Richard R.  Boykin
 
Cook County Commissioner,
1st District
 
"The Conviction to Lead.
The Commitment to Serve."
                              

                            
WEEKLY UPDATE
February 5, 2017
 
   

Last week, I sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a federal task force made up of officials from every level of government to coordinate efforts to quell the violence that continues to rock Chicago.
On Monday, I was at the Chicago Urban League to discuss the incredibly high unemployment numbers for African American youth and how it ties to violence.

In January, 66 people were killed by gun violence in Cook County. Fifty six of those were within the city of Chicago. And more than 80 percent were African American.

The numbers are appalling, but they are nothing new. African Americans continue to make up the majority of those shot and killed in Chicago. That is why we must think outside the box.

On Wednesday, the Board will debate a Resolution I introduced with several of my colleagues calling on President Trump and the federal government to bring resources to Chicago's endangered communities. Economic investment and additional law enforcement can serve as an immediate solution to the problem, but long-term initiatives are equally important.

Also on Wednesday, the Neighborhood Revitalization Act, which is a long-term initiative, will be referred to committee. While the legislation is in committee, I will continue to host town halls in the communities that this initiative focuses on while I work with my colleagues to ensure it will pass this spring so work can begin.  

The Forest Preserves Board meets on Tuesday at 11 am, and the Board of Commissioners meets on Wednesday at 11 am . Both are open to the public and will be in the board room at 118 N. Clark on the fifth floor.
Get Involved!
 
Cook County Government Needs You! 

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."               
 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
                                                                                
This week's First District Constituent Spotlight is on Rayshawn Gay. Rayshawn is a senior at Proviso East High School, and last week he signed to play football at Northern Illinois University.
Rayshawn Gay was joined by his parents and Proviso East staff last week to announce his scholarship to Northern Illinois University. Photo credit: MIchael Romain/Village Free Press.

Rayshawn is an outside linebacker, and he's the first Proviso East player to get a four-year scholarship at a Div. 1 school in four years. 

This is an outstanding accomplishment for a hard-working young man. Rayshawn, congrats on behalf of the entire First District!

Please consider joining our team by serving on one of the following task forces:
  • Criminal Justice Advisory Task Force
  • Economic Development Advisory Task Force
  • Education Advisory Task Force
  • Environmental Advisory Task Force
  • Faith-based and Community Partnerships Task Force
  • Mental Health Advisory Task Force
  • Parenting Advisory Task Force
  • Housing Advisory Task Force
These task forces advise me as Cook County Commissioner of the 1st District on a wide range of issues that affect the public welfare. Each group plays a vital role in promoting efficient, effective, transparent and honest government. For many, serving on a task force is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
 
To get involved by learning more and applying for membership, please contact my office at (312) 603-4566 or Richard.Boykin@cookcountyil.gov 

 
Let's work together to make the 1st District great!
EVENTS



 







 




New Year's Resolution to Get Fit with Hustle Up the Hancock
The 20th Anniversary Hustle Up the Hancock, Respiratory Health Association's world class stair climb, will be held Sunday, February 26, 2017. This event will raise funds to support clean air and people living with asthma, COPD, lung cancer and other lung diseases. Spots are still available to join the full climb of 94 stories or the CBS2 half climb of 52 stories at the John Hancock Center in downtown Chicago. Visit www.hustleupthehancock.org  to register or learn more. 







In the Community

I visited Mt. Vernon Church and Pastor Johnny Miller to talk about anti-violence initiatives and the Neighborhood Revitalization Act.

I spoke to the congregation of Home of Life Church about the Neighborhood Revitalization Act.


Thanks to my good friend Pastor Lean Miller for giving me a few minutes to speak to his congregation at Mt. Ebeneezer!


I also want to thank Pastor Stephen Richardson for giving me a few moments to speak about the Neighborhood Revitalization Act at Jordan Temple Baptist Church.








Contact Us!
  
I love hearing from my constituents and encourage you to contact me and my staff any time with questions, concerns and feedback!
  
118 N. Clark Street
Suite 567
Chicago, Illinois 60602
  
Phone: (312) 603-4566
Fax: (312) 603-3696
  
District Office:
7221 Madison Street
Forest Park, Illinois 60130
  
  
I remain honored to serve as your Cook County Commissioner and am committed to representing your interests in county government.