WEST CHICAGO - With the news of State Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) stepping down after this term, a consistent opponent to tax hikes and member of the U-46 School Board says she's interested in representing the 49th House District.
We've been hearing rumblings for several weeks that Rep. Fortner was going to retire, and that if he didn't, he could be facing primary challenges for his vote in support of the 32% state income tax hike last month. We began asking those whose names were circulating, such as school board member Jeanette Ward.
Ms. Ward issued this statement to Illinois Review Monday:
As a school board member for the largest elected school board in Illinois (40,000 students), I voted no on every tax increase. My fight for transparency on the board resulted in a new IL law (HB 4630) that codified the right of every elected board member to access closed session records. I am also a known fighter who has been very outspoken on social issues like transgender bathrooms and indoctrination in curriculum.
I have noticed that lawmakers who claim to be “fiscal conservatives” but are liberal or silent on social issues, tend to cave on fiscal issues also when push comes to shove. We need people with steel spines in Springfield. I am therefore exploring the possibility of running for Il state representative in District 49, but have not yet confirmed my decision.
Ms. Ward holds a bachelor's degree in environmental resource management, a master's in business and management, and lives in West Chicago with her family.
