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Candidate demonstrates best of our democracy

It is my pleasure to endorse Terra Costa Howard for Illinois District 48 state representative. While I was employed as a language arts teacher for eight years at Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn, I witnessed firsthand Ms. Howard's clear vision and exemplary leadership as she served on the District 41 school board.

Terra was the first school board member whom I knew by name and by face, and that was because she took her role seriously, showing interest in working alongside teachers, interacting with students and generously devoting her time to all.

Even while she served on the board, practiced law, ran a small business, and raised three daughters, Terra found the time to volunteer in my seventh-grade language arts classroom as a mock trial judge. The students learned a great deal from the process, and the experience was more authentic for them knowing they were presenting their cases to a legal professional who offered constructive feedback.

Ms. Howard listens well: to teachers, to students, to all of her constituents. She treats her colleagues as trusted professionals. She values others' insights. When she knocks on doors, she bypasses speeches and promises. Instead, she asks people what they think, what they need and how she might be of service.

Terra Costa Howard is a true champion of the underdog: from the underserved child to the union worker, the teacher, the elderly and the disabled. She exemplifies the purest ideal of our democracy: that a government official is a representative of the people. I have no doubt that, under Terra's leadership, every voice will be heard. I will be proud to cast my vote for Terra Costa Howard in November. I hope you will do the same.

Kelly Coleman

Lombard

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