Chicago, IL -
Controversial aldermanic candidate Rev. Wilfredo De Jesus is out as a potential appointee to fill the vacant 26th Ward seat, according to the Chicago Tribune.
LGBT leaders have raised much concern on De Jesus' homophobic positions and record of taking anti-gay stands. The 44 year-old De Jesus is the powerful evangelical pastor of the 4,000 member New Life Covenant Ministries on the city's West Side and has said he opposes abortion and homosexuality.
"We opposed his appointment," Rick Garcia, Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy, told ChicagoPride.com. "I spoke to the Mayor (Richard M. Daley) personally and we're very happy he's out. There are other people, such as Veronica Ocasio and Cook County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado (D-Chicago) who have long records of supporting the gay community and would do excellent jobs. We can rest happy for the 26th ward now."
According to the Tribune, former Alderman Billy Ocasio, who had endorsed De Jesus, withdrew his recommendation in favor of his wife, Veronica Ocasio,an aide to U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.).
There are also residency questions regarding De Jesus eligibility to fill the office legally. "The reverend owns property and has a house he built in the ward but he doesn't actually live there, so he can't be appointed," said Ocasio.
"I think the LGBT community shared their concerns and I shared my concerns," De Jesus told the Tribune after Ocasio withdrew his recommendation.
The mayor has until Aug. 1 to fill the seat.
LGBT leaders have raised much concern on De Jesus' homophobic positions and record of taking anti-gay stands. The 44 year-old De Jesus is the powerful evangelical pastor of the 4,000 member New Life Covenant Ministries on the city's West Side and has said he opposes abortion and homosexuality.
"We opposed his appointment," Rick Garcia, Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy, told ChicagoPride.com. "I spoke to the Mayor (Richard M. Daley) personally and we're very happy he's out. There are other people, such as Veronica Ocasio and Cook County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado (D-Chicago) who have long records of supporting the gay community and would do excellent jobs. We can rest happy for the 26th ward now."
According to the Tribune, former Alderman Billy Ocasio, who had endorsed De Jesus, withdrew his recommendation in favor of his wife, Veronica Ocasio,an aide to U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.).
There are also residency questions regarding De Jesus eligibility to fill the office legally. "The reverend owns property and has a house he built in the ward but he doesn't actually live there, so he can't be appointed," said Ocasio.
"I think the LGBT community shared their concerns and I shared my concerns," De Jesus told the Tribune after Ocasio withdrew his recommendation.
The mayor has until Aug. 1 to fill the seat.
