An alternative for state representative

If anybody needs convincing that "all politics is local," they need look no further than our upcoming Illinois 48th District state representative race. Peter Breen is the incumbent and has held this office for the past four years.

In the November election, we are fortunate to have an alternative to Breen. Terra Costa Howard is an attorney and small business owner who has championed the rights of women, children and families her entire professional career. As a past president of School District 41 school board, she is a strong supporter of public education and is committed to making our excellent public schools even better.

What about Peter Breen? As our representative, his voting record this year alone reveals that he is out of touch with our communities. In the State House, he voted against the Equal Rights (for women) Amendment and also against a bill that would enable women to have a full array of medical options in family planning if Roe vs. Wade is ever overturned. He supports the funding of private schools at the expense of public education, and after the Parkland High School shooting, he opposed a bill to raise the minimum age to purchase an assault weapon.

With so much at stake in our political process, it is more important than ever that we have a state representative who will protect our access to high quality public education, affordable and comprehensive health care, and public safety. Terra Costa Howard is the obvious choice.

Florence Appel

Lombard