ON Q: WITH ANITA ALVAREZ, HISTORIC STATE'S ATTORNEY CANDIDATE

By Demetrius Patterson | N'DIGOnline, March 6-12, 2008

N’DIGO: Describe the feelings you have over possibly becoming the first woman and Hispanic state’s attorney for Cook County?

Alvarez: I come from very humble beginnings, being born and raised in Pilsen. My dad was a waiter and mom was a seamstress. I’ve come a long way. I have been able to succeed by determination. This is what I say when I speak to students, especially in grammar schools and high schools, and particularly in the Latino and African American communities: “It doesn’t matter where you come from –– no matter if it’s a family from Englewood or from Rogers Park –– education is the greatest equalizer. It’s your key to success. It’s your key to move on and do better than your parents.” And we (as parents) have to keep our kids in school.

You’re on the verge of making history in local politics. Has it sunk in yet?

It has sunk in. I started this election running as the most qualified person, and I think that is what has resonated with the voters. I think being a woman and Latino enhanced my candidacy. And people keep saying “history, history,” which it is, but I also keep reminding people that the State’s Attorney Office is now 54 percent women.

The women now outnumber the men. I think what we are seeing is more and more women going to law school, more and more not only in our office, but women who are doing well in large law firms overall. So I think it is great, obviously, because we have proven that we can do the job. I think it is time.

What are some of the highlights of your platform?

In an effort to bring our office in closer contact with the communities and residents that the State’s Attorney’s Office serves, I would bring back the concept of community prosecution and place state’s attorney’s in community offices to work closer with citizens, parents, teachers, clergy, and beat officers.

I will also work to renew the fight against domestic violence by working to improve the services that the State’s Attorney’s Office provides to victims.

I would also make aggressive gun control a top priority. We are part of the “Project Safe Neighborhoods” joint task force, as well as an attached gun grant task force. As State’s Attorney, I would work to ensure that these programs continue to be adequately funded and that we move forward on this important work.

Will the Jon Burge report of alleged police brutality of several African American men in the ‘80s be a priority with you if are elected state's attorney?

The issues raised in the Jon Burge report are very important and are matters that deserve ongoing attention. I believe that the reforms that have been put into place –– particularly the videotaping of interrogations and confessions –– have been effective in preventing misconduct on the part of police officers to ensure that no abusive behavior is taking place.

But clearly, this is an issue we must stay on top of. I believe that early intervention on the part of the State’s Attorney’s Office is crucial in cases of misconduct or brutality and I will make that a top priority if I am elected.

With very good reason, there has been extensive fallout and public outrage stemming from the Jon Burge era and the overall police torture scandal. I believe that a great deal of this underlying outcry stems from an inherent distrust of law enforcement by citizens in many communities, particularly minority communities. The State’s Attorney’s Office needs to do a better job of listening to those concerns and speaking out about them more openly. As a minority myself, I feel that I will be in an enhanced position to do that as State’s Attorney.

Are building coalitions between the Hispanic and African American communities important to you, or do you feel those bonds already exist?

I believe there are bonds that exist between these communities, but I believe there is certainly more work that could be done in this area. It is important for our communities to build coalitions and continue to work together to improve overall conditions for all of our citizens, not only when it comes to law enforcement issues, but also with respect to economic and social matters as well.