CAC folks know the difference between democracy in theory vs. democracy in reality.

"Electoral Dysfunction"
A documentary that takes an irreverent, nonpartisan look at voting in America. Where is the Electoral College?  Where is the right to vote in the U.S. Constitution?  Chicago airing is WTTW 10/30/12 at 9:30PM.  For show info and national broadcast airing schedule, go to: http://electoraldysfunction.org/

"Big Sky, Big Money" on FRONTLINE
In a special investigation in collaboration with Marketplace, FRONTLINE travels to the remote epicenter of the campaign finance debate for a tale of money, politics, and intrigue. How has the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision changed campaigns in America? Ask Montana, which has tried to challenge the ruling in court, is investigating alleged campaign abuses, and is playing host to a bitter race that could decide control of the U.S. Senate.FRONTLINE correspondent and Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal reports.

For show info, airing schedule (begins airing 10/30/12) and a 30-second trailer visit:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/big-sky-big-money/

CAC has received several inquiries from people who voted early and were asked for an ID.  While  Illinois has no voter ID law for ELECTION DAY,  a polling place is allowed under law to ask for an ID during EARLY VOTING.  For more information on showing ID and on provisional ballots check the link below:

http://www.clccrul.org/election-protection-faq

 "PROMOTE THE VOTE"
Date: Friday, Oct. 19, 2012
Time: 11:00am-1:30pm
Location: 25 E. Pearson, Chicago IL 60611, Room 1103

Speakers:
Timuel Black, ORAL HISTORIAN · Professor Neil Williams, LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO · Claudia Henriquez, MALDEF ·  Maryam Judar, CITIZEN ADVOCACY CENTER ·  Marissa Liebling, CHICAGO LAWYER’S COMMITTEE ·  Shubra Ohri, CHICAGO LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE 

**LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED** 

REGISTER NOW at this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHdkMzRiMVpHdlZLR0x3R25hc2xHU0E6MQ

Did you miss the "Suburban Corruption" discussion with Dr. Dick Simpson sponsored by CAC and Elmhurst College? Listen at  http://www.wbez.org/amplified/green-grass-and-graft-corruption-suburbs-102884

Voter registration requirements posted on Elmhurst's website were more stringent than those listed on DuPage County Election Commission's (DCEC) website and printed materials. A simple email by CAC's voter registrar to the DCEC resulted in a correction in a matter of hours. Want information on how to check your local village or township? Call CAC.

CAC in Chicago Tribune on Wednesday regarding changes to Chicago's whistle-blower ordinance.

Real reform? Expanded coverage beyond City employee’s good but severe 30 day limit to file a complaint makes ordinance essentially meaningless.

Read the whole story here:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-02/news/chi-emanuel-whistleblower-protections-step-closer-to-reality-20121002_1_protections-retaliation-city-employees 

Beyond the Chicago Border:  

Ms. Dee Longfellow asked in her 9/27/12 editorial, “Is anyone else offended?” by the Citizen Advocacy Center (CAC) and Elmhurst College hosting Dr. Dick Simpson of UIC to discuss his latest academic paper on political corruption. The tone was sarcastic musing of why a Chicagoan should come to suburbia to talk about corruption. This is why: Corruption does not stop at the Chicago border. Dr. Simpson is nationally recognized for his vast experience in addressing government issues, both as an insider and a watchdog. He has spent a career documenting the “corruption tax” paid when public officials serve for personal interest rather than the public interest. His sixth report, "Green Grass and Graft: Corruption in the Suburbs" documents convictions beyond Chicago’s borders and offers tangible reform solutions.

CAC was also identified as “the local hot bed of political dirt digging” and an organization that protests indiscriminately. We are an award-winning community legal organization that for 20 years has worked to build democracy by strengthening the citizenry’s capacities, resources, and institutions for self-governance.  CAC’s work starts in Elmhurst and extends statewide. Our resources are free, our doors are open to the public, and information about CAC is available at www.citizenadvocacycenter.org.  The following are a few highlights of CAC’s work in Elmhurst:

    1)      Protecting First Amendment Free Speech rights via a federal lawsuit and bringing statewide and national media exposure to anti-democratic activity in City Hall. We also worked with District 205 to protect Free Speech rights during public comment (twice);
    2)      Reforming Illinois’ Tax Increment Financing law based on issues identified in the Elmhurst TIF 3 creation process and helping a community group organize to reduce TIF incentives approved on a TIF 1 project from the initial $5 million plus request to $1.2 million;
    3)      Questioning finance issues at City Hall. One inquiry led to monies being repaid; and
    4)      Helping individuals successfully organize.  Examples include, placing referenda on the ballot, addressing a gas station leak, helping a local journalist protest the selling of a local paper, and helping organize a march to promote a historic preservation ordinance.

People worldwide are fighting for the freedoms Americans have, yet very few Americans actually engage in the democratic process.  If a qualifier for “political dirt digging” and indiscriminate protesting includes teaching people interested in government issues how to successfully use First Amendment freedoms, along with community lawyers enforcing democratic rights, I regard that as a compliment.

Ms. Terry Pastika
Executive Director/ Community Lawyer
Citizen Advocacy Center