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Maverick lawmakers will be remembered

Remember state representatives Steve Andersson, Mike Fortner and David Harris? These three legislators, along with others, sided with the residents of this great state in voting to pass a budget. They had the courage to vote for stabilizing the state budget picture, rather than voting for political positions.

The governor never wanted a compromise. He just talked a good game and fooled people into believing he was a champion for all. He will benefit from the budget override because he didn't have to support the tax increase he originally proposed.

Regrettably, Rauner became all consumed with his personal agenda, an agenda that sounded good but was "his way or the highway." Perhaps he forgot he was elected by a margin of only 50.3 percent of voters, with many of those votes coming from retirees mad at Governor Quinn for supporting pension reform.

Yes, he was elected fair and square, but as governor not king. His personal agenda caused irreversible harm to many. It's time to put aside the personal politics to do what's best for Illinois.

So, yes, come 2018, I will remember representatives Andersson, Fortner and Harris as legislators who didn't allow the governor to drive the state over the financial cliff just to get Madigan. They will be supported.

Now let's get busy and finish work on workers compensation, pension reform and school funding.

Steve Catlin

St. Charles

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