A Show of Support
Cook County State's Attorney candidate Tony Peraica meets with cabdrivers about enforcing Wiedersberg's Law.
By: Jonathan Bullington
In early October, veteran cabdriver Steve Wiedersberg met with Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Tony Peraica at Mr. Peraica’s law office to discuss the failure of the current State’s Attorney’s Office in properly enforcing Wiedersberg’s Law, which expands the scope of aggravated battery to specifically include battery against on-duty cabdrivers. At that meeting, Mr. Peraica stated that, if elected, he would see to it that those who decide to attack cabdrivers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Later, at a press conference with taxi drivers outside the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Mr. Peraica reiterated his support for Chicago’s cabdrivers.
“This change in the law that upgrades the aggravated battery charge in the case of cabdrivers who are assaulted during their time at work is a very important change that needs to be enforced by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to protect these men and women who are putting their lives in danger daily as they try to provide a service and earn a living in this very dangerous county. We need to send a message to all of those who get into a cab and think they can get away with criminal activity that that, in fact, will no longer be tolerated,” Mr. Peraica said.
