Diane Blair-Sherlock: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 46

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois House District 46

City: Villa Park

Age: 60

Occupation: State Representative since 2022

Previous offices held: None

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

I take issue with states bussing people and dumping them on other states, especially without warning. Thankfully this has dramatically dropped.

I think the state, all the states, need to put pressure on the federal government to step up and expedite approval for employment for those who eligible for asylum or refugee status.

The answer though is at the federal level. The state, in providing basic services on arrival, ensures a safer, trackable and more orderly transition into the communities. I have worked with nonprofits to coordinate services and resources to save costs to the taxpayers.

Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

As an attorney, I have been bound by a code of ethics for decades. When elected to the house I became subject to a whole new set of ethical policies. We have annual ethics training and a system for addressing ethics violations.

I think it is each individual lawmakers responsibility to build trust and confidence and I strive every day to do that. We have strengthened the economic interest disclosure, taken steps to improve registration of lobbyists, and passed a new law to keep people convicted of offenses like bribery and perjury from holding state office. I am always open to ideas for additional ethics protections.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

Sure

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

The SAFE-T Act has been I think very successful in keeping dangerous people off the streets. The key is for prosecutors to ask for detention. Now, no matter how much money people have, if they are dangerous, they can't get out.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

No one can deny we have a gun violence problem in America. School/mass shootings have become too commonplace. I think recent history has shown us that keeping firearms secure and out of the hands of those who should not have access to them is key.

We need to promote safe storage and laws holding gun owners responsible for giving access to those who should not have it. I supported Illinois Assault Weapons ban. I also support Karina's law which will save lives.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

I am open to this but would like input from law enforcement and experts on aging before making a final decision.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

Life experience plays a big role in what you bring to the table. Having worked full time to put myself through school and being in private practice for 30 years while raising 2 children with special needs I have developed a wide range of life experience.

I can see how legislation would affect people if enacted and do not hesitate to speak my mind. The legislative process is more complicated than “School House Rock” and being a legislator is much more than just legislating.

I have been able to work with the local schools to provide seminars with information for parents of children with disabilities, brought nonprofits together to strengthen their ability and efficiency in providing services.

We have a group that has produced 2,000 hats, gloves, scarves and collected food, toys, cleaning supplies and personal care items for those in need. We have and continue to host and participate in events across the district to provide services and information to our constituents.