Name: Martha Paschke
Position for which you are a candidate:
Illinois Representative District 65
Why are you seeking this position?
I want to be the next Representative for the 65th House district because I know the people in my district and I know their needs – affordable and accessible mental health care, safety for their children, job opportunities, relief from the overwhelming cost of higher education, and prescription drug and healthcare plans that don’t force them into tough decisions. I see these problems facing the people in my district, and when I see a problem, I get active and work to solve it. To me that’s just common sense. I think we need more of that approach in Springfield.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
I’ve worked as a teacher, in women’s health, and in mental health, so I’ve seen some of the most significant issues that impact peoples’ everyday lives. We need more representation from people who are in touch with the realities and challenges the people in our community face. I’ve always put families and my community first and now I want to take that commitment to Springfield.
I have called the Fox Valley home for nearly two decades and have been an active community leader. I currently serve as secretary of the Geneva Library Foundation board and in 2017 I organized a local group comprised of 1,000+ members who wanted to get involved in positive political action. I was heavily involved in Lauren Underwood’s successful Congressional campaign as well as with several other local campaigns.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
Access to mental healthcare needs to be improved and state funding for mental health services needs to be a priority.
With continuing population growth in the 65th district, economic development is crucial to expanding tax bases and providing jobs.
Tying into economic development, I will fight to restore vocational and technical education courses to our high schools, so that we can train the next generation of high-wage workers—like welders, electricians and carpenters—Illinois so desperately needs.
Additionally, I want to fight for commonsense gun laws, working to close dangerous loopholes that put lives at risk, and cracking down on illegal gun sales to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals. Related to that is my committment to ending violence against women.
Will you attend the February 19th Elgin Candidate Forum? Yes, I will attend the forum
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