Dillard Endorsed by Oakbrook Terrace Mayor

Editors note: This information was provided by Citizens for Kirk Dillard. Elmhurst Patch will publish election-related press releases from candidates in elections affecting Elmhurst residents. We suggest, however, that any candidate in an Elmhurst-relevant race consider becoming a blogger on Elmhurst Patch. The link to get started on that process can be found here.

From Citizens for Kirk Dillard:

Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Tony Ragucci endorsed Illinois Sen. Kirk Dillard in Dillard’s bid for re-election to the Illinois 24th Senate District. Ragucci, a former police officer, cited Dillard’s deep knowledge of the issues confronting Illinois families and his strong support for public safety. Ragucci acknowledged Dillard’s work in sponsoring and promoting several pieces of legislation that directly affect Illinois families and children.
 
“I’ve known Kirk Dillard during my time as a police officer and now as mayor,” Ragucci said. “He and his family are long-time residents of this area. We need Kirk’s leadership, especially during these tumultuous times in Springfield.
 
“Sen. Dillard sponsored the Amber Alert system here in Illinois, among many other pieces of legislation protecting our families,” Ragucci continued. “Whenever law enforcement needed a hand, Kirk was there to help us out.”

In addition to the Amber Alert legislation, Dillard has sponsored bills ensuring felons serve their full sentence, mandatory DNA testing of all felons, the Safe to Learn Act that ensures school safety and a new law that makes it a felony to commit a drive-by shooting.
 
Ragucci also noted Dillard’s efforts in the legislature to impose greater accountability on ComEd.

“Our area has been hit by many storms that have knocked out our power. Sen. Dillard was able to wring out $500 million in concessions from ComEd to address infrastructure improvements like burying power lines and tree trimming,” he said.

Dillard has been working with local officials and the president of ComEd to address the region’s power reliability concerns.
 
“This endorsement is an honor,” Dillard said. “I am proud to see my efforts for the families of Oakbrook Terrace, and the adjoining communities of Elmhurst, Lombard and Oak Brook, have earned Mayor Ragucci’s respect.”
 
Dillard was Chief of Staff to former Gov. Jim Edgar and currently represents the 24th Illinois Senate District. Municipalities included in the newly redistricted 24th Senate District are Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbook Terrace, Westmont, Wheaton and Willowbrook.