Saturday, February 24, 2018

“This Kind of Future-Focused Approach to Economic Development is Precisely What Illinois Sorely Needs Right Now.”

Chicago, IL – The Chicago Sun-Times endorsed JB Pritzker in the Democratic primary for governor yesterday. Here’s why:

Chicago Sun-Times: Endorsement: J.B. Pritzker and the future of Illinois:

Among the essential leaders in building Chicago’s vibrant tech industry, which barely existed two decades ago, has been J.B. Pritzker, whom we endorse in the Democratic primary for governor. He bought into the vision of “Silicon Prairie” early on, as a venture capitalist and public servant. He has put his energy, leadership and money behind it ever since.

Pritzker founded 1871, the tech business incubator in the Merchandise Mart credited with creating some 7,000 jobs. This remarkable nonprofit has raised Chicago’s profile nationwide as a high-tech hub. He served as chairman of Chicago’s Technology and Entrepreneurship Committee. He was a founder of Matter, the nonprofit healthcare technology incubator.

This kind of future-focused approach to economic development is precisely what Illinois sorely needs right now. It is also reflective of what seems to be Pritzker’s philosophy for trying to make a difference in this world: work it from the bottom up.

That’s the common thread – start at the beginning – running through Pritzker’s many years of public service, whether he was supporting new technology, working to expand childcare services and early-childhood education, or simply trying to provide every child with a good school breakfast.

Pritzker saw the promise and nurtured it.

Illinois could stand more of his positive and inclusive approach to leadership, as well as his ability – as witnessed in this campaign – to build broad coalitions.

Read the full endorsement HERE.

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