About Patrick

My Family

Commitment to service was instilled in me early.  My father has worked for 30 years in the New York State court system, administering justice and meeting the needs of the underserved.  My mother, a nurse, specializes in high risk pregnancies; she transmitted to me an unwavering commitment to choice and reproductive justice.  I’m tremendously proud of my sister Catie, who serves her country as a Major in the US Air Force, and has just returned from her second deployment in the Middle East.  My older brother, a church organist, has also been a hero of mine.  At a young age I realized something was different about Tim. My father explained that Tim’s brain was like a television set on a stormy day – sometimes there’s a picture and sometimes there’s a lot of fuzz. Tim has autism. Tim has thrived, though, because his loving family is fortunate to be able provide him with the care and education he requires – so many other families, unfortunately, lack the means to afford such essential support.

My Community

I know this community well, and am actively and intensely involved in the life, work and politics of the North Shore.  I first came to Evanston to attend Northwestern University, and realized, shortly after arriving here, that I’d found my home.  This exceptional community owes so much to its compassionate, committed residents, and I’ve been inspired by the many people I’ve worked with and come to know here.  I serve on the Boards of the United Way and League of Women Voters of Evanston, and on the Board of Advisors of the Sheil Catholic Center; I’m a graduate of the Evanston Community Foundation’s Leadership Evanston program and I’ve volunteered with organizations like the Youth Job Center. 

I have also worked hard to advance the progressive movement in our area, serving on the Boards of the Democratic Party of Evanston and the New Trier Democratic Organization, and have put in countless hours on behalf of many local Democratic candidates, including Jan Schakowsky, Dan Seals, Julie Hamos, Larry Suffredin, Daniel Biss, and Bonnie Wilson. 

My Work

I’m extremely proud of the community I live in – but too often lately I’ve been acutely embarrassed by the corrupt politics of my state.  Illinois needs a fresh start and new direction, and all our citizens deserve bold, principled leadership.   I served as the Health Policy Advocate at the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, and as Legislative Director of Citizen Action/Illinois – the state’s largest public interest organization.  I’ve advocated for comprehensive campaign finance reform, improved access to health care, and predatory lending regulation.  I’ve participated in the legislative process and made it work for the right reasons – helping, for instance, to save Cook County’s public health system and securing improved drug coverage for low-income seniors. 

I know how Springfield works – and I know all too well how it doesn’t work for the people of this state.  It’s time to get the campaign cash out of the system; it’s time to fix our budget mess; it’s time to end the impasse and irresponsibility that passes for governance.  It’s time to turn things around in Springfield.

I’m committed to charting a different course for Illinois: a new way that is effective, ethical, and equitable for the 18th District and for all our citizens.  Join our campaign.  I’d be honored to have your support.