Chang gets Coulson's backing for 17th House

By LYNNE STIEFEL This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 6, 2009 
Whilmette Life

With Elizabeth Coulson, the current office holder, at his side, Republican Hamilton Chang of Wilmette Tuesday announced he's running for the 17th House District in 2010.

"I am committed to reversing the fiscal irresponsibility of this state's government, to stopping its corruption and to crafting fiscal policies that can make Illinois a place for families and businesses to prosper," Chang stated on his Web site.

Born in Taiwan, Chang grew up in Flint, Mich. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and an master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago.

Chang's expertise is financial structuring. He worked for Oppenheimer and Co. from 2007 through 2009 as managing director and national manager of the structured products group.

He previously worked for Ryan Beck and Co., Legg Mason and Ziegler cos., and Bank of America.

He serves on the University of Michigan's System Advisory Group.

Two other Republicans have also announced they're running -- Phil Collins of Northfield and Skokie resident Leobon Gameng.

Daniel Biss of Evanston is the only announced Democrat so far. He lost to Coulson in 2008 by a 52-48 margin.

Coulson will not seek an eighth two-year term in the General Assembly. She announced in August she would instead run for the 10th Congressional District seat that Republican Mark Kirk is leaving in 2010 to run for U.S. Senate.

The 17th District includes most of Glenview and Northfield, south Northbrook east of Pfingsten Road, the village of Golf, west Wilmette, west Evanston, northeast Morton Grove and the north half of Skokie.

Candidates must submit nominating petitions between Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 to get on the Feb. 2 primary ballot. The general election is Nov. 2, 2010.