Candidate ready to step into House seat

As one of the 49.5% of voters who did not feel that Amy Grant represented them, I want to provide a perspective on the next election for state representative in Illinois House District 47.

The hard-fought campaigns referenced in recent articles were driven by voters trying to elect someone else. Grant refused to participate in public forums and did nothing but send mailers until three weeks before election day when she started talking to voters.

We have been without effective leadership in central DuPage County. By her own admission, two of Grant’s biggest accomplishments after serving on the County Board and as state rep were moving a printer and driving to Springfield. School-aged constituents were asked to leave her office. Our local governments had to rely on other offices for collaboration from Springfield.

Grant has limited comments on social media posts and deleted ones with critical comments. We need a representative who will listen to all of their constituents. Someone who will collaborate with all stakeholders and come to a resolution that will benefit as many people as possible. Someone who understands how government works and doesn’t simply echo partisan rhetoric.

That person is Erica Bray-Parker. A Wheaton City Council member since 2019 and high school civics teacher, Bray-Parker has the skills and character we need in Springfield. She will be the critical bridge between our state and local governments. She has and will continue to seek diverse opinions and act in the best interest of the community.

Bray-Parker launched her campaign before Amy Grant announced her retirement. Grant would have faced another competitive campaign — one where she would need to show up and demonstrate her accomplishments. No wonder she decided to step aside. Erica Bray-Parker has my vote to represent me and my community in Springfield.

Jackie Williamson

Wheaton