Elk Grove Trustee considering bid for Krause's seat

Elk Grove Village Trustee Chris Prochno said on Wednesday she's seriously considering a bid for Republican state Rep. Carolyn Krause's seat, with the expectation of formally announcing next week.

She'll be talking to key local Republicans in the next few days to gauge how to proceed before formally making her intentions known, she said.

Krause, 69, of Mount Prospect, recently said she's not seeking re-election in November 2008, saying simply it was her time to retire.

"Carolyn did a lot of good for Elk Grove Village and the surrounding communities," Prochno said. "I think I'd do a good job."

If elected, she said she'd focus on education funding, since it's an issue near to her heart as a teacher. In particular, she'd look at physical education as more kids are becoming overweight and obese. She'd also want to tackle property tax relief, she said.

Prochno, 55, said she would finish out her term as village trustee, which is up in April 2009, but would not keep both posts if elected.

"I love what I do (as a village trustee), but think I can be more effective for a lot more people in that position," she said.

Prochno has been on the village board for 10 years.

She has been a teacher for more than 20 years. Most recently, she worked at an Elgin Academy satellite, which closed down this year.

Now, she's looking for a part-time teaching position and would focus on the campaign, if she makes a run for office, she said.

She has lived in the Elk Grove Village since 1956, and she's married with two grown children.