NEIU Alumni Miguel Del Valle Runs For Mayor

Chicago mayoral candidate Miguel Del Valle was a featured speaker after a tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Unlike Senator Kennedy, Del Valle is scandal-free. Del Valle hasn't quit his job, nor has he made front-page news in a negative light. Regardless, Northeastern Illinois University College of Education alumni Miguel Del Valle has made it clear in no uncertain terms that he is serious about running for mayor. On Oct. 30, he attended an enthusiastic rally in Michelle's ballroom at 2800 West Belmont in Chicago. Del Valle's wife, Lupe, and their son, Esteban, personally welcomed supporters in a grassroots effort to help Del Valle become mayor. Del Valle was introduced by State Senator Iris Martinez, who said, "If people want honest change in city government, Miguel Del Valle is the man!"

Senator Martinez now holds Del Valle's former seat (a post he held for over 20 years) in the Illinois State Legislature. Senator Martinez noted that Del Valle was known during his time as State Senator as the "Dean of Education" due to his ardent support of public education. She regretted that many games are being played right now, pitting Latino against Latino and concluded with  "Miguel Del Valle already has experience successfully running a large city government office (as Chicago City Clerk).  If we want a true and honest city government, there should be no doubt but that is Miguel Del Valle."

Del Valle humbly refused the microphone as he stepped up to great applause.  He encouraged his supporters to gather around in a circle surrounding him.  He admitted that he cares deeply about public education for our children, as well as training opportunities for adults.  He believes that job-training programs need to be developed through community colleges and in community centers across the city.  He said that he is excited about the opportunity to engage every neighborhood, where people of all ethnicities come together in harmony to make this a better Chicago. In the midst of his speech, he stopped to receive a tweet stating that Lisa Madigan had dropped out of the race for mayor.  He explained that contenders for the mayoral election have begun to drop by the wayside.

Del Valle avowed that his goal is to exceed the 12,500 signatures needed to put him on the ballot by submitting 36,000 signatures by the deadline of Nov. 15.  He also said that he had attended an event hosted by the Chicago Teacher's Union on the West side on Friday, Oct. 29, where he was deeply touched by their overwhelming support.  He admitted that he even got pulled out on the dance floor.