State House Dist. 49: Schmitz

Republican state Rep. Tim Schmitz says he is prepared to make unpopular decisions to lift the state from its budget misery.

The 11-year incumbent faces Democrat Jennifer Barconi, a business owner from South Elgin who is new to politics, in the 49th District.

While Schmitz has criticized state leaders' handling of the budget crisis he is “tired of voting no we have concerns his close ties to his own caucus leaders might preclude a level of independence needed to solve the state's problems.

Because of this, our endorsement of Schmitz is a tepid one. A part-time firefighter from Batavia, Schmitz has a record of working to correct glitches in safety and crime laws. He is a knowledgeable advocate for and regularly meets with residents, including those in the farthest reaches of the district, which includes all or parts of nine towns in the Fox Valley area.

Barconi's focus on job creation has merit, but her own business travel has impinged on her campaign work, and we can't help but wonder if that would change were she elected.