Businessman Hutchinson takes on Davis for
Congress in 7th

By Lisa R. Jenkins

Republican challenger Charles Hutchinson thinks it is time for a new representative for the 7th Congressional District. The Barrington native turned Chicagoan is running against incumbent Democrat Danny K. Davis, who has led the 7th district since 1996.

Danny K. Davis believes the 7th Congressional is the most “fascinating district” in Illinois and is determined to “bring to fruition” projects that are in process.

Suicide prevention is a big issue for Davis, and the Republican-dominated Congress a few years ago passed the Davis-sponsored Prevention of Suicide bill to implement counseling programs for young people during times of crisis.

In the Lawndale area, Davis has secured $50 million in housing grants and is working to get an additional $200 million.

In the 109th Congress, Davis serves on the Committee on Government Reform and is the ranking member on its Subcommittee on Civil Service. He also sits on the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Davis sponsored the Second Chance Act (which is yet to be passed) to address the massive need for reintegrating ex-offenders into society and stop housing and employment discrimination against ex-offenders. If soon offenders about to be released are not taught the skills needed to succeed in society, the cycle of crime and violence will only repeat itself.

Davis urgently wants to address job creation. “During the Bush administration we have continued to lose thousands of jobs all over the country,” he explained. “It is disheartening to see people who want to work, who have skills to work, but who cannot find jobs.” Davis believes the solution is “to stop giving tax money to the wealthiest and invest it in job creation.”

Economic development, education, and healthcare also are on his action list.

Regarding U.S. foreign policy, Davis said, “We have become a global community. No longer can you think of yourself as just a person of the United States. Globalization is the order of the day. We have to deal with a global economy and global security. We must have a positive approach and a good understanding of what is needed in order to work effectively. We need to find a way to increase our desire for peace and use peaceful methods of resolving conflicts.”

Charles Hutchinson, founder and owner of Trade Wind Flowers, received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Kentucky. He also is vice president of the 2nd Ward Republican Organization and sits on the board of Old St. Mary’s Catholic School in the South Loop.

The self-proclaimed small business owner admits he is not a career politician but feels strongly that the people of the 7th District deserve a representative who has their best interests at heart.

“I am not running on a long list of priorities, but rather a short list of things that I want to accomplish to make life in Illinois better,” Hutchinson stated.

Although he lacks experience in Illinois’s political circles, Hutchinson wants to tackle problems he feels have existed far too long and need fresh eyes and ideas.

For example, district residents have seen a 22% percent increase in poverty in the past six years. Also, U.S. Census statistics show that 24% of families and 44% of children younger than 18 in the district live in severe poverty. Hutchinson would like to change those statistics.

He also wants to address education. “While Davis claims to support improved education for our children, he has voted against bills that would do just that,” Hutchinson claims. “There have been no obvious signs of improvement in the education received by children in the 7th District.”

Hutchinson believes government must work with parents to provide education if the public school system cannot. He cited a study by the Consortium on Chicago School Research that found that, of every 100 freshmen entering Chicago public high schools, 94% will not graduate from college and only six will earn a bachelor’s degree by their mid 20s. Of the African American males and Latinos who graduate from high school, only three will earn a bachelor’s degree by their mid 20s. Hutchinson hopes to change those statistics.

“I am running for Congress because I want to bring jobs to the district and turn around our failing Chicago Public Schools,” Hutchinson said. “The two most important things we can give our children are a good education and a safe environment in which to learn.”