Jefferies ready for full term; McClure hopes to stop her

Democrat Elga L. Jefferies and Republican Gregory McClure would like to represent the interests of residents in the 26th House District (Bronzeville, South Loop) in Springfield.

Elga L. Jefferies was appointed to serve as the district’s State Representative in June after the death of the former Representative, Lovana “Lou” Jones.

“I love people, and I always had a deep concern for them,” Jefferies said. “It is in my blood. If I can make a difference in one person’s life, I feel I accomplished my goal.” The three main issues on the agenda of this lifetime resident of the district are healthcare, education, and affordable housing.

“I believe our healthcare situation is in crisis now,” Jefferies said. “It is very important to take actions now and start making changes.” Besides other health issues, she specifically emphasized the need for breast examinations. “We have to make sure that all insurance companies cover the cost of the exam because not every woman can afford it,” she said.

Jefferies also is forming a team to research mental health issues in the area. “I think there is not enough information on mental illness,” she said. “People need to know more on how to deal with someone who may have it and what signs to look for.”

Jefferies wants to help dropouts and others who did not graduate high school continue their education. “We need to open adult evening schools at local high schools,” she asserted. “Education is a key to our growth, and it is part of my responsibility as a legislator to help people to become highly trained and be able to compete in the job market. We seek to minimize unemployment in the district.”

Another concern is affordable housing. “I lived in the area for all my life, and I saw many changes,” Jefferies explained. “Now only a few could afford to live here, and I do not think it is right. Everyone deserves to live in dignity.”

Jefferies has been involved in community activities since her young adult years in organizations such as the Palmer House for Boys, the Near North Organization, Operation P.U.S.H., the Task Force for Black Empowerment, the National Democratic Organization, and the Bronzeville Merchants Association and as Deputy Mayor of Bronzeville.

Republican candidate Gregory McClure did not respond to Gazette requests for an interview. He lives on the 4700 block of south King Drive.