About the Candidate
Name: Cassandra Goodrum
DOB: Aug. 14, 1959
Occupation: Attorney, professor
Political Experience: Ran for alderman in the 6th Ward, local school council
Website: Goodrumforcongress.com
Twitter: @Goodrum2022
Facebook: facebook.com/Goodrum4congress
Instagram: @Goodrum4congress
Candidate Statement
The First Congressional District of Illinois has strong communities with strong family values, and a strong work ethic.
My name is Attorney Cassandra Goodrum and as a little girl growing up on the South Side of Chicago, I watched my parents organizing with neighbors to participate in the civil rights movement. My mother, a Special Ed teacher, and my father, a Vietnam war vet, were both active in the movement and by example, they taught my siblings and I the value of community and the need for sacrifice. Before I was even old enough to vote I joined the young democrats and as a law student at Northwestern University, I marched to end Apartheid in South Africa.
The value of community and the need for sacrifice have shaped many of my choices. From working at the State's Attorney's Office to my private practice which concentrated in Social Security disability, helping people get their benefits; to volunteering with a Safe Haven program where I tutored young students, providing a safe after school environment; and for the last ten years, I have taught at Chicago State University in the Department of Criminal Justice, philosophy and political science. My values echo those of my community.
So Join us in the peace campaign as together, we engage, educate and empower the 1st Congressional District. The voting rights act must be passed and by providing equitable educational opportunities, stimulating a green economy, decriminalizing cannabis, and through supportive community engagement, we can create a profitable peace-filled, 1st District. Standing on my parents' shoulders, embracing this opportunity to serve my community, and celebrating my son's graduation from law school, the past, the present, and the future are aligned. So, join us for peace. The future is bright!
My name is Attorney Cassandra Goodrum. And I am asking for your vote to be the next representative to congress for the 1st congressional district of Illinois.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running for the office of Representative to Congress because I am keenly aware of the need for improved representation of the people of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois. Having lived in this district for most of my life, I would now like to serve my community by drafting legislation and directing money to our district that will help to stimulate our economy, improve and increase educational opportunities and promote safer communities.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
The U.S. House of Representatives at this time has a representation of a majority democrats which has served to get key legislation approved. What needs fixing is that legislators need to continue to build relationships with all of the members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and then to vote in the very best interest of all of the constituents. This office should be more visible to the public as it impacts every walk of life.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
In speaking with the constituents in this district I am always told that crime is the greatest problem. From carjacking to gun violence to increased robberies, people just want to be safe in their communities. One of the keys to reducing crime is to provide job opportunities, especially for teens. By providing more jobs and more opportunity for community reinvestment the crime rate will be affected. Job opportunities for young people are critical as the jobs would provide monetary resources but also provide training and work experience to the youth, which will help prepare them for the permanent workforce. Additionally, neighbors should connect and work towards keeping their communities safe through joint efforts with the police.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?
I will ensure that my office is accessible and responsive by establishing District Clubs. The District Clubs will meet regularly to exchange information and resources with each other and with the congressional office. Issues and solutions would be shared. I would also share upcoming legislation with constituents to get their input on it, before it is voted on in Congress. The District Clubs would not only keep the constituents and the Congressional office connected, they will also foster stronger communities that are engaged the democratic process. My campaign is currently working to establish District Clubs.
