2nd District Candidate Ernest B. Fenton Aims for More Visibility than Jesse Jackson Jr.
The Homewood attorney speaks confidently about his plans for the 2nd District and ignores the competition.
Monday, Jan. 28, I met with Ernest B. Fenton at his law office in Homewood.
Fenton exuded confidence throughout the whole interview. For example, when asked how he would distinguish himself from the other candidates, Fenton quickly replied, "I don't know about any other candidates." Despite not being mentioned among the candidates likely to win this election, Fenton carries himself like a frontrunner.
Visit Ernest B. Fenton's candidate profile on Patch to watch the extended video of the interview.
Key Issues
Stability in Housing
In much the same way Robin Kelly ties a lot of her key issues back into gun violence control, Fenton says everything is connected back to stability in housing. As a real estate and business attorney, Fenton touts himself as the best person to tackle affordable housing.
Jobs
Fenton has spoken extensively about candidates needing to use the phrase "creating opportunities" rather than "creating jobs." As a longtime business owner, Fenton says he has already been creating jobs and that as a congressman he will be more prepared to create opportunities.
Noteworthy Quotes
"What I'm hearing when I'm out there walking is that Jesse Jackson Jr., as an example was not visible. I'm not condemning the man. I'm just saying what the people seem to desire." - On what he would do different from Jesse Jackson Jr.
The Takeaway
Fenton says his background as an entrepreneur and real estate attorney will help him to serve the 2nd District in a unique way. His concerns with the housing market and getting people affordable home could hit home for a lot of voters.
On the flip side, Fenton's seems to slip into legalese when discussing housing. He sometimes sounds more like he is in a courtroom than on the campaign trail. Some voters may find it difficult to get a handle on the specifics of his plans for the 2nd District.
What do you think? Has Ernest B. Fenton's understanding of the housing market swayed you to vote for him? Tell us in the comments!
NEXT: The Rev. Anthony W. Williams explains why he repeatedly runs for the 2nd District seat.
Return to our intro page to learn more about this series and see the full list of candidates.
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Joe Lake
7:24 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Twenty-one candidates to choose from in the IL 2nd Congressional District race. That's what's called an 'Open Election.' Joe Lake, Chicago
BUTCH
3:30 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
And only one known convicted Felon!
Veronica
5:28 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
I must let the reading public know what transpired at the forum last night at St. John. A gentleman was troubled over an incident with his child. In his question he noted that he was having a problem etc. Anthony W. Williams offered to help him stating he didn't have to wait until being elected. No one else stood up to offer this man assistance until AFTER Anthony W. Williams, a true public servant, volunteered.
Before casting your vote, please visit www.voteanthonywwilliams.com and compare the others to someone who does not remain silent on the issues, the candidate who will not be bought, the candidate who the majority of candidates said they would vote for if they themselves were not running, and the man who will bring the seat back to the people, Anthony W. Williams; brought pension tampering to light and 40k retirees got refunds, helped the late Rocky Clark keep insurance, Robbins library to stay open to the public, fought unfairness in jobs and contracts and against front companies. Will call for a moratorium on foreclosures and high energy costs, expungements for non violent felons and much more visit website and compare. This is who our votes should be cast for. A man who has been helping people for years because he is a servant of the people. Williams is the candidate the majority of candidates said they would vote for if they themselves were not running. God bless you Mr. Anthony Williams. I hope all see your worth and the benefit of you in office. God bless
Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.
9:33 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Outstanding.
Kagey
10:58 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I've really tried to stop being a grammar be-yotch...but the Patch writers have been testing my last nerve. PLEASE get better proofers or allow yourselves an extra 30 minutes to re-proof your own work. This is about 3X in 2 days where I've seen horrifying typos, and in the intro line of all places! UGH!
"Fenton exuded confidents throughout the whole interview...."
perhaps 'confidence'? or 'confidants'?
Ryan Fitzpatrick
11:32 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
That's why we love having people like you to help us out, Kagey!
The mistake was corrected. Thanks for letting us know.
Kagey
11:05 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Did he say anything that hasn't been said before. Except, well, he went to Cambridge...Mass. You know? And did stuff by age 27 that others could only dream of.
Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.
11:16 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Rotfl Kagey is not cagey.
Honestly, Halvorson has my vote... but he is impressive.
Veronica
5:33 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Take a look at Hopkins Park. Halvorson was the Senator and Hutchinson is now. Over 40 years, no representation, no high speed internet, no infrastructure. These people are still burning wood and propane to heat their homes. Check it out. Halvorson didn't care about the poor and under-served nor do many of the others. Regarding the airport.100 mil spent and who got paid. Peotone's farmland is 1% of 5% in the entire U.S. classified as the best top soil there is. Once destroyed it cannot be replaced. Chicago spends over 3million per year to maintain Gary/Chicago, our 3rd airport. www.voteanthonywwilliams.com a man for the people. Mr. Wiggins, you are intelligent. Do your homework like I know you will.
Juvenal
5:23 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Looks like he graduated HLS in Spring of 97 but was not admitted until Fall 98. Thit seems a bit unusual: https://www.iardc.org/ldetail.asp?id=502916256
Did he pass the bar exam in 97?
Jai Drake
5:26 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013
I'm trying to find out why flyers for his campaign had a photo of him and the notorious so-called ex-gangbanger Noonie Ward shaking hands... I almost died when I got this in the mail! And in the same week that Nadiya Pendleton was murdered!!