Last week, Republican leaders in the Illinois House of Representatives had to gather to select a replacement to fill the remainder of a term being vacated by Patti Bellock a Hinsdale Republican who has been representing the 47th District for nearly 20 years and had already indicated she would not seek re-election. Then Governor Bruce Rauner asked her to head the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. She accepted, thus retired her position as State Representative.
It was then that the Independent learned that Elmhurst resident Deanne Mazzochi has been selected to complete the rest of Bellock’s term, which lasts through January. In the meantime, Mazzochi will seek election to the position in November.
“Deanne Mazzochi is a fiscally responsible reformer dedicated to taxpayers and we’re excited to send her to Springfield early,” DuPage County GOP Chairman Brian Krajewski said in a statement.
Mazzochi had already been sworn in as a state representative, but a ceremonial swear-in was scheduled to take place on the lawn of Elmhurst College in front of Hammerschmidt Chapel on Tuesday, July 24.
“I am looking forward to hitting the ground running,” Mazzochi said of representing the 47th District, which includes all or parts of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oak-brook Terrace, Westmont and Willowbrook.
Mazzochi recognized the outstanding service Bellock gave her constituents and she looks forward to keeping up the high level of assistance towns throughout District 47 have been able to count on at Bellock’s office.
“Residents already have reached out to me on issues ranging from O’Hare and tollway expansion, redistricting, property taxes, budget, and social services,” she said. “I’m excited to get started and direct my energy and experience learning and listening to find creative ways to help this district, and to advocate for good policy during the November legislative veto session.”
Mazzochi has served on the College of DuPage (COD) Board since April 2015 and as chairwoman since December 2015. As COD chairwoman, Mazzochi helped turn around the Glen Ellyn community college following numerous issues and controversies, according to Krajewski.
“Thanks in large part to her leadership, it is now back on track as one of the best educational resources for our area,” he said.
An attorney, Mazzochi ran unopposed for the 47th House District seat during the March GOP primary. Her opponent in November is Democrat Jim Caffrey of Elmhurst, who left his post as a customer team manager for Clorox to focus on the campaign.
Mazzochi plans to remain on the COD board through the fall election.
“The (state) legislative calendar is not going to be particularly active until we get to January,” she said, “so I feel fairly confident that I can manage both for that interim period.”
She said she will resign from her COD seat if elected state representative.
While Mazzochi has been sworn in as a state representative, a ceremonial swearing in is scheduled for July 24 at Elmhurst College.
Mazzochi grew up in Villa Park and lives in Elmhurst with her husband and two children.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
