As Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton continued to collect support and signatures for his campaign to oust Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), he said he has been hearing frustration and negativity at the doorsteps of voters.
“People are frustrated with the state of Illinois, with the lack of predictability of where we are going financially,” Patton told the Metro East Sun. “They want some experienced leaders to get in there and help make a difference.”
He said his time as mayor is proof that he is the right person for the job.
Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton will run for the Illinois Senate.
“I think people know that I do this out of a passion and because I like to serve," he said. "They appreciate that I don’t do it for the money or for political power. I just want to improve the community and in this case, our region.
“Running for this Senate position will give me an opportunity to export some of the experience and good things that we have been able to achieve in Edwardsville to other communities,” Patton said.
“The people of Edwardsville and the surrounding areas know that I have been able to manage the community with our City Council and our administrative team. We have had success with the things that we have done. They would like to see that type of government come to Springfield," he said. “I think the most important thing we can do for the people of Illinois is give them good government and predictability.”
Patton said he was still collecting signatures before he was going to file his papers.
“I want to collect as many as possible so I am waiting till the end.”
Patton is seeking to run in 56th Senate District, which includes O’Fallon, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Wood River, Alton and Godfrey.
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