Endorsement: Vrankovich for House District 47

A businessman and a former teacher are vying to replace state Rep. Amy Grant as the House member in DuPage County-based District 47.

With Grant not running for re-election, the floor is open for new blood. Voters will choose between Republican business owner Robert Vrankovich of Carol Stream, who built a propane company from nothing into a viable, $110 million concern; and Democratic Wheaton City Council member Erica Bray-Parker, a former educator and longtime community volunteer and activist.

In their respective worlds, they are both go-getters. Both are focused on local, not national issues and have logged considerable time with community organizations.

Vrankovich says he is running to make Illinois more affordable by cutting “reckless” spending, create a more pro-business environment, restore honesty in government and to support property tax relief, among other ideas. “As a business owner, I know firsthand how bad policies from Springfield can punish businesses and hurt working families,” he says.

Bray-Parker says she is focused on helping families secure affordable childcare and health care; giving teens better access to summer jobs; helping young adults find affordable rental options in DuPage; giving small businesses a supportive environment that encourages ownership and growth, among other things. “I support new state legislation that addresses the ‘missing middle’ in DuPage County,” she says.

In this endorsement, we give the slight edge to Vrankovich, as a successful local businessman who has ideas about how to encourage more of that in his community. Ideally, if elected, he’ll work across the political aisle when he sees the opportunity to pursue shared goals for the betterment of the suburbs, and all of Illinois.