While there are many issues in Illinois government worthy of discussion, one that disturbs Don Moore, a Troy Republican running against Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) in 108th House District, is the recent decrease in required days of participation at the Statehouse for both House and Senate members.
The number of days that the House is required to be in session until April 1 has been reduced to fewer than 20, which seems too few for politicians who are enjoying annual salaries that start at $67,000.
"In my opinion, our elected representatives should be displaying a sense of urgency to correct the fiscal problems that Illinois is experiencing by spending more days in session at Springfield, not less," Moore, a retired Marine who takes hard work and responsibility seriously, told Metro East Sun.
Madison County Board Member Don Moore, running in GOP Primary for Illinois State House
Moore feels that without sufficient time in the Statehouse, it will be impossible to put into motion the positive changes that the Illinois economy so desperately needs.
"It is the job of our elected representatives to make policy that promotes business opportunity within our borders, to review and minimize restrictive regulations that are roadblocks to startup businesses, to leave no stone unturned to cut back on spending," Moore said. "To keep working, to keep pushing against the odds is why our state representatives received $67K of taxpayer dollars each year, not to stand in silence when the number of their workdays are reduced."
Moore is disheartened by the failure of the Republican leadership of Illinois and sees potential for a better future, despite the disappointing actions of late.
"This would have been an ideal opportunity for Republican leadership to show 'Leadership' and letting all residents of Illinois, not just Republicans, know that they are determined to work towards a solution to curb Illinois population decline, to revise pension policies for state workers, and to review the budget for savings by shifting funding from inefficient programs to programs that produce intended results," Moore said.
But Moore is aware that even if the fight is not easy, it is imperative that he and other conservative politicians keep trying.
"I recognize that if could de-Madigan-ize our Statehouse this path would be easier, but that is no reason not to keep trying, to keep pushing towards a solution," Moore said, referring to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).
The 108th House District includes parts of Clinton, Madison, St. Clair and Washington counties.
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