NW Illinois News

Liandro Arellano Jr., mayor of the City of Dixon and candidate of the 74th House District, is calling for ethic reform following questions regarding Democrat support for indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

“We need stronger ethics reform in Springfield, not more attempts to cover for unethical and illegal behavior,” Arellano told NW IL News.

He is firm in seeking a 360-degree transformation.

"The deeply embedded culture of corruption in Springfield needs be cleaned out," Arellano said on Facebook. "Getting rid of Madigan was something needed for decades, but elected Democrats only did it once he became a drag on them. We need deep ethical reforms that will actually change the culture, not just 'new' faces."

House Speaker Chris Welch’s office released talking points in favor of Madigan after his indictment. The memo entitled "indictment talking points" was retracted by Welch's office. Among these points was the statement: "While I always stand with law enforcement, I unfortunately feel I must call into question certain aspects of the investigation process regarding Speaker Madigan’s case. From the start, he has faced unfair, partisan accusations; charges which appear to have influenced the indictments laid out today."

Welch was Madigan’s handpicked successor. In 2020, he was accused of protecting the longtime former House speaker after closing a probe into the ComEd bribery scandal. Welch was the chairman of the committee investigating Madigan’s conduct.

"You’re going through excruciating lengths to protect Michael J. Madigan from ever having to testify to his nefarious behavior," Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) said at the time.

Madigan was recently indicted for running a racketeering ring involving a $150 million bribery scandal.

In a statement, Madigan said he was "never involved in any criminal activity" in his 50 years in office. Madigan, who spent 36 years as House speaker, is accused of using the office for personal gain. "I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois," Madigan said.

Arellano became mayor of Dixon in 2015. His current term ends in 2023. The new 74th legislative district includes parts of Lee, Whiteside, Ogle, DeKalb and LaSalle.