Kankakee Times

Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee), who was sworn into office in January, finally had a chance to celebrate the opening of her new district office in Kankakee this spring.

Parkhurst hosted the open house and ceremonial ribbon cutting with the help of the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce. Newly elected Mayor Chastity Wells-Armstrong, City Clerk Anjanita Dumas, Kankakee County Auditor Jake Lee and other members of the community attended the event. Constituents had the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns with Parkhurst regarding the state's issues and ongoing budget impasse during the two-hour event..

"It was great to meet and talk with many members of the 79th district," Parkhurst said. "I want everyone to know that my office is an open and available resource for them."

The 79th District stretches across Kankakee, Will and Grundy counties, from Coal City to Hopkins Park. The new district office is located at 370 East Court Street.

Parkhurst won the district seat in a hotly contested race against incumbent Katherine Cloonen. She took 53.71 percent of the vote. Her campaign platform was focused on removing Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) as House speaker, balancing the budget, stopping tax hikes, creating jobs and supporting schools.