Throughout her legislative career, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-9th, has operated with one conviction in mind: Government can be a force for positive change in the nation and in the lives of individuals. Government, she says, “can help provide opportunities, open doors and level the playing field.” Voters in the 9th District should re-elect Schakowsky because she has successfully advocated for their interests in Washington. As a member of the House Health Care and Medical task forces, she has focused much of her attention during the past four years to passing legislation backing an affordable prescription drug plan for older adults. She also has lobbied for quality home, hospice and nursing home care for seniors. She has supported successful legislation to increase federal assistance for abused women and children and to expand housing opportunities for people on low incomes. Schakowsky has been able to represent constituents well in her ethnically and economically diverse district, with three district offices and frequent visits home. She also has sought to learn more about the residents of the new portions of the redrawn 9th District that she would represent if she’s re-elected. For example, she has toured the flood-plain area of Des Plaines River and talked to mayors of the northwest suburban communities who oppose O'Hare Airport expansion. While she supports modernization of the airport, residents of the affected areas can be sure that Schakowsky’s long-standing consumer-oriented outlook will serve them well. She pledges to advocate on their behalf on noise abatement, pollution and traffic issues. Voters should re-elect Schakowsky to another term in Congress on Nov. 5.