“Run Dorothy run and win Dorothy win.” This was the chant as Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown entered the room at the Hotel Allegro Aug. 31. With her sister and supporters (including comedian/activist Dick Gregory and retired appellate Judge R. Eugene Pincham) standing beside her, she stated, “I am elated to be here with you today. Today, an important step in a new era of participatory government for all people is taking place. I have heard the call from many of the citizens of the city of Chicago, and many of you in this room. And I want to thank you for your enthusiasm, encouragement and interest in me, to run for the office of mayor of the City of Chicago. Today I am answering that call; therefore, I would like to announce that I will seek the office and win the office of mayor of the City of Chicago in the February 2007 general election.

Brown quoted philosopher William James’ The Will to Believe: “A government, an army, a commercial system, a ship, a college, an athletic team, all exist on this condition, without which not only is nothing achieved, but nothing is ever attempted.”

“With these words,” Brown said, “James outlined the challenge that faces all government leaders-how to create faith in one another to bring facts into existence. And the principles that we hold dear-life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and opportunity-can only become factual when leaders have faith in the people, the people can trust their leaders, and we all work together toward the common good.”

Brown talked about the need to improve our schools so children can pursue the opportunities of tomorrow. She talked about the need for affordable housing for seniors and low-income residents.

“I am running for mayor because I believe I can meet the challenges ahead. Isn’t it wonderful that America has come to the point that a woman, even an African-American woman, can run for mayor of one of the largest cities in this country when we used to only be able to be the secretary? Maya Angelou said, ‘The needs of society determine its ethics.’ Therefore I will do my duty to put high ethics into action to bring about a more perfect and healthy City of Chicago.

“I believe in the value of sacrifice, self-discipline, honesty, high integrity and the importance of obtaining a good education. I will turn these values into action by promoting the following positions:

  • Provide an open, transparent, and democratic government;
  • Eliminate waste and corruption in government;
  • Take responsibility for policy and program lapses;
  • Ensure that Chicago is competitive in a global economy;
  • Enhance public safety and allocate law enforcement resources effectively and evenly;
  • Guarantee open, fair and objective opportunities to do business with the City of Chicago;
  • Improve the quality and standards of education in all Chicago public schools;
  • Create new job opportunities for those in need, and a well-trained and viable workforce that attracts business;
  • Increase programs for youth and seniors;
  • Improve the quality of life for communities in poverty and abject social conditions; and
  • Provide professional training and development for the City of Chicago’s culturally diverse workforce.

“As mayor, I will work closely with the Chicago City Council and community groups to turn these ethical principles into meaningful actions that work. And I will take responsibility for the actions of my administration because, as President Harry Truman so memorably stated, ‘The Buck Stops Here.'”

Brown closed by stating, “I look forward to the opportunity of earning your trust and faith even more during this campaign.”

Dorothy Brown grew up in Minden, La. She graduated at the top of her class from the College of Business of Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. Brown earned an MBA (with honors) from DePaul and a Juris Doctorate (with honors) from Chicago-Kent College of Law. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Brown was the first African-American elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2004 NAACP Medal of Freedom from Proviso/Leyden Township, the 2005 Voice of Freedom Award from the Harriet Beecher Stowe Fine and Performing Arts Academy, and the 2002 Hillary Rodham Clinton Leadership Award from Illinois Democratic Women.

She lives in Chicago and has one daughter, Detris, a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C.