Amanda Biela, a Chicago Republican running in the 15th House District, is getting some support from a state police group.
Biela, who taught for years in Chicago's public schools, has put her hat in the ring for state representative in the 15th District for the seat held by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago).
Last week, Biela posted on her Facebook page about feeling honored at getting the endorsement of the Italian American Police Association of Illinois (IAPAI). A letter posted to the page showed the group spoke at a board meeting earlier this year about recommending Biela.
"We looked at your dedication, civil commitments and political agenda," Anthony Langone, IAPAI president, wrote.
In choosing to endorse Biela, the group's board also looked at education, career history and service to Chicago-area nonprofits.
One of Biela's major platform policies was also a big draw for the police group – in the past, she has often said she would support a 1 percent hard cap on residential property taxes.
To her, this type of tax reform is a way to handle 'establishment politics' in Illinois, a status quo that puts pressure on household budgets and leads to people and businesses moving out of state, according to Biela and other local candidates who want to change the system.
The police board's letter shows a unanimous vote for Biela.
"I have tremendous respect for our brave officers who serve the public admirably day in and day out and who willingly putting their lives at risk to ensure that we, the citizens, are safe and protected," Biela wrote on her Facebook page. "I am incredibly appreciative of their support of my candidacy."
In other campaign news, Biela is keeping in touch with the community with events like a recent campaign volunteer night, with the next volunteer night planned for Feb. 19.
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