Kane County Reporter

Candidate for state representative Laura Curtis (R-North Aurora) has had enough of the Springfield way.

“Everyone in the country knows Illinois state government is corrupt,” Curtis, running to replace outgoing incumbent Rep. Karina Willa (D-West Chicago) in the 49th District, recently posted on Facebook. “Abuse of power, mishandling of sexual-harassment cases, multiple FBI investigations, and what is the Democrats’ response? A task force.”

Curtis argues that much of the blame can be placed on the shoulders of longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

North Aurora Village Trustee and Republican candidate for state representative Laura Curtis

“Change starts at the top,” wrote Curtis, currently serving as a North Aurora Village Trustee. “I’m running to stand up to Madigan and fight for our families.”

Curtis can take solace in knowing that her fight for reform won’t be something she'll have to face alone. A group of four GOP legislators recently held a press conference to demand that Madigan step down in the wake of recent scandals, and more GOP lawmakers have called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to immediately convene a special session of the legislature to confront the issue.

Over the last several weeks alone, at least two veteran Democratic leaders have been forced to step down from office after being implicated in bribery and kickback scandals.

“We need change in Illinois,” Curtis said in her post.

A realtor and real estate appraiser by trade, Curtis said in a recent press release that she is convinced her “fact-based approach” to dealing with issues is just what the state needs. She points to her record of holding down property tax hikes and ensuring efficient government as examples of her ideologies.

“As a mother of two and an entrepreneur, I feel the pain the policies from Springfield inflict on our families," she said in the press release. "We need leaders who prioritize taxpayers over the political class consuming state politics. If you want a representative who will fight to deliver real value for the tax dollars you send to Springfield, I ask you to join our movement.”