Official Profile of Heather A. Steans Candidate 2010 Illinois General Election
CANDIDATE
Heather A. Steans
CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF
State Senator, 7th State Senate District
CANDIDATE PARTY
Democratic
ELECTION
November 2, 2010 Illinois General Election
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Heather Steans is running for re-election as the Senator in Illinois’ Seventh District. She is an independent, progressive voice in Springfield for the issues that her constituents need addressed:
• Affordable, accessible, high quality healthcare for all Illinois residents.
• Full marriage equality because separate cannot be equal.
• Budget reforms that protect and increase core state priorities by eliminating waste and providing long-term support from progressive revenue sources.
• Campaign finance and redistricting reforms that help increase independence in our General Assembly.
Heather knows that Illinois remains both ethically and financially challenged and does not mince words about this with anyone in Springfield. We need her forthright leadership to grow and thrive in our State Capitol.
CANDIDATE WEBSITE
ORGANIZATION ENDORSEMENTS
49th Ward Democrats
Chicago Fire Fighters Union
Americans for Democratic Action
Equality Illinois - Political Action Committee
AFL-CIO of Illinois
AFSCME
Personal PAC
Citizen Action
Emily's List
SEIU
Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization
INDIVIDUAL ENDORSEMENTS
Hon. Carol Ronen
Alderman Patrick O'Connor (40th Ward)
Alderman Tom Tunney (44th Ward)
Alderman Helen Shiller (46th Ward)
Alderman Gene Schulter (47th Ward)
Alderman Mary Ann Smith (48th Ward)
Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward)
Committeeman Tom Sharpe (46th Ward)
Committeeman David Fagus (49th Ward)
Commissioner Debra Shore (Metropolitan Water Reclamation District)
Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton
State Representative Greg Harris (13th District)
State Representative Harry Osterman (14th District)
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, the 9th District of Illinois
MEDIA ENDORSEMENT
Chicago Tribune
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO
Heather received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies from Princeton University and earned a Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Heather managed the budgets of state agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin where she improved customer service and reduced costs.
She also developed the Chicago Public Schools' multi-year strategic plan that produced education reforms.
Heather directed urban economic development initiatives for the Civic Committee, and successfully launched programs to increase housing and asset development and promote job growth in Chicago.
Heather and her husband, Leo Smith moved to the Lakewood-Balmoral neighborhood 14 years ago to raise their three children, Ryan, Sam and Abby.
