Chicago City Wire

Amanda Biela, a former Chicago teacher, is ready to take on the political establishment and has filed her petitions for candidacy in the 15th state House District to challenge the seat held by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago).

Biela told Chicago City Wire she was bringing her daughter, who is 11, with her to file with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

"I think it's important for young people to see opportunities to serve their state and that it's in the realm of possibility for them," Biela said.

Biela said too many young people are disillusioned or cynical about politics, and she wants to instill in her own children that serving is important.

She also talked about her concerns for the next generation.

"My children and the next generation of Illinoisans are a big reason why I am running," Biela said. "I worry about what the condition of the state will be when they reach adulthood, and whether or not they will want to make a home here. With our insanely high taxes and our ever-increasing debt, Illinois is a financial hot mess that is driving more and more people out of the state on a daily basis. I want Illinois to be a place where my children will want to stay, find a job and raise a family."

Responding to questions about her community and what she's heard from constituents, Biela said it's heartening to see people supporting her in running against what she called the "political machine" of establishment politics in her area.

"I think it's important for our district to actually have opposition," Biela said. "People are excited to see people taking (the political establishment) on."

Biela said people are recognizing her on the street as a candidate and "latching onto her message."

"I plan to run a positive campaign," Biela said. "While my opponent has a lot of baggage and ties to Chicago machine politics, I want to focus on what I can offer my district. Too often, politics is all about scoring points on opponents rather than serving constituents. The main issue I plan to focus on is property taxes, and how with a 1 percent hard cap, homeowners can begin to find financial relief."