She Runs Illinois 2022! — Diane Blair-Sherlock, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 46
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Diane Blair-Sherlock, running for IL House of Representatives, District 46. Follow our series, She Runs Illinois 2022!, leading up to election day as we showcase and uplift the voices of Illinois women running for public office in the upcoming election, November 8, 2022.
Tell us about yourself
By way of introduction, I am Diane Blair-Sherlock, mom, wife, attorney, advocate, and now candidate for the Illinois House District 46. I have lived in the area for almost 30 years and the district for over 23 years. I was raised by a single mother and put myself through college and law school. My education enabled me to provide for my family both financially and professionally. My children were both born with disabilities, my daughter is deaf and my son is autistic. This led me to get involved in the advocacy for educational services for children with disabilities. Both my children have gone on to obtain college degrees with honors and my daughter is currently a 5th grade teacher who teaches by reading the lips of her students. She is my hero.
I have always been an active volunteer serving in various capacities over the years, including but not limited to: Advisory Council on Education, Advisory Council on Women’s Issues, Illinois State Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, Villa Park President’s Commission, Villa Park Pride Commission, Board of nonprofit Christian Day Care Center, St. Paul Youth Education Commission.
What led you into politics and to run for this office?
My life has led me here. Despite all the challenges, trials, and obstacles life has thrown at my family, we have been blessed. I had the opportunity to obtain an excellent education which, in turn, enabled me to provide for my family. My professional training empowered me to advocate for my children and others. My husband being a Teamster enabled us to have access to good affordable health care and services.
I have always believed that with enough resources, opportunities, and support people can reach their full potential. I still believe that and am drawn to do everything I can to help others.
While I struggle to admit that I am now a “politician”, my husband and those who know me tell me that I was always meant to do this, even if I didn’t realize it myself.
What are the priorities that you intend to focus on in office?
- Expand access to quality affordable health care
- Increase access to meaningful and affordable education and vocational training
- Equal rights and access for women in the workplace, health care, and bodily autonomy
- Strengthening collective bargaining rights and creating jobs that pay a living wage and provide benefits
- Addressing inflation and measures to improve supply chain issues
- Responsible Gun Control measures and safety in schools
As states surrounding us and across the country further restrict abortion access, what more do you think needs to be done here in Illinois to further protect patients in and out-of-state and abortion providers?
We need to continue expanding capacity near the border states. We need to work with our partners like Planned Parenthood. We need to look at ways to streamline licensure in Illinois for out-of-state physicians and medical providers to perform services in Illinois. We need to look at partnering with out-of-state physicians to provide information to enable their patients to obtain appropriate care in Illinois. We need to provide adequate protection to abortion providers. I am endorsed by Personal PAC and Planned Parenthood.
Racially motivated violence against Asian Americans is a longstanding issue in the U.S., but incidents have been on the rise. How will you plan to understand impacted communities’ fears and needs in order to work towards ensuring their safety?
Asian Americans need more visibility and shows of support. Additionally, we need to incorporate Asian American history in our schools. We need to counter stereotypical narratives and provide more equitable support to the Asian American minority on the level we give to other minority groups. I will meet and work with the stakeholders to ensure they obtain the exposure and resources necessary.
The crisis of domestic violence is closely linked to the widespread and growing use of guns by abusers. What solutions do you advocate to reduce gender-based gun violence in Illinois?
While Illinois has some of the strongest gun laws in the country, we still have more work to do. The lack of tracking of private party sales renders many of our laws ineffective. If law enforcement does not know who possesses guns following a private party sale how can they know to remove that gun from the possession of an offender as they only learn of the transfer after a direct inquiry is made to the last known owner?
I also think we need to strengthen our red flag laws and require the removal of guns at scenes of domestic violence whether the gun was involved or not.
Many times, victims do not pursue or drop charges not because there was no violence but for many complex reasons, not the least of which is fear of retaliation. We need to put in place more resources to support victims of domestic violence and provide them with the support, counseling, and security to pursue actions to ensure they and their families are safe.
Closing comments
My history of advocacy and community service will make me a strong voice in Springfield for constituents. I understand the challenges facing families and will fight for the issues that are most concerning to our community, specifically, good jobs, access to health care, women’s rights, educational/vocational access, gun safety, and inflation. My professional experience and training in negotiations enable me to work with others to reach a consensus. While I may not have all the answers, I am knocking doors, listening, and will work towards the solutions to the concerns of my community.
If you would like to learn more about Diane Blair-Sherlock and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at blairsherlockfor46.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook @DianeBlairSherlockforStateRep46thDist. Reach out today and help make a difference in the upcoming 2022 election.
(The information contained in this post is provided only as general information and does not imply an endorsement by She Votes Illinois.)
