Vote for Dianne McGuire in 2008!

After nearly three decades in the classroom, Dianne McGuire says she knows a thing or two about problem-solving.

And those mediation skills, she believes, will be crucial in bringing together opposing sides in Springfield.

The former Naperville educator and small business owner is running for state representative in the 96th House District to replace the retiring Joe Dunn, a Naperville Republican.

She is running unopposed in the Feb. 5 Democratic primary and will face either Michael Bowler, an Aurora insurance broker, or Naperville City Councilman Darlene Senger in November.

Dianne McGuire announced her endorsement today by the Illinois Federation of Teachers December 11, along with her endorsement by the AFL-CIO Committee on Public Education on December 5 and the Illinois League of Conservation Voters on December 4 for her candidacy for Illinois State Representative in the 96th District to fill the seat of retiring Republican Joe Dunn.

Dianne McGuire announced her candidacy as the Democratic Candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 96th District to fill the seat of retiring Republican Joe Dunn.

"I want to energize our state representation with a true understanding of what the basic needs are for residents in Naperville and Aurora," said McGuire. "I am not a politician. I am not an insider making deals for friends, but a friend of the community, who will work hard to make our lives better. As an educator, I know from working with both children and adults, what families want, what they need and I want to deliver legislation that can positively impact their lives."

Locally, statewide and nationally, Dianne has focused like a laser beam on being a leader on community issues. Locally, she contributed to civic causes through her dynamic involvement in District 203 as President of the Naperville Unit Education Association; she currently serves as an officer for her Homeowner's Association and as an appointed member of the Fair Housing Commission for the City of Naperville.

"The impact she has had on the Madison community will long remain in our halls and our hearts," said Erin Anderson, Principal, Madison Junior High School, of Dianne McGuire. "She has dedicated herself to teaching and learning and has been instrumental in the professional regard of teachers throughout this community. For years, as she has stood before her students and inspired them to reach for the stars, she did the same for her colleagues. Her energy is a motivator to all to be committed to this, the most valuable profession in our society."

Statewide, Dianne served on the State Board of Education's Those Who Excel Committee, as well as on the Illinois Education Association's Board of Directors.

Nationally, Dianne was elected to serve on the National Education Association's Board of Directors, 1993-99.

Dianne's years in the classroom and in the board room and as a small business owner have prepared her well for the duties and responsibilities of representing the residents of District 96. She has learned how to balance the interests of competing parties and to find that middle ground, wherein each party can achieve important goals and move forward, unlike the current gridlock we're seeing at the state level. Her training as a mediator will also enable her to effectively listen to all perspectives and to reach compromise positions, without losing sight of important values and interests. "When I am elected, I will bring not only a new perspective, but one which culminates from years of working with children and families, as well as from my experience as a small business owner. I understand the complexity and the essence of what it takes to represent the residents of District 96. I want to carry your voice to Springfield and to demand attention to the needs of the hardworking families in Naperville and Aurora."

Dianne has over twenty-five years of experience as a 6th, 7th, and 8th grade language arts and geography teacher at Madison JHS in Naperville Consolidated