Metro East Sun

Doug Jameson reasons Blair Garber's recent social attack on East St. Louis as the "sh**hole of the universe” amounts to more victimization of the people of that depressed community.

“Specifically, decades of single-party rule, corruption, patronage politics and financial mismanagement have resulted in the disappearance of quality jobs and economic opportunity in too many of our communities,” Jameson told the Metro East Sun. “This makes it easier for crime to flourish and disillusionment to grow. These ineffective local governments must shoulder the burden placed on them from a state government that shirks its responsibilities, resulting in skyrocketing property tax rates and population and job losses.”

Garber, who was appointed chairman of the Illinois Lottery Control Board by Gov. Bruce Rauner, was recently forced to step down after news of his Twitter rant condemning the town spread like wildfire.

“Simply put, these comments are disrespectful and divisive,” said Jameson, a Belleville Republican running for the seat held by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) in the 113th District. “As a Republican candidate for state representative (that includes part of East St. Louis) and former chairman of the St. Clair County Central Committee, I know Garber’s comments in no way represent the position of the Republican Party.”

But as a public official and member of the Republican State Central Committee serving the 9th Congressional District that includes Rauner’s hometown of Winnetka, some argue that his words take on added significance.

“Comments like this detract from the ongoing efforts many of East. St. Louis’ proud citizens are undertaking to improve their community,” Jameson added. “This controversy also makes it more difficult to highlight the real problems facing East St. Louis and many other communities in St. Clair and Madison counties. I stand with Republicans and Democrats across the state in strongly condemning Blair Garber’s comments. Moving forward, let us pledge to put our energy towards implementing pro-growth policies that stimulate the investment needed to create jobs and economic opportunity for East St. Louis and communities across our region.”

The 113th House District includes all or parts of Belleville, Swansea, Fairview Heights, Washington Park, Fairmont City, Caseyville, Madison and Granite City.