Jan. 5, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Gail Philbin, 616-558-6490 gail@jonathanforillinois.com

Goldman Announces Common Sense Proposals to Reduce Gun Violence

Earns ‘A’ Rating from Illinois Citizens for Handgun Control

Chicago, Ill. -- Jonathan Goldman, a Democratic candidate for state representative in the 10th District, today unveiled a platform of policies that tackles the epidemic of gun violence in Illinois while protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

“We need to use common sense while respecting the rights of law abiding citizens,” said Goldman, a public interest advocate running for office for the first time. “There are some simple steps we can take to improve the safety of our neighborhoods.”

Goldman recently received an ‘A’ Rating from Illinois Citizens for Handgun Control, a non-profit organization that grades political candidates on the gun control issue on the basis of their answers to a 10-point survey.

Today, Goldman outlined the steps he will take if he is elected in a policy document made available to the media and the general public through his website. The five policies he supports include legislation that would require:

• All firearms sellers, including private, unlicensed sellers, to conduct background checks;
• Gun owners to report firearm loss or theft to law enforcement agencies;
• The restriction of bulk handgun sales to deter illegal trafficking;
• Safe storage of firearms to prevent access by children up to the age of 18 (current law only goes up to age 14); and
• Handgun dealers to be licensed by the state (currently only federal licensing is required).
  

Goldman’s stance on the issue of gun violence provides a stark contrast to the controversial nine-year record of 10th District incumbent Annazette Collins. Collins has voted against numerous common sense gun control measures. In addition, she has proposed teaching Chicago public schoolchildren how to shoot guns.

“Rep. Collins’ record speaks for itself -- she has voted irresponsibly on this issue and her ideas are completely out of step with the values of the 10th District,” said Goldman. “Our community needs a new leader who will act to stop the cycle of gun violence in Chicago. I am that leader.”

Representative Collins voting record on guns includes the following:

• Voted against HB 758, which would have required background checks for all gun purchases. (4/26/2007)
• Voted against HB 867, which increased penalties for shooting a gun on school property, and for carrying a gun on public transportation. Only legislator to vote against the bill, which is now law. (3/24/2009)
• Voted against HB 1032, which increased penalties for using a stolen gun, and for giving or selling a gun to a felon. Only legislator to vote against the bill, which is now law. (3/24/2009)
• Voted against HB 12, which would have limited gun purchases to one gun per month. The bill did not pass. (4/1/2009)

Since the early 1990s, Goldman has fought for environmental, education, public health and consumer issues, building a strong track record as one of the most successful public interest advocates at the Capitol. He most recently served for seven years as Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council, before starting Advocacy Incorporated, a public interest advocacy and consulting business serving non-profit organizations.

During his IEC tenure, Goldman was named a “40 Under 40” Rising Star by Crain’s Chicago Business. He earned the title for his leadership with Partners for Parks and Wildlife, a group of more than 130 environmental and outdoor recreation organizations that rescued two land preservation programs from the state’s budget chopping block.

Goldman’s other leadership roles have included 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.

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

In addition to the ‘A’ rating by the Illinois Citizens for Handgun Control, Goldman has been endorsed by State Representative John Fritchey and Alderman Roberto Maldonado. Rep. Fritchey and Ald. Maldonado also serve as Democratic Committeemen of the 32nd and 26th Wards, both of which are part of the 10th District.

For the full text of Goldman’s policy document, click here.

For more information about Jonathan Goldman’s campaign, call 888-633-2010 or visit www.JonathanForIllinois.com.

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