Benefit Dinner for Jackie Traynere and Bolingbrook United Slate Organized by Muslim Community
The Bolingbrook Muslim community wanting to help bring change in Bolingbrook, hosted a very grand benefit dinner for Jackie Traynere and the Bolingbrook United slate on Friday, March 24th, 2017 at the Tandoori Restaurant in Villa Park with over 275 guests. This benefit dinner was also co-hosted by Congressman Representative Bill Foster.
Due to the victory of Friday's Healthcare vote, Congressman Bill Foster was stuck in Washington D.C., and not physically present for the event. However, he had sent the following message, which was read, to all of the guests at the event by Mr. Ajaz Gill.
"I'm sorry I couldn't join you this evening to support my good friend, Jackie Traynere, but I had to stay in Washington to do everything I could. However, I'm most proud of the fight being led by Jackie Traynere in Bolingbrook, an area I represent in Washington. Like most of us, after last year's election, Jackie wanted to do whatever she could to stand up against hate-filled agenda. This drive to fight has now led her to run against Roger Claar, Mayor of Bolingbrook.
Jackie Traynere is a smart, hardworking, passionate woman who cares about her community. She is a true progressive, who will fight not only for those values we hold true to our hearts, but for good, fair, and well-run government for all of those she represents, whether they voted for her or not.
I am lucky enough to be able to call Jackie a friend, and delighted by the campaign she has run and all of the diverse support she's received. Men and women of all races, creeds, religions, and backgrounds have joined me in backing Jackie's campaign for Mayor, just like those of you in attendance this evening.
In a little more than 2 short weeks, the residents of Bolingbrook will go to the polls. With your support this evening, we can and we will send a huge message to the entire country that people want elected officials who represent everyone, not just the few select people who think, act, or look like them. We will send a message that politics of hate and corruption have no place in this country, and that our elected officials should be people who we are proud to have elected. I'm proud of Jackie Traynere, and when she wins on April 4, the people of Bolingbrook will be proud to have her as their Mayor."
Former Governor Pat Quinn had also attended the event, delivering his endorsement and a motivational speech for the Jackie 4 Mayor campaign, along with the Bolingbrook United slate that revved up the crowd.
Aamer Jaleel, who was the emcee of the event, recognized Mr. Ajaz Gill and his energy, passion, and influence that helped him get involved in November of last year for this campaign. Jaleel recognized his neighbor Mr. Gill's house visit, who brought along Jackie for a meet and greet and said, "During the house visit, Jackie and I discussed NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's Cooper Union Address, his promise to all New Yorkers as Mayor. I felt that Jackie was able to connect and relate to what we were going through emotionally, and we got to work immediately after." Jaleel also quoted Malcolm X in saying, "A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything," explaining further why he takes this campaign to heart.
Jaime Olson, attorney and wife of Joe Giamanco, who is a partner at Giamanco & Ooink Attorneys at Law in Bolingbrook, also spoke and thanked the guests for their support for her run as Village Clerk. She promised financial transparency and preserving Bolingbrook's attraction of respecting diverse ethnicities, race, creed, and religion, highlighting that is what makes Bolingbrook great and a reason for her to make it her home. She talked about Bolingbrook's financial debt as a great concern and ended by saying, "Let's stay here (in Bolingbrook), and let's not be taxed out of town; April 4th … look for Bolingbrook United, vote for Jackie."
The Bakhrani siblings, Zeeshan Bakhrani, running for Plainfield Township Clerk, and his sister Nabeeha Bakhrani, running for Plainfield Education Board, also spoke at the event. They highlighted how the National elections inspired them to 'do something' and to get involved. They shared their passion of leadership and interest in politics on how important it is to participate bringing in fresh ideas to help make a difference. Their words were dynamic, motivational, and inspirational, sharing how they provided support and influence to each other to run for office respectively.
Dr. Murtaza Arain also shared his personal story on why he supports this campaign and how important it is for the community to part-take in the April 4th elections. Dr. Arain is well respected, both as a senior surgical consultant professionally, and also as a community activist within the Indo-Pak community. He was appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois to serve as part of the Illinois State Trauma Advisory Council since 2010. He currently serves as the Director of Trauma services at Adventist Hinsdale, and has been instrumental towards this campaign. Dr. Arain said, "The Bolingbrook Golf Club is the White House for Bolingbrook and residents are paying the price for it." Dr. Arain also said, "It has never been more critical than now to make our voices heard and stand up to the political and financial crisis within the town," encouraging everyone to exercise their right to vote on April 4th .
Jackie Traynere's address was well received by guests and received a standing ovation. Jackie said, "I am honored to have been chosen as your candidate to run as Mayor of Bolingbrook, and I really want to represent everyone that lives in our community. I will always have my ears and my doors open for you."
She referenced wanting to put an end to the culture of fear and bullying in the community even before Mr. Trump's visit to Bolingbrook. She highlighted the financial crisis and the village owned subdivision that has costed taxpayer's big money. Jackie gave credit to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, as he has also participated in door-to-door campaigning efforts with Jackie earlier this month. She credited him along with his wife Loretta, who started a program in 2002 to train women on how to run for political office. She mentioned women being only 20% of elected officials in this country, while being over 50% of the population. She encouraged women to get trained and run for political office.
Jackie praised the Bakhrani siblings, Zeeshan Bakhrani and Nabeeha Bakhrani, running for office within the Plainfield district for taking the initiative and getting involved at a young age, as young leaders. She was hoping examples like them would help the political future of this country. "If we don't get a seat on the table, we are likely going to be on the menu," said Jackie. She praised Dr. Arain, and appreciated the sponsors of the event, stating how important it is for fresh new leadership in order to put an end to 'millionaire politics.' She said it's important to focus through April 4th, as silly distractions should be expected from the opposition party, "but we must not lose focus," said Jackie. She concluded by thanking Ajaz and Rizwana Gill, Aamer Jaleel, Irfan Ahmad, and the entire list of volunteers and community members for stepping up and showing their support towards this campaign. She said it is extremely important for everyone to feel safe in the community, and that anyone who lives in Bolingbrook is a part of the community, regardless of legal status or religious beliefs.
Volunteers that helped sponsor the event were recognized on stage as the event concluded which include: Ajaz Gill, Rizwana Gill, Awais Chaudhry, Iqbal Jaffer, Mona Elgindy, Sara Ahmed Barday, Irfan Ahmad, Aamer Jaleel, Mohammed Khalek, Saud Gazanfer, Mustafa Syed, along with Dr. Murtaza Arain.
Early voting is underway at the Fountaindale Library through Friday, March 31st , and weekend timings are available at the Office of the Will County Clerk, located at 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, 60432. Election day is on Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 at the respective voting stations. Details for the campaign can be found at jackie4mayor.com, and voting instructions can be found at thewillcountyclerk.com.