Political Forum for Candidates
Political Forum for Candidates
Meet the candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the 76th district seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. All three will answer audience questions at a public forum in DeKalb on Saturday, February 3 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the DeKalb Public Library.
This forum is an opportunity to hear what each candidate thinks about the important issues facing our state and who will best serve the interests of the 76th district.
The candidates are Amy Murri Briel, Carolyn Zasada and Cohen Barnes.
Briel, originally from Ottawa, has worked in human resources and social services. She attended ISU and has been involved in local politics in the Illinois Valley. Most recently, she has served as chief of staff for Lance Yednock, the current representative for the 76th district and not running for reelection.
Zasada sits on the DeKalb City Council representing the first ward. She was a Marine for 13 years and founded a non-profit organization in Champaign. She has a bachelor’s degree from NIU and a master’s degree in public policy from Northwestern University.
Barnes grew up in DeKalb and graduated from NIU. He served in the Army for more than three years. He is the owner of a small business in DeKalb, was on the DeKalb School Board for four years and currently serves as the city’s mayor.
Voters will decide at the March 19 primary which of the three will be the Democratic candidate. Early voting begins on February 8.
The doors of the Yusunas Room open at 1:45 for audience members to meet the candidates and submit questions in writing. There will be time to talk to the candidates after the forum.
Susan Stephens, host and reporter at Northern Public Radio in DeKalb, is the forum moderator.
The DeKalb Public Library is located at 309 Oak Street. Free parking is available on the street and in the library parking lots.
The forum is organized by DeKalb Stands and cosponsored by the DeKalb County Democrats. A recording of the event will be available on February 4 on the DeKalb County Democrats’ website https://dekalbcountydemocrats.org.