Be informed about Madigan's influence

The multitudes of negative TV ads promise that election time is approaching. Candidate promises of funding whatever and fund great improvements with no mention of cost or budget are old news. Mike Madigan has ruled Illinois for over 30 years, almost every year adding to the huge Illinois debt these deficits require more borrowing to cover the cost of government but also the corruption and waste. More tax dollars are spent to pay interest on these deficits than on core services. With Illinois bonds being a step above junk requires a high interest rate on current and past debt.

An entrenched politician who seems not to care what people think of his actions, without regard for cost and debt is dangerous: "enough" is never enough. Nobody with this record can run Illinois very long without retaining control in certain areas. Madigan does this by being speaker of the House and also elected as chairman of the campaign committee (which chooses which persons to assist in their campaign funding). He must have loyal people to vote his way on his pet measures when brought up for a vote.

The watchdog group at Illinoispolicy.org reports that campaign records list over 60 representatives who supported and have backed Madigan to keep him in power. Some of these local representatives and funds given include:

Carol Sente, Vernon Hills - $1,500,000; S. Yinglng, Grayslake - $1,450,000l; D. Conroy, Villa Park - $1,300,000; Marty Moylan, Des Plaines - $980,000; F. Crespo, Hoffman Estates - $890,000; M. Mussman, Schaumburg - $60,000.

Most voters will stay home. Many will vote a straight ticket and others know and support a friend. Looking on the internet at "Madigan and Moylan" made interesting reading if one was interested and wanted to be informed and take the time.

William McNutt

Des Plaines