Bettye Gavin Wants Chris Parker On Joliet City Council

JOLIET, IL — While much attention has been focused on the Joliet first contested mayor's race in eight years, one of the most hotly contested City Council races involves Bettye Gavin's upcoming retirement from political life.

Gavin is the only City Council member not seeking re-election. On Thursday, Joliet's 4th District councilwoman announced her endorsement of Chris Parker to succeed her.

In District 4, four candidates seeking to replace Gavin are on the April 4 municipal election ballot: Rosa Hernandez, Parker, Cesar Cardenas and William J. Ferguson.

“I know that Chris is for safe cities and better government. I love that about him,” Gavin remarked in Thursday's press release.

“I’m fully confident that he’s the best person to succeed me because of his passion and his ability to work for the people. He’ll always keep the people first," Gavin announced.

According to Gavin, Parker "lends a voice to the voiceless and is a leader for the dispossessed."

Gavin, whose nephew is retired Joliet Police Department deputy chief Darrell Gavin, indicated in Thursday's endorsement that Parker has shown a commitment to supporting the police and fire departments and the city’s labor unions.

“I’m certain Chris will champion everything that’s good for the City of Joliet,” Gavin said. “He’ll be a great councilperson.”

According to his bio, Parker is a Joliet native and longtime resident. In October, Patch reported that Parker served as the chairman of the board of directors for Joliet's African American Business Association.

“First, I want to thank Councilwoman Gavin for her service to Joliet," Parker remarked in Thursday's press release. "She’s leaving the city better off than when she was elected. If elected, I’ll commit to building on her foundation.”

Parker's campaign noted that he is running on a platform of enhanced public safety, economic development, effective communication and faith-based leadership.

Parker said that equity anchors all of his campaign platforms.

Incidentally, Parker's wife is also well known across the Joliet community.

Tecara Parker is now in her first full school year as the principal of Joliet West High School.