Metro East Sun

Amy Elik is hoping it’s not too little, too late for what she sees as the countless victims of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s misguided COVID-19 policies.

“It is certainly time for the state to move forward to the next reopening phase, so that people can get back to work and businesses can try to begin the long process of recovering from Gov. Pritzker's shutdown,” Elik, now running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, told the Metro East Sun.

With the governor now allowing parts of the state to move into Phase 4 of his five-part Restore Illinois plan, more businesses can open with fewer restrictions. Gatherings of up to 50 people and restricted indoor dining at restaurants are now permitted. In addition, movie theaters, performing arts center, zoos and museums can reopen on a limited basis.

Elik argues the governor’s one-size fits all approach was never in the best interest of the state.

“Gov. Pritzker set his five-phase plan in motion three months ago without input from small business owners, downstate legislators, schools and churches,” she said. “We have been subject to his own scientific method, which he refuses to share with anyone. He seems intent on doing things his way and not listening to the pleas of those who have suffered the most during this shutdown.”

Elik said she’s certain small business owners all across the state are ready to hit the ground running in hopes of overcoming all the sudden uncertainty they now face.  

“Small businesses have been discussing their plans to reopen safely for the last three months,” she added. “They will continue to use proper precautions and should have been given the chance to prove it a long time ago. Now it is up to the public to patronize those businesses and help those businesses re-employ their workers and dig out of the massive financial hole they were forced into.”