Village Chronicles

Alderman Robert Wilson, who grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other and helping neighbors was a way of life, told the Village Chronicles June 24 that he plans to use his community-oriented upbringing to serve Warrenville.

“Throughout my life, I have tried to find ways to help others less fortunate and to share my time and talents with my community,” he said.

On Monday, June 7, Maria Owens announced her candidacy for the 95th District seat of the Illinois House of Representatives.

A self-avowed independent Democrat, Ms. Owens aims to replace Michael Fortner, the current incumbent.

A retired schoolteacher, former school board member, and grandmother, Owens promises to be a full-time legislator with no other career objectives. She intends to press forward on defining and solving the pressing issues the state now faces, and in most cases, has experienced for several generations.

“My motivation for running is simple: I cannot stand idly by while Republicans and Democrats alike work in a partisan fashion to run Illinois into the ground,” says Owens. “Those of us who are moderates are caught in the middle of political games that are holding our state back. I do not seek this position because I need a job or a stepping-stone to a higher office, but rather because the state-capitol status quo cannot be allowed to continue a moment longer. To get the change we need, the first step is to clean the slate and begin anew.”

A Winfield resident since 1977, Owens has been married to her husband Bob for 41 years. They have lived in the 95th Illinois House District since 1971.

Although she does not currently hold office, Owens was previously elected to two four-year terms on the West Chicago Park Board, two of those years serving as president.

Following her terms on the park board, she was elected to three four-year terms on the West Chicago District 94 School Board, holding the job of president for two years.