WTTW’s 2016 Voters’ Guide to the General Election is an online resource designed to inform voters about the candidates running for office in the Nov. 8 election.

Candidates were given two minutes to tell voters where they stand on the issues, why they feel they are best qualified and what they intend to do if elected or re-elected. The messages were recorded at the WTTW studios at no cost to the candidates. The Voters’ Guide is an online version of Candidate Free Time, pioneered by WTTW in the 1992 race for U.S. Senate. This year’s Candidate Free Time is underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County and the City Club of Chicago.

Candidate Free Time is underwritten in part by the League of Women Voters of Cook County and the City Club of Chicago

About this candidate:

Name: Amanda Howland
Party: Democrat
Born: November 29, 1952
Residence: Lake Zurich
Family: Philip Lane (Husband)
Occupation: Attorney and Trustee at the College of Lake County
Political experience: Elected Trustee at the College of Lake County

Website: amandahowlandforcongress.com

Candidate Q&A

What is your vision for this office?

Sixth District families want to be treated fairly, feel secure and help their children prosper. But, a hyper-partisan Congress has refused to address the issues strangling our middle-class. I am running to help change that.

We need to reform our tax code to minimize the loopholes, tax havens and accounting gimmicks that allow wealthy special interests to avoid taxes. By concentrating instead on the middle class, we can strengthen our economy.

As two-term elected College of Lake County Trustee I appreciate the urgency of solving the problem of excessive student debt. Students who graduate with massive debt cannot support the economy by making discretionary purchases like houses and cars.

I have spent my career not as a politician, but as an advocate – first as an educator for special needs students, then as a school administrator; and now as an attorney and elected Trustee. I’ve stood up for children, seniors, taxpayers and others who face personal challenges, bureaucratic obstacles or a system that should serve them better. As a member of Congress, I will work just as hard for those I represent.

What is the most pressing issue facing constituents, and how can you help address it?

There are many issues facing the residents of the 6th district. We need to reform our tax code to minimize the loopholes, tax havens and accounting gimmicks that allow wealthy special interests to avoid taxes. By concentrating instead on the middle class, we can strengthen our economy.

Candidate Statement

Hi, my name is Amanda Howland and I’m running to represent Illinois’ 6th District in Congress.

I’ve worked all my life to help people reach their full potential. I spent many years teaching emotionally disturbed children in our schools. I actively fight for students as a Trustee at the College of Lake County. As an attorney, I advocate for those discriminated against in court. I do pro bono work for the elderly and am a strong advocate for mental health reform and suicide prevention programs.

In Congress I will protect Social Security and Medicare from irresponsible politicians who forgot that Americans earned those benefits. I will insure that these programs are safe for future generations and not privatized.

I will always work to safeguard a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions and to insure that all women have access to care for cancer screenings, mammograms, and contraception.

I also want to make college more affordable for our students and increase access to post-secondary education. I will work to reform the student loan system so that students don’t graduate with high interest rates, crippling debt.

Finally, as your representative, I want to ensure that our tax and spending policies reflect the values and needs of middle-class families.

I’m Amanda Howland and I’m running for Congress in the 6th Congressional district. For more information about me and my positions please go to amandahowlandforcongress.com. I hope I can count on your support when you cast your ballot. Thank you.

See more candidates in this district and other House races

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