Daniel Pogorzelski

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Daniel Pogorzelski

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

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Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 19, 2024

Personal

Birthplace

Illinois

Religion

Roman Catholic

Profession

Political organizer

Contact

Campaign website

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Daniel Pogorzelski (Democratic Party) was a member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in Illinois. He assumed office on December 6, 2022. He left office on December 3, 2024.

Pogorzelski (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in Illinois. He lost in the Democratic primary on March 19, 2024.

Pogorzelski completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Daniel Pogorzelski was born in Illinois. His career experience includes working as a political organizer and author.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Cook County, Illinois (2024)

General election

General election for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (3 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Kari Steele (D)	24.6	1,147,395
✔		Marcelino Garcia (D)	22.6	1,053,366
✔		Sharon Waller (D)	22.3	1,038,968
	Submit photo	Claire Connelly (R)	9.7	450,926
	Submit photo	Richard Dale (R)	9.1	424,890
	Submit photo	Brendan Ehlers (R)	7.9	366,856
		Toneal Jackson (G)	4.0	185,130

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 4,667,531
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (3 seats)

Incumbent Kari Steele, incumbent Marcelino Garcia, and Sharon Waller defeated incumbent Daniel Pogorzelski in the Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago on March 19, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Kari Steele	31.1	366,070
✔		Marcelino Garcia	27.3	320,883
✔		Sharon Waller	21.2	249,745
		Daniel Pogorzelski	20.3	238,575

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,175,273
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Eddie Ngozi Nwosu (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (3 seats)

Claire Connelly, Richard Dale, and Brendan Ehlers defeated George Blakemore in the Republican primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago on March 19, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Claire Connelly	35.6	65,116
✔	Submit photo	Richard Dale	34.0	62,073
✔	Submit photo	Brendan Ehlers	30.4	55,497
	Submit photo	George Blakemore (Write-in)	0.0	32

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 182,718
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Pogorzelski in this election.

2022

See also: Municipal elections in Cook County, Illinois (2022)

General election

Special general election for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Daniel Pogorzelski defeated Toneal Jackson in the special general election for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Daniel Pogorzelski (D)	79.0	974,338
		Toneal Jackson (G)	21.0	259,623

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,233,961
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Daniel Pogorzelski defeated Elizabeth Joyce and incumbent Chakena Perry in the special Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago on June 28, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Daniel Pogorzelski	36.0	156,746
	Submit photo	Elizabeth Joyce	35.5	154,754
		Chakena Perry	28.5	123,993

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 435,493
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Daniel Pogorzelski completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pogorzelski's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Daniel "Pogo" Pogorzelski epitomizes a dedicated public servant with a broad and profound impact on Chicago's civic life. Rooted in a tradition of civic activism and community organizing, Pogo has committed his career to fostering economic development, environmental awareness, and the empowerment of the arts. Born to immigrant parents, his volunteer work reflects a passion for linking people with resources, particularly in communities with English as a second language. Serving as the former executive director of Avondale's local chamber of commerce, Pogo strategically leveraged the arts as an economic engine while spearheading neighborhood beautification initiatives. His influence extended citywide, playing a role in projects featured in the "Art in Chicago Neighborhoods" booklet. Transitioning to government roles, Pogo contributed to the offices of 38th Ward Alderman Tim Cullerton, State Senator Robert F. Martwick Jr., and currently the office of Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs in Civic Engagement. Pogo's commitment to community engagement, demonstrated through his leadership, diverse collaborations, and involvement in political campaigns, positions him as a seasoned advocate for inclusive representation and community well-being.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Urban flooding poses an increasing threat to Cook County residents due to the impacts of climate change. As a public servant, I recognize the urgency of tackling this issue to protect our communities. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns contribute to the heightened risk of flooding in urban areas. It is imperative that we implement comprehensive strategies and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the effects of flooding. This includes investing in resilient stormwater management systems, green infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning. By prioritizing these measures, we can enhance the county's resilience to climate-related challenges and safeguard the well-being of our community.
• With over one-third of Cook County residents speaking a language other than English at home, it is crucial to prioritize outreach to our diverse communities. My commitment lies in ensuring that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) builds upon its outreach initiatives to effectively connect with residents from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This involves developing multilingual communication channels, providing translated materials, and engaging community leaders to bridge language gaps. By fostering an inclusive approach, we can enhance accessibility to MWRD resources and services for all residents, irrespective of their language preferences, contributing to a more equitable and engaged district.
• The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is a vital yet often under appreciated unit of government. Recognizing its significance, I have personally taken the initiative to connect with diverse groups across Chicago's neighborhoods and the represented suburbs. Through these engagements, my aim is to raise awareness about the critical role the MWRD plays in managing water resources, protecting against flooding, and promoting environmental sustainability. By facilitating educational outreach, I empower constituents with knowledge about the MWRD's functions and the impact it has on their daily lives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am incredibly inspired by our goal of eliminating residential flooding in Cook County. When homes flood with sewage, it is not only a health hazard, it's a serious economic setback as well. For those living paycheck to paycheck this kind of flooding occurrence can be catastrophic. Our projects in stormwater management and green infrastructure continue to alleviate this threat as new investments in our service area positively impact residents across Cook County. I am excited to learn about the many innovative solutions and breakthroughs that our scientists have come up with for the many challenges our region faces.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A paramount quality for any elected official is a strong work ethic. The responsibility of serving the public demands a commitment to diligent, principled, and dedicated work. A robust work ethic signifies a genuine dedication to public service, prioritizing the needs and interests of constituents over personal considerations. Elected officials with a strong work ethic exhibit accountability for their decisions and actions, taking responsibility for outcomes and actively addressing challenges. Effective time management is inherent to this work ethic, enabling officials to navigate the demands of public office efficiently.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Elected as Commissioner in 2022, my extensive career in public service aligns seamlessly with Chicago's civic traditions, emphasizing civic activism, economic development, and environmental action. Known as the "unofficial Mayor of Avondale," my commitment to community well-being and arts-driven engagement spans various projects across Chicago. With a background in government roles and effective communication skills, honed through coauthoring books and collaborating with media professionals, I am dedicated to transparent governance. As a leader in Democratic committees and diverse political campaigns, I prioritize inclusivity and diverse representation. Rooted in my immigrant background, I am passionate about connecting with communities where English is a second language. These qualities, coupled with a commitment to civic engagement and extensive experience, position me to be a successful officeholder, dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the constituents.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of someone elected to public office encompass a profound commitment to serving their constituents and upholding the duties inherent to their position. First and foremost, elected officials must champion the interests of the people they represent, actively engaging with the community to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. This involves a relentless dedication to open communication, transparency, and accessibility, ensuring that constituents are heard and their voices are represented in the decision-making process. Holding the duties of the office involves a comprehensive understanding of the legislative or executive functions, depending on the position, and a commitment to executing these responsibilities diligently. Elected officials must navigate the complexities of policy-making, prioritize resource allocation, and address pressing issues that impact their constituents' well-being. Responsibility to the people requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, as officials work tirelessly to find equitable solutions to community challenges. Upholding ethical standards, maintaining accountability for decisions, and fostering an atmosphere of trust are foundational to the core responsibilities of elected office. Ultimately, elected officials bear the weighty responsibility of ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the people they serve remain at the forefront of their governance, with a focus on building a stronger, more inclusive community.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I aspire to leave is one defined by positive and lasting impact on the communities I serve. I envision a legacy characterized by strengthened civic engagement, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. I aim to be remembered as a public servant who tirelessly worked to bridge gaps, champion inclusivity, and amplify the voices of those often marginalized.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs
Cook County Board President and 4th Ward Committeeperson Toni Preckwinkle
Chicago Federation of Labor
SEIU Local 1
Teamsters Joint Council
Teamsters 700
IBEW Local 134
IUOE Local 150
UFCW 1546
UFCW 881
Cook County Democratic Party
Sierra Club of Illinois

United Hellenic Voters of America

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I strongly believe in the paramount importance of financial transparency and government accountability for any elected official. These principles serve as the bedrock of a healthy and functional democracy. Financial transparency ensures that constituents have a clear understanding of how public funds are allocated and spent. As an elected official, it is my responsibility to advocate for open and accessible financial reporting, providing the public with the tools to scrutinize budgetary decisions and hold the government accountable for its fiscal stewardship. Furthermore, government accountability is essential for maintaining the public's trust. Elected officials must be answerable for their actions and decisions, fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity in public service. This requires not only transparency in financial matters but also a commitment to ethical conduct, adherence to laws and regulations, and a proactive approach to addressing any concerns raised by the public.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2022

Daniel Pogorzelski did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

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