More responsive to hunting lobby?

I am very disappointed in Senator Karen McConnaughay's vote in favor of bobcat hunting in Illinois, which the Illinois Senate approved. Bobcats are extremely rare in our part of the state. Approving the hunting of bobcats will hurt any chance they have of existing in our area.

Some Illinois counties have bobcats, but this law allows killing them everywhere, including Kane County, where they have been virtually eliminated already.

For over 15 years, I have volunteered in the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, restoring natural areas and wildlife habitat. I know that bobcats are an important part of a healthy ecosystem and are part of Illinois' natural heritage. I have never seen a bobcat in the wild and cannot fathom why they should be hunted. Many people would welcome them back in our natural areas.

Many citizens urged the Senate to oppose the bobcat hunting bill. I personally brought my message to Senator McConnaughay's office in the Capitol Building. I wonder if Senator McConnaughay is more responsive to the hunting lobby than to her own constituents.

Mary Alice Masonick

Elgin