To all the readers of the SouthTown Star, voters, and supporters of the candidacy of Barbara Bellar for Illinois Senate District 18.  It saddens me to have to write a rebuttal to an article that was published about me yesterday, but I need THE VOTERS to know that my life is an open book. First, I would like to say that all my credentials have been placed on my website at

To all the readers of the SouthTown Star, voters, and supporters of the candidacy of Barbara Bellar for Illinois Senate District 18.  It saddens me to have to write a rebuttal to an article that was published about me yesterday, but I need THE VOTERS to know that my life is an open book. First, I would like to say that all my credentials have been placed on my website at www.electbellar.com for the entire universe to refer to and further verify if they so desire. Second, I will and do answer all phone calls, I can be contacted at 630-917-3200.

As yesterday’s article mentions I have been recently treated in a very unprofessional manner by the writer of the article, Mr. Phil Kadner, who the record shows has consistently for the past 8 years, voted Democratic, which is his constitutional right. I am glad that he votes, but I sense his attack of my veracity has significant ulterior motives and is backed by another who would keep Illinois under and under their control. I was forewarned that I would be barraged by this reporter and would have gladly meet with him by appointment at his or my office, but the manner in which he harassed me prior to an important forum was totally inappropriate and unprofessional. He did in fact, interview me about 2 years ago and interestingly he did not have any interest in slandering me then or going on a witch hunt for information that is available and authentic.

To address my past, of 1970, I did enter the convent of the Order of Saint Benedict, I entered because I wanted to serve God, and I eventually left also because I wanted to serve God. It has been public knowledge and stated by me personally everywhere that I left before getting near taking any type of vows. It is common knowledge that the number of vocations to religious life has sadly dwindled, and numerous women have left after taking final vows. During my time in the convent I was referred to as Sister Barbara. I know my experience during those years contributes to my desire to serve both God and people to the best of my ability. Our campaign never meant to dishonor or discredits anyone who pursues religious life and perhaps everyone is not familiar with the stages and titles in the progression.

It is a shame that we are being distracted by the events from my life, known to all, that took place over 40 years ago. What I would really like to see addressed is the current sad state of affairs in Illinois. These are the urgent and imperative topics that we should be focusing on now.

Regarding my academic educational pursuits at Loyola, New York Medical College, St. Louis University, John Marshall Law School, University of Illinois and any other educational institution, these are all verifiable without question. So can we get back to the vital matters at hand, taxes, jobs, small businesses, pensions, the financial deficit, Obamacare and that I am the candidate that will serve the 18^th District with integrity and fortitude.

Finally, I have confidence in the astuteness of the voters to see through such smoke screens of distraction as yesterday’s article and invite them to join me in representing them with a clear view and purpose to revive this great State of Illinois. Punch #22 on your ballot. God Bless!

for the entire universe to refer to and further verify if they so desire. Second, I will and do answer all phone calls, I can be contacted at 630-917-3200.

As yesterday’s article mentions I have been recently treated in a very unprofessional manner by the writer of the article, Mr. Phil Kadner, who the record shows has consistently for the past 8 years, voted Democratic, which is his constitutional right. I am glad that he votes, but I sense his attack of my veracity has significant ulterior motives and is backed by another who would keep Illinois under and under their control. I was forewarned that I would be barraged by this reporter and would have gladly meet with him by appointment at his or my office, but the manner in which he harassed me prior to an important forum was totally inappropriate and unprofessional. He did in fact, interview me about 2 years ago and interestingly he did not have any interest in slandering me then or going on a witch hunt for information that is available and authentic.

To address my past, of 1970, I did enter the convent of the Order of Saint Benedict, I entered because I wanted to serve God, and I eventually left also because I wanted to serve God. It has been public knowledge and stated by me personally everywhere that I left before getting near taking any type of vows. It is common knowledge that the number of vocations to religious life has sadly dwindled, and numerous women have left after taking final vows. During my time in the convent I was referred to as Sister Barbara. I know my experience during those years contributes to my desire to serve both God and people to the best of my ability. Our campaign never meant to dishonor or discredits anyone who pursues religious life and perhaps everyone is not familiar with the stages and titles in the progression.

It is a shame that we are being distracted by the events from my life, known to all, that took place over 40 years ago. What I would really like to see addressed is the current sad state of affairs in Illinois. These are the urgent and imperative topics that we should be focusing on now.

Regarding my academic educational pursuits at Loyola, New York Medical College, St. Louis University, John Marshall Law School, University of Illinois and any other educational institution, these are all verifiable without question. So can we get back to the vital matters at hand, taxes, jobs, small businesses, pensions, the financial deficit, Obamacare and that I am the candidate that will serve the 18^th District with integrity and fortitude.

Finally, I have confidence in the astuteness of the voters to see through such smoke screens of distraction as yesterday’s article and invite them to join me in representing them with a clear view and purpose to revive this great State of Illinois. Punch #22 on your ballot. God Bless!