Arlington Heights Democrats nominated to challenge Murphy, Harris
Wheeling Township Democrats have slated candidates to challenge a pair of incumbent Northwest Suburban Republican state legislators in the November election.
David Page, a local business owner and president of the Arlington Heights School District 25 board of education, will take on state Sen. Matt Murphy for his 27th District seat that represents parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Inverness, Palatine, Prospect Heights and South Barrington.
Curt Renz, the author of a book on investments and a former television news anchor, will challenge state Rep. David Harris in the 53rd House District that includes parts of Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights.
Palatine Township Democratic Committeewoman Sue Walton in a statement said that both Page and Renz are well-suited to tackle economic issues given their financial and business acumen, as well as long history of service.
"They both realize common sense solutions that work for middle-class families are much more important than the GOP's recent spate of do-nothing partisan hot air," Walton said.
Volunteers are working to gather enough petition signatures for the candidates to be placed on the ballot.
Page, an Arlington Heights resident, graduated from Northern Illinois University and owns Page Financial Advisors, according to the township Democrats. Since being elected to the District 25 school board, he's advocated for special needs education, training for teachers and upgrading science curriculum.
A married father of two daughters, Page considers himself an independent Democrat and would be the only financial adviser in the state Senate.
The 43-year-old said he understands the financial struggles that too many people in the state are facing and wants to help families navigate trying times without education funding suffering. Nearly 20 years ago, he and his started a business while paying back college debt and went through bankruptcy.
"Illinois needs to do more to encourage economic development to help small businesses flourish, and create jobs in our state," Page said.
Renz, also an Arlington Heights resident, grew up in Chicago and Palatine. He served as a U.S. Army sergeant and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the group said.
He was a real estate broker and stockbroker before working as a reporter and TV anchor in California and the Midwest. He hosted the daily financial news program "Stock Market Observer" for 16 years.
Murphy, a Palatine resident, was elected in 2006. Harris, of Arlington Heights, was elected in 2010 and previously served in the House.