Senator puts corporate donors first

At a time when our community is debating the strain that data centers could place on our local resources and residents in Hawthorn Woods have been struggling with the privatization of their water system having been sold to Aqua Illinois, GOP appointed State Senator Darby Hills (IL-26) is failing us on a critical issue.

Voters need to know that Hills’ campaign coffers are overflowing as she gets large contributions from a private utility: the anti-competitive Illinois American Water who is looking to acquire Aqua Illinois, solidify its monopoly, and place the burden of the acquisition on the backs of rate payers. Just recently, Illinois American water requested a $142 million rate increase.

It is maddening to watch Sen. Hills prioritize corporate donors over the everyday families in her district who rely on affordable utility services.

Indeed, as she is being showered with money, Hills is putting her constituents at risk of getting hosed.

Stephanie Certain Matz, Hawthorn Woods