Kane County Reporter

Republican state House candidate Laura Curtis is among those leading the charge for what she deems as real change in Springfield.

“Now is the time,” Curtis told the Kane County Reporter. “We’ve got an election coming up in a few months and the need for reform has never been clearer.”

As Exhibit A, Curtis points to a new WBEZ report that details how since taking power just 18 months ago, Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker has hired at least 35 people from a so-called “clout list” compiled by and supplied to him by House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

“It all just sounds like more business as usual,” added Curtis, now running against incumbent state Rep. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) in the 49th District.

While Pritzker has long maintained his independence from the longtime speaker, Curtis said she isn’t surprised to now find out otherwise.

“Actions speak louder than words, and it seems they’ve been pretty tight in setting the tone in Springfield,” she said.  

Curtis, a North Aurora resident, said it’ll take a lot of hard work and dedication to undo all the damage she thinks is being done.

“While I think having Republican majorities will help, it’ll take more than just putting someone there with an 'R' after their name,” she said. “We need leaders with proven track records of doing what they say; individuals that aren’t interested in playing the same games that have gotten us in the hole where we stand over the last number of decades.”

Curtis said she’d like to see more diversity and thought put into the battle to end corruption in Springfield once and for all.

“I know that’s what’s needed, but I really don’t think we’re there yet,” she said. “I think if lawmakers were doing the work of the people, there’s no way they would have just voted themselves a pay raise as part of the new state budget at a time when the state’s finances are in a complete shamble and so many people are struggling the way they are.”