Katy Dolan Baumer feels more connected with voters this time around as she makes a repeat run for the seat held by six-time Democratic Incumbent Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) in the 44th District.
“I’m running again because I feel residents deserve something better, someone who is one of them,” Baumer told the North Cook News. “People feel more energized because they are so angry and want a change. People realize they deserve better.”
Baumer, a Streamwood Republican, said in her interactions with voters she has learned their most pressing issues are property taxes, jobs, incomes tax rates and education.
“We need to overhaul the property tax system so people can afford to live in their homes,” Baumer said. “The formula we use is abysmal. By the time the a person owns their home, they would have paid at least half the price of their home in property taxes. The American dream is you own your home and can go there to raise your family and kids, not have to stay up all night worried about taxes.”
Baumer said the more she talks to voters the more she comes face to face with people who are talking about giving up on Illinois entirely.
“Everything starts with ‘as soon as I’m out of Illinois,’” she said. “I love Illinois, these are my friends, neighbors and community that are leaving, and they are not being replaced. It’s heartbreaking, but they are all resolved they can’t live here in Illinois anymore.”
Baumer said between now and the election, she plans to continue knocking on doors and listening to what people have to say.
“We are grassroots, firmly rooted in the community,” she said. “I’ve been here 25 years, serving because I believe. I have reached out to every side and I hear the same story; we need to listen to what they want, or they will be gone. I’m about building trust; I’m not fly by night. I’m going to do what they’re paying me to do.”
The 44th House District includes parts of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood.
Alerts Sign-up