12 and special education programs, creating funding for veterans benefits and implementing Medicaid reform in Illinois. He assured his full support to continue the work that is in progress and ensure financial growth of our state.
Prominent leaders from the Democratic Party who attended the gala include Senator Dick Durbin, State Senators Dan Kotowski, Stefanie Kifowit and Michael Noland, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, State Senator (and State treasurer candidate) Mike Frehrichs plus several Democratic candidates running for county, state and national offices in the upcoming election. Among them were Mike Quiroz, candidate for Dupage County Sheriff, Jean Kaczmarek candidate for Dupage County Clerk, Moon Khan, candidate for Dupage County Board from District 4 and Pamela Miles, candidate for Dupage County Board from District 3, Shannon Burns for Forest preserve in District 6 and Laurie Nowak for County Board District 6.
The Trustees and Executive Committee Members of the IADO were represented by Dr Ram Gajjela, Dr. Ashish Sen and Jitendra Diganvker (Director). They were joined by several prominent community leaders from Indo-Pak community.
Dr Ram Gajjela was one of the sponsors of the event.
The highlight of this event was the special recognition award given to three women activists who served on the DuPage County Board in 1974. They are Jane Spirgel, Mary Eleanor Wall and Elaine Libovicz who were honored for their service to the county.
Bob Peickert introduced the Keynote Speaker of the evening, Bill Press, who is a talk radio host, liberal political commentator and author. Bill Press emphasized the importance of focusing on the current 2014 election and winning the House of Representatives back which requires the Democrats to win 17 seats.
Important priorities for the Democratic Party consist of raising the minimum wage, extending unemployment insurance benefit and protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. His inspiring speech was greatly appreciated by the audience.
The 2014 award winners were: Rose Fitzpatrick who received the Kathryn “Tinker” Harvey Pioneer Award and Steve Bosco from Naperville Township Democratic Party who was presented with Precinct Committeeman of the Year Award.
Asian Media USA
