Campaign Spotlight: Steve Stadelman

Steve Stadelman
Democrat
Illinois State Senate, 34th Senate District of Illinois 
Email: stadelmanforsenate.com/contact
Website: stadelmanforsenate.com
Issues: Jobs; the Economy, Education, Budget, Seniors, Healthcare, Good Government

Steve Stadelman is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Steve Stadelman knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice on birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that the government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

It is very important that you vote for Steve Stadelman because his opponent, Frank Gambino, doesn’t trust women to make personal medical decisions without government interference. Gambino supports mandating restrictions on access to abortion. He also opposes age-appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive sex education.

Biography:

Steve Stadelman is an award-winning TV news anchor and father of four who decided to run for Illinois Senate because his experiences as a journalist and parent convinced him of the need for fresh, no-nonsense representation in Springfield.

One of five children, Steve grew up on a small dairy farm in southern Wisconsin. He was a three-sport athlete at Brodhead High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As a News Anchor/Reporter for WTVO-Channel 17 for 25 years, Steve aggressively reported on issues facing Rockford and Illinois. In 2003, his coverage of the state’s death penalty earned him an Associated Press award for Best Documentary. Steve’s work in journalism gives him a deep understanding of government and yet a refreshing detachment from politics. He will bring that winning combination to the Illinois Senate.

In 1996, Steve married his wife, Patty, a Guilford High School graduate who works as the senior advertising sales executive for WTVO-Channel 17. Their four children — Austin, Nikolas and twins Drew and Angela — attend Rockford Public Schools. Steve and Patty have shared the story of Drew and Angela’s premature birth and their experience at Rockford Memorial Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as the Ambassador Family for the 2009 March of Dimes fundraising campaign.

Outside of work, Steve is known for coaching his kids’ many sports teams. He also serves as a member of the Sara Ingrassia-Jackie Confer Dictionary Fund, which provides free dictionaries to all 3rd-grade students in Rockford Public Schools.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide. _________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Melinda Bush

Melinda Bush
Democrat
Illinois State Senate, 31st Senate District of Illinois
Email: info@melindaforsenate.com
Website: melindaforsenate.com
Issues: Fiscal Responsibility, Jobs; the Economy, Ethics Reform, Education, Enviroment

Melinda Bush is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Melinda Bush knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. She believes that the government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Biography: 
Melinda is a lifelong resident of Lake County. She and her husband, Andy, live in Grayslake where Melinda has been a resident since she was eight years old. She has one adult son, Chris Willen, who spends his time between Grayslake and Hayward, Wisconsin. Chris is pursuing his passion as a fly fishing guide. Melinda currently serves as a Member of the Lake County Board and a Commissioner of the Lake County Forest Preserve.

Before moving to Grayslake, Melinda’s family lived in Halfday, Illinois in a small trailer park surrounded by what is now Lincolnshire. Melinda quickly learned that what you have is not who you are. Her parents built a small home in Grayslake in 1964. As the oldest of six brothers and sisters, Melinda did her part in raising her younger siblings. She understood that success, even survival, takes hard work, perseverance, and community.

In 1988, with Chris in her arms, Melinda read that the Village of Grayslake – then with a population of just over 5,000 – had plans to build more than 4,000 new homes on what was then known as The White Picket Fence Farm. Melinda knew the impact this would have on the local infrastructure, specifically the schools. Melinda took action. She worked with the Forest Preserve and organized the community. Today, what could have been a devastating development to Grayslake’s infrastructure and environment is now home to the Rollins Savanna, the 2nd largest forest preserve and a top birding site in Illinois.

When elected Trustee of Grayslake, Melinda opposed the citing of the Countryside Landfill, believing it was an ‘insider’ deal, struck behind closed doors out of the public eye. Alarmed by the potential environmental and health hazards of allowing a landfill so close to area residents, Melinda voted no – she was outvoted. Today, the Countryside Landfill is now emitting double the toxins allowed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and has become a health risk to local residents.

As a proponent of redeveloping our existing commercial areas, Melinda worked to bring the focus to the downtowns. When businesses were leaving downtown areas and moving to strip malls, Melinda opened a small store in downtown Grayslake. She brought a farmers market to the community and formed the Downtown Merchant’s Association. Melinda understands that downtowns are central to what makes us a community and are key to stemming business growth. Today, downtown Grayslake is home to festivals, parades, and a source of pride for its residents.

The definition of a public servant shouldn’t ever include the words ‘part-time’. In 2007, Melinda challenged a 16-year incumbent on the Lake County Board. Her chance of winning was slim but she had faced these odds before. Her message of fighting for working families was simple. The fact that Lake County’s tax system is unfair, regressive, and the 2nd highest in the State of Illinois resonated with voters. On Election Night, Melinda won a stunning victory and brought the fight to ‘Put People First’ to Lake County Government.

Melinda’s reputation of being ‘real,' outspoken, and a results driven individual is something all too rare in State Government. Melinda is someone who is compelled to action. She sees her run for the State Senate as a matter of necessity, not ego. Melinda has a proven past of taking action. She is a passionate fighter for the community; she listens and is one of us.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide. _________________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Julie Morrison

Julie Morrison 
Democrat
Illinois State Senate, 29th Senate District of Illinois
Email: morrisonforstatesenate@gmail.com
Website: juliemorrisonforstatesenate.com
Issues: Small Business Development, Gun Control, Reproductive Rights, Education, Environment, Corruption

Julie Morrison is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Julie Morrison knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. She believes that the government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Biography:
Throughout her career, Julie has been involved in government-related activities, functions and positions. She has a broad range of experience in government finance, regulation, and services. As West Deerfield Township Supervisor for the past 14 years, Julie has seen first-hand the needs of residents and has developed many innovative programs through intergovernmental cooperation, collaboration between the public and private sector, and coalitions with social services.

Julie was born in Beardstown, Illinois. She attended Knox College and graduated with B.A. in political science in 1978. She was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Political Science Honor Society. Summers during college were occupied with internships with State Senator John Knuppel (D) and the Illinois Energy Resources Commission.

On graduation from Knox, Julie accepted a full-time position with the Governor’s Office of Manpower and Human Development, in Springfield, Illinois. In 1979, Julie moved to Chicago and took a position as federal energy regulation analyst with Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America.

In 1986, Julie was appointed by the Governor to the Governor’s Statewide Advisory Council to the Department of Children and Family Services. She served from 1986 to 1996 (and was Chairperson of the committee from 1994-1996). During this time, she promoted new legislation protecting children’s rights in juvenile court and expanding the role of court appointed guardians-ad-litem.

In 1996, Julie received the endorsement of the township caucus and was elected as West Deerfield Township Supervisor in 1997. Intergovernmental cooperation became a priority during Julie’s administration, and partnerships with civic and corporate organizations were formed. This effort allowed the Township to develop programs and services to meet the changing needs of the people of West Deerfield Township.

In 1997, the Township was operating out of an 850-square-foot building with no readily accessible parking, no first-floor plumbing, and no public meeting space. Furthermore, the space did not meet current legal requirements for accessibility. Julie worked with other local governments and, through her leadership, property in downtown Deerfield was purchased by the township and rezoned in 2003. A new township center, with more space and enhanced services was financed, designed and constructed under Julie’s supervision. No new tax dollars were required to purchase this land or build this building.

Julie Morrison continues as West Deerfield Township Supervisor today. She believes that her 15 years as Township Supervisor have given her a unique opportunity to manage, to legislate and, most important, to listen. A hands-on advocate and caseworker for all clients, Julie has taken government responsiveness to a higher level. Financial need, transportation, employment, health care, mental illness, family dysfunction, utility shut-offs, elder services—these are some of the needs that are regularly presented to her. Julie’s ability to ascertain facts, analyze need, and target resources has made her office a one-stop shop for many in the community. The Township has less than five miles of road and, therefore, no road district. Thus, Julie also acts as road commissioner, budgeting for and retaining the services of engineers, inspectors, and road crews.

Julie is also very active in her community. She has been a member of the Highland Park Hospital Community Advisory Council since 2006. She is a board member of Southeast Lake County Faith-in-Action, an interfaith organization that provides volunteers to go into the homes of the elderly or frail. Since 2001, Julie has been a member of the Deerfield Rotary Club and organized a back-to-school program for children to receive new shoes, school supplies, and haircuts.

Julie and her husband Joe, an attorney, have been married for 32 years. They have three grown children who reside in Chicago.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Dan Kotowski

Dan Kotowski
Democrat
Illinois State Senate, 28th Senate District of Illinois
Email: dankotowski.com/contact
Website: dankotowski.com
Issues: Corruption, Budget, Fiscal Reform, Education, Jobs; the Economy

Dan Kotowski is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Dan Kotowski knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that the government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Biography:
In the short time since he was first elected in 2007, Dan Kotowski has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working legislators in Springfield. Since day one, he has successfully led the fight against mismanagement, corruption and waste in Illinois.

Dan was one of the only Democrats to break with his party and vote against Rod Blagojevich for Governor, and he sponsored and passed legislation designed to punish corruption and end the reckless spending habits of the past.

Recently appointed to Chair the Budgeting for Results Commission, Dan is leading this bipartisan group to implement historic spending reform that will ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent on programs that produce real results and real value.

In order to take full advantage of his elected position, Dan serves on five committees in the Illinois General Assembly. He chairs the Senate Appropriations II Committee and is vice-chair for the Appropriations I Committee. He also serves on the Revenue Committee; Criminal Law; Higher Education; and the Legislative Audit Commission.

Dan is the son of Casimir and Mary (Jinx) Kotowski, who both studied for religious vocations and raised Dan and his five siblings in a faith-based home. Dan attended Daniel Boone Elementary School in Rogers Park then went to Loyola Academy in Wilmette. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in English and Communications, and also received a Masters of Arts Degree from DePaul University. Dan lives with his wife, Anne and their two sons, Nate, age 11 and Cooper, age 9, in Park Ridge.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide. __________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth
Democrat
United States House, 8th Congressional District of Illinois
Email: info@tammyduckworth.com
Website: tammyduckworth.com
Issues: Job Creation, Veteran's Issues, Social Security, Foreign Policy & Defense, Education, and Bipartisanship

Tammy Duckworth is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Tammy Duckworth knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. She believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Biography:
In 2003, Tammy Duckworth was working on a project for Rotary International to provide wheelchairs for the disabled in developing countries including Iraq. As a Captain in the National Guard, she was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed in 2004.

As a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, she was one of the first women to fly combat missions in Iraq until November 12th, 2004 when her helicopter was hit by an RPG. Tammy lost both legs and part of the use of her right arm in the explosion, and was awarded the Purple Heart for her combat injuries.

During her recovery at Walter Reed, Tammy was one of the highest-ranking amputees and became an advocate for her fellow soldiers. Her leadership was recognized when she was asked to testify before Congress and recruited to run for the House of Representatives. After losing a close race, Tammy continued to serve as a Major in the National Guard and became Director of Illinois' Department of Veterans' Affairs. There, she implemented many new ideas to address Post Traumatic Stress, improve traumatic brain injury screening and reduce homelessness among Vets.

In 2009, Tammy was tapped by President Obama to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs where she sought to improve the standard of care for Vets. She oversaw VA's effort to end Veteran homelessness, lead initiatives for female Vets, and increased accessibility and accountability with the new Office of Online Communications.

Military service is a Duckworth tradition - a family member has served during every period of conflict since the Revolution. Tammy followed suit by joining the Reserves in graduate school and chose to fly helicopters because it was one of the few combat jobs open to women.

Tammy is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and received a Masters of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University. She and her husband Bryan, an Army Major, live in Hoffman Estates where their home was rebuilt for wheelchair access in 2005 by her fellow Soldiers and friends. Despite her injuries, she declined a military medical retirement and continues to drill as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
__________________________________________________________________________
This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Cheri Bustos

Cheri Bustos
Democrat
United States House, 17th Congressional District of Illinois
Email: cheribustos.com/contact
Website: cheribustos.com
Issues: Job Creation, Agriculture, Medicare & Social Security, Affordable Health Care, Energy, Education, Government Reform, 2nd Amendment Rights

Cheri Bustos is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Cheri Bustos knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. She believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Biography:
Cheri was born in Springfield, Illinois, in a home with a lot of love, learning from her parents at an early age the importance of hard work, community and helping others. Cheri’s mother was a social worker and pre-school teacher; her father a journalist and public servant. She has worked since the age of 10, her first paid job selling tacos and lemonade shake-ups at the Illinois State Fair. Before even that, she delivered the morning newspaper at 5 a.m. when her older brother, Danny, traveled for his weekend sporting events.

Cheri moved to the Quad-Cities more than 25 years ago to continue her career in journalism, reporting on crime, city government, health care and other issues of importance. Cheri isn’t afraid of taking on the tough issues and was honored over the years with many statewide journalism awards, and a national award, for her in-depth, investigative reporting.

Cheri broke many stories of corruption and greed in government, including:  the practice of a police department withholding arrest reports of prominent and politically connected people; a fire chief who made a practice of submitting fraudulent restaurant receipts for reimbursement; and a township official who was investigated and reprimanded by a grand jury and state’s attorney as a result of Cheri’s research into his unethical spending.

Cheri also worked in community relations and communications for health care providers. She served as the Vice President of Public Relations and Communications at IHS, the nation’s fifth largest nonprofit, nondenominational health system in the nation, with more than 20,000 employees and nearly $3 billion in annual revenue. Prior to her work at IHS, Cheri served as the Senior Director of Corporate Communications for Trinity Regional Health System in Rock Island, Illinois.

Cheri’s sister-in-law, Barb, died more than a year ago without health insurance. Barb and her husband both worked full-time but couldn’t afford health insurance. When Barb got sick, she couldn’t afford the most effective cancer treatment she needed.  Even those with insurance aren’t immune. A few months later Cheri’s brother, Danny, died, leaving a wife and two daughters. He had a good job and was fully insured. Yet his health plan wouldn't cover his treatment because he had cancer that required an experimental drug. Cheri will fight for people like Barb and Danny. They are a major reason why she is running for Congress.

Cheri is currently President of the board of directors of the Women’s Connection, one of Illinois’ largest women’s membership organizations. She is a past volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters-Quad-Cities; Junior Achievement of the Heartland in the Quad-Cities; Two Rivers YMCA in Moline, Illinois; and United Way of the Quad-Cities Area, where she served on the Community Investment Committee.

After working in journalism and during her career in health care, Cheri decided to serve as a strong, independent voice for the community of East Moline. She served as an Alderwoman on the City Council in East Moline, Illinois. Her top priority – economic development – led to her founding and chairing the East Moline Downtown Revitalization Committee. Evidence of her success is seen in a more vibrant downtown area where dilapidated buildings have been demolished to make room for new development such as a Community Health Care clinic, now under construction. She is also a past member of the East Moline Citizens Advisory Committee and the East Moline Plan Commission.

Cheri earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her master’s degree in journalism from University of Illinois at Springfield. She also attended Illinois College, Jacksonville, where her parents and son are graduates. Cheri was honored to be inducted into the Illinois College Sports Hall of Fame for participation in volleyball and basketball.

Cheri’s husband, Gerry, is a captain with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department and is the founder and commander of the Quad-City Bomb Squad. They have three sons, Tony, Nick and Joey, a daughter-in-law, Amanda, a grandson, Keiton and a granddaughter, Briley.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
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Campaign Spotlight: David Gill

David Gill
Democrat
United States House, 13th Congressional District of Illinois
Email: info@gill2012.org
Website: gill2012.org
Issues: Medicare, Healthcare, Social Security, Debt Reduction, Education, Student Loans, Environmentalism, Corruption

David Gill is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. David Gill knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Biography:
David Gill knows what it’s like to struggle in this tough economy because of what he’s been through in his own life. When he was just 13, David’s father died of cancer. He started working as a dishwasher at a Big Boy restaurant to help pay the family’s bills.

David knew he wanted to be a doctor from the age of six. It wasn’t an easy road for him to get there. David stocked shelves at K-Mart to help put himself through college at the University of Illinois where he got his bachelor’s degree in math. He mopped floors in the middle of the night and did rich kids’ laundry to get through medical school at U of I.

David Gill has served as a family practice doctor and emergency room physician for over 20 years. He’s worked as a front-line health care provider for regular people in small towns and larger communities in Central Illinois. He currently works in the emergency room at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

David sees the problems with our health care system up close every day. He sees what happens when people can’t afford the medication or care they need to stay healthy. He knows too many families are just a paycheck or serious illness away from financial disaster.

David Gill has lived through it. When his first wife Polly was diagnosed with cancer, he struggled to get her the proper treatments. He had to fight with the insurance company to get them to pay for the care she needed before she died. He got a bill for $17,000 in his mailbox while he was planning her funeral and grieving with their three children.

David is now re-married and lives with his wife Elaine in Bloomington. They have six children, three dogs and a cat in their blended family— four of the kids are in college. David bleeds Orange and Blue and is a diehard baseball fan.

David Gill has never been on a government payroll or worked for a politician. He has never been an elected official. He’s a doctor, father, husband and neighbor who will bring a healthy dose of common sense to Washington, D.C.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
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Two great letters in the Aurora Beacon News

I thought you would appreciate these two great letters, published last week in the Aurora Beacon News . We sure did. I couldn't find copies on the web, so we're reprinting them here for your reading pleasure. Let's give a shout out to Rev. Thompson and Renee for making their pro-choice voices heard. Thank you!

Not everyone agrees (Letter to the Aurora Beacon News)
Mr. Eric Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League says that the local community does not support Planned Parenthood. I suggest he check again. He is not speaking for everyone in the local community. His protesters aren't the only ones who have rights to voice their opinions.

Rev. Clara Thompson, Montgomery

Free to Choose (Letter to the Aurora Beacon News)
I am pro choice. That doesn't mean I encourage or would have an abortion. It means that I believe that every woman has the right to choose. My teenagers have asked many questions about both sides of the issue. I do not encourage or discourage either way. They, too, have the right to choose what they believe. I want to thank whoever came in my yard, destroyed my support sign, and put 43 yellow signs in place. My children were shocked that a person or persons would try to intimidate to change our minds. We are proud to say that we will continue to display our pink sign because we all support choice.

Renee Nelson, Aurora

A picture is worth a million words

But not against the law.

Many of you have commented here and elsewhere in the blogosphere if taking photographs of clients is illegal. It is not. Thus the insane paparazzi business that seems to make two small boys hold hands in horror while mommy drives them away(yes, I made a Britney reference).

A few of you have suggested that Planned Parenthood then go and snap this guy's photo. We tried. He ran away.

Nothing new to report on the vacant lot situation though. Once we have something to report, it will show up here.

Thanks for all the support. The staff really appreciates it.

30 Years

Today marks thirty years since Rosaura “Rosie” Jiménez died, she is the first known victim of the Hyde Amendment in the United States.

What is the Hyde Amendment you ask? It was the first real victory for the anti's in cutting off abortion as a health care option to the millions of poor women in this country. The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is co-sponsor of a year old campaign to end the Hyde Amendement.

The Hyde Amendment particularly affects low-income women and women of color. Abortion is an important option for Latinas, research shows that they represent 17-20% of women having abortions. Approximately 25% of pregnancies among Latinas end in abortion, compared to 18% of white women.

Despite what the opposition may think, Rosie is a prime example that women will seek out abortion services if that is what they want. Keeping legal clinics out will not end abortion, it will only make women drive farther, wait longer, or seek out unsafe abortions.

Rosie Jimenez: A single mother with a 5-year-old daughter, Rosie Jimenez of McAllen, Texas, was a scholarship student six months away from her teaching credential. She was the first known victim of the Hyde Amendment, which cut off Medicaid funding for abortion to women on public assistance — women who by the government's own definition cannot afford health care. Too poor to pay for the procedure at a private clinic, she died in agony from a botched illegal abortion. [link]

HT to Girl With Pen

Press Conference

I drove into Aurora for the opening of the clinic and it was amazing. After coming over a bridge I saw a HOARD of anti's holding their signs, keeping their kids chanting, and the best thing? They were all on the other side of the street. The clinic is located on a private drive thus when a client drives in they don't ever have to see the protesters, even if the anti's hold a vigil for the next 40 years. Sweet, eh?

I walked up and snapped some photos (they will be up on the Flickr site soon) and was stunned by the number of anti's. I was more moved by the number of locals who showed up, some with kids in tow, to express their support. Even after the short press conference was over, supporters were still coming in as one woman said, "Just to show my support. Thanks!"

CEO & President, Steve Trombley spoke for about 15 minutes and took some questions. His statement will be up soon is now up, but here are some the questions he was asked (note these are my notes, not a transcript):

• What now? How do you provide healthcare with 100 protesters outside?
  Planned Parenthood has a long history with dealing with protesters. We have a private drive that will ensure that clients do not have to see or deal with them. You can drive into the shopping center as if going to Dominick's and turn into the drive.
• Do you fear for your safety or the safety of your staff due to the long history of violence associated with the anti-abortion movement?
  We take everyone's safety seriously. We have heard our opponents talk about legal civil disobedience and that's ok. But no, we have not received any personal threats.
• Why Aurora?
  Aurora is a fast growing community, the 2nd fastest growing city in Illinois. The availability of healthcare has not kept pace. There is a desperate need for healthcare in this area and we are here to provide that. Every day that we have been here, women from the area are calling for appointments. They know we are here and they want access to healthcare.

I didn't get a full tour of the facility, but as I've said before, I've been inside the Near North clinic. Both the former location and the current location. This facility kicks ass. It was built with the utmost of privacy in mind. The recovery rooms are private. This along with great security will allow for a woman's loved one to meet her in recovery after an abortion.

Bottomline, this is exactly the type of clinic that all those TRAP laws demand.

It's awesome being in this clinic. I haven't felt this moved about feminism and reproductive justice since the March for Women's Lives.

Who will rule in your hometown?

Sunday's Chicago Tribune brought us a touching, as always, piece from author and reproductive rights supporter, Sara Paretsky. It speaks for itself:

The foes of reproductive rights are concocting a story about Planned Parenthood operating deceptively because the group built the health center in the name of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Planned Parenthood did this because every time it tries to build a new facility, its opponents try to keep women from essential health care.

Four years ago in Austin, Texas, zealots intimidated Browning Construction into breaking a contract to build a new facility. The Planned Parenthood building was finished ultimately by contractors from out-of-state. A Colorado right-to-life group has just announced that it will use these same tactics to try to keep a new Planned Parenthood facility in Denver from opening.

According to the Aurora paper, the Beacon News, Aurora officials -- including the mayor -- agree that they knew as early as February that Planned Parenthood was likely building a health center in their town.

It was only when this mob descended on their town that they decided to act outside their normal protocols in approving this health center for opening.

I'm Not Sorry

A friend emailed this comment to me. Apparently she had technical difficulty posting this as the squiggly letters never were readable.

Perhaps a request at http://www.imnotsorry.net/ might get some women to speak up at the next City Council meeting.Many of us have posted our experience with abortion there. Being alive means making choices, and most of us who have chosen elective termination of our own pregnancy feel relief and we are not sorry we made the choice. I am in California and I hope the women closer to you will be sure to voice their support for our right to determine when and whether we should become a parent. Carrying a pregnancy to term entails physical risks.

Elective termination early inpregnancy is less risky. Girls and women need to know this fact. Our planet is groaning with too many of us already. Please review your reasons (and the dirty air and water your offspring will have to cope with) before you use your vital life energies to produce even one more of us. Millions of children are in desperate need of a home. Please adopt if you need to parent. And do all you can to get the Aurora clinic opened so that othe rwomen and girls will have real healthcare choices that they can afford. Jean Richards

I'mNotSorry.net is a site where women can share their positive experiences with abortion. The stories are moving. They are from women, young and old, some with children, some without, some used birth control, some did not. All are not sorry for having abortions. If you feel that you can not share your story with us here or in a City Council meeting, please submit your story to this website. Please let us know if you want us to read your story at a meeting too.

Videos Uploaded from the Rally

We’ve posted lots of videos from last night’s rally on our YouTube Channel. They give you a bit of an idea what it was like to be standing there on the streets of Aurora.

They're still a few more that are being processed and uploaded so check back!