Chicago: Many in Illinois will remember Dan Walker as a former governor who fought establishment and walked miles winning the Governor race and also spending time in federal prison for bank fraud. However, to Indian Americans who faced numerous problems four decades ago, he proved to be a benefactor.
Madhu Patel, founding president of NRI Press Club was an official in Walker administration and had relative easy access to the Governor’s office. He found to his dismay that Indians were classified as Caucasians and were not classed as a minority group. All the specific advantages and benefits accruing to the “Minority” groups – preferences in job and starting business – were denied to them.
Madhu says, “Walker needs to be credited for timely signing the declaration in Illinois to bestow on us the newly proposed “Asian plus Pacific islanders” status that would ensure us the minority category. We were considered Caucasians prior to that.”
“In 1976, he signed the declaration of the new category against the then misguided FIA board’s wish that, in a Palmer house’s lunch meeting was not in favor of the new category.
The change in the categorization of Indians paved the way for their relative access to government jobs and business ventures,” Madhu said.
Walker was an early example of a new breed of Illinois politician not kowtowing to a traditional political organization. He won office in 1972 virtually on his own campaigning on foot and walking across the State. As Governor, however, he alienated Republicans and his fellow Democrats.
After leaving office, Walker became the head of suburban Chicago Savings and Loan, where he allegedly used the position to support his lavish lifestyle. Walker pleaded guilty to fraud and perjury. He wrote eloquently about the trauma of life behind bars.
”I was disliked by the professionals in both parties holding leadership positions as well as by the lower-echelon party regulars from Chicago,” he wrote. ”Daley and the Chicago machine certainly did not want to see me succeed. The legislative leaders of both parties made no secret of their desire to ‘get Dan Walker,’ as they openly put it.”
Former governor Pat Quinn often recalled Walker as a mentor focusing on his service in the Navy and noted his ”patriotism.’ ”He fervently believed in the power of democracy and the importance of including everyone in our democracy,” Quinn said.
Walker died at the ripe age of 92 leaving behind his wife and seven children.” I heard the news that one of the best friends of then Indian community, Gov. Dan Walker passed away. May God bless his soul to Rest in Peace,” added Madhdu Patel
Surendra Ullal
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