This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Sandra Pihos announces her candidacy for Illinois State Representative

Sandra Pihos, a mainstream fiscal conservative announced her candidacy for Illinois State Representative for the 48th district which includes Lombard, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Lisle, Oakbrook Terrace and Villa Park.  Pihos intends to continue building upon her demonstrated record of service to her constituents by addressing the critical challenges facing Illinois. 

In her announcement, Pihos – a committed public servant, educator, former Glenbard District 87 School Board president and small business owner – discussed her vision and plan for addressing the state’s fiscal challenges.  “It is no secret that Illinois government is simply not working.  The political hierarchy is entrenched in gridlock, unwilling to work together for the common good,” Pihos said.  “Rather than perpetuating this fight, I will utilize my experience in working across the aisle to address our problems that require bi-partisan solutions. We need to change the culture and begin an honest discussion centered on how we can work together to restore Illinois to prominence.  I am convinced it is the only path to best serve the public’s interest,” she added.

In a recent statement she expressed her belief that those in government must tighten their belts. “Cutting costs is always challenging. But to create an environment conducive to fiscal responsibility, it is simply necessary to reduce government spending and implement efficiencies.   I believe Democrats and Republicans working together for this common goal is the key to success,” Pihos continued.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Representative Pihos proposes a four-pronged solution to put Illinois on the path to financial solvency including:  pension system reform, reduced government spending, new jobs creation, quality education and workforce development.

Pihos points to pension legislation she is sponsoring as a path to reforming the state’s pension system. “The legislation that I strongly support would make the system whole by providing pension options for government employees at spending levels that are manageable to the state, while not raising taxes. This will be difficult, but achieving anything worthwhile always is,” she said.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Regarding the state’s business environment, Pihos said, “Illinois businesses, both small and large, are saddled with punitive taxes and frivolous regulations that choke their ability to create new and meaningful jobs for families. Those in government need to remember that creating new, higher paying jobs is not only good for Illinois families, it also creates new and stronger revenue streams for Illinois government.”

As a long-time educator, Pihos knows it is imperative that we provide our children and those changing careers with the education and training necessary for them to reach their full potential and become productive members of society.   “Our citizens are Illinois’ greatest natural resource.  Businesses around the world should be looking to Illinois as a destination for their offices and manufacturing plants because we can provide an educated and trainable workforce.  To encourage this, we must continue to be vigilant and endeavor to provide a quality education for our residents,” Pihos stated.  

As is evidenced by her record, Pihos is passionate about serving her constituents and views this upcoming campaign as an opportunity to continue discussing actionable strategies for reigniting Illinois’ economic engine.   She closed by saying, “With the support of the community, I will continue to work hard to add value to the process that insures Illinois thrives and prospers for many years to come.”  

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?