North Cook News

Ammie Kessem feels she is the embodiment of the people of her Jefferson Park neighborhood.

“I grew up in a blue-collar family, and feel like I can really connect with that area of the city,” Kessem said during a recent appearance on Fox 32's "Flannery Fired Up." "People that are blue collar, union; I am pro-union."

Kessem, who is running against Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) for the 19th District's House seat in November’s general election, really feels the connection in her opposition to a proposed 100-unit subsidized housing project.

Ammie Kessem

“There is definitely a need for low-income housing in the Jefferson Park neighborhood,” Kessem said. “The issue here is that a lot of people in the Jefferson Park neighborhood live here because they enjoy the suburban feel of the neighborhood; they enjoy that type of lifestyle. Our alderman (John Arena) has pushed an agenda and has a vision, but we’ve seen 6,500 people sign a petition saying they do not want density.”

Kessem, a Chicago Police Department sergeant, said she takes great exception with those who accuse her of playing the race card on the issue.

“I take extreme offense,” she said. “I dedicated almost 20 years of my life to serving this city. I’ve worked in areas that are extremely diverse. When someone says something like that about me I take great offense.”

Kessem, who grew up in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood, said she was a Democrat when she first became eligible to vote but came to realize she identifies with the conservative values she now espouses.

Kessem previously told the North Cook News she believes the primary reason so many people are now leaving the state is the growing property, income and gas taxes.

Kessem also told Fox host Mike Flannery she believes far too many lawmakers have foolishly avoided the issue of the state’s growing pension crisis.  

“It’s a huge problem, and a lot of people are trying to ignore it and we can’t ignore,” she said.

The 19th House District includes parts of Chicago's Northwest Side as well as Norridge and Harwood Heights.