Sunday, July 31, 2005

Anderson For YDA needs you (and your equipment)!

I sincerely appreciate all of your efforts and I look forward to San Francisco. If nothing else my body is ready to shut down! I have travelled to more than five campaign stops, conducted and participated in more than 3 dozen conference calls and have neglected cleaning my room, car and paying a few bills! I need a rest.

My last request to anyone travelling to SF for the Young Democrats of America convention is to please bring the following if you can.

Laptop computer
Portable printer
Digial camera
Camcorder

YDA Convention Schedule

Please see this link for an idea of what trainings, workshops and meetings you would like to attend.


http://www.yda.org/CMS/node/view/2093

Friday, July 29, 2005

Who is Bruck Cook, Esq.?

Since I began my employment with this municipal agency Deputy Commissioner Bruce Cook has provided himself to be a great mentor and confidant. When I first told him of my admission to his alma mater (Illinois College of Law Class of 1984) he was estatic. He nearly jumped out of his seat and shook my hand vigorously. This was encouraging. Since my announcement he has counseled me on how to study in law school, my prospects upon graduation and how to navigate the legal waters.

Additionally, as President, of the Cook County Bar Association (www.cookcountybar.org) he encouraged me to obtain a student membership. He has introduced me to many of his colleagues and has helped my professional development immensely. Due to Attorney Cook's faith in me I was afforded the opportuntiy to represent the Commissioner in his absence. I am very thankful for that.

I pray that God provides comfort during this difficult time.

If you have any comments to share about Atty. Cook please do so.

Funeral services for Mrs. Camille Cook wife of Bruce Cook, Esq.

One of my superiors at my place of employment suffered a great tragedgy last week. His wife drowned.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/north/chi-0507260225jul26,1,1334781.story?coll=chi-newslocalnorth-hed

http://www.wqad.com/global/story.asp?s=3639498&ClientType=Print

http://www.suntimes.com/output/obituaries/cst-nws-xcook30.html

http://www.nbc5.com/news/4768164/detail.html?subid=10101401#

The services are as follows:

WAKE

Leak Funeral Home
7838 South Cottage Grove
60619
Friday, July 29, 2005
noon-8pm (family will be available between 6-8pm)

FUNERAL

Trinity United Church of Christ
532 W. 95th Street
60628
Saturday, July 30, 2005
9 am-10 am visitation

10am-11:15 am homegoing services


BURIAL

Fern Oak Cemetery
1518 Elm
Griffith, IN
(219) 924-4185


REPASS
Christ Baptist Church
4700 E. 7th Ave
Gary, IN
(219) 938-5504

Educational Fund for Briannah Cook

Bruce Cook, Esq. will now raise his daughter, may God be with him.

Friends and love ones have set up an educational fund for his daughter, Briannah. If interested in contributing please contact Tom Reeves at (312) 461-2909.


Donations may be sent to:
Briannah Cook Education Fund at Harris Direct
111 West Monroe, 3E
Chicago, IL 60603

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

YDCC Meeting THIS Wed!

Please attend the monthly Young Democrats of Cook County meeting this Wed., July 27, 2005. The meeting begins at 7pm and will be hosted by the 8th Ward Young Democrats, 8539 South Cottage Grove Ave. I hope to see you there.

Friday, July 22, 2005

A day in the life of a candidate.

You may post to this entry if you choose. Moreover, I want to share with you all my perspective on the day of the fundraiser in diary form.

When I woke up I was a tad bit nervous. By this time I have sent out hundreds of e-mails, text messages, voicemail messages and reminder phone calls but I am of the mindset I can not do any more. I proceed to drive to work. Once I get on Lake Shore Drive I realize I made a tactical mistake. I wanted to drive to work and have my car downtown with me. However, upon further reflection I should have parked in Hyde Park as I usually do and caught the train. It was always my intention to leave early so I could have left and returned to Hyde Park via the train. I am nearly downtown when this option dawns on me. I park my car in the south Loop (Financial District) and catch a cab to the office.

Prior to beginning my workday I change my voicemail greeting on my personal cell phone. I (correctly) assume that numerous calls will forthcome asking basic information. My day at work is normal and then the weather becomes unbearable.

I look out of the window of other team members and see that the sky is black. No sunlight could penetrate these clouds and the clouds are full of moisture. The thunder and lightning follows soon thereafter. My heart sank. Even though I never question God, I felt as if God hates me personally. Why? During a summer that is being marked as the worst drought period of decades, why would it rain on my day. Regardless, the rain stopped, the sun returned and I felt a little alleviated. However, my heart is still heavy thinking about the evening event and what shall happen. At this point I have received less than 14 RSVP's. Including my family, some co-workers and close friends, I am thinking I will have a fundraiser of only 3 dozen people. Regardless, I will continue to smile.

A day in the life II

So I leave work, I walk to 900 South Wells where my car is parked. The solitude is good. I reflect on what I shall say that evening and how I'd like things to go. I head to the Bally's Sports Club on 47th Street. I quickly groom myself and don a new suit. (The suit was purchased by LaKisha Blue for Christmas and this was my first opportunity to wear it.) I leave the gym at 4:50pm and dart downtown.

Traffic is cumbersome near Randolph & Michigan. I finally arrive at the venue at 5:20. I have yet to write down some words for the supporters who are enroute. I get some things out of my trunk (cash box, tripod etc.) and I park my car across the street. I usually do not carry cash; however, today I was prepared. So I enter the resturaunt and some people are already gathered.

Some co-workers left promptly at 5pm and walked the short two blocks to ensure seating. My parents and Carrie were there too. My able campaign staff, April Williams, campaign manager and Wendi Waddy, event coordinator ensure everything is set up and proper. My volunteers for the evening (Renee Cummings, Nioka Young and Tamara Harris) were all stationed and ready to go. So now all we have to do is wait and see who comes.

A day in the life III

So, I am greeted by a few church members and I am glad to see them. Lakisha was given the role of official photographer so she caught me in some action poses shaking hands during the early minutes of the fundraiser. I was told by a church member who now works with me that a line is beginning to form. That is encouraging. However, the most pressing issue is this bothersome boutonnière. I am trying to find April so she can affix it to me. I finally hold her still and she affixes the boutonnière. So now more people start to stream in. I am shaking hands and thank people for coming and thank them for their support.

I am greeted by old friends, parents of friends, co-workers of family members etc. I am excited. The food was presented at 5:45. Wendi, April and I decided to have the food come out in two waves so this was the first wave. I am directed by my team to go near the door and shake hands as people come in. Now we approach the 6pm hour. None of the selected speakers we consulted with are present. We have to improvise. This is the first major wrinkle. Wendi and April decide that LaKisha should introduce me. Now by this time I still do not have a speech written but I'll have to wing it.

Lakisha's words were appropriate and brief so now it is on me. I speak for a few minutes. I acknowledge God and my family and speak on why I am involved and what my expectations are. We brought with us a small platform that allowed me to see into the crowd and from that perspective I was able to appreciate the size of the crowd.

So, I will not belabor the point. Alls well that ends well.

I thank you all for coming and be ready for 2nd Annual Friends of Kris Anderson, July 2005!

Thursday, July 21, 2005

My fundraiser!

Last night my fundraiser....

a. Was attended by more than 100 individuals

b. Provided more than 10 pizzas, appetizers and beverages

c. Provided K. Anderson for YDA bracelets for all attendees

d. All of the above

Thank you to all. I was pleasantly surprised by last night's fundraiser. Giordano's was a gracious host and we had a great time.

Will attendees please chime in and let others know what they missed.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Southern Hospitality II

Upon our return Sunday evening we stopped for dinner at Lamberts in Missouri. Lamberts is a unique place. The website address is www.throwedrolls.com. The name is very significant, please read about the history on the website. Needless to say I did not play wide receiver for the Morgan Park Mustangs and I missed one of my "throwed" rolls and it hit Devan on the back? So be it. Anyone travelling south on I-57 or I-55 should visit.

Jason thank you, I hope I proved myself to be flexible in my planning. :-)

Southern Hospitality

This past weekend I travelled to Mississippi to campaign. I attempt to fly to these destinations so I can spend more time with my family. However, flights to Jackson, MS are very expensive. So, I drove. Thank you to those of you who made the trip; Aja Jackson, Devan Turner and Jason Ervin.

Once in Jackson my entourage and I were treated splendidly. I am happy to announce Mr. Robert Hooks, President of Mississippi Young Democrats is a supporter. I also believe the entire state of MS will vote for me. I promised to return and if elected I will do just that. Maybe I can teach a few hour workshop about fundraising and reporting specific to Mississippi. Any ideas?

Also, I had the pleasure of meeting the delightful Mala Brooks, Alderwoman of Leland.
She is a riot.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Friends of Kris Anderson

You all are invited to my first (and probably last fundraiser)! Invites are forthcoming and my website will change to announce this great event.

Giordano's
310 W. Franklin
Randolph/ Franklin

July 20, 2005

5:30-7:30

Sponsorship Levels

$ 25 Best Friend

$ 50 Mentor

$100 Kitchen Cabinet
(if you don't understand the signifigance of the last entry please see these sites, http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=kitchen%20cabinet or http://www.historychannel.com/thcsearch/thc_resourcedetail.do?encyc_id=213916)

Post and let me know if you will attend.

If you wish to pre-pay for your ticket please mail your check to:

Friends of Kris Anderson
30 N. LaSalle
Suite 1717
Chicago, IL 60602


If you interested in helping out or getting more information please call my able and beautiful campaign manager Ms. April Williams (773) 965-2084

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Roommate wanted!

Just a few minutes ago I text messaged a few of our delegates. Those of you I corresponded with should be in receipt of your confirmation codes for your hotel. Please change the confirmation from my name and credit card to your name and credit card. All rooms still being held on my credit card will be CANCELLED by Saturday, July 16, 2005.

Roommates as I reported to me

Aja & Devan

Emily & Aviva

Kristopher

Todd & Wendi

Omar

Taniesha Jones, Vanessa, Catherine

Keith & Maurice

Tyharrie

April & Laneesha

Randy & Brandon

Tamara & Veronica Wright

Jason Ervin

Jesse Lava & Louis Moore

Monday, July 11, 2005

Conf Call

Dial-in Number:1-805-620-4000 (Ventura, CA) Participant Access Code: 080671
Tuesday night 9:15 pm CST

Sunday, July 10, 2005

The Bomb Part II

In addition to congratulating the Chair please allow me the privlege of saying thank you to the three elected officials who took time out of their busy schedules to spend with us.

Alderman Walter Burnett

State Central Committeewoman Darlena Williams-Burnett

State Representative Ken Dunkin

Thank you.

YDCC Picnic was the bomb!

As it relates to bombs I am not much of an artillery expert. However, I am willing to bet the YDCC picnic was the equivalent of one of the huge bombs dropped in Afghanistan when the war started. Those bombs had the potential of driving through 5 stories of rock or mountain and destroy well dug bunkers. Brother Omar Williams did the same today. With nearly 6 dozen people in attendance, food was plentiful, the ambiance was great and we had a great time. My hat is off to you Chairman Williams for you have set the bar high. For those of you who attended please post and share your experience. For those of you who didn't make it no excuse is good enough but if you want to chime in and let us know why or ask questions please feel free.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Roll Call-SF Bound YD's

Spacing inidicates persons travelling together. As you see, no one wants to travel with me :-(

Gary Medina arriving on Tues
Jamie Andrade


Kristopher Anderson arriving on Wed


Tanisha Jones arriving on Wed.

Jason Ervin arriving on Wed
Aja Jackson
Devan Turner +/-

Brian Cross arriving on Wed
Sandi Cross


Louis Moore arriving on Thurs. morning


Omar Williams arriving on Thurs. evening
Emily Robinson
Aviva Gibbs


Todd Waddy arriving on Thurs. evening
Wendi Waddy


Group passage arriving on Thurs. evening
Keith Williams
Maurice Walker
Brandon McNair
April Williams
Jesse Lava
Catherine Campbell
Randy Mack
Johnnie Kearney, Jr.
Vanessa Allmon
Tamara Harris
Laneesha Barker
Veronica Wright

I have yet to hear from or received confirmations from the 6th Ward, 20th Ward and 27th Ward YD groups.

San Francisco Logisitics

Everyone who plans to travel to San Francisco please make arrangements to sit on a conference call this Tuesday, July 12, 2005. The call will begin at 9:15 pm CST. (This is to allow for everyone to use those free nights and weekends.) Call details are ...


Scheduled Conference Date:
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Scheduled Start Time:
9:15 p.m.
Scheduled End Time:
10:40 p.m.
Scheduled # of Participants:
40
Type of Conference:
Web-Scheduled Standard
Dial-in Number:
1-805-620-4000 (Ventura, CA) Participant Access Code: 080671

Conference Controls:
Conversation Mode (all participants can be heard)
Entry Chimes - Enabled
Exit Chimes - Enabled


For those of you participating in the group rate please make your final payments by Friday's deadline. For those of you already paid, thank you. Once again, group passage is...

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Chicago-MDW to OAK 3:45p-6:15p Flight no. 1550

OAK to Chicago-MDW 8:45p-2:45p Flight no. 745

Both flights are non-stop

Once you arrive in OAK I am coordinating shuttle service for pick up from the airport. Shuttle service will be no more than $22. for the roundtrip commute. If you are not travelling with the group and you need shuttle service from your respective airport at a different time or on a different date please post here and/or contact me by phone.

Last, you will know your roommate assignments by the time of the YDCC Young Democrats of Cook County meeting on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. The YDCC meeting will be held at the 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization-8539 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, 60619. If you have a preferences please inform me or I shall assign you.

Thank you in advance.

Friday, July 01, 2005

YDA registration due now!

Good morning. Today is Friday, July 1, 2005, if you will attend the YDA convention in San Francisco you must register today in order to receive the discounted registration fee. After today the price of registration increases by 20%. Please visit the YDA website www.yda.org and contact me, we shall keep a master roster.

Thank you in advance.

kja

Young Democrats of Illinois Kane County Cougars Event

The Cougars game is here, Saturday July 16th, at the Kane County Cougars Stadiumn for directions please vistit the web site at WWW.cccougars.com . Tickets are $20. if you are intrested in going we still have some tickets they will be avaible at the game please call Martin Flowers, President, Young Democrats of Illinois 630-212-9952.
Please arrive by 5:00 game starts at 6:00.