Economy, roads, schools candidate's main focuses

After nearly three decades in the classroom, Dianne McGuire says she knows a thing or two about problem-solving.

And those mediation skills, she believes, will be crucial in bringing together opposing sides in Springfield.

The former Naperville educator and small business owner is running for state representative in the 96th House District to replace the retiring Joe Dunn, a Naperville Republican.

She is running unopposed in the Feb. 5 Democratic primary and will face either Michael Bowler, an Aurora insurance broker, or Naperville City Councilman Darlene Senger in November.

McGuire, the mother of two grown daughters, taught for almost three decades at Madison Junior High before retiring in 2006. She also has led education associations on the local, state and national levels.

Her strength, she says, is being able to build positive relationships with colleagues. She has undergone mediation training and has acquired the team-based skills necessary for politics, she says.

"I don't believe (the governor) has paid enough attention to building relationships with his colleagues," she said.

Transportation, the economy and education are among her top priorities.

Route 59 is her district's key economic engine, and she believes securing funding for improvements like more lanes, particularly between I-88 and Jefferson Avenue, is critical.

She thinks leaders should take a harder look at capital spending budgets and allocate more funds to mass transit options.

She wants to see continued incentives to attract business owners and beef up employment assistance and skills training programs.

McGuire said she is a strong environmental advocate, and was a supporter of Naperville Park District purchasing the Hobson West land and other open space.

"It's the legacy we will leave our children," she said.

As for education funding reform, she says she will only support a proposal that provides adequate resources for all levels of public schools, long-term public pension system stability and measures for improved student performance.