She Runs Illinois 2022! — Erin Slone, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 79
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Erin Slone, candidate, running for IL House of Representatives, District 79. 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
When it comes to large-scale municipal investments and opportunities, I have the expertise. After graduating from the University of Chicago with Honors with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, I entered the world of investment banking, covering the disciplines of public finance, healthcare, renewable energy, and infrastructure. I received a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University and later started my own business consulting practice. My team specialized in strategic business development, corporate consultation, strategic planning, due diligence, and operations.
These varied experiences have given me the ability to identify business opportunities, understand the financial implications of policy, build diverse teams, negotiate contracts, and execute strategic plans. I am dedicated to listening to and empowering stakeholders to engage in civil, collaborative partnerships across the region and state to formulate sustainable and innovative solutions.
I currently serve as a Village Trustee in Park Forest, where I have lived for over 20 years. I remain committed to community engagement and service. I am a former member of the Junior League of Chicago–an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and children, and improving the community through effective action and leadership. I continue that spirit of volunteerism through South Suburban PADS, providing hospitality, compassionate service, and dignity to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in the South Suburbs. I also volunteer my time as a board member for cultural empowerment, youth athletics, and faith-in-work integration.
I previously served as an Associate Board member of the 100 Club of Chicago, a civilian organization that provides for the families of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Hailing from a long line of law enforcement officers, I understand the demands put on our public safety officials. This also includes the need for additional social services to help officers better navigate matters with the public.
What are the priorities that you intend to focus on in office?
- Create new pathways to skilled trade apprenticeships
- Lower health care costs for families
- Invest in our infrastructure & schools
- Stand up for women by demanding affordable childcare, paid sick leave, family leave, and greater support for victims of domestic violence
- Increase funding and access to mental health services
What led you into politics and to run for office?
I don’t see myself as a politician but as a public servant. I am running as a Democrat for Illinois State Representative because I see a brighter future for the 79th District.
Growing up in Park Forest to a tight-knit family, the eldest daughter of an educator and a state employee, I was raised with the belief that we are all a part of a bigger story; we all have a role to play in making our community and our world a better place.
I attended the Illinois Math and Science Academy for high school, and here the value of service and investment in one’s community was reinforced. Illinois residents invested their hard-earned tax dollars into IMSA students’ education, and it was encouraged for students to give back to the State that served us well. That idea continues to serve as the foundation of my life and my campaign.
I currently serve as a Village Trustee in Park Forest. Many of the issues we are dealing with did not begin at the local level and can only be solved with a vocal advocate in Springfield. I have over twenty years as a municipal finance banker and business consultant. These experiences have given me the ability to identify opportunities, build teams, and develop and execute strategic plans. I am dedicated to listening to and empowering stakeholders to engage in civil, collaborative partnerships across the region and state to provide sustainable solutions.
Toxic masculinity, the cultural idea that manhood is defined by violence and aggression to maintain power or strength, combined with gun availability can result in gender-based gun violence and mass shootings. What can the ILGA do to address this deadly combination?
To prevent the deadly combination of gender-based violence and mass shootings, it is important that law enforcement react swiftly to remove weapons from the possession of individuals who trip our red flag gun law. Under the Firearms Restraining Order Act, these “red flags” may serve as evidence to petition for an individual to have their firearms removed for at least two weeks. Recognizing and noting these signs of potential violence can be vital in assuring that a petition for a temporary firearms restraining order is granted and knowing that a person is protected from hurting themselves or others.
What can the ILGA do in Illinois that will help trans children, especially as we see trans children and their families placed on the front lines in other states?
It is downright disgraceful that Transgender children are being targeted by state legislatures across the country, such as Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas. Families should not live in fear of being reported for child abuse for getting their children counseling or puberty blockers. Therapists and doctors should not live in fear of losing their licenses for treating their trans youth patients.
It is imperative that the ILGA protects the rights of trans children to receive gender-affirming care for not only their physical health but their mental health as well. Illinois should be a leader in valuing their identities, expanding access to inclusive services, and meeting the critical needs of our trans and other LGBTQA+ youth.
In Illinois schools, 80% of youth who are trans or are perceived as trans report some form of mistreatment at some point between kindergarten and the 12th grade. This mistreatment includes verbal harassment, being prohibited from dressing according to their gender identity, encountering harsher discipline than their peers, or being physically or sexually assaulted.
Should we enshrine the right to an abortion in our state constitution as other states have done?
Yes, Illinois should enshrine the right to an abortion in our state constitution. I believe the government should NOT be involved in women’s reproductive health decisions. The choice to get or not get an abortion belongs solely to the woman. It is my priority to defend women’s rights to make their own reproductive health care decisions, defend the legislation that protects those rights, and support the health care facilities and organizations that provide much-needed services including contraception, STI screenings, maternity care, cancer screenings, and abortions.
Closing comments
The needs of Illinois’s 79th District are just as important as the needs of those in Chicago or the North Shore. I will be the person who will fight to ensure our issues are well represented in Springfield.
The 79th District is comprised of urban, suburban, and rural communities. There are many challenges facing each individual community but we have many issues in common.
Our communities have been trying to tackle many issues in a vacuum. I want to bring together the leaders and stakeholders from across the district on an ongoing basis to share their different strategies and collaborate to find innovative solutions for our local governments on a regional basis.
I have over twenty years as a municipal finance banker and business consultant. These experiences have given me the ability to identify opportunities, build teams, and develop and execute strategic plans. I am dedicated to listening to and empowering stakeholders to engage in civil, collaborative partnerships across the region and state to provide sustainable solutions.
If you would like to learn more about Erin Slone and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at voteslone.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook and Instagram. 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.)
