Business Owner Gary Saake Announces Candidacy for State Representative

Gary Saake, a small business owner and School Board member from Winfield, entered the Republican primary for Illinois State Representative from the 42nd district during a news conference held at WesternDuPage Chamber of Commerce in West Chicago.  Saake was joined at the news conference by his wife Anna as well asDuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry and West Chicago Mayor Mike Kwasman, who formally endorsed his candidacy. 

As a successful businessman and School Board member, Saake believes he is uniquely qualified to serve as state representative. “As a small businessman, I know what it takes to create new jobs,” Saake said.  “I am proud by the fact that our business, DATAIR Employee Benefits Systems, Inc. employs over 40 employees.  That being said, I am also acutely aware of how punitive taxes and governmental regulations are choking small businesses and hampering their ability to create new jobs,” he said.  

“As state representative I will draw from my business experience and forward legislation that lowers taxes, helps create new and meaningful jobs and revitalize the Illinois economy,” Saake continued.  “I will also work with employers, both small and large, to help remove the barriers that hinder their ability to grow their businesses and provide job opportunities and career growth to the hardworking people of Illinois,” he added.

Saake pointed to his service on the Community High School District 94 Board of Education as a template for how people with different perspectives can work together, balance a budget, and have a positive impact on the community. “Unfortunately, for too long, too many in Springfield have abdicated their responsibility to make the tough choices necessary to balance the state budget and create a business friendly environment that gets Illinoisans working again.  Additionally, state government must put an end to needless regulations that in getting in the way of good government at the local level,” he continued. 

As state representative, Saake said he will address a broken state pension system that is an albatross around the neck of Illinois taxpayers. “It is critical that the state legislature pass meaningful pension reform legislation and restructure the current system that is bleeding taxpayers dry. To that end, I will lead by example and announce that, if elected, I will opt out of the General Assembly Retirement System. I would also encourage my opponents in the Republican primary to follow my lead,”Saake stated.  

Saake also expressed gratitude for the endorsements of DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry and West Chicago Mayor Mike Kwasman.  “I am humbled to have the support of two of our community’s most respected public servants.  I will draw from their friendship, experience and expertise to better serve our community,” he said.

Saake concluded by saying he is looking forward to meeting voters throughout the district to discuss strategies for kick starting Illinois’ economy, lowering taxes and creating new jobs.  “With your help, I know we can get Illinois working again and create an environment that will allow our families to thrive and prosper for a much brighter future,” he concluded.

The 42nd District includes all of Winfield, and portions of West Chicago, Wheaton, Carol Stream, Lisle, Naperville, and Warrenville.