PERRYVILLE -- Diane Edwards of Brewer has filed as a Democratic candidate for state representative in the 155th District.

Edwards, who describes herself as a community activist, wife and mother, hopes to unseat Republican state Rep. Patrick Naeger of Perryville.

The legislative district covers Ste. Genevieve and Perry counties.

"It isn't often that a person gets a chance to make real changes that will improve the lives of real people," she said. "Running for office is just an extension of what I have been doing for years."

She said she views the job of state representative as a way to help people.

Edwards delivers food to the elderly in Perryville through the Meals on Wheels program. She coordinated the Mayfest pageant and parade for the Perryville Chamber of Commerce.

She was the drug education coordinator for the Perry County School District and helped develop the district's DARE program. She also helped raise money to buy new band uniforms and construct a track at the local middle school.

She teaches dance at O'Dell La Premier Danse Centre.

Edwards said: "Before I made this decision, I talked with my family, my friends and many of the people I know throughout the 155th District. I found that they shared many of the same concerns I do -- making sure my children can go to the doctor when they are sick, paying the bills while still saving a little for college, and helping people who may be less fortunate than I. These are the reasons I decided to run for state representative."

Edwards said, "I know what people are really concerned about. I've cleaned homes so we could pay for our daughter's college education. The people in my district can certainly trust me to watch after their interests."

Edwards and her husband, John, have three children.