From: Matt O’Shea [mailto:marty@the19thward.
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 5:20 PM
To: mglrc2000@wowway.com
Subject: Mt. Hope Cemetery Law Passes House
Dear Mt. Greenwood LRc,
A few minutes ago, Senate Bill 2154, a measure allowing local municipalities to impound vehicles driven recklessly during a funeral procession, passed unanimously out of the Illinois State House of Representatives. Having now passed both the House & Senate, the Bill goes to Governor Quinn for his signature. This legislation is a part of a larger community effort to address mounting public safety issues created by gang funerals traveling to Mt. Hope Cemetery. Impounding vehicles will send a strong message to those that would allow dangerous behaviors to dishonor both the living and the dead.
I would like to thank our local legislators, Senator Bill Cunningham, Senator Emil Jones III, and Representative Fran Hurley who championed this effort in Springfield, as well as the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Police, and many community residents who have helped us brainstorm creative solutions to this problem.
Moving forward, Senator Cunningham, Representative Hurley, and I will continue to work with the Chicago Police Department and Cook County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the necessary allocation of police resources during high volume times. Moreover, our efforts with Mt. Hope Cemetery management on an additional entrance are ongoing. As more information becomes available, I will keep you updated.
Thank you for your patience as we seek both long and short term solutions to this important public safety issue.
Sincerely,
Matt O’Shea
Alderman, 19th Ward