Dupage Policy Journal

After reading state Rep. Terra Costa-Howard's (D-Lombard) recent letter-to-the-editor published in The Lombardian, where she referred to bullying tactics "from a few loud, threatening voices" among her constituency, Lombard resident Lori Solyom wondered if the lawmaker is not in the wrong line of work.

“My instant reaction was someone who makes comments like that really has no business being in public office,” Solyom told the DuPage Policy Journal. “I’m surprised she has such little backbone, and that certainly is not what I want in a state representative.”

In her letter, Costa-Howard detailed how she has recently had to contend with such alleged intimidation tactics as having her cell phone number published by Catholic churches so that parishioners can argue her position on reproductive choice, and having gun-rights advocates publicly disperse her office address and encourage followers to “reach out and touch” her regarding her stance on gun control.

Former 48th District Republican candidate Peter Breen

Solyom has attended several recent town hall gatherings arranged by Costa-Howard and said she has yet to witness the level of harassment being alleged.

“I went to one meeting and there was a concerted effort not to allow anyone who had anything controversial to say to have a chance to speak,” she said. “I went with literature, questions and a petition about abortion.”

The DuPage Policy Journal made several calls to Costa-Howard’s office seeking comment, but never received a return call. Costa-Howard knocked off incumbent Peter Breen in November with 53.5 percent of the vote in what easily rated as one of the most cantankerous races of 2018.

At one point, an ad by Liberty Principles PAC accused her of “character assassination” in tandem with House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago). Costa-Howard allies spent $1,546,160 to defeat Breen. This was more than was spent against any other state house candidate. Daniel K. Proft, Chairman of Liberty Principles PAC, is also a principal at Local Government Information Services, which publishes DuPage Policy Journal.

The 48th District includes parts of Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Lisle.