NW Illinois News

Republican House candidate Andrew Chesney senses a common theme emerging from the frustrated taxpayers of the 89th District.

“The people here want to see something done and they want to see progress,” Chesney told the NW Illinois News. “They are unanimous in wanting (House Speaker Mike) Madigan out of leadership. The dissatisfaction is so great it’s become about anyone but Madigan.”

Chesney, running against Democrat Nick Hyde in the 89th House District, said much of the anger is fueled by the perception residents in Northwestern Illinois don’t receive the same level of dedication and services as some residents across the city.

Nick Hyde

“As taxpayers, we’re putting the money into the coffers but we’re not seeing roads being worked and construction being done,” he said.

Chesney compares that to what’s happening in the city and concludes residents of the 89th District deserve better.

“You see things like the $200 million that’s being allocated for road repairs in the city around where the Obama Presidential Library is going up and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that downstate constituents are missing out,” he said. “Local leadership is doing everything it can to keep a level the playing field, but it’s a tough battle. Lawmakers in Springfield need to be reminded that things like infrastructure are good for our economy too.”

Most of the voters Chesney talked to recoil when they hear talk of policies like a progressive tax, feeling they have nothing to show for all the tax dollars they’re already being forced to pay, he said.

“The idea is widely unpopular and people are very skeptical of it,” Chesney said. “It’s very frustrating that all these tax dollars have solved nothing. We still have a pension system in flux, infrastructure work that needs to done and the climate for business is still not a friendly one.”

The 89th House District includes parts or all of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Carroll, Ogle and Whiteside counties.