Politics & Government

Silosky: Seeking State Rep Seat is 'Right Thing to Do'

The Plainfield Park District commissioner has announced her intention to run against Natalie Manley in 2014.

In 2012, Janet Silosky admits she didn't know what she was in for.

This time around, the Plainfield Park District commissioner said she made the decision to run for the Illinois House of Representatives more cautiously.

Read: Plainfield Park Commissioner Tries Again for State Rep Seat

"It's sort of like giving birth," Silosky said. "The first time around, you don't know what's coming your way. The second time around you know what to expect."

Silosky, a Republican, recently announced her intention to run for the 98th District seat currently occupied by Democrat Natalie Manley. It's her second try for the office: In 2012, Silosky lost the Republican primary to Bob Kalnicky, who ultimately lost to Manley.

If this bid proves successful, Silosky said she intends to keep her seat on the Plainfield park board. 

Because her role as a commissioner is unpaid, "I can be a volunteer — I can stay on the park board and be a state representative," Silosky said, adding she doesn't think voters would look kindly upon her leaving the seat she was elected to in April.

"People don't like it too well when they elect you to something and you use it as a soapbox to jump to something else," she said.

Silosky said she believes she can juggle both roles. "I had four kids in three years," she said. "If I can do that, I can do anything."

A fundraiser for Silosky's new campaign is scheduled for Tuesday at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Silosky, a married mother of four, small business owner and special education paraprofessional, said she felt compelled to try again after her 2012 loss.

"I think I always had a desire," she said. "Maybe it's sort of the underdog spirit. Don't ever tell a woman she can't — not this woman, leastways.

" ... In the end, I just decided that this is what I needed to do. It's the right thing to do."

So far, no other Republican challengers have announced their intention to run for the 98th District seat.


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