Elect Laura

JOIN Us Thursday, May 29th as Laura Kicks off her campaign with a plea for a bigger cause!
Committee to Elect Laura Morask is taking the lead in the race to eradicate breast cancer. In addition to our April and May online donations, we are hosting a gala Kickoff the Campaign Fundraiser at Club Casa on Thursday, May 29th, 6PM-8:30PM, cocktails, hor d’ouevres, raffles, guest speakers and the appearance of Team Cosmonaut pictured above. Tickets are available either through the Host Comittee or you can buy at the door. Suggested donation is $100.00, of which 10 % of all proceeds from this fundraiser will be contributed to sponsor Team Cosmonaut, a team of breast cancer survivors, family and friends that are all based in the Maine and Northwest Township areas. They have the distinction of being the highest ranked team in the Chicago Avon Walk! www.AvonWalk.org Please join us to show your support for Laura and the Avon Walk at the same time!

Laura will put her 20 year experience serving the public as a Prosecutor and six year experience as a Maine Township Trustee to use once again serving the local community by presenting a Gang Awareness and Prevention Strategies Seminar at Maine Township Town Hall on April 23rd from 7-9:00 PM. This seminar is hosted by Mainestay Youth and Family Services Department and is open to all. Laura will teach our parents, schools, and communities what type of risk factors, behaviors and clothing to watch for in preventing and combatting gang crime behavior. Laura will also focus on prevention strategies used sucessfully by some of our local police departments in combatting “quality of life” type crimes. Laura’s presentation has been featured in the Pioneer Press both online and in Niles, Park Ridge and Des Plaines: www.pioneerlocal.com/niles/news.

Morask thanks supporters

originally in the Park Ridge Herald Advocate on March 6, 2008

To my friends, family, colleagues and voters: Words alone cannot adequately express my thanks for your show of support not only at the polls on election day but throughout the long hard road of the last six months. This was truly a grassroots, friend-to-friend, helping hands campaign that demonstrated a unity of purpose that is much needed in this era of divisive and bitter politics. To everyone who helped spread the word that qualifications, experience, and ideals are what matter to the vast majority of the American people, I sincerely thank you…

One of the most amazing things I saw throughout these months was the willingness of people I did not yet know personally to reach out, to tell me they believed in my dream and goal of electing a qualified and experienced judiciary and to then offer their time, their name, and their hard-earned money to invest in that dream…

I want to thank most of all my husband Dean and my two teenagers Alex and Jake…

Finally, I would like to congratulate all who participated as candidates in these elections, whether winners or losers and all who came out to vote! I am a firm believer that a person has no business complaining about the status of the country, the courts, or their community if they do not participate in the American process.

Laura J. Morask, Park Ridge, Judicial Candidate, 12th Subcircuit

We Did it! Thanks to all of you, we did it!

With a campaign built on grass roots, word of mouth, overwhelming support from friends, family, colleagues, organizations and hard work — We won the primary!

By we I do mean We — all of you. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the well wishes and congratulations I have received since starting this campaign through the win in the primary election. I am also inspired by the energy of the voters to march on together to the November election. Together I know we can fight the good battle to put a highly qualified, overwhelmingly endorsed candidate as the Judge on your bench!

You all have truly participated in the process and we are half way to “Putting Laura on the Bench.” To my friends and family who are a daily inspiration, to the people I met and deep friendships I formed on the campaign trail, it has been the most amazing, indescribable experience.

The committee is already in the midst of planning, and we need your help. See how you can get involved.

Thank you all again.

Laura

Upcoming Events

More details will follow on these Kick-Off Events

“Kick off for Laura”
Join us at Arlington Racetrack to celebrate Derby Day
Details coming soon

“Swing into Summer”
A BBQ at Laura’s home in Park Ridge
Details coming soon

Can I do something today?

Email or call with ideas to this list:

Ideas for future fundraisers or parties
Host an event
Host a coffee
Venues to hold events
Volunteers are needed for easy things like email and management.

Contact us with an email to: laura [at] electlaura [dot] net

It takes hearty souls to brave the elements, especially ones who are volunteers during the holiday season. That’s what we did at two Park Ridge Jewel Food Stores on Saturday (December 22) as the Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry collected food and cash donations to support needy persons living in Maine Township.

Here’s a little interactive slideshow of our fun time.

Now in its 26th year, the Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry operates throughout the year, accepting food from individuals and businesses, and organizations such as churches, schools, and scout programs. Monetary and/or food donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Maine Township Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge.

Thank you Jewel food store patrons and volunteers; your generosity will feed the needy in Maine Township.

It was an honor to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor.

I have lived in Park Ridge the last 19 years, contributed to both the Park Ridge community, Maine Township as Township Trustee since 2001, and supported Republican candidates in their efforts to win election to a variety of positions throughout the State of Illinois.

Now, being a candidate for Circuit Court Judge in the 12th Subcircuit, I was thrilled and heartened Thursday, Friday and over the weekend by virtually unanimous support of local precinct captains, campaign workers, and fellow office seekers throughout the area who personally endorsed me.

Some of those pledging their support include:

• Maine Township Supervisor Carol Teschky
• Township Clerk Gary Warner
• Township Assessor Tom Rueckert
• Township Collector and longtime Des Plaines resident and Hellenic Community Leader, Peter Gialamas
• Township Trustee Susie Moylan Krey
• Township Trustee Walter Kazmierciak
• Township Trustee Susie Moylan-Krey
• Highway Commissioner Robert Provenzano
• The Honorable Ruth O’Connell-Trustee, Wheeling Township Board OF Trustees
• Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia
• Josh Wessell

I continued gaining support and endorsements from the Maine Township Republican Organization. I saw many of them on Thursday Dec. 13th when I attended the meeting and Christmas party, where I donated a shrimp platter and champagne punch replenishments. I was overwhelmed by their kinds words and support. It is true what they say, what goes around comes around.

Maine Township Regular Republican Organization (MTRRO) - members:

• Maine Township Republican Committeeman Mark Thompson
• Former MTTRO 1st Vice President and Election Judge Coordinator Jean Dietsch
• Deputy Committeewoman and longtime Des Plaines community activist Mary Rohde
• MTTRO fundraising Chair Bob Babowice
• Former State Senator for the 33rd District and current Elk Grove Township Cheryl Axley
• Numerous other leaders and volunteers from the New Trier, Elk Grove, and Northfield Township organizations

They are all formally placing their trust in me with an personal endorsement as the best person to fill the judicial seat. They pledged to help me win the February 5, 2008 primary and the November 4 general election.

As a six-year incumbent Maine Township Trustee, I was quite honored when the Maine Township Supervisor asked me to fill her shoes and lead off the annual Niles-Park Ridge CROP Walk for Hunger. I have always been very supportive of the work done by the Maine Township Food Pantry in serving underprivileged or disadvantaged people of the township. I was equally impressed by the hard work and dedication of the people that turned out for the Niles-Park Ridge CROP Walk For Hunger, particularly their coordinator, Lynda Santrella who then donated a percentage of the days’ proceeds to our food pantry.

Therefore, that day when I awoke I was dismayed by the unbelievably terrible weather. The previous day had been a beautiful sunny early October day and Sunday, October 14th dawned a blustery, cold, rainy, and gloomy day. I was dismayed because I thought the walk would have to be canceled or the turnout greatly reduced. I was therefore really impressed when I arrived at the staging area a half-hour before kick-off time and it was mobbed. This group is really dedicated. And, as luck and karma would have it by the time I had the honor of speaking some short opening remarks of thanks to the group on behalf of Maine Township, the rain had stopped and the sun was breaking through.

I wish to thank the CROP Walk for their huge donation of $6,250.00. to the Maine Township Food Pantry. A perfectly timed donation which will help replenish the food from Thanksgiving baskets so that our pantry can now do our annual Christmas Baskets of food and necessties. Recently, I received a letter of thanks from Lynda Santrella which was so nice I wanted to share it.

Dear Trustee Morask,
I cannot thank you enough for your part in this year’s Niles-Park Ridge Crop Hunger Walk on that rainy-sunny-beautiful spirited Sunday Oct. 14th.
Your comments and presence were very sincere and added an “official” special touch to the event.
It appears that we will have no problem reaching our goal of $25,000, therefore being able to donate at least $6,250.00 to the Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry.
I have enclosed some pictures that I thought your would enjoy.
I wish you great success in your endeavors.”

Gratefully,

Lynda Sandra Santrella
Coordinator

I have for fifteen years been privileged enough to be an honorary Marine as for many of those years I and some others organized and helped run the annual Marine Corp Birthday Party held for thirty years at 26th and California and attended by State’s Attorneys, Public Defenders, Judges, current and former, Police officers as well as building personnel at 26th and California who had been with the Marines. This year the party is being held at Chicago Sports Bar and Grill at 4335 W. 47th Street from 5:00 PM- 9:00PM . Everyone is welcome to come say Happy Birthday, sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic and watch the oldest marine and the youngest marine share cake-cutting duties with the Marine sword. Semper Fi!

Judge Ken Wadas, longtime Judge, former prosecutor and defense attorney and organizer of this event for thirty years reading the annual letter from a Marine right before we sing Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Police Officer Eddie May, a highly decorated 11th district police officer and marine attending the Marine Corp Birthday celebration.

Join us for cake!

As you read, I filed for candidacy for Judge of the Circuit Court, 12th Judicial Subcircuit on Monday, October 29th in Springfield, Illinois. Some other candidates and myself drove down on Sunday with all our documents. I knew well in advance that the filing for Judges and other Statewide office seekers file in Springfield, Illinois instead of at your local county office. But knowing ahead of time the process as laid out in cold black type of the Election guide does not do justice to the real thing! At first as I was lining up in the freezing cold, dawn of what was supposedly going to be a warm sunny October day I was thinking this was so strangely unofficial for such an official event in a person’s life. First, you think that the Board of Elections will be in a stately majestic government building but its not. Its a converted house on a residential Springfield street. Everyone who wants to be part of the lottery for first ballot position needs to be in line by 8:00 AM. I imagined on the way over that there would be some bureaucratic official means for ensuring this. Much to my surprise it was far more direct than that-at exactly 8:00 AM a State Trooper positioned himself at the end of the existing line which by now snaked well around the block. Everyone in front of him was considered to file at 8:00 AM assuming all your documents were in order. Anyone behind him was not considered filed at 8:00 AM.

At first you could hear some mumbling from very cold people disgruntled perhaps by the slowness of the line and the coldness of the weather since the forecast had been so promising. As we inched ever closer over the next three hours to the promised haven of warmth in the building itself, people seemed amazed at the semi-circus like atmosphere; street carts handing out free coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, direct-mail companies hawking their promotional materials, candidates tour buses pulling up from all over the state with signs emblazoned on them for their candidate, people chatting comparing their respective candidacies, or catching up with old friends and people frantically fielding phone calls.

I stood bundled in scarf, gloves and a double layer of turtlenecks, along with a very warm hooded black sweatshirt kindly lent to me by another candidate who saw me shivering uncontrollably. By now I had sacrificed the noble idea of looking well-dressed in the proper business attire I usually dress in for my job as a courtroom prosecutor. Standing there, it dawned on me that we were actually part of a much bigger event, an amazing sight-democracy in action. As a veteran Maine Township Trustee I have often heard it said that township government is the closest form of government to the people. As I inched towards a spot where the sun would at least hit me and warm me up a bit, I realized this process much like township government was another example of government closest to the people as it truly was the great equalizer.

We stood in line with everyone from United States Presidential Candidates representatives and delegates (They didn’t’ stand in line long) through United States Senate candidates, other judicial candidates, State Representative and Senate candidates as well as candidates for much smaller local races. No matter how humble or grandiose your candidacy was-no matter US Senate or local judge, everyone was equal-equally cold, equally exhausted and equally exhilarated to finally file your documents with the incredibly warm, welcoming and professional people that staffed the State Board of Elections, and equally proud to be part of the American process that defines our country.

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you why I feel qualified to seek your support for my candidacy for Cook County Circuit Court Judge of the 12th Subcircuit..

I am a twenty year veteran of the Cook County State’s Attorneys Office with the experience of conducting over 150 high profile, serious felony jury trials. As a supervisor for the past three years, I have trained dozens of young upcoming state’s attorneys. My background includes five years in the special gang prosecutions unit conducting the most serious, complex and violent murder and felony trials involving high level gang members countywide.

I am also an incumbent elected official, having served the Maine Township community as a Trustee for the last six years. I teach nationally, statewide and locally. I am active in my community in the parent-teacher organizations.

I seek your support because for the past twenty years I have sought justice for the members of our community who have been victimized. I love what I do with a passion! This background has made me realize that the most integral cog in the justice system is a fair and impartial judge. My experience, background and skills can best serve our communities now as a judge.

Please visit us often and volunteer to get involved! Above all, register to vote! The three highest services a citizen can render to his country are jury duty, military duty and voting!!!

Sincerely,

Laura