Endorsement: Daily Herald backs Khouri over Villa for Illinois House District 49

The race to replace Republican Michael Fortner in House District 49 features a successful businesswoman from Aurora - Republican Tonia Khouri - and a longtime school social worker and West Chicago District 33 school board member - Democrat Karina Villa. The contrast between the two candidates' positions could hardly be sharper. Villa holds popular Democratic positions - notably a graduated income tax and measures to find more revenue streams. Khouri, a DuPage County Board member and co-owner of a successful household services company, is likewise smart and well-versed in Illinois issues, with passion for curbing spending, property tax reform and Illinois' pension crisis. She is somewhat more conservative on social issues than we, but she suggests an openness to collaboration in solving problems. The House can use her temperament and sense of urgency. Khouri is endorsed.