Endorsement: Mazzochi for House Dist. 47
Deanne Mazzochi, an attorney from Elmhurst, showed her leadership mettle when she became head of the College of DuPage Board of Trustees during a period of turbulence and acrimony. Taking advantage of the diverse skills of colleagues from all factions on the board, Mazzochi oversaw the process as COD found a new president and renewed its focus on and reputation for educational excellence.
She left that post after being elected state representative for the 47th District in 2018, and she has quickly moved to make her presence felt in Springfield. A Republican, she has worked on legislation to combat Springfield's pay-to-play culture, filed bills to give local communities more control over installation of 5G wireless equipment and is an active and assertive member of the House Special Investigating Committee looking into issues of corruption.
Trained as a chemist and a founding partner in a law firm specializing in life sciences and patents, Mazzochi brings particular expertise in matters of both health and finance, and it shows in her measured yet unvarnished assessments of Illinois' response to the COVID-19 crisis and the state's enduring financial troubles.
She is challenged for reelection by Democrat Jennifer Zordani, a financial services attorney from Clarendon Hills. Zordani is articulate in the issues facing Illinois and shows promise of being an independent voice on matters ranging from ethics to economics. She's a strong candidate. But Mazzochi has demonstrated the ability to be a reasoned and persistent voice for both cooperation and change in Springfield. She is endorsed.
The 47th District is set mostly in southeast DuPage County, including parts of Bensenville, Elmhurst, Westmont, Clarendon Hills and Hinsdale.