For the past 17 years Jonathan Goldman has fought in Springfield for environmental, conservation, consumer, public health and education issues, building a strong track record as one of the most successful public interest advocates at the Capitol. Jonathan is running for State Representative to leverage his experience lobbying for change from the outside to effect change from the inside.

Jonathan was recognized for his accomplishments in Crain's Chicago Business in its annual "40 Under 40" list of up-and-coming leaders in 2004. To see the story, click here.

Jonathan served seven years as Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council before starting Advocacy Incorporated, a lobbying and consulting business serving non-profit organizations. Other leadership roles include Executive Director of the Lead Elimination Action Drive and positions with the Citizens Utility Board, the CityWide Coalition for School Reform and the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

Jonathan was an early critic of Governor Blagojevich. He was recently hailed by the Capitol Fax political newsletter as one of the only lobbyists willing to publicly stand up to Blagojevich.

Some of Jonathan’s legislative successes include:

• Promoted open space preservation by preventing $100 million in proposed budget cuts.
• Protected consumers by passing the nation’s toughest telephone customer rights law.
• Boosted clean energy by enacting one of the strongest renewable energy and energy efficiency requirements of any state in the country.
• Reduced mercury contamination in Illinois by passing seven new laws.
• Empowered parents by maintaining Local School Councils’ control of $250 million in annual funding.

Jonathan has lived in Bucktown and Wicker Park for nearly 20 years, where he has a long history of community involvement. He is in his fifth term as an elected Local School Council member, and is currently the LSC Chair at Drummond Montessori Magnet School. He has also served on the board of the Bucktown Community Organization.