Starting as an entry clerk at the Tazewell County Treasurer’s Office in 1983, Mary Burress worked her way up to Chief Deputy Treasurer, eventually becoming the first Republican woman elected as the Tazewell County Treasurer in 2008. 

 

In her third term, Mary continues to manage the county’s books by collecting, investing, and disbursing funds, ensuring the protection of tax dollars every day. She decided to run for state representative to bring the same level of care with tax dollars as she has as county treasurer.  The politicians in Springfield often forget where tax revenue comes from and only hurts working families when every dollar wasted on unnecessary bureaucracy and government inefficiencies. Mary will bring her budgeting experience, common sense, and integrity to Springfield, being that strong voice, we so desperately need in our state capital. 

 

For the last forty years, Mary has been an active member in her community where she and her husband, Bob, raised their two kids. Bob was a police officer and former Chief of Police for Pekin before retiring in 1995 and his untimely passing in 2018. Mary has a special place in her heart for first responders. A 'Back the Blue" advocate, one of Mary's top priorities is to ensure government policies have the back of our first responders just as they do every day for us.