Metro East Sun

Republican state House candidate Amy Elik has a simple standard for gauging the genuineness of the ethics reforms plan now eagerly being pushed by Democrats in Springfield.

“The culture won't change until the leadership changes,” Elik told the Metro East Sun. “The Democrats who are proposing these reforms can't even mention (House Speaker Mike) Madigan by name.”

With Madigan now at the center of a widening federal corruption probe involving utility giant ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme, a group of Democratic lawmakers is now pushing a package of nine reform measures they insist will quickly lead to the kind of culture change in Springfield most agree is critically needed. Topping the list of proposals are measures that would ban legislators from becoming lobbyists, require greater financial disclosures, establish a censure process, make the legislative inspector general more independent, and institute term limits.

Running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District in November, Elik insists she can’t see how any of that will matter as long as Madigan is still calling the shots in Springfield.

“Until Speaker Madigan resigns or is voted out of his role, all reform bills have to go through him,” she said. “Therefore, significant reforms will happen only after we send more reformers to Springfield. My opponent continues to prop up Madigan and take money from him. I'll lead the fight against Madigan and his corruption.”

Elik argues the time to take a stand is now.

“Republicans have been calling for a special session, which continues to be ignored,” she said. “These reforms must happen now and each member of the General Assembly should have a vote on record to show their constituents their views on real reforms.”