Work with fathers should earn votes

When longtime Congressman Danny K. Davis decided not to run for a 16th consecutive term, he had to decide who to endorse. In the end, he endorsed state Rep. La Shawn Ford because of his track record of passing legislation over the years, according to news reports.

While that is a valid reason for the endorsement and for voting for him, another is his work for fathers, which has largely been done without attention from the media.

I can attest that the Chicago Public School teacher-turned politician is a great father who has proudly co-parented his daughter with her mother. In fact, Ford has done such a great job with his own family that in 2012 he was recognized by being appointed to the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood.

The ICRF was established as a state board in 2004 to promote paternal involvement — particularly by single and divorced fathers — in the upbringing of their children. I had the honor of being appointed by the governor of Illinois in 2004 to serve as chairperson of the ICRF and have remained there ever since. Thus, I have seen the dedication, hard work and pride that Ford put into his ICRF membership.

Not to take the luster off of any bills that he had passed, but unlike a bill that can be changed or superseded in the future, the work of great fathers cannot be undone because it creates impressions on children that last a lifetime.

Because of that, I am urging voters to take a long look at him both as a politician and as a man because I believe doing so will result in a much deserved vote for La Shawn Ford for Congress.

Jeffery M. Leving

Chicago