October 31, 2008

(Educators)A political newcomer says she hopes to unseat a longtime state representative in the race for Illinois 49th District.

Democrat Rachel Shattuck, 24, a real estate transaction manager from a unincorporated area near West Dundee, is challenging incumbent Republican Timothy Schmitz, 43, of Batavia, whos been in office since 1998. Each candidate is campaigning as an advocate of better education funding in Illinois, but they disagree on strategies.

"The state collects plenty of dollars from everyone," said Schmitz, who wants lawmakers to put a greater priority on using existing funds to pay education costs.

Shattuck, meanwhile, supports the creation of a "progressive" income tax to shift the burden of school funding away from property taxes. She said there must be property tax relief but also adequate funding for schools.

"We cant have one without the other," she said. "An income tax would be more fair and reliable."

Before entering the race, Shattuck worked on John Kerrys 2004 presidential campaign, volunteered with MoveOn.org and was a precinct committeeman in Dundee Township. She also served in the Peace Corps and took part in an educational program to help South Africans build life skills.

Shattuck said her experiences working inside and out of the 49th District prompted her to run for office. In addition to pushing for education funding reform, Shattuck said she supports the creation of a universal health-care system.

"I hear from people all the time who don’t have health care," she said.