5 Vying for Chance to Replace Rep. Kosel in State House

The retirement of state Rep. Renee Kosel, (R-New Lenox), opens up the possibility of a fresh face taking her seat. Five candidates will fight for the opportunity to fill the vacancy. Voters will take their pick in a March 18 primary.

Republicans Margo McDermed, Gayla Smith and Arthur Lukowski will face off for the 37th House District seat; Democrats will choose between August (O’Neill) Deuser and Nichole Serbin. The district encompasses all or parts of Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort, Orland Park and a small portion of Tinley Park, as it reaches as far north as 159th Street to Laraway Road on the south and from Farrell Road on the west to about 80th Avenue on the east.

REPUBLICANS

Margo McDermed

• Mokena resident since 1978
• Married to Edward, with two children
• Experience in public service, wants to reduce tax burdens
  
• Supports rolling back the income tax hike from 5 percent to 3.75 percent in 2015.
• Schools need to think smarter, not more expensive.
  
• Sat on Will County Board in 2012. Also served as Frankfort Township clerk.
  
• "Illinois needs to reward small businesses, not just the big cats."
•  In favor of term limits.
  
• Find out more on her website.

• Frankfort resident since 1986
• Son and son-in-law both serving in the United States Navy
• Graduate of Governors State University
• Worked in software development and network administration, currently operations manager for a paving contractor
• Seeks to reform worker's comp policies. 
• Would back an income tax rollback.
• "We have too many people in Springfield who are more concerned about saving their political career, than helping the Illinois taxpayer and job creator."
• Find out more. 

• Mokena resident of 25 years
• Married to wife Therese, with children and grandchildren
• President of Oil Express
  
• Commissioner,  Greater Southwest Developmental Corporation and President & Member Chicago Family Business Council
• Economics degree from Wabash College
• Raise educational standards
• Rollback income tax rate
• More jobs, right to work
• Find out more.

DEMOCRATS

• Lockport resident, married with two sons
• Retired special-education teacher
  
• Balance budget by reducing all programs excluding education, veterans and mental health
• Require math and science classes during all four years of high school
  
• Convert vacant schools into housing for homeless vets
• Get more info. 

• Mokena resident 
• Owns mobile disc jockey business, former stand-up comedian
  
• Aims to up the minimum wage, reduce tax incentives for corporations and legalize marijuana for recreational use