Temporary alderman in 26th Ward

Temporary alderman in 26th Ward
Copyright by The windy City Times
2009-06-03
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=21342


Hector Villagrana has been named as the temporary alderman of Chicago's 26th Ward, replacing Billy Ocasio, who has accepted a position with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, according to Chicagoist.com.
Villagrana was Ocasio's chief of staff and will be the alderman until Mayor Richard Daley appoints a new one; Daley has 60 days to do so.

Villagrana told WBEZ, “Residents won't feel a difference or see a difference. The day to day operations at the office will still function as before.”

Windy City Times has reported on the brewing controversy involving Ocasio's personal recommendation as his successor—the Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús of New Life Covenant Church.

De Jesús is pastor of New Life Covenant Church, 1147 N. Western ( office: 2704 W. North ) —an institution that has taken a hard line against same-sex relationships. According to a position paper on gays and lesbians by the Assemblies of God—with which the church is affiliated—” [ h ] omosexual behavior is sin because it is disobedient to scriptural teachings” and “ [ h ] omosexual behavior is sin because it is contrary to God's created order for the family and human relationships,” among other beliefs. In addition, De Jesús commented in an October 2008 Christianity Today article that “opposing abortion and homosexuality [ had ] been the paramount moral issues for him” until the treatment of illegal immigrants captured his attention.

Not surprisingly, many gay-rights advocates are against De Jesús' possible appointment to city council.

AFC urges swift action on funding

AIDS Foundation of Chicago has issued a press release asking Illinois' legislative leaders to negotiate the state budget. As it stands, HIV/AIDS agencies will receive only 50 percent of last year's funds.

“In the midst of one of the most severe economic downturns in decades, the Illinois General Assembly concluded its spring session on the constitutional budget deadline of May 31 by failing to pass a modest, temporary tax increase. Had they taken action, the General Assembly could have greatly reduced state's $7 billion budget gap and preserved services for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Illinoisans, including people living with and at risk of HIV,” according to the release.

“The AIDS Foundation of Chicago urges legislative leaders and Governor Quinn to immediately convene for budget negotiations,” said Mark Ishaug, AFC's president and CEO. “The new fiscal year starts in 30 days, ample time to solve this problem. Leaving a solution to the last minute will cause needless disruption for people living with HIV and the agencies that serve them.”

An estimated 42,000-44,000 people are living with HIV in Illinois—and as many as 8,000-10,000 people with HIV in our state are infected with the virus but don't know it.

For more about the foundation, see www.aidschicago.org .