Governor Pat Quinn announced Alderman Billy Ocasio would join his administration as a senior advisor. In his position Ocasio will work closely with Governor Quinn on an array of important social justice issues that impact communities throughout the state.

“I look forward to working with Billy Ocasio,” said Governor Quinn. “All of Illinois will be well-served by his valuable experience in public policy and deep dedication to helping working families.”

Alderman Ocasio has served Chicago’s 26th Ward for over 16 years. In January 1993, Alderman Ocasio was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley to complete the unexpired term of Luis V. Gutierrez, who was elected to Congress that previous fall. Prior to that appointment, Alderman Ocasio worked at various non-profit, community-based agencies including ASPIRA and LUCHA, organizations with long established roots in the community. Here he developed his skills and education in the fields of affordable housing, youth programs, and economic development.  Alderman Ocasio also serves as the chairman of the Chicago City Council Committee on Human Relations.
“I welcome the opportunity to join Governor Quinn’s Administration,” said Alderman Ocasio. “He is dedicated to opening up Illinois government to all the people and I am happy to join him in that reform effort.”

From the moment he was first appointed, Alderman Ocasio’s priority has been the well-being of his community. He has fought for and secured new schools and educational facilities for our community; He created and implemented a 26th Ward housing development strategy that established a solid base of quality, mixed-income housing that encourages diversity and benefits all segments of our community. He was instrumental in the development of the Elston/Logan/Western commercial district that has brought much-needed jobs and services to our residents. And it has been his unwavering dedication to his people that helped establish a “pedacito de patria” here in Humboldt Park.

While Alderman Ocasio will join the Governor’s staff in early June, and will be conducting much of his business in Springfield, he and his family will continue to call Humboldt Park their home.[/lang_en]

I write to you regarding the deteriorating situation along the 2400 to 2800 blocks of west Division Street. I was just visited by a senior citizen of my ward who was assaulted on the corner of Division and Washtenaw Streets on the evening of Monday the 16th around 8:00pm. The victim was interviewed by two responding patrolmen, but no police report was filed. This occurred within a half block of a “blue light” camera, located just north of Division on Washtenaw.

On January 5th, the Division Street Business Development Association located at 2457 W. Division was broken into and had computer equipment stolen at approximately 8:00 am on a weekday. A blue light camera is located directly across the street, less than 100 feet away, yet it caught nothing. Early last week the building at 2458 W Division and several cars park in front were tagged by graffiti. This is less than 50 feet from the camera I referenced above.

Assaults, burglaries, vehicle theft, and criminal damage to property are up along Division Street despite the fact that we have at least three cameras along this corridor. What is the point of expending our already limited resources on equipment that serves as neither a deterrent nor a functional crime-fighting tool? I am extremely frustrated with this situation and expect to see it addressed immediately. Furthermore, I will not waste my time on any “ride alongs” until I see more productive and proactive police work in my ward.

Sincerely,
Billy Ocasio, Alderman, 26th Ward[/lang_en]