Students and Evanston residents will be presented with a clear choice in the U.S. Congressional elections next week — they can choose a candidate who understands Evanston’s needs or one who has not shown his aptitude in confronting Illinois issues.
Kurt Eckhardt, Schakowsky’s opponent, a Chicago GOP committeeman, does not appear to have completely thought through the issues facing students and Evanston residents.
Eckhardt told The Daily that he hadn’t thought about the federal role in higher education, although he “strongly supports” school vouchers for primary and secondary schools. Eckhardt has shown a similar lack of thoughtfulness in his other positions.
By supporting school vouchers, he seems to be towing the Republican party line and ignoring the real issues facing Evanston’s public schools, which includes reforming the No Child Left Behind Act.
In stark contrast, incumbent Jan Schakowsky has shown that she understands the needs of Evanston and the NU community.
As an Evanston resident, Schakowsky is prepared to respond to Evanston’s needs, which include the need for a reformed health care system and more affordable housing.
Schakowsky supports universal health care coverage, which would benefit recent college graduates.
She also has been a strong advocate for increasing the funding for Pell Grants and other assistance programs to help students pay for the ever-increasing costs of college.
Due to her continued presence in Evanston and her solid track record, The Daily strongly endorses Schakowsky for U.S. Representative.