Garcia Opens South Side Campaign Office, Touts African-American Support
CHICAGO (CBS) -- There were cheers for mayoral challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and jeers for incumbent Rahm Emanuel as Garcia stood with some 100 supporters in the African-American community on Tuesday.
Garcia, a Cook County commissioner, might not have Emanuel's more than $9 million in campaign funds, but he looked delighted to see about 100 African-American activists, community leaders, and former elected officials crowded into his new South Side campaign office to show their support.
Former Cook County Board President Bobbie Steele said the display was a demonstration Garcia has proven himself to the African-American community through actions, while Emanuel has fallen short.
"I think he's disconnected from the people of Chicago. I think he's running a corporation that includes a few, and leaves out most. I think it's like the movie 'The Haves and the Have Nots,'" Steele said.
Outspoken Blaine Elementary School Principal Troy LaRaviere praised Garcia's views and record on education and unifying neighborhoods, and he blasted Emanuel.
"What we have now is not a mayor who builds relationships through schools, but tears down community relationships by closing schools," LaRaviere said.
Garcia said he's elated by the support.
"Those that stand with me today include people who have steeled me in the art of doing the right thing in life. They're the people who have taught me that, if you want a legacy in life, you must be about action," he said.
Garcia said he plans to open more campaign offices in the African-American community.