Dupage Policy Journal

Heather Brown, a candidate for Illinois State Senate District 25, recently commented on the Safe-T Act. "Safe-T Act in full effect. Passed by the D's," said Brown. The candidate, who is set to face incumbent Democrat Karina Villa in the general election, added, "When you vote you’re also voting for judges."

"Safe-T Act in full affect," said Brown, according to Facebook. "Passed by the D's. When you vote you're also voting for judges. Keep that in mind."

Brown referenced a Facebook post from the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office. This post highlighted an act by the DuPage County courts that denied the state’s attorney’s motion to "detail pre-trial a West Chicago man accused of fatally striking a pedestrian with his car early yesterday morning."

Scrreenshot of Heather Brown's April 16 Facebook post | Heather Brown for IL Facebook page

The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office identified the defendant as James Vaughn, 43, residing in the 600 block of West Forest Avenue. Vaughn was charged with two felony counts of Aggravated DUI Causing Death, a class 2 felony according to the Du Page County State’s Attorney’s Facebook post.

The incident occurred on April 15 at 2:36 a.m. near Roosevelt Road and Pearl Road. Officers responded to a reported crash involving a pedestrian and found 36-year-old Miguel Duran lying face down in the road, not breathing but bleeding from his head. Duran was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, as reported by Fox 32.

Vaughn remained at the scene of the crash and had a blood alcohol level of .11 at that time. According to news reports, officers allegedly found a can of Monaco behind the front passenger seat of Vaughn’s vehicle during their search. Fox 32 reports that Vaughn's arraignment is scheduled for May 13.

Brown serves as an Independent Alderman of West Chicago and is recognized for her seven-year tenure and ability to bridge political divides. She has consistently voted "No" on levies demonstrating her commitment to fiscal conservatism. Her principled stance extends to opposing water rate increases, reflecting a dedication to responsible financial decisions that prioritize the community’s well-being.

State Senate District 25 is currently represented by State Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). The district includes all or parts of Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, West Chicago, South Elgin, Wayne and Bartlett.