Letter: Why MaryNic Foster, My Mother, is the Best Candidate for 1st Ward Alderman

I am a second-time voter, having just turned 19. I confess I do not know all that much about Elmhurst city government or local politics—though I certainly know much more now than I did a mere four months ago—but I do know MaryNic.

By now, hopefully you already know about MaryNic being an attorney, about MaryNic’s work experience in ethics and government, and all the other outstanding qualifications that make MaryNic the most qualified for the role of alderman. However, I’d like to take this opportunity to not talk of MaryNic, but of my mom.

Let me begin by stating that I could not have asked for a better role model. My mother always strives to better herself and never shies from any challenge. Every day I am amazed by her and I am so unbelievably proud to have such a dedicated, strong and inspiring woman in my life. But aside from the professional achievements, what amazes me most about my mother is that she was able to attain all these things through living a life full of love and respect. 

 “Family first, faith, respect for self, respect for others and for other’s things, and don’t be afraid of hard work” are the simple tenets on which my grandparents raised my mother. My mother often reminds us Foster kids of these simple rules and a few of her own:

"You don’t always need to shout to be heard. Listen first, speak second, you might learn something. Look people in the eyes when you’re speaking to them. Shake somebody’s hand like you mean it. Be a leader, the world is full of followers. Stand up straight and walk with purpose, while you can. Make good choices. Remember to give back."

I see these qualities and simple truths manifest themselves in my mom every day, qualities that can only transfer positively in a political setting.

There is no support like the support of a family and since I cannot be there in person, I wanted to show my support by writing this letter. Before I go back to studying, I want to share one of my mom’s favorite sayings, which, she tells us, comes from a Lebanese professor she met in college: “It is not the position that brings honor to a person, but rather the person who brings honor to the position.” 

Without a doubt, my mother would bring honor to the position of 1st Ward alderman. Vote for MaryNic on Tuesday.

—Nicole Foster, A Completely Biased Daughter, ICGS Class of 2008, York High School Class of 2012, University of Miami Class of 2016