"Be at war with your vices; at peace with your neighbors, and let every New Year find you a better man." . . . Benjamin Franklin

From my family to yours, we want to wish you a Happy New Year! I hope the holidays and the break from work gave you some time to spend with your family and re-charge your batteries for the upcoming year. For the first time, in a long time, the entire Lauzen family was together, be it for only a few days, but those memories will last a lifetime.

This year is important for each of us as we start a new decade in America. Currently, we're faced with economic, social, and political problems, both at home and abroad. As a group, I urge each of you to stay true to our values, and make sure our voices are heard, even when it is easier to be quiet. These are trying times, but together we can overcome these hardships.

On a lighter note, how many of you have seen the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Will Smith? That movie was based on the life of Chris Gardner, the heroic story of overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles on his way to becoming a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker. Our great team of volunteers and I have the privilege of presenting Chris Gardner for the fundraising benefit of the Fox Valley United Way. Mr. Gardner has waived his professional speaking fee of $50,000.

I personally invite you to an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This Sunday, January 10th at 4:30 p.m., Chris Gardner will be speaking at the beautiful Paramount Arts Centre in Aurora. Tickets are reasonably priced: $10 for adults and $5 for seniors/students with proceeds going to the Fox Valley United Way. Chris' determination and his inspiring and motivating story is a great way to start the New Year. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and at the Paramount Theatre Box Office at (630) 896-6666.

It is also campaign time. I am running for re-election to the Illinois State Senate. I have an opponent in the February 2nd Republican Primary that has been recruited and is being financed by the "Establishment" Republican Party. My independence on your behalf and efforts to expose the inappropriate personal financial gains by members of our own party has prompted their actions. Our strength has always been in the grassroots and will be so again this election cycle. If you would like to display a yard sign, help put up yard signs, write a Letter to the Editor, distribute literature in your neighborhood, etc &your help is always appreciated. Please contact my campaign office at (630) 264-2419 to volunteer.

I pledge to continue my consistent voting record against higher taxes and wasteful government spending, and am determined to clean-up waste in the state government. Eighteen years ago, I made a promise to "Work Hard, Stay Honest, and use the same Common Sense that you do in your home and businesses". I have kept those promises to you. Now is when proven leadership is needed the most in Springfield.

Finally, on an exciting technical note, our team has made the jump to social networking. I invite you to become one of our fans by looking up "Chris Lauzen" on Facebook.com. (You can also visit www.lauzen.com and click on "Find us on Facebook") Our Facebook page is a fun, easy way to learn about key issues in the 25th District, see pictures of our recent events, interact with fellow constituents, and send me ideas for the upcoming election and legislative year.

Again I want to wish you a happy and prosperous 2010, and I look forward to a new year full of challenges and successes. Keep me posted on any way that I can help, and I will be sure to do my best.