ENDORSEMENT: Anthony DeLuca for Illinois House in 80th District

There’s no denying state Rep. Anthony DeLuca’s enthusiasm for bringing economic development to “the Southland,” a term used by many south suburbanites, including him.

DeLuca was quick to sponsor a bill aimed at luring new businesses, and the jobs they would create, by offering investors more financial incentives to develop vacant, tax-delinquent properties acquired by the South Suburban Land Bank. DeLuca also is a big proponent of a south suburban airport, a project that might get another look under the Pritzker administration. And he serves on several key legislative committees, where his seniority can help advance his district’s interests.

DeLuca was the mayor of Chicago Heights before being elected to the Legislature in 2009. He is endorsed over his challenger, Libertarian Clayton Cleveland.

Illustration by Caroline Hurley

To read more Sun-Times endorsements, please go to suntimes.com/political-endorsements. For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.

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