SOUTH HOLLAND | Supporters of longtime Calumet City 3rd Ward Alderman Thaddeus Jones gathered Friday night at the Unforgettable Cafe to bolster his campaign to become the 29th District state representative and to discuss women's health issues.

The event was hosted by Women for Jones, a group consisting of local women who are working on the alderman's campaign. The group was formed to give women in the south suburbs a voice in presenting their health concerns to legislators.

No admission fee was charged for the gathering, which included dinner and the recognition of a number of women for their dedication and leadership contributions in the community.

"Women get denied coverage for almost any pre-existing condition from the health care providers, and it's time to stop that and it's time to make sure that we hold them accountable if they do," Jones said.

Jones, 38, has served as 3rd Ward alderman in Calumet City since 1996. He is the endorsed Democratic candidate for the seat that 29th District state Rep. David Miller, D-Lynwood, decided to vacate in order to make a run at the office of Illinois comptroller.

Jones grew up in Ford Heights and moved to Calumet City in 1990. He has taken a leave of absence from his job as employment coordinator with Thornton Township while readying for the Feb. 2 primary election.

Job creation, providing funding for community colleges and filling the gap where communities have cut back on after-school programs and early education are all causes that Jones indicated he will support.

"I know a lot of the state senators," Jones said. "I know a lot of the state reps. So it's that relationship that's going to bring back funding to the district in a way that my opponent cannot."  

Jones is facing Sheryl Tillman in the primary.

Sixth District Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy, Lynwood Village President Gene Williams, Sauk Village President Lewis Towers and Calumet City 2nd Ward Alderman Magdalena "Leni" Wosczynski were among those who attended Friday's event.

"(Jones) has been a dedicated and caring alderman in Calumet City for his ward," Wosczynski said. "He's fresh blood. Maybe he can bring fresh and new ideas into the state rep. position and help the residents in this 29th District."  

Shanya Ingram, of Ford Heights, was among the women who came out to support Jones.

"He's the best candidate for it," she said. "He was born and raised in the projects, and he knows the struggles that everybody's going through."