First, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters who worked so hard over the last 10 months; you should be proud of your
accomplishment. I also want to thank all who voted for me; every vote counts and I thank you for casting yours for me.

We initially set out to take on the Chicago Machine. We quickly discovered we were actually taking on SEIU. Despite SEIU’s spending over $250,000 on the Feb. 22 race, we were victorious over their slated candidate; taking almost 33% of the vote.

You again stood by my side in the run-off election. A very determined
organization, SEIU spent another $250,000 on their chosen candidate.
The race became a battle between Honesty & Integrity versus Lies and Misrepresentations; and, on April 5th, our campaign fell only 28 votes short of victory.

We were then faced with the decision to recount or not.

Although we definitely had enough evidence to initiate the process of a costly recount, we decided to move on and do what is best for the 45th Ward and the City of Chicago. So in the best interests of the 45th Ward, I decided not to seek a recount. I am proud to say that we maintained our Honesty and Integrity throughout our campaign and I will insist on never deviating from that personal standard in any future campaign or endeavor.

I wish the new Alderman the best of luck. We’re going to have some high expectations here in the 45th Ward.

Who knows, maybe even a rematch in 4 years.

Thank you all very much.

John Garrido