Matt Flamm: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: PalatineWebsite: www.mattflamm.orgOffice sought: Palatine Twp. Committeeman Age: 60Family: married to Betty Lytle-Flamm since 1983 - daughters Rachel and SarahOccupation: business and real estate attorney with Flamm, Teibloom Stanko, Ltd.Education: B.A., Northwestern University (1975)J.D. magna cum laude, Georgetown University Law Center (1978)Civic involvement: Coach of 'Odyssey of the Mind' at several District 15 schoolsChaperone, Palatine High School Band and ChorusActive in many political campaigns including Congresswoman Melissa Bean (2002-2010) and President Barack Obama (2007-2012)Organizer with Health Care for America Now (HCAN) (2009-2010)Founding Chapter Lead of Northwest Suburbs Organizing for Action (NWSOFA) (2013)Elected offices held: noneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?Our democracy depends on citizens organizing as volunteers to make their voices heard. President Obama's campaigns have shown that millions of people organizing for change can succeed despite the efforts of large campaign contributors to dominate the electoral process.Palatine Township has become diverse and progressive, but the local political leadership is homogeneous and unrepresentative. I have reached out to various religious and ethnic groups, who play an increasingly important role in our community.My leadership in the fight for health care reform exemplifies my commitment to progressive policies. I organized demonstrations in support of the Affordable Care Act and worked to make it a law. It has already provided coverage for millions of Americans and will help millions more in the coming years.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?One of my opponents has withdrawn from the race and is now supporting my candidacy.I am the only candidate who has owned and operated a small business for more than twenty years. I understand the needs of small business owners, who do not have the advantages of big businesses.I supported Melissa Bean from the beginning of her first campaign for Congress in 2002, when no one thought she could win, and in every campaign after that. She repeatedly won Palatine Township, showing that people in our area will vote for Democratic candidates who understand the values of suburban voters.I organized hundreds of northwest suburban volunteers to support President Obama in 2008 and 2012. We went to Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana and other states, on our own time and at our own cost, because we believed we could make a difference. And yes, we did.Unlike my opponent, I have built relationships with other Democrats and progressive independents in the northwest suburbs. I've run for office twice and have been an active member of the Palatine Township Democratic Organization.Unlike my opponent, I have made my platform and my positions publicly available on my website, www.mattflamm.org.My opponent consistently referred in his nominating papers to the 'Democrat Party,' an insulting name used by right-wing Republicans like Rush Limbaugh. My opponent has never apologized or said that his use of that epithet was accidental. In contrast, I am proud to be a member of the Democratic Party.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?Working in politics in the northwest suburbs, I've met many people who share my principles. There are far more Democrats and progressives here than most people realize. We have accomplished much more together than we could have individually. We have had fun and become good friends. If you're interested in politics, I encourage you to get involved.