Hatcher to replace Lindner in 50th
Longtime GOP state Rep. Pat Lindner has held the House District 50 seat for about 15 years, but her pending retirement has spurred four Republicans in Kane and Kendall counties to vie for the spot.
The most experienced candidate and our choice is Kendall County Forest Preserve President and county board member Kay Hatcher of Yorkville.
It's not just political experience that's an important asset for Hatcher, who also served on the Oswego school board. Her work with many local charities and organizations also will help her stay in touch with the needs of her constituents while in Springfield.
She understands the financial challenges that an aging population will bring, but also wants the state to deal with current financial issues before new ones are added. She opposes the state's lease or sale of the tollway or lottery and supports the Prairie Parkway.
The other candidates are David Richmond of Batavia, who has worked in former Congressman Dennis Hastert's office for several years; Anton Graff, a former Yorkville police chief and city administrator; and Terry Hunt, a businessman from Big Rock.
All are good candidates who have similar concerns about the ethical problems and lack of financial responsibility in Springfield and the need for transportation improvements -- especially on Route 47 -- although Hunt opposes the Prairie Parkway and the others support it.
The winner will face Democrat Mary Schneider in the November general election.
The district covers the south and central west parts of Kane County, almost all of Kendall County and a small part of northeastern LaSalle County.