'Independent' claim not what it seems

State Rep. Dennis Reboletti has done an outstanding job fighting for the families of the 46th District and, in my book, is an unsung hero of DuPage County. He has sponsored legislation for tougher drug laws, harsher sentences for child predators, tougher penalties for telephone threats against schools, and expanded property tax exemptions for veterans.

Earlier this year, he was recognized by Lutheran Child and Family Services for his leadership in reforming the juvenile justice system and deterring at-risk youths from engaging in criminal activity. He has fought hard to make the 46th District a better and safer place and deserves to be re-elected.

Of course, all is not well in Illinois. The Illinois House has been under the control of Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago and his fellow Democrats for all but two years since 1983. Because of their anti-growth spending, tax and regulatory policies, Illinois is in financial ruin, ranking 47th in economic outlook and 48th in economic performance. Rep. Reboletti has refused to bow to Speaker Madigan's destructive agenda. He understands job creation and has fought vigorously against irresponsible spending to help reignite our local economy.

Rep. Reboletti's opponent in November is Deborah O'Keefe Conroy, who campaigns as a “fresh independent voice." In fact, Ms. Conroy is not the “independent" she purports to be; she was recruited by Michael Madigan to run as the Democratic candidate against Rep. Reboletti. Ms. Conroy is not simply an independent “average citizen," self-motivated to “step up and serve" the 46th District as her website claims - she appears to be Michael Madigan's hand-picked designee. The last thing we need is a representative beholden to the job-killing Madigan-Quinn cabal.

David J. Novotny

Elmhurst