Voters in Illinois’ 70th District have the exciting opportunity to elect a charismatic and proven leader for state representative in November – Bob Brown. As his oldest daughter and someone who has known him for nearly 30 years, I want to share key reasons why Bob Brown is the right choice for state rep.

Dad taught me at an early age that everyone’s opinions matter and life is about something greater than yourself – improving the daily lives of others. He has delivered on these lessons and will keep doing so for the people of the 70th District.

Dad has 22 years of higher education experience working and advocating for NIU, the University of Illinois and Aurora University. He knows education at all levels should not be funded through high property taxes; teachers need smaller class sizes and adequate resources to help students achieve academic standards, and students, parents, faculty and administrators are critical voices for getting things done in Springfield.

He knows the need to protect the 70th District’s environment and quality of life by managing residential growth, preserving prime farmland and sustaining profitable farms. He worked with local government officials and community representatives on finding solutions to these challenges in his positions with DeKalb Genetics, University of Illinois Extension and the DeKalb County Farmland Foundation.

Dad’s lessons about serving others inspired me so much that I set out to pursue a career in public policy myself. First in Washington, D.C., and now in New York City, I have worked at the federal and local government levels to improve job training and employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. I can tell you without a doubt that he will work hard to bring more jobs to northern Illinois and provide more opportunities for education and training. As director of the U of I Extension Office, he created new programs to help hundreds of DeKalb County residents get career assistance, financial counseling, health education and caregiver training.

Isn’t it exciting to have the chance to vote for someone who truly values your opinions and concerns and has a lifetime of experience solving these challenges? You bet it is. Vote Bob Brown, the right choice for state representative. I wish I could. Good luck, Dad!

Rebecca Brown

New York resident