TOM CYNOR--THOUGHTS ON THE 7TH AND 37TH WARDS OF CHICAGO
Volunteering as usual, Tom Cynor (holding child) helped staff the McHenry County Dem' s table at DIVERSITY DAY.
TOM CYNOR is a Woodstock attorney and one of the McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S most energetic and dedicated volunteers. After doing service as a volunteer lawyer for primary campaigns in Tuedsay’s CHICAGO primary election, he shared his thoughts on the experience in an e-mail to local Democrats. I found his reflections so insightful and even moving, that I asked Tom for permission to publish them here.
Years ago I started my political activity working as a precinct volunteer for HELEN SCHILLER, back when she was a rip-roaring radical challenger to the Regular Democratic organization and then worked for HAROLD WASHINGTON in DICK MELL’S ward. So I know a bit about the gritty side of City politics. But even I never ventured into the wards that Tom visited. Good work Tom!
On Tuesday, February 27, 2007, I was asked to be field counsel for a number of different primary campaigns in the CITY OF CHICAGO. Without much thought, I agreed. My interest is polling and elections. I am a veteran of poll watching in the suburbs. I am an attorney - easy choice.
I was ultimately assigned to two contentious aldermanic races in the 7th and 37th WARD of the City. The undertones of the 37th the living wage ordinance ("big box mart"), union muscle pitted against big business, money, jobs and influence. The 7th lined up two Chicago family dynasties in a stand off, the BEAVERS and the JACKSONS (coincidently - JESSE JR. and SANDI being classmates of mine in law school).
Starting my day at 3:30 a.m. and upon returning home about 11:00 p.m., I received a call from my niece interested to hear about the day's events. I could not at that time, and still cannot fully, put into words my experience. I felt obligated to share many of my thoughts and feelings with her, but I somehow realize that I could in no way adequately explain them fully - so many stark differences, so many surprising similarities. For me, a familiar "process" in an unfamiliar land, contrast and familiarity bleeding together and blurring my reality.
I live in WOODSTOCK, McHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS. My family lives in McHenry County. I care about McHenry County. Today I feel very differently about the politics and the issues facing McHenry County - enough said there.
I was in too many polling places to remember each, maybe 40, 45 - churches, high schools, elementary schools, old dance halls, community centers, libraries, funeral homes, some otherwise broken down unidentifiable buildings - all easily summed up in a word, impoverished. I performed my duty. I spoke with hundreds of people - sometimes they would argue, sometimes they would scream, sometimes they would threaten, mostly however - nice, conversant, laboring to make the "process" work. They fight very hard at obtaining (or retaining) such a tiny, tiny piece of the pie - crumbs really.
On Tuesday, I was the attorney, the authority, the "man", the muscle - ultimately I think, the interloper, the outsider. It was not lost on these folks that I had been sent from upon high (Downtown) to watch them (something oddly paternal and extremely uncomfortable). They won't see me (or guys like me) until the next election. I say it's likely nobody from Woodstock ever did before, or will ever again visit the HERITAGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH on West North Avenue, in the 16th Precinct of the 37th Ward of Chicago, Illinois.
On Tuesday, for some I was the object of contempt, for some I was the object of jealousy - at times my presence feared, and at times detested. But of the vast majority of the people of the 7th and 37th Wards of Chicago, I was welcomed. They all knew why I was there, they all know what's at stake - and yet I am welcomed. And that, frankly, makes me feel like shit.
To the interloper, the outsider, the stranger could we be as welcoming here in my home county? After all, I have seen our polling places - I've seen them all - spacious and accommodating. Well, maybe not?
--TJC