Thanks to Lauzen for his helpfulness

As any small business owner can tell you, time is money and government hurdles can cause real issues. Recently, my business encountered an obstacle that caused heartache. We were stymied when trying to reach a state agency to resolve the predicament.

I decided to call two individuals who represent the area in which my business is located -- U.S. Congressman Bill Foster and Illinois State Sen. Chris Lauzen -- for help breaking through the deadlock.

Within one hour, Sen. Lauzen himself telephoned me, asking for the details of my situation.

The next day, I received a call from the director of the state agency, had two additional conversations with her, and by the third day my issue was resolved and I was "back in business."

If that wasn't enough, at 6:30 p.m. on Good Friday evening, Sen. Lauzen called me again asking what else he could do to help.

As an interested voter, I followed all of the unkind words Oberweis' camp had for Lauzen during the Congressional primary, including calling him a "sore loser." I also know that Bill Foster ultimately won Dennis Hastert's seat.

I, for one, couldn't be more grateful that Sen. Chris Lauzen is still sitting in the seat of senator for the 25th District. He personally took the time to help me; and, despite what many politicians claim, he is truly working for the people.

And Congressman Foster? Ten days after my phone call to his office I did receive a letter asking for a written description of my problem and a signed release to address privacy concerns. Let's hear it for bureaucracy! It was my pleasure to mail the paperwork back letting him know that Sen. Lauzen had taken my calls and solved my issue more than a week earlier!

Kathy Soeder

St. Charles