43rd Ward Leaders Unite: Smith, Eisendrath, Oberman, Taylor Nations Endorse Ald. Knudsen in Runoff
Chicago — Three former 43rd Ward Alderpeople and another 2023 candidate for alderman have endorsed Alderman Timmy Knudsen in the runoff election. Alders Michele Smith, Edwin Eisendrath, and Marty Oberman announced their support along with Wendi Taylor Nations, joining Rebecca Janowitz in the runoff and Alders Chuck Bernardini and Bill Singer, who have supported Knudsen since his campaign kickoff.
Collectively, the five alderpeople have represented the 43rd Ward for nearly four decades:
Michele Smith (2011 to 2022)
Chuck Bernardini (1993 to 1999)
Edwin Eisendrath (1987 to 1993)
Marty Oberman (1975 to 1987)
Bill Singer (1971 to 1975 in the 43rd ward and 1969 to 1971 in the 44th Ward)
Dick Simpson, who represented the 44th Ward in City Council from 1971 to 1979, has also endorsed Knudsen, alongside neighboring current Alders Tom Tunney (44th Ward) and Walter Burnett (27th Ward) and Alders-elect Bennett Lawson (44th Ward) and Bill Conway (34th Ward).
“I follow in the footsteps of great leaders in our community, and I’m incredibly honored to have their support and carry the torch forward for the next generation,” said Alderman Timmy Knudsen. “I have had countless conversations with each of the alders that came before me, taking their advice to heart and leading in a community-centric way. With their support, I’ll continue to learn from and lean on these greats so that our ward is best served in City Council.”
“We are pleased to announce that we are both supporting Alderman Knudsen for election in the upcoming aldermanic run-off election on April 4th,” said former Alderpeople Michele Smith and Marty Oberman. “We hope you will join us in voting to elect Alderman Knudsen in the run-off.”
“In this uncertain time for Chicago Timmy has knowledge, the attention to detail, and the political savvy to get things done for the ward and for the city,” said former Alderman Edwin Eisendrath.
“I supported Timmy from day one because I see in him the commitment to public service that inspired me to run for alderman at 29 years old,” said former Alderman Bill Singer. “We’ve sat down countless times to discuss the issues facing our ward and city, and his level-headedness, critical thinking and consensus building approach give me great confidence that he’s the right person for the job of representing the 43rd Ward. He’s an independent leader who will usher in a new generation and make City Council a more functional body.”
“Timmy served as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals with integrity, independence, and humility,” said former Alderman Charles Bernardini. “He brings those same traits to the City Council and to the 43rd Ward.”
“I have determined that Timmy is the best choice to lead our community,” said Wendi Taylor Nations, former aldermanic candidate. “I put considerable time and attention into this decision and appreciate that Alderman Knudsen has promised to continue to work together on the issues our campaign brought to light through our efforts. For these reasons and more, I hope you will join me in voting for Alderman Timmy Knudsen on April 4 as the best option for the neighborhoods of the 43rd Ward going into a new Mayoral administration and a new City Council.”
In her endorsement email sent to campaign supporters Thursday afternoon, Taylor Nations also added a stinging condemnation of Knudsen’s opponent. “In the end, there are two actions taken by Brian Comer during this runoff that solidified my decision. The first was to use my name, without my knowledge or permission, in his campaign for fundraising purposes. The second was to communicate false information from an active crime scene, causing angst and confusion for residents and making a tough situation tougher for our Chicago Police officers. Both these actions indicate that Brian Comer does not have the character or credibility to serve in public office,” she said.
In the first week of the runoff campaign, Ald. Knudsen announced two major endorsements: State Senator Sara Feigenholtz and former aldermanic candidate Rebecca Janowitz. These community leaders join a growing and diverse coalition of support behind Knudsen’s campaign for 43rd Ward Alderman. The full list can be found here: https://www.knudsenfor43.com/endorsements.
###
