Endorsement: Bos for state House Dist. 51

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

The race for state representative from Illinois House Dist. 51 is more complicated than it might seem at first blush.

The one-term incumbent, Republican Chris Bos of Lake Zurich, has local government experience as an Ela Township Trustee and manages to effectively walk the line between being both firmly outspoken about the problems Springfield faces and being a responsible, constructive lawmaker. He can be vocal about his positions on issues ranging from parental notification about abortion to the controversial SAFE-T Act that deals, among other issues, with prosecution reform. Yet, he also brings engaging ideas to the discussions and expresses them with civility and reason.

He faces an impressive challenge from a political newcomer in Nabeela Syed, a digital strategist from Inverness. Syed is extremely well-versed in the issues facing the state and demonstrates both the judgment to pursue her goals effectively and the determination to see them through. She has exceptional leadership potential, and we hope that, whatever the election outcome, she will continue to apply her talents in public affairs.

She has no formal experience in elected office, yet, however, and considering Bos' strengths, he is the better candidate at this time to represent the district, which straddles Cook and Lake counties from just north of Hoffman Estates into Hawthorn Woods, and help move the state forward. Bos is endorsed.