Don't let the bullies wear you down

I returned from Springfield with quite an eye-opening education to the state's budget process, as well as how to survive on minimal sleep. It is so great to be back in my district to catch up with the people I represent in Springfield.

I can honestly tell you that my experience in local government and public service in Aurora and Naperville was extremely significant in preparing me for my role as a state representative. In fact, the state leaders in Springfield could take lessons from local leaders here about how to run government.

The primary difference about Springfield is the games played by Speaker Michael Madigan and the Democrat leaders who control every branch of state government. There are many bullies on the playground in Springfield, and it seems they enjoy picking on the "new kid on the block." The bullies demonstrated their power by squashing some of my most important bills that would greatly assist the people of this district. Some of this legislation would have jump-started the housing market, cleaned up state government, implemented pension reforms, helped keep our school children safe and offered property tax relief, to name a few.

However, the new kid on the block was still able to scream loud and fight hard enough to advance several important reforms. Among them was a bill to help our police officers secure recorded cell phone conversations of sexual predators with children. The bill makes it easier for police officers to catch sexual predators in their tracks before adding to unfortunate statistics.

Many of my legislative initiatives came to me through the request of constituents. Your opinions are so important to me, and I look forward to hearing many of your thoughts on state government.

Darlene Senger

Naperville

state representative, 96th District