Metro East Sun

Madison County Board member Donald Moore is preaching fiscal responsibility in his run for state representative against Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) in the 108th District.

A retired U.S. Marine, Moore’s ire reached its tipping point when Meier banded with House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and other legislators on a state budget that brought a 32 percent tax hike but few reforms, according to critics.

“I’m running for office to bring our conservative values and principles to state government,” Moore said in a press release. “Our families deserve to be represented by a leader who will stand up and not waiver when it comes to seeking a fiscally conservative approach to solving Illinois’ debt problem.”

Donald Moore

Moore estimates the budget will cost Madison County families an additional $70 million in taxes.

“Our politicians failed to balance the state budget, so they are demanding more money from us," he said in the release. "I don’t believe our families, friends and neighbors should be forced to cut their personal budgets to make up for the lack of political backbone to address and recognize Illinois’ runaway debt. A debt problem that we will be passing on to our children if they should decide to continue to live in Illinois.” 

Moore spent three decades in the Marines and said he could use the discipline he learned as a lawmaker.

“As good stewards of our customers’ and ultimately the taxpayers’ dollars, we must be more precise about forecasts, cost comparisons and cost reductions,” he said in the release. “When I look at Springfield, it is difficult to find these values being exercised, and I certainly don’t see my understanding of courage or integrity to stand by a promise to us.”

Moore was born and raised in Caseyville.

The 108th District includes Clinton County and parts of Madison, St. Clair and Washington counties in southern Illinois.