Metro East Sun

From Prairie State Wire

Former Illinois LIG says ethics commission 'squashed' her findings of 'wrongdoing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | 5 years ago

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter is speaking out about the Legislative Ethics Commission’s effort to squash her reports on “wrongdoing.”

Pritzker's State of State address convinces candidate Elik that Springfield needs a change

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 30, 2020

Conservative pro-life candidate for Illinois’ 111th District of the Illinois House of Representatives Amy Elik (R-Alton) has weighed in on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent State of the State address, saying it further proves just how “tone deaf” Springfield is about the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Batinick: AFSCME members authorizing a strike is 'disappointing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 6, 2017

When the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scheduled a strike vote earlier this year, many viewed the move as another tactic orchestrated by the union to prevent Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing his last, best offer.

Glen Carbon mayor says strong leadership, experience behind village’s success

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 6, 2017

Robert Jackstadt is seeking another term as Glen Carbon mayor running for re-election this spring and hopes voters will support him based on his track record as a dedicated public servant.

Job creation, budget top Wood River Township supervisor’s priority list in race for District 111

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 14, 2016

In his run against state Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton), conservative House candidate Mike Babcock is hoping to appeal to voters in District 111 by focusing on three key issues: the state budget, job creation and breaking the political hold House Speaker Michael Madigan and other Democrats have over the state.

Belleville City Council to save taxpayers $260,000 each year per dissolution of township

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 14, 2016

Residents of Belleville, Illinois, will be receiving a tax break after the Belleville City Council voted to dissolve the city’s township last month -- a plan predicted to save taxpayers $260,000 each year.

Candidate: Foes of Rauner's stopgap budget bill 'holding state hostage'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 10, 2016

The day after attempting to get a stopgap budget passed in the Illinois General Assembly last week, Gov. Bruce Rauner went on a two-day tour of the state to garner support for the budget and a “clean” education bill.

Madison County board member’s lack of disclosure, jail renovation vote prove troublesome

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 16, 2016

Madison County board member Jack Minner is up for re-election this year, but his failure to disclose that the business he worked for had done a considerable amount of business with Madison County on his statements of economic interest has raised questions.

Bob Romanik discusses active investigation involving St. Clair County elected officials on air

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 15, 2016

During a segment of his radio show, “On the Dark Side” on KQQZ 1190 AM, radio host and House candidate Bob Romanik broke the news that there is an active investigation into corruption allegations involving the St. Clair County Board Chairman and other elected officials.

GOP lawmakers send third letter to Auditor General demanding answers on questionable campaign spending

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 7, 2016

Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly have tried once again to get answers from Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino regarding his campaign spending while serving in the House.

Proposal for per-mile tax on Illinois drivers creates challenges

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 29, 2016

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s proposal to tax Illinois drivers based on road usage may generate more revenue to maintain the state’s roads, but such a complex task may prove immensely difficult to implement and sustain.

Katherine Ruocco applauds citizens for standing up against overspending at St. Clair Township budget meeting

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 19, 2016

Citizens at a recent St. Clair Township Board budget meeting who spoke out in support of the township employing four road department employees instead of five received praise from Republican House Candidate Katherine Ruocco.

Collinsville trustee honors campaign vow, posts village finance data online

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 12, 2016

All of Collinsville Township’s expenditures for the past three years have been made accessible to the public for the first time.

Katherine Ruocco pens letter to editor criticizing House recess; calls out Rep. Jay Hoffman

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 3, 2016

State Rep. Candidate Katherine Ruocco has once again condemned the Illinois House for taking a month-long recess in the midst of the state’s fragile financial condition.

State House candidate Katherine Ruocco filed petition to send Illinois House members back to work

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 11, 2016

The Illinois House of Representatives is adjourned until April despite a plea by State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) to continue working to solve critical issues crippling the state.