by Brian Costin
This news just in from Monique Garcia of the Chicago Tribune. Derrick Smith of Chicago has been appointed to fill the 10th District State Representative position recently vacated by Annazette Collins.
Chicago political leaders today chose an administrator in the Illinois Secretary of State's office to take over an open state House seat on the West Side.
Derrick Smith gets the seat vacated by new Sen. Annazette Collins, who was appointed to replace Rickey Hendon earlier this month. Hendon abruptly resigned.
Not much is known about Derrick Smith, as he's never held political office before. However, we do know a little bit about his background and positions on issues from a pair of questionnaires he responded to in a recent unsucessful run for Cook County Board.
From a Sun-Times candidate questionnaire.
Derrick Smith lives in Chicago works as the deputy director of accounting revenue for the Illinois Secretary of State. He has also worked for the City of Chicago, has a masters of business administration from DePaul University and is a graduate of Malcolm X College.
Also, read his Chicago Tribune bio & questionnaire here, as he talks about why he's against rolling back the Cook County sales tax, potential budget cuts, health care, and more.
Q. Will you vote to repeal the 1 percentage point sales tax increase that took effect in 2008? Please explain why that revenue is or is not needed.
A. Any efforts to roll back the 1 percentage point sales tax that are made without taking into consideration possible negative impact/consequences of rolling back the tax may/would have on the services in the County provides to residents (i.e. cuts in healthcare services) should be avoided and I will not support.
And finally, here's a YouTube video of him at a League of Women Voters Candidate's Forum.
