Marcelino Garcia is currently Cook County Health and Hospital System's community affairs director as well as an Overseas Strategies, LLC, partner. He is also a licensed attorney and would be the second out LGBT person, alongside Debra Shore, on the commission if they are both chosen for six-year Metropolitan Water Reclamation District ( MWRD ) commissioner posts.
Windy City Times: This is your first foray into elected office. Why did you decide to run for this post and how will your other experiences impact how you do this job?
Marcelino Garcia: I decided to run because I believe that the MWRD should have representation from all different demographics. As a Puerto Rican gay man, I believe I will bring a unique voice to the board. I was challenged by members of the Latinx political leadership to run because I have educational and professional backgrounds that would serve well on the board. The board currently has one Latinx and one lesbian among its members, so having a more diverse group of commissioners will make the board better.
I have been involved with many organizations throughout my career, in both government and the non-profit world. I have held leadership posts in organizations and know my management and decision-making skills will be put to good use on the board.
WCT: If you are elected, will you step down from your other jobs?
MG: I know there is no conflict of interest in having more than one position at the same time, so I still have not decided what I will do.
WCT: What do you see as the biggest issues facing the MWRD, and how would you address them?
MG: The district needs to create a long-term strategic plan to deal with floodwater control and implement new techniques to disinfect sewage water. We also have to educate constituents on what the MWRD does—especially programs to ensure medications are no flushed down the toilet; how to conserve water primarily on flood action dates; and other things around flooding and sewage issues average citizens can do to help the environment. Being leaders and doing innovative things, especially since Springfield and Washington, D.C. are trying to cut down on regulations, is vital because these cuts will harm the environment and people's health.
WCT: Why should water issues be on voters radar screens?
MG: Water is the most important resource we have. We have the biggest and best natural resource in our backyard, the Great Lakes, and we have to make sure these lakes are clean and void of invasive species like Asian carp, so everyone's health is preserved.
Our forefathers went to great lengths to reverse the flow of the Chicago River into the Mississippi River and away from the Great Lakes. If elected, I will make sure this resource is safeguarded for future generations.
WCT: What was your reaction to the UN report that said the planet only has 12 years to get climate change under control in light of the current political situation in this country?
MG: It is scary and we have to take action now so future generations have a great place to live. We have to educate people and fight for what is right, because the current GOP leadership is out of touch with reality. We have to start investing in green technologies to get our energy instead of relying on fossil fuels for things that do irreparable harm to the environment. The MWRD has to be at the forefront of pushing the government to do the right thing.
WCT: Has being openly gay impacted your campaign in any way and if so how?
MG: Yes, because I have realized throughout my campaign that, even though I have not talked about my private life in public before, I have to be a representative to many people. I know there are people who will be inspired by seeing someone who shares their identity, both in the Latinx and LGBT communities, in a political post. If I can help change the discourse and people view me, or people like me, in a positive way it will make a big difference to society.
WCT: If you had to tell voters why they should choose you in a few sentences, what would those be?
MG: I am a pragmatic leader who strives to do the right thing, who sets priorities, and wants to accomplish them. I view things from both a management and strategy perspective and want to guarantee all the policies we implement are there to ensure people's health and safety.
See marcelinogarcia.com/ .
See more Windy City Times 2018 candidate interviews and election coverage at www.windycitymediagroup.com/gaynewsarticles.php .
