In the race for Illinois House from District 61, incumbent Democrat Joyce Mason of Gurnee is facing a challenge from Antioch Republican Dan Yost.
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October 8, 2020 at 04:18PM
State Rep. Mike Marron, R-Fithian, is seeking re-election in the 104th representative district of the Illinois General Assembly against Democrat Cynthia "Cindy" Cunningham of St. Joseph.
The Commercial-News sent questionnaires to the candidates for the Nov. 3 election.
Marron, 44, is married to Brandy and they have one daughter. Education: Armstrong High School; Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business, Murray State. Current employment: Marron Farms. Previous political experience/organizations involved with: County Board Chairman from 2014-2018; Illinois Soybean Association Board of Directors from 2011-2016; and Supervisor of Pilot Township from 2009-2011.
Cunningham, 54, is married to Keith, and they have three children. Education: Elk Grove High School; B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Current employment: President, Cobalt Creek Consulting and Management Services, Inc. Previous political experience/organizations involved with: Immediate past president and current advocacy chair, Illinois Adult Day Services Association; Legislative Chair, Illinois Association of Community Care Program Home Care Providers; Member, Illinois Older Adult Services Advisory Committee; served on St. John Lutheran Church Council; Sunday School teacher, St. John Luther Church, Royal; served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for Ogden-Royal Fire Protection District; Girl Scout leader.
1. Why did you decide to run/seek re-election to this office?
Marron: It is truly an honor to serve the 104th as your State Rep. I feel like I have gotten several significant things done for the district, but there is more of that to do. I know that I have the ability and relationships in Springfield to accomplish a great deal more in the next two years.
Cunningham: During the two years I spent running for office before the 2018 General Election, I knocked on a lot of doors, and sometimes I had to step across holes in the porch to get to those doors. Sometimes I would see that they had patched their windows with socks and t-shirts and their roof was covered with a tarp. Some people invited me into homes that had no insulation, and you can see there was no insulation because there was no plaster or drywall. That’s how people in our community live. I had no idea of the depth of the poverty that we live next door to, and I don’t see anything being done to alleviate it. There’s a lot of misery, but there’s not a lot of action being taken to alleviate that misery. We have one of the 10 poorest legislative districts in the state, and that’s just a shame. The people that I met, they’re not bad people. They’re good people. But it’s hard to pull yourself up by your bootstraps when you don’t even have a bootstrap. I ran again because those people are definitely worth it.
2. What do you consider to be the most important issues concerning this office?
Cunningham: Taxation is a big issue. The last round of taxes that my opponent voted for were very unfair to the people of the 104th District. There are a lot of rural people, a lot of small business owners and a lot of commuters that have been hurt by the gas tax that Marron voted for. We own trailers out here in the country to move our hay around and move equipment around. Contractors and other business owners also own multiple trailers to do their work. The taxes on those trailers went up $100. My opponent voted for that tax as well as many others. And he has done nothing about much needed property tax relief. I would not vote for a tax that was going to hurt my own district the way that the last one has.
Marron: The single most important issue facing the state is ethics reform. Our state will not move forward and recover financially until Mike Madigan is no longer Speaker and we have adequately cleaned up the corruption in state government.
3. What do you want the public to better understand about this office? What are challenges and how do you overcome them?
Marron: The challenges that are hardest to overcome involve making sure our area of the state has a voice and that we do not get shortchanged because of Chicago. We overcome them by building strong partnerships in Springfield that can benefit our area and standing strong against the issues that are not in our interest.
Cunningham: I think what the public doesn’t understand about the office of state representative is that work only gets accomplished through the cooperation and good will of the people that you work with, including people that the state representative may not like. And the challenge of working with people to achieve a desirable outcome has been a big challenge for this office for many years. Yelling at public officials on social media may be fun and draw a lot of attention, but it doesn’t build a bridge to work with people on solutions. In fact, it alienates them and makes them less likely to work with the person creating the drama. I would overcome that barrier with kindness and understanding. The first step in problem solving is in seeking understanding and that is done by listening. With a full understanding of an issue, it is possible to work with the partners to develop solutions. So, while you won’t see me on social media calling anyone names or demanding solutions, you will see me quietly engaging with the people who make government work, to make it work for the people of the 104th District.
4. What qualifications do you think make you the best candidate for this office?
Cunningham: I am best qualified because I have a wealth of experience as a business owner, as someone who creates businesses that create jobs for a living, as someone who builds coalitions to make positive changes for our state, and as someone who has been working with the legislative process for the last 20 years as an advocate for home and community-based services for seniors. Add to that experience, my compassion and kindness for all people. Given the times we are living in, we all need and deserve kindness and compassion. Illinois is going to need leadership that knows how business works, who can create jobs, and who can be kind and build the coalitions that we need to help bring us out of the public health crisis and the economic situation that crisis created. My opponent has a history of voting for taxes that hurt the district and creating drama on social media that alienates leadership rather than builds a bridge to leadership to help our district. He seems much more motivated to please big money donors who can fund his move to his next public office than he is in using his current office to benefit the people who elected him. I am running for state representative so I can serve the district.
Marron: I have a strong track record of getting things accomplished from my service in Pilot Township to my time in Vermilion County, and now in Springfield. In my time, we acquired a new home for Vermilion County government and we cut county expenses. On the state level, I’ve worked with my colleagues to pass the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, fix broken infrastructure, and get a casino license for Danville.
5. Additional comments and information.
Marron: It is very humbling to serve you in Springfield. I make it my mission to know how everyone in the district thinks and feels about the issues of the day and to give you a strong voice at our state capitol. I respectfully ask for your vote to be reelected to the office of State Representative.
Cunningham: If I am elected state representative, I will serve everyone in the district, regardless of party.
via Commercial News
October 7, 2020 at 02:09PM
Today, we weigh in on two Illinois legislative races featuring incumbents from each party. Rep. Tony McCombie, a Savanna Republican, represents District 71, while Rep. Mike Halpin is a Rock Island Democrat representing the 72nd House district.
The two lawmakers could hardly be more different in political philosophy, but we hope voters return both of them in November. Here’s why:
McCombie is a former mayor who knows her district, who knows that Illinois’ population loss is an especially big issue for border communities like ours. She is a fiscal conservative in a state that needs more of them, and since she was elected in 2016, she has grown in the job.
McCombie isn’t just a knee-jerk, pro-business Republican. She has demonstrated her support for labor, and she is a strong voice for changing Springfield’s corrupt practices. There’s much to like about her.
We would say the same about her opponent, Joan Padilla, the executive director of a non-profit cancer wellness center in Dixon. She speaks with clarity about the state’s fiscal challenges, but she balances those concerns with a mission to improve needed services. Her non-profit experience is appealing, and she has clearly thought about the issues.
Still, we believe McCombie is the best choice in this race. We like her local government experience and her common-sense approach. McCombie offers straight talk and will push for controls on spending and continue demanding ethics reform. We endorse Tony McCombie.
via The Quad-City Times
October 7, 2020 at 06:51AM
St. Rep. Lance Yednock says the federal government could do more for state and local governments to provide coronavirus relief.
Utica Republican Travis Breeden, campaigning for Yednock’s seat, says the legislative committee investigating ComEd trying to bribe House Speaker Michael Madigan should press ahead. Breeden continues saying Yednock should call on Madigan to resign.
Yednock says the focus shouldn’t be about just one person, because many people are involved.
The candidates are on the ballot in the 76th Illinois House District. They spoke to WCMY News during in-person visits during the last few weeks.
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October 6, 2020 at 03:35PM
WOOD RIVER — State Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, and state Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, are collecting gently used clothing to give to local organizations in need.
“As we head into colder weather, it is important that we remember those who may be less fortunate or dealing with a sudden loss of income in these uncertain times,” Bristow said. “I encourage anyone who is able to give to join us in helping keep all members of our communities warm this year.”
“With less sunshine during the day and lower temperatures at night, Rep. Bristow and I are asking for the public’s help to provide warm clothes for our less fortunate neighbors,” Crowe said. “Any and all donations are appreciated, but I encourage residents to be mindful when selecting seasonal clothing items.”
Crowe’s office is also collecting old cell phones for the nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers. The organization collects old, broken cell phones and tablets and sends them to be refurbished or recycled. Proceeds from those sales are used to send prepaid international calling cards to our troops and to provide emergency funding to veterans. All cell phone donations are tax deductible.
“As technology advances, this program provides a secure way to dispose of unwanted electronic devices while benefiting those who protect our freedom overseas,” said Crowe, a member of the Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee.
“A phone call with a loved one is a precious moment for both our service men and women overseas and their families,” Bristow said. “This is a simple way to help turn a broken or outdated phone into a way to help thank our service men and women for all that they do to protect our freedom.”
Starting Friday, Oct. 9, residents can drop off donations every Friday in October from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Crowe’s office in Wood River, 111 N. Wood River Ave., Suite A.
via Alton Telegraph
October 6, 2020 at 07:10AM
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) is setting aside one day a week to pass out face coverings.
Monday evening at her campus town office, Gordon-Booth offered free masks to every passerby. She’s calling the initiative "Mask Up Monday."
She said in light of financial turmoil and high-priced protective equipment, she wants to safely distribute protective masks to anyone interested.
"We wanted to make sure that people in our community have the ability to have access to masks without having to spend money out of their pocket, because masks are mandated to go anywhere and everywhere public right now. We want to be sure that people have the ability to be compliant with the law," said Gordon-Booth.
Those who missed out on seeing her can see her next week on Monday, Oct. 12.
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October 5, 2020 at 10:34PM
Padilla graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a degree in dental hygiene, and worked as a dental hygienist for 28 years. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and has been the executive director at Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center in Dixon for eight years. She is married to Tom Padilla and together they have four children.
When Padilla announced her candidacy in July 2019, she vowed to take a different, more strategic path from her 2018 campaign.
“My passion for my community didn’t end just because of my loss in 2018,” she said. “I’m running to improve the lives of the families of the 71st District. We’ve had four years of Ms. McCombie’s representation and I feel our voice has not been heard in the District. We deserve a seat at the table down in Springfield.”
If elected, Padilla said her focus will be on education and making sure school districts have the resources they need to be successful. She would like to relieve the over-reliance on property taxes for school funding.
Economic development will be another priority for Padilla, who said incorporating hemp crops into the agriculture industry in Illinois could be a financial success.
“I’ve been doing a lot of research on hemp and there’s a lot of interest in it, but farmers are reticent to jump into it as a third or fourth crop,” she said. “They don’t have the capabilities to (farm.) They’d have to retrofit their existing machinery for planting and harvesting hemp. And once the crop is harvested, there is literally nowhere for it to be taken to for production of textiles or medicinal CBD.
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October 5, 2020 at 05:10PM
Empty chairs in the Illinois House of Representatives chamber at the Illinois State Capitol in 2019. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
via chicagotribune.com
October 5, 2020 at 06:59AM
As Illinois State Rep. Mike Unes prepares to retire, two Pekinites are vying to fill his seat in the state’s 91st District.
The winner will serve a two-year term representing the district that includes East Peoria, much of Pekin, the southern portion of Peoria County, and part of Fulton County including Canton.
The race between Republican Mark Luft and Democrat Josh Grys will be something of a referendum on the value of prior political experience. Luft served on the Pekin City Council from 2015 to 2019, when he was elected to his current position as the city’s mayor.
"It’s given me a great outlook and education on political processes and what it takes to get things done," said Luft. "I work with others in the Tri-County area to make improvements not only to the community of Pekin, but to our entire region as a whole."
Conversely, Grys’ bid for the 91st District seat marks the first time he has run for public office. His experience as a teacher gave him a chance to observe Illinois’ education system firsthand, and his observations inspired his interest in politics.
"As a teacher, I realized the system was not working for educators, as well as for students and parents in many cases," Grys said. "We need to update the way the education system operates and move our schools into 21st century education programs. By reviewing what the most successful countries in the world do with their education systems, I believe that we can improve the schools in Illinois to provide a better experience for all parties."
In addition to education reform, Grys added that his key issues are health care and the state’s economy. Believing that all citizens have a right to easily accessible quality health care, he supports U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ "Medicare for all" policy and plans to use it as a guide to expand Illinois’ Medicare programs. He also asserted that Illinois’ elected officials need to work hard to create more job opportunities and he would like to see the state’s minimum wage increased to a livable wage for all workers.
"No one should work full-time or multiple jobs, and still live a life below the poverty level," Grys said. "We need to continue to improve these plans for the future as well. Providing $15 an hour for minimum wage is a start. But we need to implement a standard raise increase that increases with inflation so businesses can plan on this."
Should voters send him to Springfield in the November election, Luft plans to push for ethics reform and for the lowering of property taxes. In its 2020 Property Taxes by State Report, the personal finance website WalletHub listed Illinois’ property taxes as the second-highest in the nation — a situation that Luft described as "unacceptable."
"They are way too high and we’ve lost a lot of people from this state due to that," he added. "There has been a continued process in Springfield of bills to lower property taxes, but by the time they reach leadership, they’ve either been put on the back burner or killed. That’s an issue we desperately need to address."
Luft said that the pursuit of legislation specific to the 91st District will depend on input he receives from municipalities in the area. However, he has gained networking experience that will be valuable in gauging and addressing area communities’ wants and needs. His seat on the Heart of Illinois Mayors Commission puts him in frequent contact with 28 area mayors and village presidents. He has also met frequently with such entities as Pekin’s Economic Development Board, chambers of commerce from communities within the district and school boards.
"The network and the relationships are very important in order to educate yourself in what specifics (communities) need and what you need to do to get it for them," said Luft.
Legislation affecting central Illinois that Grys would like to see passed includes the expansion of U.S. Route 24 to four lanes from Peoria to Canton — which is included in the state’s current capital bill. Like Luft, he intends to establish and maintain close relationships with communities within the 91st District.
"I would like to stay in close contact with the city leaders within our district so I can be a conduit for them in Springfield," he said. "I want to work closely with our local leaders to help secure the funds and grants that we need to make our cities more successful for the people of the district."
Both candidates expressed a commitment to working with legislators of other parties. Two years ago, Grys had considered running for state representative as an Independent because he wanted to work in an impartial fashion with both major parties. After the difficulty he encountered getting on the ballot as an Independent, however, he chose to run as a Democrat because he sees himself as more socially progressive than the Republican Party’s platform would allow. He plans to be mindful of his responsibility to represent all of the 91st District’s citizens and will work with any representative, Democrat or Republican, promoting legislation he feels is beneficial to those citizens.
"We need to bring respect and dignity back to politics," Grys stated. "We have grown in division over the past 10 years in a way that I don’t believe I have ever seen before. I believe the people of our district are sick and tired of the hate and division we are seeing."
Luft said that, when holding office at the municipal level, it was not necessary to declare a party, which encouraged him to set partisan politics aside and work as a member of a team to move agendas forward. He acknowledged that there will always be some difference in priorities between the two parties, but stated that quality of life for Illinois residents should be a primary concern for all legislators.
"There has been a major separation, unfortunately, that should not be there," Luft added. "All of us have jobs to do, whether at the community level or the state and federal level. We still all have an obligation to work for the community, for the district, for the state and for the country as a whole."
via Journal Star
October 5, 2020 at 06:52AM
