SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the death of Thornton Township Supervisor, Frank Zuccarelli:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Frank Zuccarelli, the Thornton Township Supervisor and Committeeperson.”

“A devoted public servant for more than 40 years, Frank’s infectious laugh, smile and commitment to Thornton Township, South Suburban College and the Southland area will be deeply missed.” 

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to his family and the Thornton Township family he loved so much. Z-Team-Forever.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) announced a nearly $500,000 state investment to help maintain and upgrade the Lansing Municipal Airport on Friday.

“The Lansing Municipal Airport provides good jobs and economic stability to our community,” said Sims. “The new funding will allow for improvements and new equipment for inclement weather conditions.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Lansing Municipal Airport is set to receive nearly $500,000 for new airport snow removal equipment.

“The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation,” said Sims. “I am proud of the state’s contributions to help maintain and develop one of city’s greatest economic engines after such a tough year.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed on the Department of Transportation’s website.

CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. released a joint statement following a deadly shooting incident which occurred late Monday morning near their shared district office:

“Today a violent incident occurred outside of our shared district office in which a security guard’s life was taken, and another guard was shot and wounded, by yet another senseless act of gun violence.

In broad daylight, multiple suspects opened fire on an armored truck before fleeing the scene. We send our deepest condolences and are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims.

We want to thank the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Office and all other law enforcement agencies involved for their immediate response.

We are facing a crisis moment in our communities. We are aware of the violence happening in Chicago and in other marginalized communities. We remain committed to protecting our communities and making them safer. True public safety will happen when we begin to reimagine our approach.

As we continue to tackle this issue together, we remain committed to working with all levels of the criminal justice system to protect the public to thwart a repeat of this disturbing behavior from happening again.”