Letter: Candidate would truly represent district
Those of us in Illinois House District 45, which includes areas in and near Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Westmont, have the opportunity to elect a pro-choice, pro-gun safety health care advocate in November.
Jenn Ladisch Douglass is the candidate who represents our values.
Ladisch Douglass has already helped draft legislation related to insulin affordability at the state level and advocated for prescription drug affordability at both the state and federal levels - experience she'll bring to the General Assembly on day one.
A Type 1 diabetic, she understands the difficulties many face when it comes to health care costs.
Her opponent Deanne Mazzochi didn't vote to cap insulin costs, a bill that sailed through the House 100-13 (and the Senate 43-1). In fact, she spoke against the bill on the floor but voted "present."
Similarly, Mazzochi didn't take a vote to ban ghost guns (after voting against even advancing the bill, in committee). She thinks we should start by enforcing existing laws, but did Mazzochi show up to a Fix the FOID vote? Of course not.
Our district is overwhelmingly pro-choice, but Mazzochi voted against the Reproductive Health Act, which enshrined safe abortion care in Illinois, something that has become even more crucial with the overturning of Roe.
Meanwhile, Ladisch Douglass has been endorsed by Moms Demand Action and Planned Parenthood. She supports popular, common-sense gun legislation that will make us safer. She believes women have the right to bodily autonomy and privacy.
Just like me. Just like you. Just like our district.
Mazzochi claimed recently she couldn't be challenged because her "votes best reflect the will of our district." That couldn't be further from the truth. We can have a representative who truly reflects us - but only if we vote for Jenn Ladisch Douglass.
Elly Kafritsas
Downers Grove