People supporting Rep. John Countryman, R-DeKalb, can donate to his re-election campaign for state representative by attending a champagne brunch Sept. 18.

Countryman’s Legislative Aid, Nancy Beasley, said the brunch is informal. She said speakers and programs are not scheduled for the brunch, but Countryman might say a few words. Rather, the brunch is for “people who support Countryman,” she said.

The brunch costs $30, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until 1:30 p.m. The Kishwaukee Country Club, 1901 Sycamore Road, will host the three-hour event.

Countryman announced his intention to seek re-election for the 76th district to continue his goals last October. The 76th district covers all of DeKalb County, the four southwest townships of Kendall County and the nine northern townships of LaSalle County.

“During my years in the Illinois House of Representatives, we have accomplished a great deal. However, there is still much to do,” Countryman commented.

At a press conference held last fall, Countryman stated one of his goals was to improve all educational systems in Illinois.

“It is my intention to continue to work for a rewrite of the educational funding formula that is fair and equitable to the rural district. Additionally, I will continue to be an avid spokesman on behalf of NIU …,” Countryman stated.

A major election issue this year is the proposed construction of the Super Conducting Super Collider at Fermilab in Batavia.

Constructing the collider in Illinois would increase employment and business in the nNorthern part of the state. Texas is in highest competition with Illinois as a potential location for the collider.

Countryman said, “As a member of the General Assembly, I have supported that concept (to have the collider in Illinois) and will continue to work hard to see that we in Illinois are given fair consideration for the location of that facility.”

Funding for road repairs in the district and providing adequate assistance for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled are two objectives the state needs to continue, he said.

Beasley said Countryman was appointed to his position in 1984 to fill a vacancy. She said Countryman was elected in November 1984 and again in November 1986.

A candidate must announce intent to run for re-election in December of the year before they intend to run for re-election in order to run in the March primaries, Beasley said.

Countryman said, “We invite everyone interested in supporting my re-election efforts to attend the fundraiser on September 18.”