Marti Deuter and Nicole La Ha say they will pursue results, cooperation in Springfield
Hinsdale has a pair of newly elected state representatives serving its interests in Springfield as members of the 104th General Assembly. Reps. Marti Deuter (D-45, Westmont) and Nicole La Ha (R-82, Lemont) each represent a part of the bifurcated village.
Learn more about them below — and determine which one represents you by submitting your address to “find by elected officials” at http://www.elections.il.gov/Default.aspx.
La Ha has been serving in the Illinois Assembly since being appointed to fill a vacancy in December of 2023. But experiencing Inauguration Day last week as an elected member in Springfield was special, she told The Hinsdalean.
During her campaign for last November’s election, La Ha said she heard from many district residents who were struggling.
“We’re seeing families in our district suffer from the high cost of living and high taxes, especially our seniors,” she said. “I want to help find real solutions so families can stay here in our communities and thrive, and help give small businesses the opportunity to better serve their communities.”
The mother of two young children said her experience as a former village trustee in Homer Glen taught her the value of working collaboratively to get things done, whatever one’s political leaning.
“I bring a bipartisan mindset to make sure we’re all working together for the common good of the people,” she said. “It’s nice to know you have people on both sides of the aisle that will help you and work with you.”
La Ha said she knows how to be an effective advocate and intends use those skills as a legislator.
“All members of the community deserve to have a voice, and I hope to be that voice for them,” she said.
La Ha, whose brother lives in Hinsdale, said she looks forward to developing her village connections.
“Hinsdale has some really dedicated leaders, and they’re always a joy to work with,” she said. “Anything I can do to help them, I’m all in.
“We’re here to serve,” she added.
Rep. Marti Deuter
The beginning of the Illinois Assembly’s spring legislative session can’t come soon enough for newly sworn in Deuter.
“I’m thrilled to be getting started,” she said.
The former longtime Elmhurst alderman is familiar with municipal operations and challenges.
“The work of public service is not new to me,” said the mom of five. “I’ve worked on the issues that matter the most to the people I represent.”
She previously spent eight years of as an assistant commissioner with the City of Chicago.
“I really do think it’s our local government entities that know the residents the best,” she said. “The beauty of local government is that it’s nonpartisan. That’s really how I’m wired.”
Listening and finding solutions are the most important skills, Deuter asserted.
“There’s always going to be a wide variety of perspectives, and I think It’s just about getting work done.”
She got plenty of feedback from residents throughout her campaign last fall, citing concerns with Medicare and the environment among the most frequently raised. And, of course, pocketbook matters.
“A key issue for me to try and address is the financial burden on our families,” she said.
Deuter forecast a difficult fiscal year for the state but suggested she’s ready for the challenge.
“I want to help expand the state’s economy and try to get control of the state’s spending,” Deuter said.
Policymaking, problem solving and constituent service are central to her approach as a legislator, she related.
“My goal is really to strive for excellence in all three areas,” she said.
She is eager to familiarize herself with Hinsdale.
“We’re committed to being highly engaged in all of communities,” she said. “What’s most important to me is what’s most important to my constituents.”
