Former union member Reitz appointed to House vacancy

By CARL GREEN
Illinois Correspondent

Red Bud, IL – Democratic Party chairmen have appointed Nathan D. Reitz, a former union member and the son of a former state representative, to replace Jerry Costello II as representative for the 116th District. Costello resigned his House seat to accept an appointment from Gov. J.B. Pritzker to become director of law enforcement for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Reitz, 42, a former member of IBEW Local 51, said he will be a full-time legislator, leaving his job as a plant supervisor at the Baldwin Power Plant.

In replacing Costello, Reitz becomes one of a group of five Democrats representing the Metro-East metropolitan area. His father is former state Rep. Dan Reitz, who held the post from 1997 to 2011, when Costello was appointed.

Reitz said building the economy and helping create new jobs will be top priorities for him.

His House committee assignments include Energy & Environment; Appropriations-Capital; Labor and Commerce; Transportation; Vehicles & Safety; Veterans’ Affairs; Agriculture and Conservation.

“Having spent my career in the energy industry, I am determined to help grow our local economy and make the decisions that help create new jobs,” he said.

“As state representative, I will fight every day to protect our Second Amendment rights, provide tax relief and responsible budgeting, and make sure that southern Illinois always has a strong voice in Springfield.

“There is a lot to accomplish, and I look forward to working together with my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, to make southern Illinois and our state a better place to live and work in.”

Reitz lives in Steeleville with his wife, Deanna, and children Callen and Evan. His legislative office is at 124 Locust St., Red Bud, IL. He can be reached at 618-282-7284 or by email at repreitz@gmail.com.