Endorsement: Edly-Allen for state Senate Dist. 31

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Is a decade long enough for a lawmaker to sit in the Illinois General Assembly? It can be, especially when there is a strong alternative and a priority issue for suburban voters remains unresolved.

Ten-year state Rep. Sam Yingling of Grayslake is running against single-term former state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen of Libertyville in the June 28 Democratic primary for the Illinois Senate 31 seat being vacated by Melinda Bush in north central Lake County.

We recognize Yingling's accomplishments, including his stance as one of 19 Democrats initially calling for Michael Madigan's ouster after corruption involving the longtime Illinois House speaker and ComEd came to light.

But Yingling's leadership of a legislative property tax task force in 2019 failed to bring about relief for taxpayers.

It's a tough issue with many tentacles. Edly-Allen's focus on restricting developers' tax breaks such as tax-increment financing as a way to broaden the tax base and help control property taxes is just one step.

Nevertheless, obstinate issues including tax reform sometimes benefit from new eyes and new energy, and with a term in the House under her belt, Edly-Allen brings some legislative experience to the table as well.

We endorse her in the Democratic primary for Illinois Senate 31.