Endorsement: Kotowski over O’Donnell in 28th Senate District

Good legislation starts with good ideas, but without a solid push, those ideas will go nowhere. Democratic state Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge has found ways to advance his ideas that have the potential to reduce political corruption and set Illinois on a path toward fiscal recovery. The 28th District race pits him against Republican newcomer Jim O’Donnell, also of Park Ridge and an idea man in his own right. O’Donnell, chief financial officer of a local manufacturing company, would use his business successes as a model for rebuilding the state’s economy. But Kotowski’s experience and his momentum give him the edge, and he gets our endorsement. He has sponsored or backed measures to end automatic funding for state programs and to fight corruption and promote corporate accountability through greater transparency. He championed real-time contract posting and a ban on automatic renewals of state contracts. Kotowski is a strong advocate for spending reform, and his “budgeting for results” plan has been noticed by both parties. He has secured key positions on Senate budget committees. Kotowski collaborates to get things done, and he deserves another term to continue his work. The 28th District runs from Roselle east through Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines, Rosemont and Park Ridge.