Congresswoman Schakowsky, Former Top Arlington Racecourse Official Endorse Hellner for Village President

Below is a press release from Arlington Heights Mayor/Village President candidate Mark Hellner:

Mark Hellner announced today a broad coalition supporting his bid for Arlington Heights Village President.

In announcing her endorsement Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky said Hellner’s skill set and commitment to the community set him apart from the rest of the field.

“Mark is a principled leader with a vision and a smart fiscal plan for the Village of Arlington Heights. His experience in the areas of law, finance, ethics and gaming, including Mark’s service as General Counsel of the Illinois Department of Revenue, sets him apart from the field,” Schakowsky said.

“He’s made it his life’s work to assist seniors and the disabled, and that shows a meaningful commitment to people in need. A tax law educator at the University of Illinois with a background in government policy, Mark has the expertise to lead this wonderful community.”

Congresswoman Schakowsky is one of the nation’s most highly-regarded and outspoken lawmakers. She has served Illinois’s 9th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives since 1999.

Ed Duffy, former Arlington International Racecourse president, former Village of Arlington Heights Trustee and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Illinois Governor Jim Thompson, also announced this week his support for Hellner.

“I’ve met with all three candidates, and there’s only one who completely understands issues affecting the Arlington Racecourse. Mark’s knowledge of these issues is second to none.”

“If residents want the racetrack to grow as an economic engine that supports the community and creates commerce and tourism, they need to vote for Mark Hellner,” he said.

Hellner said his support base crosses traditional party lines.

“This is a local, nonpartisan race and my supporters reflect that. We have Republicans and Democrats, community leaders and business people. I thank them for stepping out on my behalf. People want a break from the past in government and smart leadership in Arlington Heights. Like you, I want to end a political cycle where the same crowd supports the incumbents and the same small group of people run our local government agencies for years on end,” he said.

Additional endorsements include:

• Illinois State Rep. Michelle Mussman

About Mark Hellner

At the Center for Disability and Elder Law, Mark is responsible for creating an outreach program for seniors and a training program for volunteer lawyers to assist seniors in maximizing their property tax exemptions and thereby minimizing their property taxes. The program goals include protecting seniors from the potential loss of their homes.

Mark is a member of the Arlington Heights Housing Commission and an Adjunct Professor of Law in State and Local Tax at the University of Illinois – Champaign.

Between 2005 and 2007, Mark was the General Counsel and Ethics Officer for the Illinois Department of Revenue. This included legal oversight of the Illinois Gaming Board, the Racing Board, the Lottery and the Liquor Commission. Mark advised on ethics rules, contracts, procurement, legislation, policy and personnel.

Mark is a father and, along with his wife, Tracy, a 16-year resident of Arlington Heights. He is an advocate for taxpayers, an educator and an attorney. Tracy works for Clearbrook where she manages the Family and Community Autism Resource Room.

Press release provided by Arlington Heights Mayor/Village President candidate Mark Hellner.