Brady will put Illinois on track, change status quo

I am writing in response to Jim Peterson's June 19 editorial "Quinn victory will put state on track". In Mr. Peterson's editorial he says that Governor Quinn is "a good governor." He also blames Illinois Republicans for voting against Governor Quinn's budget proposals that "forced" the Governor to borrow more money.

Last I checked, it was the Democratic Party that had complete control of both houses of the General Assembly, including a supermajority in the Illinois Senate. Republicans could not show up for work and the Democrats would still have enough votes to pass legislation. Instead of talking about the failed leadership of Governor Quinn, Mr. Peterson is pointing blame at Republicans for Quinn's inability to effectively lead this state.

We were told for years that it was Rod Blagojevich who was to blame for the state's woes. Well, Blagojevich has been gone for over a year and our state's problems have not improved, they have actually gotten significantly worse. Instead of making serious budget reforms, the first item on Quinn's agenda was a 50 percent increase in taxes. He then supported a 66 percent increase that the Senate passed. Now he is holding education hostage in order to score cheap political points in this election year.

We can do better. I do not agree with Senator Brady on every issue. I cast my ballot for a different Republican in the primary. But given the crisis Illinois is in, there is no doubt in my mind that Senator Brady is the clear choice in this election. Governor Quinn has a lifetime of government experience. Senator Brady, while he has been in the legislature quite awhile, has private sector experience. We need real reform in Springfield. Governor Quinn's agenda is to maintain the status quo of a strong public sector that crowds out the private sector. Bill Brady is exactly what Illinois needs to put Illinois on the right track.

Ryan Melchin

Hoffman Estates