As an alderman for the City of Rockford, I am proud to support Erin Hannigan for Circuit Court judge.
I have had the privilege to speak with residents in my ward who were fortunate to be represented by Hannigan in her time as a public defender.
They shared their experiences with me. One consistent takeaway was that Hannigan would stand shoulder to shoulder with them and was up to the fight. Regardless of the outcome, her clients had been given an advocate who believed in their rights and fought to defend them.
In Hannigan, their appointed attorney saw them as people, as individuals and not just another case. Through her words in court, they were heard. And by her actions, their rights were defended.
I have also listened to Hannigan speak about her time as a public defender. Her experience has given her a deep appreciation for our criminal justice system — its strengths, its challenges, and its profound impact on families and our community.
She understands that justice requires accountability and fairness. She has defended clients charged with shootings, drug possessions, murders and, in almost 2 decades of work, nearly every other bad crime we unfortunately have in our community. To stand by someone the government is accusing with such a crime takes courage, preparation and an unwavering belief in our laws and the rights they grant to each of us.
Hannigan was a champion for many of our citizens in some of their toughest days and our local legal system is better because of her time as a public defender.
I have also had the opportunity to witness Hannigan work in a different setting. I’ve seen her in rooms filled with local decision-makers and stake holders during her work as a Rockford city attorney. In those spaces, I watched her speak truth to power. She does not posture or grandstand.
Instead, she brings facts, preparation, and principle to the table, even when the conversation is difficult and when the powers that be may wish for a different message. That kind of integrity is special, and it is exactly what we should want in someone entrusted with judicial authority.
Our community deserves judges who are steady, principled, and committed to equal justice under the law. Erin Hannigan has spent her career living those values.
The Supreme Court of Illinois recognized these traits in appointing her as a circuit judge in January.
On March 17, we have the opportunity to keep this strong, principled, female judge on the bench where she can continue in her career of public service under the law.
I was entrusted by our citizens to be an alderman for the 13th ward of Rockford at the relatively young age of 21. Judge Hannigan has spent nearly all of those same 21 years as a champion for our citizens and our city.
I strongly encourage voters to support Erin Hannigan for Circuit Court Judge.
Tamir Bell is alderman of Rockford’s 13th Ward.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Proud to support Erin Hannigan for 17th Circuit Court judge | Opinion
Reporting by Tamir Bell, Special to the Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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