North Cook News

When Jessica Tucker’s rival recently claimed she was “inspired to work harder” to defeat Tucker in the race for state representative in Illinois’ 18th District, Tucker doubted whether that would including reaching a balanced budget.

 

Responding to her opponent’s exclamation of “We’ve got a race,” Tucker queried, “Is she working on a balanced budget? Apparently not.”

 

Tucker directly challenged the motives of her opponent — incumbent Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) — reminding constituents that Illinois has lacked a balanced budget since at least 2003 and has functioned without a proper budget at all for two years.

 

“My opponent voted for Madigan’s $40 billion ‘budget’ that was $7 billion out of balance, and voted against a property tax freeze,” Tucker said, further asserting that her first decisions would include thwarting a potential “45 years in office” for Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.

 

“After a voting record of following Madigan’s status-quo, business-as-usual policies … Illinois cannot afford another day, much less two more years of the status quo,” Tucker said. “Unlike my opponent, my first vote will not be to make Madigan Speaker of the House for a 33rd year of 45 years in office.”

 

 Tucker, former Winnetka Village president, practices law with the Chicago-based firm Tucker Robin & Merker.

 

“We are all working harder in our daily lives to … support our families, educate our children and give back to our communities,” she said. “We need leaders working hard each and every day … not just working hard when it’s time to retain their seat in the next election.”

 

The 18th District includes portions of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe, Northbrook and Evanston.

 

“For many, the choice has become fight or flight,” Tucker said. “I choose to fight — for us and for future generations. You have a voice and a vote … be heard on Nov. 8.”