Illinois House hopefuls Peterson, Chan Ding spar over ethics

Democratic candidates for the 52nd District Illinois House seat clashed over ethics during a recent meeting with the Daily Herald editorial board.

Maria Peterson criticized opponent Erin Chan Ding over campaign activities that brought her a reprimand from Barrington Area Unit District 220 school board, on which Chan Ding has served since 2021.

The school board voted in November to accept an investigator's findings that Chan Ding violated district policy by engaging in prohibited political activity during two school events and using district resources on social media.

“An investigation was held by the school board. It cost the taxpayers money for that investigation,” said Peterson, of North Barrington.

According to District 220 records, the cost for the independent investigation was $4,385.50.

Chan Ding at the time said she attended those events as a parent rather than in her capacity as a board member. She also acknowledged converting her school board Facebook page to her campaign page without removing previous district posts.

“I’ve been absolutely transparent about that from the very beginning,” she said in response to Peterson’s remarks. “I’ve owned it. I’ve apologized for it.”

Chan Ding, of South Barrington, later criticized Peterson for attacking her rather than “standing up to MAGA.”

On the issue of ethics reform, Peterson said she will work hard to strengthen state ethics laws if elected to the House.

“We have seen time and time again where politicians use their office wrongfully and then cost taxpayers money,” she said, noting the case of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Chan Ding agreed that state ethics laws need to be improved, and said she would like to see representatives’ terms expanded from two to four years, as well as limits placed on leadership terms.

“I plan on being a leader on improving ethics laws in Illinois,” she added.

The winner of the March 17 primary will face incumbent Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughin of Barrington Hills in the general election.

The 52nd District includes all or parts of Barrington, Barrington Hills, North Barrington, Lake Barrington, South Barrington, Fox River Grove, Inverness, Wauconda, Libertyville and Mundelein.