16th District Illinois Senate Candidate ready to start day one
By Tia Carol Jones
La’Mont R. Williams is running for 16th District of the Illinois State Senate. The seat is currently occupied by State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins. Collins is running for the United States Congressional seat that 1st District Congressman Bobby Rush is vacating.
Williams is running because he wants to make a generational change in his community, and throughout the District. He grew up in the 16th District and is ready to fill Collins’ shoes. Collins has endorsed Williams in his run for the seat.
“I understand the duties and responsibilities of being a State Senator and how this role directly impacts my community and constituents. Service to my community is a major aspect of who I am and what I believe. I live each day trying to serve the public as best I can through my work and volunteerism. I’m running because it is time to stand with people, on principle, for progress,” Williams said.
The 16th Illinois Senate District stretches from the South side of Chicago – Auburn Gresham, West Chatham and West Englewood – to the Southwest suburbs -- Justice, Hickory Hills, Bridgeview, Oak Lawn and Burbank.
Williams works as the chief of staff for Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry. During his time in that role he has learned that effective leadership comes from communication, collaboration and action. His work with Lowry during the last three years has allowed him to grow as a leader in the government space.
He also is a practicing attorney who graduated from Loyola University Chicago Law School. He has experience drafting, analyzing and pushing legislation and legislative amendments on the County and State levels. He believes his experience has prepared him to do the work on day one.
“My background as a lawyer allows me to see legislation from both the theoretical side as a new law, and the practical side when we apply the law. I routinely lead collaborative meetings between staff from all levels of government to better and effectively collaborate the efforts of elected officials from the federal, state, county, and city levels,” he said.
One of the pieces of legislation he would introduce focuses on strengthening Illinois’ minority-owned business entity (MBE) and women-owned business entity (WBE) program. He wants to address the requirements for granting waivers to the State’s participation goals.
Williams has received endorsements from Illinois State Senators Mattie Hunter, Emil Jones III and Robert Peters. He believes those endorsements speak to his work on the frontlines of Cook County government, in regards to ensuring economic opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
Williams believes that transparency creates trust in government and cooperation between leadership and the community.
“Taking the time to hear from community members and share updates is the only way an elected official can be sure they’re working toward the right solutions that protect and lift up the people they represent. And, ultimately, that brings us unity,” he said.
For more information about La’Mont R. Williams and his campaign for the 16th District of the Illinois State Senate, visit www.lamontrwilliams.com.
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