Michael Bakalis, chairman of the Illinois “Dukakis for President” campaign, said at a June 29 meeting that competence, character, and caring are three Dukakis traits that should interest the concerned public.

Bakalis became acquainted with Dukakis when he (Bakalis) worked with the U.S. Department of Education under the Carter administration. Because he knows Dukakis on a professional level more than on a personal level, he said has been able to look at Dukakis very objectively.

“We want a president who knows what he’s doing—Michael Dukakis has shown this,” Bakalis said at the meeting, which was held at the Inn of DeKalb.

Reviewing Dukakis’ record as Massachusetts governor, Bakalis said much attention has been placed on the recent tax hike in Massachusetts that Dukakis pushed.

“We’re not electing God, we’re electing a human being. Everyone has ups and downs in his record, except the vice president who doesn’t have a record but has to worry about Reagan’s,” Bakalis said.

He said that although Dukakis had to raise taxes in this instance, no one seems to acknowledge that he has cut taxes five times during his tenure as governor. Bakalis added that the largest revenues of the tax hike came from the sale of cigarettes.

Dukakis’ view of the role of government, Bakalis said, is government should help people to help themselves. “This doesn’t mean taking care of someone from the time they’re born until the time they’re laid in the grave.” He said Dukakis supports welfare reform—providing training and jobs and thus lessening dependence on welfare.

On the issue of foreign policy, Bakalis countered the opposition’s charges that Dukakis lacks knowledge and expertise in the area of foreign affairs. “What did Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, or even Ronald Reagan know about foreign affairs?” Bakalis said. He said these presidents started their campaigns for the presidency as governors or former governors.

Bakalis noted that Dukakis is very concerned about defense spending. “Let’s not keep plowing money into defense, which, from the Pentagon scandal, can’t seem to handle it,” Bakalis said.

Dukakis’ character is unblemished, Bakalis said. “There’s not a hint of scandal to his name.” He added that Dukakis wants to get into office with an obligation only to the people, not special interests. Bakalis noted that Dukakis has not taken a cent from any political action committees.

The final note of Bakalis’ presentation focused on the caring side of Dukakis. Bakalis said that although Dukakis isn’t “Zorba the Greek,” he does care deeply for people. “America has become accustomed to being entertained instead of being governed,” Bakalis said.

He said Dukakis wants to show that he is the embodiment of the American dream. Bakalis said that this son of poor immigrants is proving the American dream is still attainable. “He’s saying ‘look at me and where I came from,'” Bakalis said.

Bill O’Connor, a key member and coordinator of the Illinois “Dukakis for President” campaign, spoke briefly, stressing the need for the people’s support. “This is where it starts, with small groups of concerned citizens like this,” O’Connor said.

George Kourvetaris, an NIU sociology professor, coordinated the meeting. Kourvetaris said he thought the toughest obstacle facing Dukakis in DeKalb County is that it is a Republican stronghold.

“DeKalb is traditionally Republican, but people are changing. They’re hurting—the farmers and the education budget cuts are good examples,” Kourvetaris said. He added that the Republican party is good for the rich, but leaves a lot to be desired for everyone else.

DeKalb County Clerk Terry Desmond also was at the meeting. Desmond said he also thought Dukakis might have a tough time in DeKalb because of its strong Republican makeup.