EmergePeoria endorses General “John” Parker for Mayor…

... and it isn’t just because he happens to be African-American.

Even though I realize that chances are slim to none that General “John” Parker will be pardoned by Governor Quinn before Election Day, April 7, 2009; and even though I realize that given the racial climate in Peoria, Illinois today, even Barack Obama couldn’t be the Mayor of Peoria, EmergePeoria wholeheartedly endorses General “John” Parker for Mayor of Peoria.

On top of dealing with a failing school system, crime is rampant in Peoria and more specifically in Peoria's black community. The infrastructure of the inner city is crumbling; our children are filled with hopelessness, as evidenced by drop out rate and the crime rate.

I could not vote at all in this cycle, like many will do. But that’s not me, I vote in every election and this one will be no different. (Yes - the invisible black woman, with buying power, which no politician bothers to panders to, votes in every election.) I voted for Jim Ardis in the last election, however, in this election, I cannot in good conscience vote for Mayor Jim Ardis.

The Mayor hasn’t made any promises to the black community. Why should he, if we don’t take this opportunity to take him to task? The Parker for Peoria group had a get out the vote effort planned for St. Patrick’s Day. Although I have not heard, I hope that they will continue their efforts up until Election Day. It would be ideal if the NAACP could kick a get out the vote drive into gear. It could make a difference for not just the black community, but for the City of Peoria as a whole.

Send a message to the Mayor that the decaying, crime ridden city that we see before us today is not acceptable for raising our children and running our businesses. Vote for General John Parker.

Get out and vote Peoria – Vote Early – Vote NOW.