Vernard Alsberry Looking to Continue Years of Service (Hazel Crest, IL) — Vernard Alsberry Jr .has spent the majority of his life in service, whether that was time in Airforce to his professional career as a physical rehabilitation expert, along with his current position as Village of Hazel Crest mayor. He is looking to extend his years of service as he campaigns for another office.
Alsberry Jr. is a candidate for Cook County 5th District Commissioner.
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“When Deborah Sims decided to retire, it was an opportunity,” said Alsberry Jr. “This is the community I grew up in as a young man. I still have friends out there and I know there are some issues that are really challenging for them. I understand those issues and it also gives me an opportunity to continue to serve the Southland where I’ve set my roots and built relationships.”
Career Highlights
He was initially elected in April 2013 and this is his last term. Some of his professional accomplishments include past president and an executive board member of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers, co-chair of Advocate South Suburban Hospital Governing Council, executive board member of the South Suburban United Way, founder of the Southland Partnership, board member of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. He was also past president and executive board member of the Southland Regional Mayoral Black Caucus.
“These positions give me an insight about all the things that us mayors have to deal with and depend on the county,” said Alsberrry Jr. “I’ve been involved with the county as a member of the Southland Development Authority, which is a public private organization that’s working to help bring economic development and growth into the Southland region. I want to come back to the community and make it better.”
Some of the issues he is passionate about include trying to curb the violence in the community. In 2021, Chicago saw 836 homicides, according to data maintained by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. That is the county’s highest tally is the highest in 25 years. There were 3,651 shooting incidents last year, which is 300 more than in 2020, and 1,415 more than in 2019. Carjackings have also been part of the story.
“We have to find some way to curtail this violence, and work with our County Sheriff’s Department, other local policemen and other elected officials,” said Alsberry Jr.
Another essential issue is mental health, which he believes has impacted everyone from beginning school age children to adults.
“I worry about the mental health component of all of us as we come out of the pandemic. No one leaves us unscathed. Almost every person has someone they know who passed away from COVID. And then there is the fear of just being around people. I think that mental health component, we have to really start looking at how we get people to come out and be better mental health wise. We have youth in schools that because they have been in and out because of the pandemic, they have not learned or need to relearn socialization skills. We all must learn how to interact again after being trapped in the house.”
He has been endorsed by 11 mayors across the South Suburbs and two former mayors. The Village of Hazel Crest has a population of 4,100 people and is located 25 miles from Chicago.
“I think that’s important because they understand that the work that needs to be done to the district,” said Alsberry Jr. “With all these new businesses coming into Southland, we have to be prepared and be able to have relationships that connect with mayors and residents in our regions. So we make sure that we grow in the correct manner. I think I am the best qualified to build relationships and have honesty where people trust me.”
Vernard Alsberry Looking to Continue Years of Service
