Citing lack of reforms, state Rep. Wheeler says she won't run again

Citing frustration with the status quo in Springfield, state Rep. Barbara Wheeler announced Friday that she will not run for re-election in 2018.

The Crystal Lake Republican, who represents the 64th District, said in a news release: "Unfortunately, the status quo continues in Springfield, where even simple reforms, such as term limits and fair redistricting, have not been successful. In order to break Springfield of this pattern, a younger generation of leaders is needed in the General Assembly. For that reason, I have decided I will not seek another term in the Illinois House of Representatives."

Wheeler, whose district straddles Lake and McHenry counties, including Antioch, Fox Lake, Crystal Lake and McHenry, was first elected in 2012. Before that she served on the McHenry County Board.

She said she is proud of the legislation enacted to benefit her district, including the dissolution of redundant local government entities, enhancing restrictions on repeat DUI offenders and the creation of the Human Trafficking Resource Center Notice Act.

"Since first taking office, I have been a strong advocate for fundamental reforms to the way our state operates," she said. "Pension, property tax, and spending reforms are all essential to changing the State's trajectory and charting a new path to prosperity for the residents of Illinois."

However, she added, "We have fallen miserably short on many of the issues most important to Illinois residents, including fundamental

reforms in the way our State operates."

She said she supports term limits, but lacking constitutionally mandated limits, it is the responsibility of individual lawmakers to know when to pass the torch.

"New leaders bring different perspectives and fresh ideas to change the course of the State and I am optimistic about their success as Illinois enters into its 200th year," she said, vowing to use her remaining time in office to serve the district and "fight the anti-taxpayer agenda being pushed in Springfield."