Photo by Jennifer Rice
Gov. Pat Quinn made an appearance in Naperville to talk with local Democrats attending the Naperville Township Democratic Organization about the need for infrastructure, veterans and rebuilding after the flood. Earlier in the day, he broke ground on a veterans housing development.

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, May 2, 2013
     NAPERVILLE — Local Democrats were treated with a guest appearance by Gov. Pat Quinn April 25 at a fundraiser for the Naperville Township Democratic Organization (NTDO).
     Before a packed house at BlackFinn American Saloon in downtown Naperville, Quinn discussed the need for infrastructure improvements, honoring our veterans and the devastation from the recent flooding.
     Quinn acknowledged Illinois is the heart of the heartland, and with that comes the need for adequate transportation to move goods via rail, road, air or water, which is being accomplished with the Capital Bill — the first of its kind in 10 years.
     Infrastructure improvements are synonymous with jobs — a word everybody wants to hear.
     “We have to use our public works in Illinois to rebuild our roads, bridges and rail and water systems. We need to make those investments. We took a terrible blow with jobs in the great recession, but we’re coming back,” Quinn explained. He pointed to the collaborative effort undertaken in 2010 to bring Navistar to Lisle, and with it, 400 construction jobs.
     Naperville Mayor George Pradel said he was thrilled by Quinn’s visit and his unrelenting support for the NTDO.
     “He’s helped us so many times. Quinn’s for economic development and bringing business to Naperville and surrounding cities — no matter what other people say,” Pradel explained.
     Earlier in the day, Quinn attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Chicago’s South Side Englewood neighborhood for Hope Manor II, where more than two acres of vacant land will be transformed into an affordable housing development with services for veterans with families.
     “We can’t forget those who gave to the call of duty, who sacrificed time in their life and went forward in the face of danger,” Quinn said. He added he’d like to see returning veterans receive access to good education, decent health care and jobs.
     “The best way to fight poverty, crime and to keep families together is to do it with a J-O-B,” Quinn said to applause.
     Even though flood waters have receded and clean up has been underway for several weeks, the governor announced he declared 44 Illinois counties as disaster areas. Traveling various counties hit hardest by the flood, Quinn said it was inspiring to see neighbors helping neighbors.
     “The essence of Illinois is shown in its people: the first responders — like police officers, firefighters — as well as regular people, came together to help each other. It was inspiring to see democracy working together for the common good, despite these hard times,” he said.
     NTDO Chair Dianne McGuire said Quinn has always been an advocate for our nation’s veterans, women and health care issues. He’s remains undaunted by criticism and challenges seemingly insurmountable.
     “Quinn can truly measure his success in terms of his contributions to the well being of this state,” McGuire said.

Jennifer Rice’s e-mail address is Jen@foxvalleylabornews.com.