Delia Ramirez takes action before seat in Illinois State 4th District House of Representatives

"It is so cool to see Delia moving forward with the vision of a government that is truly for and by the people," commented 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa* about newly elected 4th District Illinois State House Representative Delia Ramirez at the “Building a 4th District for All" meeting, Apr. 7, Puerto Rican Cultural Center, 2753 W. Division St. 

Before winning the four-person Democratic race with 48.3% of the vote in the March 20 election, Ramirez stated that she would organize constituents in her district and have them define the issues of most importance. Then she vowed to be held accountable to them for her actions on those issues. 

Filling one of the 118 state house seats, she has no Republican opposition, and is among approximately 50 who are Representative-elects. As such, she has started fulfilling her promise seven months before the November elections and nine before she takes office. 

It was a full house on a cold Saturday morning. Two of her primary election opponents, Alyx Pattison and Anne Shaw, were in attendance and supportive of her next steps. They, constituents and people from adjoining districts actively participated in the entire meeting. 

Actions
Preparing the participants for action, Rob Reid, a constituent and a door-knocking campaign worker, said that unlike "…our typically celebrity based culture where voters expect the elected official to do what they think is right, Delia has set the tone to make this a very community based effort to make the 4th District better and possibly effect what happens in the state and the country." 

Encouraging people's participation, he shared a quote he read a few years ago that said, "Democracy is a battle that never ends, we're either fighting for something or losing everything." 

Everyone was given sticky notes on which they were to write a note for:

• What is one specific issue/cause you want to see Delia champion as our state representative?
• How do you envision partnering with Delia to make sure she remains rooted and accountable to our communities? 

Participants provided a long list of issues to address which included: crime, drugs, Property taxes, progressive income tax, rent control, safer schools, elected school board, fair school funding, criminal justice reform, renewable energy, legalized marijuana and even state owned banks. 

On the partnering point, Ramirez talked about setting up sub-committees to address specific issues so that policies can be determined on which she can be held accountable. An example was a subcommittee to address small business, possibly looking at policies to help local businesses. Another was to look at the best way to communicate. Quarterly meetings, email, tours etc. are all on the table. 

Ramirez looks at this work in her office as being a potential model for other elected officials. 

As Rosa said to this reporter, "It is so important that, as we are being attacked by Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump and the billionaire class, that we have a movement and that movement can't just be elected officials acting alone in the halls of power, but has to be connected to the grass roots and have people power behind it." 

Next Steps
Scheduled to take a vacation after the rigorous campaign trail and listening to constituents about next steps, Ramirez promised to release a report in May about the first meeting. She encouraged people to reach out about other specific issues they want to see addressed. 

With plans to speak and listen to community groups, she invited groups to reach out via email to to be on her list, or call the office 708.695.7113. One of the questions she plans to address is "What does a state representative do?" 

*Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and Delia Ramirez are NOT related