Cook County Democratic Party elects officers for new term

Berrios re-elected chairman; Preckwinkle elected as new officer

The Cook County Democratic Party on Wednesday elected its officers for the 2012-2014 term during its annual meeting at the Allegro Hotel.

The Party’s 80 committeemen, including 12 who were seated for the first time, unanimously re-elected Chairman Joseph Berrios to his third term as its leader. Berrios was named interim chairman in 2007, and elected to his first term in 2008. He is committeeman of the 31st Ward.

“It’s an honor for me to be re-elected during such a critical time,” Berrios said. “Now, more than ever, it’s important for our voices to be heard.”

The Democratic Party showed its strength earlier this year when 24 of 27 of its slated candidates were victorious in the March primary election for offices including: Illinois Supreme Court; Illinois Appellate Court; Cook County Circuit Court; Cook County State’s Attorney; Cook County Recorder of Deeds; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District; Cook County Board of Review.

“Now we move forward to the November elections when we will concentrate on getting our slated candidates elected, and also on getting President Barack Obama elected for a second term.”

Toni Preckwinkle -- committeeman of the 4th Ward -- was elected to her first term as executive vice-chairman. She shares that position with Lou Lang, committeeman from Niles.

Other officers elected on Wednesday were:

Secretary -- Robert Martwick, committeeman, Norwood Park

Treasurer -- Antonio Munoz, committeeman, 12th Ward

1st Vice Chairman -- Tim Bradford, committeeman, Rich Township

City Vice Chairman -- Carrie Austin, 34th Ward

Suburban Vice Chairman -- Don Harmon, committeeman, Oak Park

Sergeant-at-Arms -- Karen Yarborough, committeeman, Proviso Township

The newly seated committeemen were:

1st Ward -- Joseph Moreno

6th Ward -- Roderick Sawyer

15th Ward -- Raymond Lopez

24th Ward -- Michael Chandler

28th Ward -- Jason Ervin

32nd Ward -- Scott Waguespack

35th Ward -- Nancy Schiavone

36th Ward -- Nicholas Sposato

42nd Ward -- Brendan Reilly

45th Ward -- John Arena

46th Ward -- James Cappleman

47th Ward -- Peter Coffey