On October 31, 2012, VIM Pharmacy, a beloved neighborhood fixture in Washington Heights, closed its doors after 37 years due to an exorbitant rent increase. City-wide, many local businesses are being forced out by inflated rents and replaced with big chain stores. This undermines community well-being and quality of life, the viability of the neighborhood and hurts the local economy.

Governor Quinn, this petition is to help restore the dignity to ex-convicted criminals; those that have been sentenced, served their time/penalty and returned to society. It is an injustice for them NOT to have the liberty to exercise their right to vote. They are yet citizens of the United States of America and not second class citizens and should be treated like-wise. Please give these citizens the right and freedom to vote in the state of Illinois.

Daily newspapers need to keep us informed about deaths by guns and if by accident or by intention. There was a time when data were given on the frontpages about car accidents for the year. It is time now to do similar reporting by box summaries, perhaps presenting different kinds of relevant data on different days at least once a week. There will be no need to advocate any policy. The data will advocate for saner gun policy. Individual and mass killings need data reviews. There is no need to argue how journalists should do the reviews. Many tacts can be taken to keep us aware of gun deaths in our country. The press needs to update in this area.

There is no place, no need, no positive outcome for assault-type weapons to be within, or accessible to, the general public. We have witnessed the bloodshed and horror that can come from this access to assault-type weapons. There is no good that can come from their access or use.

This is an educator’s petition to protect our students. As teachers, we have the responsibility to protect our students which starts with classroom safety. We witness first-hand how gun violence has affected our students. Each year in America, 30,000 people are killed by guns (Nicholas Kristof). Many students have lost loved ones, and many teachers have lost students due to gun violence. In some communities in America, it is far easier to obtain a gun than access a public library. More guns are not the answer. The high capacity magazines make any gun a military grade weapon, enabling the slaughtering of young as happened at Sandy Hook, Columbine, Northern Illinois University, Virginia Tech., Aurora, CO; Oakland, CA; and Lancaster, PA. There is no reason for individuals to own military style guns and assault weapons. They should be relegated to military use only. Guns that can kill 10 children in 30 seconds have no place in society. By requiring universal background checks, convicted felons and people with mental illnesses will be prevented from making gun purchases, and the registering of gun sales helps law enforcement trace guns at crime scenes. It has been proven that more guns create more carnage (Mark Follman). Therefore, teachers and administrators would likely do more harm than good if required to lock and load during a crisis situation. Our role is to inspire, instruct, guide, and nurture and not to kill. It is important for educators to band together and be part of the dialogue on gun, student, and school safety. We recognize that these measures will not eliminate all gun violence, but will greatly reduce the ability for mass murders. Teachers, please sign this petition for our students’ sake. Passing strong gun safety legislation will keep more of our students alive. In 2013, your voice will be heard on real gun legislation. Help us create a safer America for our students. Sincerely, Olivia Bigsby Elementary School Teacher Sources: Nicolas Kristof http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/opinion/sunday/kristof-do-we-have-the-courage-to-stop-this.html?_r=2& Marc Follman http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/09/mass-shootings-investigation “After Bullets Hit bystanders, Protocol Questions” http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/nyregion/bystanders-shooting-wounds-caused-by-the-police.html?_r=0 “Mass Shootings in America,” http://www.nycrimecommission.org/initiative1-shootings.php

"Woman Stabbed Multiple Times in Middletown Bed Bath & Beyond" "16-year-old, was found shot to death in her Belgrove Avenue home in Kearny." "27-year-old Newark man, was shot on Hawthorne Avenue in Newark, six hours later, Andrew Allen, a 29-year-old from Irvington, was shot and killed on Crescent Lane in Irvington" "Authorities identify 19-year-old Jersey City man who was gunned down" "Two shot in Newark bodega on Christmas" "Police station shooting: person grabs gun and shoots 3 officers, is killed in return fire in Gloucester Township" "Front door of Jersey City man's home blasted with gun after parking dispute: police" "Report: 1 dead in Asbury Park shooting" "Drive-by shooting, robbery leave two shot in Asbury Park" THIS IS JUST A SMALL FRACTION OF THE VIOLENCE THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE HERE IN NJ IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. PLEASE HELP TO STOP THE VIOLENCE IN NJ BY SIGNING THIS PETITION, URGING OUR STATE LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT SENATOR RAY LESNIAK / SENATOR SHIRLEY TURNER ANTI-VIOLENCE BILL #S2340 NJ Anti-Violence Coalition / National United Youth Council Chairman Salaam Ismial (215) 316-7952

For years now Portland Public Schools has been systematically closing down its neighborhood schools, primarily those serving students and families of color. Last year they closed 2 schools. This year they are preparing to close yet another one. This practice undermines public education, segregates schools and tears neighborhoods apart. If PPS truly believes in equity like it claims to, school closures are NOT a solution!

Yes, I am affected, we need a raise. We work hard for our students and have not had a raise in 5 years. Please help us.

I believe my home went to foreclosure in an unethical/illegal term.

Can we open a window at the DMV for Firearms Licenses? Require gun owners to take a written and practical firearms safety test? Renew these licenses every 5 years?

I am a user of the chat network IMVU, which recently implemented a restriction on links in the Pulse feed. This is a direct violation of freedom of expression and should be reconsidered.

Flame Retardants are toxic industrial products used in furniture, mattress, toys, electronics and clothes. These products are toxic and carcinogenic. Kids are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of these industrial chemicals.