Kenneth Dunkin (born February 12, 1966), commonly known as Ken Dunkin, is an American politician. He is currently an appointed member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners. Dunkin previously served as a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 5th District from December 2002 until January 2017. Early life Born February 12, 1966 in Chicago, Dunkin was raised in the Cabrini–Green housing project on the city's Near-north side. After graduating from Lincoln Park High School in 1984, Dunkin went on to earn his associate degree from Loop College (now known as Harold Washington College). Dunkin continued his education at Morehouse College where he earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science and later his master's degree in social welfare from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago. As a youth, Dunkin was influenced by Jesse White, Illinois politician and founder of the Jesse White Tumbling Team. Public service Dunkin worked as social worker for many years. Most recently, he was the Director of the Robert Taylor Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, where he managed over $2.5 million in program services. He also worked as a consultant for the City of Chicago Department of Health and Department on Aging. He interned with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Financing Administration, and United States Senator Paul Simon. Dunkin is currently a member of the Attorney Registration Disciplinary Commission (appointed by Illinois Supreme Court), Board of the Chicago International Film Festival, Lawson YMCA, Near North Health Services Corp, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and the Governor's Film Task Force. State Representative As a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Dunkin served on seven committees: International Trade & Commerce, Financial Institutions, Insurance, Mass Transit, Appropriations-High Education, Telecommunications, and Chairman of Tourism and Conventions. Dunkin was also a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. Representative Ken Dunkin was the Chief Sponsor for the Illinois Film Tax Credit. This legislation generated thousands of union and non-union jobs throughout the state and hundreds of millions of dollars in local and state tax revenue. His Film credit encouraged major film, commercial and television such as "Batman-The Dark Knight","The Beast", "Public Enemy", "Barbershop 1 & 2", "The Break-Up", "Roll-Bounce", "Ocean's 12," "The Weather Man", "Spider-Man 2", "Derailed", "Transformers 3", etc. to be shot in Illinois. Dunkin served as a State Lawmaker for over 15 years