When state Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) became an unofficial part of the majority leadership in the General Assembly in January, her constituents became the winners. 

“When you’re in the room you have a louder voice,” Nekritz told a group of more than 60 supporters as she kicked off her reelection campaign Thursday at a Glenview restaurant. “I spend an extra day a week [in Springfield] and I represent all of you a little more directly.” 

When the current term of the legislature began, Nekritz became one of six representatives to regularly meet with Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) to review pending legislation and help make decisions on what bills to move forward. 

“We’re involved in all policy decisions in a meaningful way,” Nekritz said. “It gives me a much bigger say and a deeper understanding of what we’re doing.” 

Tenth Congressional District Democratic Committeewoman Lauren Beth Gash of Highland Park, who served in the General Assembly for eight years, knows how important Nekritz’s position of leadership is to the people she represents. 

“Anytime I’ve worked with Elaine I’ve been very impressed with her,” Gash said. “It’s good for our area that Elaine (Nekritz) is part of a group that can make a difference.” 

Nekritz helped demonstrate her leadership when the legislature realized a tax increase was necessary to help the state balance its budget. Tough she made the difficult decision to raise revenue levels; she made sure spending cuts were part of the package. 

“I negotiated a spending cap with the tax increase,” Nekritz said. 

Nekritz will be opposed by Republican Jonathan Greenberg of Northbrook, an ordained rabbi who is leaving his position as midwest political director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee to make his first run for political office. 

The room was filled with people Nekritz has represented for 10 years like Glenview Village Trustees Scott Britton and Deborah Karton as well as newcomers to the revamped 57th district like Sue Walton of Palatine. Approximately 50 percent of the area contains new constituents. 

Walton, the Palatine Township Committeewoman, has known Nekritz over the years through 10th Congressional District politics and is thrilled she will now be representing her. 

“She is a very thoughtful leader,” Walton said. “I’ve always been impressed with her leadership on environmental issues. 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who rallied the crowd to make a solid effort for Nekritz’s reelection, knows of her environmental efforts firsthand. As board president, Preckwinkle also heads the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. 

“Elaine Nekritz is one of our most willing volunteers. She gets out there and removes the buckthorn,” Preckwinkle said. “She is a progressive leader with the highest ethical standards,” she added touting Nekritz’s values. 

Britton and Karton both praised the ways Nekritz has worked to help Glenview. They also singled out her ethical standards as a member of the General Assembly. 

“She is somebody I would like to emulate as an elected official,” Karton said. “I’m very loyal to Elaine (Nekritz). Whenever she joins us she is thoughtful and ethical as a representative.” 

Britton likes the support Nekritz shows when the community has concerns. “I was so glad she came to our ComEd meeting,” he said referring to Sept. 6 Village Board meeting where the utility outlined its plan for more reliable service. She let the Board know what she would do in Springfield to help.