It took two weeks, but Democrat Murri Briel has been declared the winner of the 76th District State Representative race.
Briel currently serves as State Representative Lance Yedncok’s aide and chief of staff. She appeared on Rod Thorson’s morning show Thursday.
One topic was Briel’s view of the future of education in a district that not only includes Northern Illinois University, but also a number of community colleges. Briel said she’s concerned about the load that would be put on the state if the U.S. Department of Education is broken up or dissolved.
On healthcare, Briel spoke personally. During the campaign she had described not being able to return to the Illinois Valley because of her neurodivergent sons’ particular needs.
Briel says free-market competition is a beautiful thing, and she’d like to see more providers move into Starved Rock Country.
Of course, younger people are leaving, too. Briel said innovative employers will be key to keeping young talent from leaving the Illinois Valley in search of opportunities elsewhere.
Briel said she’s going to stay in Lance Yednock’s Ottawa office at 628 Columbus Street. She says that he showed her that constituent service is the majority of the job.
You can listen to Rod Thorson’s full interview with State Representative-Elect Briel here:
