Meet Your Candidates!

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Vice President Kamala Harris’ pursuit of justice is a family legacy. As the daughter of parents who brought her to civil rights marches in a stroller, she was inspired to tackle injustice from an early age. She took that mission to county courtrooms, the California Attorney General’s office, the United States Senate, and the White House.

As vice president, she’s been a trusted partner to President Joe Biden in their work to take on the powerful and make change for the people — from standing up against extremists to defending reproductive freedom to taking on Big Pharma to bring down prescription drug costs and cap the price of insulin at $35 a month for our seniors.

The Biden-Harris administration has achieved a historic record of accomplishment, including: bringing our economy back from the brink of disaster to create nearly 16 million new jobs; investing over $1 trillion in infrastructure projects like repairing roads and bridges, removing every lead pipe in America, improving public transit, and expanding access to high-speed internet; strengthening the Affordable Care Act and lowering health insurance premiums to save millions of Americans an average of $800 per year; expanding health care for veterans exposed to toxins; enacting the first meaningful gun safety reform in decades and bringing violent crime down to a near 50-year low; passing the largest-ever investment in tackling the climate crisis; and appointing the first Black woman to the United States Supreme Court.

Throughout her life, she’s broken barriers, and she’s now the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to serve as vice president. On January 20, 2025, if we all do our part, she will once again make history — and she will make sure the doors of opportunity are wide open for all to follow.

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is a champion for America’s working families. He enlisted in the Army National Guard when he turned 17 and served for 24 years, rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. After attending college thanks to the GI Bill, Tim Walz served his community as a high school teacher and football coach – taking his team to the state championship for the first time in the school’s history. He became a member of Congress in a Republican district by representing the needs of farmers and rural America.

As Governor, Tim Walz cut taxes for working families, lowered the cost of insulin and eliminated junk fees, and protected women’s right to choose. That experience makes him the ideal running mate for Kamala Harris, who has taken on the big banks, led the fight for reproductive freedom, and stood with our allies against Putin’s aggression during her time as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President..

Governor Walz is a gun owner, avid pheasant hunter, and supporter of the Second Amendment – and he, like millions of gun owners, believes that Congress must do more to tackle gun violence in our communities. As Governor, he established universal background checks for gun purchases.

Governor Walz and his wife Gwen have two children, Hope and Gus. Governor Walz and Mrs. Walz struggled with years of fertility challenges and had their daughter, Hope, through reproductive health care like IVF – further cementing his commitment to ensuring all Americans have access to this care.

US REPRESENTATIVE, ILLINOIS 14th DISTRICT

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and was first sworn into Congress on January 3, 2019. She is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress.

Rep. Underwood is a registered nurse and co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, which addresses America’s Black Maternal Health crisis in Congress and advances policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end disparities. Rep. Underwood is Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.

Prior to her election to Congress, she served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), helping communities across the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, bioterror threats, and public health emergencies. As a career public servant at HHS, she also helped implement the Affordable Care Act, broadening access for those on Medicare, improving health care quality, and reforming private insurance. Rep. Underwood has taught future nurse practitioners through Georgetown University’s online master’s program and worked with a Medicaid plan in Chicago to ensure it provided high-quality, cost-efficient care.

Watch our own Representative Lauren Underwood's speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago!

3rd DISTRICT APPELLATE COURT

John Anderson understands the very real struggles that so many in our communities face today, because he has lived those same struggles himself. As a young adult, he had trouble finishing high school. Around that time, his parents lost their house to foreclosure and he was homeless for a time. Not long after that, his uncle was murdered in an act of gun violence. This confluence of challenges made John reevaluate his life and take action to turn it around.

Judge Anderson has been a circuit judge since 2010. In 2018 he was named Judicial Officer of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission and earned a "highly recommended" rating from the Illinois State Bar Association. He is a former Illinois Supreme Court law clerk, and former chairman of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee.

Judge Anderson is passionate about equal access to justice and improving the court system's user-friendliness for self-represented litigants.

3rd DISTRICT APPELLATE COURT

In 1995, Linda Davenport was sworn in as the first woman President of the 117-year-old DuPage County Bar Association. She began serving as Associate Judge in the 18th Circuit in 2006.

Justice Davenport was named Inspirational Woman of 2016 by the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers. In 2018 Justice Davenport won election as DuPage County Circuit Court Judge – the first Democrat to be elected to this office in the 179-year history of the county.

In 2022, Justice Davenport was unanimously appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve in the 3rd District Appellate Court. She is now running to retain that position.

3rd DISTRICT APPELLATE COURT

Lance Peterson served as Grundy County State’s Attorney from 1996 to 2001. He was then appointed as an Associate Judge in the 13th Circuit Court. In 2010, he was elected as a Circuit Court Judge by the citizens of Grundy County. He has heard all types of cases including felony criminal cases, family law, and complex civil litigation, including over 100 jury trials.

Justice Peterson created the Grundy County Juvenile Justice Diversion Program to help his community's troubled youth. He helped begin his county's first domestic violence shelter in 1997 and established the Domestic Violence Diversion Program of the State's Attorney's office the same year.

In 2022, Justice Peterson was unanimously appointed by the members of the Illinois Supreme Court to the position of Justice of the 3rd Appellate District of Illinois. He is now running to retain that position.

76th DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Murri Briel is an Ottawa native and lifelong Democrat who comes from a family of veterans, laborers, and farmers. She is a mother and wife who has spent the better part of her career working in nonprofits and public service. Murri currently serves as Chief of Staff to Representative Lance Yednock, who has represented the 76th district since his election in 2018. Lance is not seeking re-election in 2024 and is supporting Murri Briel’s candidacy for the seat.

As Representative Yednock’s chief of staff and with his mentorship, Murri has worked on issues and legislation affecting folks in every corner of the district. While serving as chief of staff Murri has found that there are real, practical solutions to many of the problems our district faces. Whether it be our crumbling infrastructure, rural healthcare deserts, or threats to women’s rights — we need leaders who can not only identify solutions, but also navigate the Illinois State Legislature and enact meaningful change. Murri has spent the last number of years working to do exactly that.

She considers her work on behalf of the people of the Illinois Valley a real privilege and looks forward to continuing this work as your representative.

75th DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Heidi Henry is a long time resident of our area and an active supporter of her community and local businesses. She is a community organizer and activist, founder of Acres of Peace Therapeutic Center for Veterans and owner of Woodland Meadows Stables. She has been married to her husband Stan since 1982. They have two grown children and reside on their farm in rural Marseilles.

74th DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

David Simpson is a lifelong resident of DeKalb County currently living in Shabbona. He grew up in a rural community and started earning money working on farms near his home at the age of thirteen. His greatest concerns are supporting union labor and rural communities, funding public education, and protecting the rights and personal freedoms of all individuals. He aims to protect Illinois farmland from foreign investment companies and promote food security in every community.

David knows many of these issues first hand. He wants to focus on solutions and make our world a better place for everyone.

LA SALLE COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY

State's Attorney Joe Navarro has been practicing law for 40 years. Joe was elected LaSalle County State's Attorney in 1988 and 1992. He was appointed State's Attorney in August, 2022 and is now seeking to retain that office. State's Attorney Navarro has extensive jury trial experience, from traffic cases through murder cases both as the State's Attorney and in private practice.

During his prior tenure as States Attorney, he was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to oversee the certification of attorneys in the Third Appellate Court District, as first or second chair attorneys qualified to try Capitol cases. Joe was first chair certified after having tried eight murder cases in an eight-year period, including two capitol death cases.

Joe also served our country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded a Bronze Star with "V" for Valor for combat actions on August 1, 1972 at Bien Hoa Airbase Republic of South Vietnam.

LA SALLE COUNTY CORONER

Rich Ploch is seeking re-election as LaSalle County Coroner. He is a lifelong resident of LaSalle County and currently lives with his wife Jodee in Peru. He has been employed with the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office since June of 2003, serving as Deputy Coroner, Chief Deputy Coroner, and now Coroner.

During his time as Coroner, he secured a new facility in Oglesby to better serve the families of LaSalle County. As Coroner, he implemented a county-wide prescription drug take back program to help combat the opioid crisis. He entered into a partnership with law enforcement and the health department to share resources and information to help reduce the overdose issue.

Managing a Coroner’s Office requires a high level of responsibility, integrity, experience and commitment. Rich’s current and past work experience, education and countless hours of professional training have enabled him to accomplish these goals. He is familiar with the needs of families, law enforcement and funeral homes and has a strong background in Law Enforcement, Forensics, Social Work and Occupational Health and Safety.

LA SALLE COUNTY AUDITOR

Ashley Franciskovitch was raised in La Salle County in a proud union home. Her father, now retired, was a member of Carpenters Local 54. At a very young age she learned how important unions are for workers and their families.

In her current job as executive administrative assistant for the Illinois Valley Association of Realtors®, Ashley is responsible for bookkeeping, core standards, ethics, education planning, orientation, monthly reconciles, quarterly audits and much more. She believes the current Auditor lacks the skills necessary to be successful in this job and it is her intention to change that.

When she's elected Auditor, Ashley will do the job with integrity. She knows the people of La Salle County deserve an Auditor who will look out for their assets. Ashley will make sure projects are funded and deadlines are met. She will meet outside audit and internal deadlines. She will make sure that county financial statements are in order and do so with complete transparency.

LA SALLE COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN

Brian Dose got involved in County government because he felt he could make a positive difference by listening to and supporting working families. He has lived in LaSalle County his entire life and has worked in public safety as a firefighter/paramedic for over 25 years, rising to the rank of Captain. Brian has been a union member for over 21 years and has served in union leadership. He is happily married to his wife Ami, a nurse practitioner. Together they’re raising three children in Ottawa.

Brian has served on the LaSalle County Board for more than eleven years. As Board Chair, he will continue to focus on achieving bipartisan solutions for county-wide concerns, including mental health and substance abuse issues, economic development, public safety, tourism, and streamlining local government.

LA SALLE COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 4

Christine Valenta was born in Chicago and raised in the southwest suburbs. Her father was a Teamsters truck driver delivering for the meatpacking industry in the old Chicago stockyards. Her mother was a registered nurse spending most of her career attending to the elderly at a nursing home.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and has been a Corporate Accountant for 27 years. A desire for a more rural, small-town atmosphere led Christine to LaSalle County. She and her husband have enjoyed living in Lake Holiday for the past 24 years. She believes that good leadership perpetuates equality, safety, prosperity, freedom, and inclusion while working to shape a better future for generations to follow.

LA SALLE COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 25

Fred Nimke lives in Streator. He has three children and three granchildren, all living in LaSalle County. He began his career as an apprentice union carpenter in 1973 and retired in 1973. For 21 years he served as Business Representative for his local union. As a response to the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, Fred’s local began hosting a bi-monthly blood drive. Fred continues to chair this life-saving event and contribute to the effort by regularly donating his own blood. He also volunteers with Streator Ramp Builders and the Streatorland Food Pantry.

As a member of the LaSalle County Board, Fred will focus on supporting and encouraging economic development and more affordable housing. He plans to address pedestrian safety on truck routes in our communities, and to push for more transparency in all County Board actions.

LA SALLE COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 13

Ali Braboy is an Illinois Valley native and a proud graduate of Illinois Valley Community College and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She spent three years learning the ins and outs of local government while covering the LaSalle County Board and Putnam County Board for the LaSalle News-Tribune. Since then, she's worked with grant writing, economic development, community planning and workforce development.

Ali is running for County Board to be an advocate for women, the working class, families, young people, the elderly and those who are struggling to make ends meet in LaSalle County. Her goal is to create a community where everyone can access quality healthcare, find affordable housing, and enjoy thriving economic prospects.

LA SALLE COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 19

Olivia Romine grew up in Ottawa and has lived there most of her life – she feels fortunate to have been raised in La Salle County! Her mom and dad were strong union Democrats who taught her to work for the greater good. Olivia is a retired NEA member, public school teacher, principal, and current SEIU member. She knows the importance of unions and is a strong union supporter.

As a school principal, Olivia learned to collaborate and mediate with staff, therapists, state, and county agencies. She has been active in the Illinois Valley and is currently a member of the LaSalle County National Organization of Women. She's been attending county board meetings to get up to speed on the issues and looks forward to contributing to the stewardship of our county tax dollars.

When elected to the LaSalle County Board, Olivia will vote to support economic development across the county. She is in favor of keeping the LaSalle County Nursing Home and will support fair access to health care. She will always vote in favor of unions.

LA SALLE COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 17

Doug Trager has served on the LaSalle County Board for 10 years. He's lived in this district for 34 years. He has worked as an elementary school teacher and served his union as president. Doug has also been a member of Laborers' Local #393 and served as board member and president of Marseilles District #155 School Board. He is running for re-election.

LA SALLE COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 11

Gelinda Heller has served as an election judge in every election since 1986. She will vote to make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely, to support economic development of small and large businesses and promote more health care options in LaSalle County. She is running for re-election.

LASALLE COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 18

Tom Miller learned to work for the greater good in the 6 years he served as President of AFSCME. As an employee of the City of Ottawa, he was a member of AFSCME for a total of 39 years! Tom has also devoted his personal time to his community as a volunteer in youth sports -- coaching, officiating for the IHSA and serving as athletic director.

Tom is deeply committed to serving all his friends and neighbors in La Salle County.