CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The third-place candidate in last week’s election for Chicago City Treasurer is endorsing the opponent who narrowly placed first -- Melissa Conyears-Ervin – for the April 2 runoff. Certified Public Accountant Peter Gariepy received 14 percent of the vote Feb. 26. On Tuesday, he endorsed Conyears-Ervin, a state representative, over Ald. Ameya Pawar. Pawar was the second-place candidate, also earning a spot in the runoff.
Gariepy said Conyears-Ervin will safeguard Chicago’s billions and not risk them on political vanity projects.Conyears-Ervin said she’ll protect the city’s money but added the treasurer’s office should benefit all parts of Chicago.
Ameya Pawar, who has advocated investing city funds to help distressed communities, suggests Gariepy is simply backing another Democratic party regular.
He said he’s the only progressive reformer in the race.