Senate hopefuls Clark, Penman focusing on affordability, health care

The race in the Nov. 3 election for the 33rd District Illinois Senate seat matches a pair of political newcomers, Republican Danielle Penman and Democrat Michele Clark.

Penman, 49, of St. Charles, said issues among District 33 voters include property taxes, the cost of living and school referendums.

“The taxes are a strain on people and they are looking for an exit out of Illinois because of the costs that continue to rise,” she said. “Seniors are frustrated because they are on fixed incomes and I’ve talked to some of them who are concerned that they won’t be able to stay in their homes.”

The cost of living includes utilities, groceries and tollway rate increases, Penman said.

“Again, it’s like how much more can we take? Everything just keeps going up and there’s concern and people can only expand their budgets so far,” she added.

If elected, Penman said she would like to focus on healthcare, improving the local economy and public safety.

“I’d like to start addressing some of the health issues in the state,” she said. “Insurance premiums are high and I think there are manageable ways (of) lowering them and working with insurance providers to do that.”

Penman said improving the local economy helps everyone.

“We need the small mom-and-pops as well as large businesses,” she said. “I want Illinois to be a state where businesses and families want to come.”

She also noted the struggles law enforcement agencies across the state are having to fill open police officer jobs.

“How do we keep our communities safe if we can’t get law enforcement officers into those positions?” Penman said. “We need to be partnering and finding out ways we can support law enforcement and make sure they have the tools and resources they need.”

Clark, 53, of Algonquin, said voters have been talking about affordability issues, political ethics and having their voices be heard during this election cycle.

“Voters are talking about affordability — the property taxes. Everything is too expensive from the taxes, grocery, gas, healthcare, everything,” she said. “Everyone is feeling the squeeze right now.”

In regards to ethics, Clark said voters “are tired of politicians having self interests and focusing on only themselves.”

“It’s just a general perception. I’m not talking about money or issues, I’m talking they want politicians that are focused on everyday people,” she said. “People don’t feel that focusing on voters is where many politicians are right now.”

She said people also want “to make sure that their vote counts.”

“It’s not about tampering or issues at the polls, it’s more like, ‘When can I vote? Where can I vote’ and they want to be involved,” Clark said.

If elected, Clark said she would like to work on ethics reform reducing healthcare and childcare costs.

“I want to pass legislation that forbids General Assembly members to trade individual stocks, and also I’m in favor of expanding term limits for House and Senate leaders,” she said.

Clark said she also wants to cap the costs of more prescription drugs.

“I also want to level the playing field for small businesses that do not get the same premium rates as large businesses do,” she said.

Childcare is about “supporting the young families and reducing their out-of-pocket expenses for childcare.”

“I want to allow businesses within Illinois to be allowed to offer childcare to their families as a tax incentive and get a write-off,” she said.

Current 33rd District state Sen. Don DeWitte, a Republican from St. Charles, is not seeking reelection. The 33rd District spans from southeastern McHenry County to southern Kane County, and includes all or parts of Elgin, Lake in the Hills, Carpentersville, Algonquin, East and West Dundee, Geneva and St. Charles.

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.