Martin McLaughlin: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 52
Bio
Party: Republican
Office Sought: Illinois House District 52
City: Barrington
Age: 59
Occupation: Pension management
Previous offices held: State Representative since 2021; Barrington Hills Village President (2013-21)
How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?
Sanctuary city and sanctuary state status are unconstitutional and illegal. Elected officials take an oath to support and uphold the Constitution, and the laws of our land, and to protect the health, welfare and safety of every citizen in Illinois. Putting those who are here illegally before the needs of our legal constituents flies in the face of what we each have sworn to uphold.
We are now spending billions every year on illegal migrants who have not come through the proper ports of entry, prioritizing them over those in our communities in need — including veterans, the disabled, and our students who have been let down by school systems that have failed them. We need to invest in our communities first.
Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?
Ethics policies for senators and representatives should include the removal from any state insurance or pension benefit plans should they be found guilty of a crime in a court of law.
Every election cycle, the special interest contributing class has too much influence on legislators, by driving policies that are designed to promote and benefit those interested parties only. This should stop.
I have no problem making a promise that I will never become a lobbyist, but perhaps we should look into a law banning former elected officials or staff from lobbying the same government entity they worked for or were a member of.
Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?
The state election petition rules include all registration documents and our home addresses, along with other personal information which is all publicly available. I am for transparency at all levels. If the state decides to include this as a requirement, I will comply.
How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?
Criminal justice reform policies have not improved the lives of law-abiding citizens in Illinois. The crime statistics in Cook County, which went to cashless bail a year before the state did, have proven the point. Carjackings are up and muggings are up. Just watch the news and see the retail thefts and closing of stores not only in neighborhoods, but now in high dollar downtown retail regions.
The prioritization of criminals and criminals’ rights over citizens and citizens’ rights by the Democrat majority in the legislature has not been a good thing for all Illinoisans.
Remember that not one Republican voted for the SAFE-T Act, because the majority did not want any contrary input that would derail their agenda. I would support the repeal of the SAFE-T Act and many of the changes to our law, including redefining criminals as “justice impacted individuals.” They are not “justice impacted individuals” — they are offenders who have committed crimes against their fellow citizens.
We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?
I am “for life” and “pro-choice” on the Second Amendment. Self-defense is a right of self preservation. I believe that every law-abiding Illinois citizen and my five daughters have the right to protect their lives choosing whatever means they deem necessary to stop a violent offender from harming or killing them or their families.
That right is protected by the Federal Constitution and our state's attempts at changing these rights have put us into litigation which will be resolved in a manner consistent with Chicago, New York and Washington D.C. Our Federal Constitution is narrow and speaks to certain citizens’ rights. State Constitutions and laws do not get to usurp those protected at the Federal level. Alexander Hamilton said it best, “the (Federal) constitution shall never be construed … to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.”
Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?
I am for eliminating routine behind-the-wheel testing for senior drivers after the age of 75, as the state's own research indicates that they are the safest age group of drivers. I am a co-sponsor of House Bill 4431 and will ask for my fellow legislators to join me in this effort.
What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?
I am a former mayor who has reduced budgets, taxes and spending by working with those who didn’t always agree with me. I am a business owner who understands the value of work and demands efficiency from local, state and the federal government when they spend our tax dollars. I know that policies only work when we have the funding for them.
Professionally, I manage pensions and protect seniors' retirements. And I have been a coach for 22 years, working with families and their children, helping them become the best athletes and persons that they can be. I communicate with and listen to constituents and other legislators respectfully regarding their needs and their positions.
We may not always agree, but we have a better understanding of the issues when we focus more attention to what aligns us rather than what divides us.