Vote to challenge status quo in Illinois Senate

Back in 2012 when I was running for the Illinois state Senate, going door-to-door, I heard the following. "As soon as my kids are out of school, I will leave Illinois. I can't afford to pay the ever-increasing taxes."

Since then, conditions have gotten worse. People continue to leave and take their taxable income with them. The stack of unpaid bills is larger. Unfunded pension debt is more. Credit ratings are lower. And yet, the Democrats are intent on maintaining the status quo.

Their plan is to wait until after the election, pass a massive tax increase and continue with the same failed policies that have led to the current situation.

For November's election, the Democrats have put up Laura Murphy, whose best qualification for the job is her appointment to that seat.

She espouses the typical sound-good but substance-free fluff about "fairness," "middle class families" and "ending politics as usual in Springfield."

However, Murphy is the epitome of politics as usual in Springfield. Her qualifications include supporting the grass roots efforts to help elect Pat Quinn and Rod Blagojevich.

As voters, we have a superior choice in Mel Thillens. Mel currently works as an owner in a small, family business. As such, Mel knows what it means to not spend more than what comes in. As a member of the Park Ridge Park Board, he has held the line on property taxes for the last four years. He supports initiatives like term limits and fair maps.

We do not need a career politician like Laura Murphy, who will stand with Madigan, Cullerton and the entrenched status quo that has left our state in ruins.

I support Mel Thillens, who will represent all of the people in District 28 and I urge you to do the same.

Jim O'Donnell

Park Ridge