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If you follow our social media, you’ve likely seen my posts and updates about the perjury trial of former Speaker Madigan’s former Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes. Thursday afternoon, Mapes was convicted on charges of perjury and attempted obstruction of justice. His sentencing is set for January 10th, while Madigan and McLain face their trial in April. To read more on the verdict click here.
Over the last couple of weeks, as I’ve followed the trial, it’s been unexpectedly challenging to hear explicit examples of the ways team Madigan attempted to undermine efforts to get justice for victims of sexual harassment and bullying in his government and political operations. At one point this week, a transcript of a meeting between Mapes and McLain featured a discussion of the importance of getting ahead of the growing scandal, with the prediction that if they didn’t it would be “Kelly Cassidy, a huge tsunami,” Aside from a good hearty laugh at being compared to a tsunami, this exchange underscored that their priority was never fixing the problems but rather preventing me or someone else from becoming Speaker.
During the trial, my thoughts frequently turned to the current and former staffers who shared their own stories with me and others but ultimately chose not to go public out of fear that Mapes still had the power to hurt them or members of their families. The transcripts and recordings showed their fears to be completely justified as Mapes and others continued to engage in strategy meetings in an effort to avoid accountability. I have so much gratitude to them for their trust in me to share their stories and sincerely wish that this verdict can bring them some closure.
In an interview yesterday, a reporter pointed out that Mapes wasn’t charged or convicted of any crimes related to his harassment and abuse. And that is technically true - his charges stem from lying to the federal grand jury. His lies were so bold, so stunningly unbelievable, that the jury actually made a point of clearly stating that they believed that all seven lies he was charged with were appropriately charged even though only one lie was needed. I shared that his willingness to lie to the grand jury and his blatant abuse of power as Chief of Staff stem from the same toxic root - the overarching belief that for Team Madigan, maintaining power was their right.
Reliving some of these moments wasn’t easy, and I expect that the upcoming sentencing hearings and trials will be just as challenging. But I am glad that everything is coming to light and hopeful for real accountability and continued change while remaining vigilant in pursuing better processes for people in our workplace who experience bullying and harassment.
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We recently said goodbye to our three amazing interns as they embark further on their college careers. Our interns were a true value as the support they provided during this busy summer season was critical. My office always enjoys providing opportunities for our youth to grow and our summer internship experience I feel accomplishes that. I wish nothing but success for Rie Kim, Alex Johnson, & Delaney Kaufman. | |
Alex Johnson Pictured Above | Delaney Kaufman Pictured Above | |
Welcome Carlos to the staff | |
Everyone, please join me in welcoming Carlos Barragan to the office! Carlos, a recent graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a lifelong resident of our district and is thrilled to be able to help his home community as a constituent advocate. Feel free to stop in and say hi if you see him! | |
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Our office school Supply Drive has been extended one more week! We are no longer in need of backpacks but can always use more notebooks, pencils, folders, scissors, erasers, sharpeners, pens, and rulers. You can also drop off at R Public House.
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District Office (1507 W. Morse) Tues-Thurs 9am-5pm
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R Public House (1508 W. Jarvis) Mon-Thurs 3pm-10pm; Friday 3pm-12am; Saturday & Sunday 10am-12am
School Supply List: https://bit.ly/CPSList24
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Getting Illinois to Zero Community Engagement Survey | |
Neo-Futurists Scholarships for POC Artists | |
Discover your artistic potential with Open Scholarships at The Neo-Futurists! Calling all BIPOC artists seeking community and education. Join the AOC Scholar cohort for fiscal year 2024 and embrace an enriching experience (September 2023-2024). Apply between August 1st and August 31st for a chance to win full tuition ($300) for the Intro to Writing & Performing the 2-Minute Play class, exclusive access to Neo-Futurist shows, and engaging AOC Scholar Nights. Connect with like-minded creatives and grow your talents. For inquiries, reach out to Education Lead Abby Pajakowski at education@neofuturists.org. Don't miss this opportunity to thrive! | |
The New 400 Theater Reign Ends After 111 Years | |
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The pending closure of a neighborhood gem that was one of the longest-running independently-owned Chicago movie theatres in history has officially happened. The news came last week and many are still hurting from the announcement understandably. Please read the statement below from the company's website:
“Farewell Rogers Park,” the post read. “The 400 served the community for 14 years: As home base from the [Black Lives Matter] marches in [Rogers Park], as a [COVID] testing center, as a banquet facility for local businesses, charities, and homeless shelters, as a restroom for the farmers market one year, and last but not least, as a [first]-run movie theater. … Thanks to everyone who ever worked at the 400, or visited. Grateful to all.”
A neighborhood group called Friends of the New 400 is dedicated to ensuring the theatre's legacy can happen under new ownership. To read more about their efforts and the history of how and why the closure occurred click here.
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Annual Newgard & Glenwood Yard Sales! | |
Come out this Saturday from 9am to 4pm to the 6400-6700 blocks of Newgard and Glenwood for their annual yard sale! Give your home a facelift as you shop for new furniture and knickknacks or stock up on next season's clothing as we get ready to enter September! In the event of rain, the yard sales will be rescheduled to the following day, Sunday August 27th. | |
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Chalk Howard Street is back! Join artists from across the country and your local community for a vibrant transformation of Howard Street. With art, music, food, and drinks, there will be fun for the whole family. For more information, including the artists, vendors, or to purchase your own square for chalk art, click here.
When: Saturday, August 26th from 11am-8pm
Where: Howard Street from Ashland to Paulina
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Circles and Ciphers Block Party Event | |
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Circles & Ciphers (C&C) is having a block party on Saturday, September 2nd from 2PM-8PM at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse (1230 W. Greenleaf). They are excited to showcase how C&C supports the Rogers Park community through hip-hop, healing through restorative practices, and youth leadership. At this event, C&C will complete workshops for the community that highlights various values around restorative justice and Hip Hop. They will also conduct a music concert highlighting some of the music of our young people and of young artists in the Rogers Park community.
For more information, please visit https://circlesandciphers.org.
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A new business is coming to Andersonville! Kilwins is having a grand opening event on Sunday August 25th from 3pm to 6pm. Treat your family to music, face painting, and, of course, sampling some of the store's delicious treats! The first 250 guests receive free mini caramel apples too so make sure to get there early! | |
Volunteers for Day of Dignity | |
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Day of Dignity is a community-driven initiative that aims to promote compassion, support, and empowerment for those in need. By joining them as a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in making a positive impact and creating a day filled with joy and hope for our community. This year’s Day of Dignity is August 26 from 9AM-4PM at Sullivan High School (6631 N. Bosworth).
To sign up as a volunteer, please fill out this interest form here. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to call at 773-620-2698.
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LSSI's Second Annual Overdose Awareness Resource Fair | |
LSSI is hosting its 2nd annual Overdose Awareness Resources Fair on September 7th from 11am-2pm at the Kenmore Treatment Center at 5517 N Kenmore. Go check out all of their offerings and learn how to keep our community healthy. | |
West Ridge Chamber of Commerce Call for Artists!! | |
DFSS Community Services Block Grant | |
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The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is now accepting applications for their 2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program.
The CSBG scholarship program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents attending post-secondary education programs during the fall semester of 2023 and has minimum income requirements to meet the eligibility criteria. DFSS is dedicated and committed to making resources available to residents that build stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive.
Applications must be received by DFSS via the web-based CSBG Scholarship Application Platform on Friday, August 25, 2023, by 5:00 p.m.
Please click here to access the application platform.
Additionally, DFSS will host webinars on August 2nd and August 9th at 10:00 a.m to relay more information on the scholarship. To register for a webinar, applicants should email their choice of date and time to: DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.
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Save the date for the 50th Ward Job Fair at the Northtown Library! Join us on Thursday, September 14 from 10 AM - 1 PM at the library, 6800 N. Western. Meet employers from a broad range of fields and find your next career!
Job seekers can register at bit.ly/50thward or by following the QR code.
Local employers are also welcome to participate. If you are looking for help, please visit bit.ly/50thwardjobs and fill out the interest form. One of the 50th Ward's workforce partners will follow up with you.
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Chicago Public Schools is Hiring! | |
Chicago Public Schools is hiring for multiple positions, including lunchroom managers, city wide bus monitors, board custodians, cooks, bus aides, and more. Please click here or scan one of the above QR codes for more information. | |
CTA's Second Chance Program | |
The CTA's Second Chance is hiring! If interested, complete a survey of interest at https://transitchicago.questionpro.com/CTASecondChanceProgram. All job seekers who complete a Second Chance Program interest survey and meet eligibility requirements will then be invited to attend a direct recruitment event. | |
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
1507 W. Morse Ave
Chicago IL 60626
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773 - 784 - 2002 (phone)
repcassidy@gmail.com
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