Consider who's been around longest

Let me begin by saying that I am a voter who chooses to vote for individuals and referendums on the basis of their own merits as opposed to voting a straight party line.

The status of the state of Illinois concerns me and my relatives, friends and neighbors. Many are considering moving out of the state to avoid steadily increasing tax burdens to Illinois residents.

Just consider these facts: Michael Madigan has been in Illinois politics since 1971 as a member of the House and as speaker of the House since Jan. 8, 1997.

John Cullerton has been in Illinois politics since 1979 and assumed his current position in 2009.

Bruce Rauner assumed the office of Governor on Jan. 20, 2015.

I ask, who was around the longest, contributing to the budget problems of your state? Think about it.

Countless letters from Illinois residents to the editors in various newspapers blame Madigan and Cullerton for the poor financial condition of our state. Yet these two continue to vote for and leverage their party members to vote for the status quo. What do Mr. Madigan and Mr. Cullerton promise their constituents? And how much do those promises affect the cost to the rest of us by way of our taxes? Who will investigate their dealings, Madigan's daughter, the Attorney General Lisa Madigan? I don't think so.

Robert Napora

Huntley