Amanda Biela made it official: "1,500 signatures all turned in and my candidacy papers filed with the Illinois (State) Board of Elections," she posted on Facebook this week.
"This is the first step in my bid to fundamentally change the way our state functions. Illinoisans deserve representatives that ALWAYS put them first and foremost, not second to political machines and special interests," the posting said.
Biela, a Republican and former Chicago teacher, is running to unseat Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) in the 15th District.
15th House District Republican candidate Amanda Biela
Biela brought her daughter, who is 11, along with her to file her candidate petitions Dec. 1 in Springfield.
"I took my daughter, Clara, with me to file because I believe it's important for girls and young women to see that the world is filled with limitless opportunities for the taking and that nobody can stop you from pursing your dreams," Biela wrote. "While we were in Springfield we decided to check out the Capitol building and become familiar with the House chamber."
Biela has told Chicago City Wire she believes instilling the value of service in the next generation is important. She plans to run on a platform including a proposal to create a 1 percent hard cap on property tax increases for state municipalities.
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