North Cook News

Jillian Bernas said residents can expect to see much more of the House hopeful since she has officially filed her candidate petitions to run in the Republican primary in March.

The Republican candidate in the 56th House District, who lost to Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) last year, told the North Cook News that along with introducing herself on neighborhood walks, she will continue to be present at community events at the Schaumburg Township District Library, the Schaumburg Township Mental Health Committee, Schaumburg Township Historical Society, Church of the Holy Spirit and Rotary Club of Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates.

Bernas, who garnered 44.7 percent of the vote in 2016 against Mussman in District 56, which includes Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Roselle and Elk Grove Village, said a fundraiser is planned for Dec. 13.

“Last election cycle was the first time I ran for state representative, so it was nice to connect with neighbors again while circulating my petitions,” Bernas said. “I received words of encouragement and many said they were happy to see I was running again because it gave them hope for our state to see I wasn’t backing down.”

Bernas, an international relations manager and former teacher, said she decided to run for office five years ago when she moved to Schaumburg after having lived and worked as a teacher and at the U.S. Embassy in Chile.

“I wanted to be close to my family and settle down near them in Illinois,” Bernas said, adding she quickly realized things were much different from the good old days. “Friends and family I grew up with had left the state for better opportunities. Many of my neighbors were frustrated with the growing tax and debt burdens and worried about their future in this state.”

She said current leadership is the cause.

“Nothing has changed because of my opponent’s unwavering support of (House) Speaker (Michael) Madigan (D-Chicago), so now more than ever we need new leadership in Springfield,” Bernas said. “My soon-to-be husband and I want to live here and raise our future family here, so I am running to repeal the 32 percent increase on income tax, support a 1 percent cap on property taxes along with reforms that help local government, and bring independent leadership in Springfield to our district.”

She said officially handing in the required candidate forms at the Illinois Board of Elections is significant.

“I filed my petitions on the first day of filing and am thankful for all the support I received in the community to make this possible,” Bernas said. “My name on the ballot represents an opportunity for my district to vote for independent leadership that is accountable to the people in her district.”

Her campaign lends hope, she said.

“I will run my campaign focused on what is happening to our state and how I plan to improve our circumstances,” Bernas said, adding she and volunteers deliver a positive message to neighbors through community outreach, walking regularly and holding small events. “If anyone in the community is interested in having me come speak with a small group, they can contact the campaign at contact@votejillian.com.”