For House Dist. 59, Democrat: Hartstein

Voters have a choice between two solid candidates in the Illinois House District 59 Democratic primary. Incumbent Carol Sente, 48, of Vernon Hills was appointed in September after former Rep. Kathy Ryg resigned. Elliott Hartstein, 61, has been Buffalo Grove village president since 1999 and involved in public service since the 1970s. His resume is impressive - former Stevenson High School District 125 board member and leadership in numerous regional and state planning organizations, to name a few - as is his grasp of a wide range of issues affecting suburban residents.

For that, Hartstein receives the Daily Herald's endorsement.

Hartstein calls for across-the-board cuts in state spending; eliminating some state commissions; and pension, Medicaid and purchasing reforms; but warns it'll likely take a tax increase to right the state's shabby finances. He favors limiting campaign donations by legislative leaders, limiting how long a legislator can hold a leadership role, strengthening open meetings and freedom of information laws and creating a strong capital construction program to provide new jobs.