chicagosun-times--2020-09-07--Chicago’s streetwear boutiques weather COVID-19, social unrest

The Joneses try to keep up with South Sider and “ cultural architect ” Dave Jeff .
When Jeff opened PHLI — pronounced “ fly ” and an acronym for “ I Love Hyde Park ” spelled backward — in 2002 , he was one of the folks who set a streetwear trend that spawned Chicago boutiques and culture stores such as Leaders 1354 ( also launched in 2002 ) , Saint Alfred , Fat Tiger Workshop , SuccezZ , Pillars , Sweats X Stew and Jugrnaut , among others .
Jeff , 45 , a cultural partner with Puma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nike ( PHLI Air Max 90 ) and other brands , was ahead of the trend when COVID-19 shut down in-store purchases , since he normally operates online .
But as someone who does a lot of networking in pop-up spaces where current fashion trends are launched , he too has made the pivot to stay afloat in unusual times .
“ The negative part of it is things stopped , ” said Jeff .
“ I ’ m a people guy ; I like touching , explaining the new shoe , explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interaction with the people stopped.
” Even as Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot were giving the go-ahead to reopen stores while adhering with social distancing guidelines , the clothing/shoe boutiques were grappling as well with the ever-constant threat of burglary .
Some of them were looted during the protests in the aftermath of the May police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , the Aug. 9 shooting of a 20-year-old in Englewood by Chicago police and the protests over the police shooting of Kenosha , Wisconsin resident Jacob Blake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in between .
Brittany Stewart , owner of Chatham ’ s Sweats X Stew ( 5 East 83rd Street ) , had been hit a few times before moving from her 75th Street location .
“ Because I am a woman and I sell men ’ s clothes , I can ’ t be intimidated by men because 60 % of my customers are men , ” said Stewart , whose store has been in Chatham since July .
“ This time around , we were ready , but luckily it didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 30 — the daughter of Diego Ross , co-owner of shoe/clothing boutique Leaders 1354 — says would-be burglars aren ’ t thinking of the collateral damage looting does to Black business owners .
“ This can be your sister or your brother ’ s store , or your cousin ’ s store , ” said Stewart .
“ It ’ s upsetting because these are my peers .
... After I got hit , I could ’ ve moved downtown or to the North Side .
I wanted to stay in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boutique with locations in the West Loop ( 1167 W. Madison St. ) and Calumet Heights ( 2006 E. 87th St. ) , discovered both stores had been hit as co-owner Michael Willis went to check on the West Loop location , while his business partner Andre Weaver drove to the South Side store .
“ You almost forgot about COVID [ -19 ] because so much more is going on , ” said Willis , 31 .
“ By the time I got to this store , it was crazy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Purge.
’ All this from the front [ of the store ] , all the way to the back door ; everything was basically gone .
“ It ’ s very upsetting .
You sit back and you ’ re like : ‘ Why me ?
Why us ?
’ At the end of the day , I understand the reason — not particularly [ the looters ’ ] reasoning — with the looting going on , but you never want something that ’ s yours being damaged or taken away from you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - to get it .
If it happens next time , we ’ re prepared.
” Fat Tiger Workshop ( 836 N. Milwaukee Ave. ) , led by Joe Freshgoods , Terrell “ Rello ” Jones , Desmond Owusu and Vic Lloyd , reopened while adhering to social distancing guidelines by allowing a limited number of customers into the store , while keeping in mind the reality of the times as the May looting pushed back the reopening date from June to July 3 .
“ Originally when it [ COVID-19 ] happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push clothes down people ’ s throats when they really don ’ t know how they ’ re getting their next meal , so we calmed down for the first couple months of it , ” said Vic Lloyd , Fat Tiger co-owner and owner of the clothing line “ Big Homie Sensei.
” “ I wouldn ’ t be upset if we were getting hit because people were angry about what ’ s going on in the world — we got hit by criminals .
We understand it as a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s cool if [ looters would ] be a little bit more informed .
It ’ s a Black-owned business and we do a lot of stuff for the community .
But when you ’ re upset , you ’ re upset .
”

The Joneses try to keep up with South Sider and “cultural architect” Dave Jeff.
When Jeff opened PHLI — pronounced “fly” and an acronym for “I Love Hyde Park” spelled backward — in 2002, he was one of the folks who set a streetwear trend that spawned Chicago boutiques and culture stores such as Leaders 1354 (also launched in 2002), Saint Alfred, Fat Tiger Workshop, SuccezZ, Pillars, Sweats X Stew and Jugrnaut, among others.
Jeff, 45, a cultural partner with Puma who also made his own shoe with Nike (PHLI Air Max 90) and other brands, was ahead of the trend when COVID-19 shut down in-store purchases, since he normally operates online. But as someone who does a lot of networking in pop-up spaces where current fashion trends are launched, he too has made the pivot to stay afloat in unusual times.
Nike’s shoe brand “PHLI Air Max 90,” a collaboration with Dave Jeff. Dave Jeff
“As for the launch of a brand or the ability to shop for something new, you couldn’t really do anything but go online,” said Jeff. “It [online shopping] works for me, in a sense, because then all I had to do was come in and use the space and facilitate on my online orders. ... The negative part of it is things stopped. I’m a people guy; I like touching, explaining the new shoe, explaining the new T-shirt — that kind of interaction with the people stopped.”
PHLI owner Dave Jeff poses at his South Loop storefront at 2014 South Michigan Ave. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Even as Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot were giving the go-ahead to reopen stores while adhering with social distancing guidelines, the clothing/shoe boutiques were grappling as well with the ever-constant threat of burglary.
Some of them were looted during the protests in the aftermath of the May police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the Aug. 9 shooting of a 20-year-old in Englewood by Chicago police and the protests over the police shooting of Kenosha, Wisconsin resident Jacob Blake. Some were burglarized duirng the weeks in between.
Brittany Stewart, owner of Chatham’s Sweats X Stew (5 East 83rd Street), had been hit a few times before moving from her 75th Street location.
“Because I am a woman and I sell men’s clothes, I can’t be intimidated by men because 60% of my customers are men,” said Stewart, whose store has been in Chatham since July. “This time around, we were ready, but luckily it didn’t get broken into.”
And Stewart, 30 — the daughter of Diego Ross, co-owner of shoe/clothing boutique Leaders 1354 — says would-be burglars aren’t thinking of the collateral damage looting does to Black business owners.
“This can be your sister or your brother’s store, or your cousin’s store,” said Stewart. “It’s upsetting because these are my peers. ... After I got hit, I could’ve moved downtown or to the North Side. I wanted to stay in my community.”
The owners of Pillars, a boutique with locations in the West Loop (1167 W. Madison St.) and Calumet Heights (2006 E. 87th St.), discovered both stores had been hit as co-owner Michael Willis went to check on the West Loop location, while his business partner Andre Weaver drove to the South Side store.
“You almost forgot about COVID [-19] because so much more is going on,” said Willis, 31. “By the time I got to this store, it was crazy. It seemed like the movie ‘The Purge.’ All this from the front [of the store], all the way to the back door; everything was basically gone.
“It’s very upsetting. You sit back and you’re like: ‘Why me? Why us?’ At the end of the day, I understand the reason — not particularly [the looters’] reasoning — with the looting going on, but you never want something that’s yours being damaged or taken away from you, especially when you busted your a- - to get it. If it happens next time, we’re prepared.”
Michael Willis, co-owner of Pillars, a shoe/clothing boutique in the West Loop, poses for a picture in the shop. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Fat Tiger Workshop (836 N. Milwaukee Ave.), led by Joe Freshgoods, Terrell “Rello” Jones, Desmond Owusu and Vic Lloyd, reopened while adhering to social distancing guidelines by allowing a limited number of customers into the store, while keeping in mind the reality of the times as the May looting pushed back the reopening date from June to July 3.
“Originally when it [COVID-19] happened, we weren’t trying to push clothes down people’s throats when they really don’t know how they’re getting their next meal, so we calmed down for the first couple months of it,” said Vic Lloyd, Fat Tiger co-owner and owner of the clothing line “Big Homie Sensei.”
Terrell “Rello” Jones (from left), Vic Lloyd, NBA player/West Side native Patrick Beverley, and Desmond Owusu. Fat Tiger Workshop
“I wouldn’t be upset if we were getting hit because people were angry about what’s going on in the world — we got hit by criminals. We understand it as a part of the game when people are stressed out, but it’s cool if [looters would] be a little bit more informed. It’s a Black-owned business and we do a lot of stuff for the community. But when you’re upset, you’re upset.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-07--Alison Victoria goes after co-host in ‘Windy City Rehab’ 2nd season premiere: ‘I want to rip his fac

Alison Victoria goes after co-host in ‘Windy City Rehab’ 2nd season premiere: ‘I want to rip his face off’

Someone ’ s getting thrown under the bus .
That much seems clear after watching the second season premiere of HGTV ’ s “ Windy City Rehab.
” The Sun-Times got a sneak peek of the newest episode of the popular reality show , which follows Chicago designer Alison Victoria as she buys , rehabs and flips homes .
The series , which was watched by 24.5 million viewers last year , is set to restart Sept. 15 .
Just minutes into the episode , Victoria ( whose legal name is Alison Gramenos ) uncovers suspicious budget discrepancies carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eckhardt .
The issue came up after a bank refused to issue the pair a loan to buy a Logan Square property because bankers were still waiting to be repaid on a loan that was to cover construction costs of a home on the 1600 block of North Wood Street in Bucktown —a short walk from Victoria ’ s own home .
The majority of the $ 715,000 bank loan , Victoria learned , had been paid to a company Eckhardt owns , with little progress to show for it .
“ Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asks two confidantes — saving a direct confrontation with Eckhardt for another episode and not allowing him to defend himself .
( Neither Victoria nor Eckhardt responded to requests for comment . )
“ I don ’ t know what to believe anymore because for so long I was letting him run all the budgets , do the bank draws , deal with the bank accounts , and I just was designing , ” she says in the episode .
“ We have 12 companies together because each house is a different LLC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limited liability companies the duo created to purchase homes featured on the show .
“ How do you get out of that ?
” she says .
“ You don ’ t just go , ‘ Why don ’ t you get rid of the guy ?
...
If that really could be ...
I would do it now , but I can ’ t .
“ I have this house and I have seven other properties , ” she says of their overlapping projects .
“ He ’ s on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just be like , ‘ Oh , I ’ m not going to work with him anymore ?
’ You know , I kept making up excuses .
I kept going ‘ Maybe this was just too much , maybe 10 homes was just too much for him to handle .
“ Me , my business and my reputation are not going to survive if this stuff keeps happening .
No way.
” Says Eckhardt : “ I just want to get in my car and drive and leave everything behind me.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been brewing for some time .
The two have faced complaints from neighbors over messy construction sites , a crackdown by the city ’ s buildings departments , and several lawsuits from two sets of unhappy buyers , unpaid contractors and investors who offered Victoria and Eckhardt seed money .
In a text included with a lawsuit filed by a Lincoln Square couple alleging shoddy workmanship and fraud , Victoria angrily writes , in discussing a check from one of Eckhardt ’ s accounts that bounced : “ If I have to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not want him to f -- - with my life or business any more than he already has.
” The show acknowledges some of the problems in the opening moments , which include video clips of news stories about the show ’ s legal challenges .
Bold capital letters flash a message : “ You ’ ve seen the headlines .
Now see the full story.
” Stop-work orders at properties are flashed on the screen , and Victoria acknowledges : “ The city of Chicago is just coming down on me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed , Victoria and Eckhardt are suspended from getting new building permits in Chicago , according to a city spokeswoman .
Eckhardt ’ s contractor ’ s license , which was temporarily suspended last year due to violations , expired March 12 and has not been renewed .
The license is needed for his company , Greymark Development , to operate in Chicago .
Eckhardt is on screen for only a few minutes in the episode .
Victoria ends up taking the reins on the Wood Street project and brings in another general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges — including a burglary in which thieves made off with a $ 5,000 toilet in November .
The tension between the two is in stark contrast to the first season , when Victoria described their quirky chemistry : “ Donovan is pretty much like my work husband .
He has the anxiety .
I have full blown anger — and it works.
” This season , Victoria says of her business partner : “ I want to be gentle , sometimes , but then other times I want to rip his face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first episode is abbreviated , he reappears in the teaser to the second episode , in which Victoria , while making a pitch to rehab a home in Bridgeport , calls the South Side neighborhood “ the Brooklyn of Chicago.
” But Eckhardt says he is not interested in single family homes in Bridgeport .
“ It ’ s just going to be less profit , and that ’ s just a simple fact , ” he says .
“ I think it ’ s stupid .
”

Someone’s getting thrown under the bus.
That much seems clear after watching the second season premiere of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab.”
The Sun-Times got a sneak peek of the newest episode of the popular reality show, which follows Chicago designer Alison Victoria as she buys, rehabs and flips homes. The series, which was watched by 24.5 million viewers last year, is set to restart Sept. 15.
Just minutes into the episode, Victoria (whose legal name is Alison Gramenos) uncovers suspicious budget discrepancies carried out by her co-host and general contractor Donovan Eckhardt.
The issue came up after a bank refused to issue the pair a loan to buy a Logan Square property because bankers were still waiting to be repaid on a loan that was to cover construction costs of a home on the 1600 block of North Wood Street in Bucktown —a short walk from Victoria’s own home.
‘Where did the money go?’
The majority of the $715,000 bank loan, Victoria learned, had been paid to a company Eckhardt owns, with little progress to show for it.
“Where did the money go?” she asks two confidantes — saving a direct confrontation with Eckhardt for another episode and not allowing him to defend himself. (Neither Victoria nor Eckhardt responded to requests for comment.)
“I don’t know what to believe anymore because for so long I was letting him run all the budgets, do the bank draws, deal with the bank accounts, and I just was designing,” she says in the episode.
“We have 12 companies together because each house is a different LLC,” she says, referring to the limited liability companies the duo created to purchase homes featured on the show.
“How do you get out of that?” she says. “You don’t just go, ‘Why don’t you get rid of the guy? ... If that really could be ... I would do it now, but I can’t.
“I have this house and I have seven other properties,” she says of their overlapping projects. “He’s on all the loans. How am I supposed to just be like, ‘Oh, I’m not going to work with him anymore?’ You know, I kept making up excuses. I kept going ‘Maybe this was just too much, maybe 10 homes was just too much for him to handle.
“Me, my business and my reputation are not going to survive if this stuff keeps happening. No way.”
Says Eckhardt: “I just want to get in my car and drive and leave everything behind me.”
A host vs. host storyline has been brewing for some time.
The two have faced complaints from neighbors over messy construction sites, a crackdown by the city’s buildings departments, and several lawsuits from two sets of unhappy buyers, unpaid contractors and investors who offered Victoria and Eckhardt seed money.
In a text included with a lawsuit filed by a Lincoln Square couple alleging shoddy workmanship and fraud, Victoria angrily writes, in discussing a check from one of Eckhardt’s accounts that bounced: “If I have to cover his portion I will. I do not want him to f--- with my life or business any more than he already has.”
The show acknowledges some of the problems in the opening moments, which include video clips of news stories about the show’s legal challenges. Bold capital letters flash a message: “You’ve seen the headlines. Now see the full story.”
Stop-work orders at properties are flashed on the screen, and Victoria acknowledges: “The city of Chicago is just coming down on me, I’m just constantly stopped.”
Indeed, Victoria and Eckhardt are suspended from getting new building permits in Chicago, according to a city spokeswoman. Eckhardt’s contractor’s license, which was temporarily suspended last year due to violations, expired March 12 and has not been renewed. The license is needed for his company, Greymark Development, to operate in Chicago.
The home on the 1600 block of North Wood Street in Bucktown that’s featured on the upcoming Season Two opener of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab” Mitch Dudek / Sun-Times
Eckhardt is on screen for only a few minutes in the episode. Victoria ends up taking the reins on the Wood Street project and brings in another general contractor to help overcome a series of challenges — including a burglary in which thieves made off with a $5,000 toilet in November.
The tension between the two is in stark contrast to the first season, when Victoria described their quirky chemistry: “Donovan is pretty much like my work husband. He has the anxiety. I have full blown anger — and it works.”
This season, Victoria says of her business partner: “I want to be gentle, sometimes, but then other times I want to rip his face off.”
Episode 2 in Bridgeport?
Though Eckhardt’s role in the first episode is abbreviated, he reappears in the teaser to the second episode, in which Victoria, while making a pitch to rehab a home in Bridgeport, calls the South Side neighborhood “the Brooklyn of Chicago.”
But Eckhardt says he is not interested in single family homes in Bridgeport.
“It’s just going to be less profit, and that’s just a simple fact,” he says. “I think it’s stupid.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-07--For voting advice, don’t consult your 401(k)

We as Americans have a lot on our minds with the approaching election .
Who will get the economy going again ?
Who has the best plans for health care and for controlling COVID-19 ?
What ’ s going to happen to my 401 ( k ) ?
And , really , what will happen to my 401 ( k ) ?
Asking here for all fortunate enough to have one .
It ’ s important , which we know because President Trump talks about it all the time .
“ You want to raise taxes ?
This whole thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will drop down to nothing , and your stock market will drop down to nothing , ” he said July 2 .
Four days later , he tweeted that Joe Biden would make your 401 ( k ) s “ disintegrate and disappear.
” At the Republican convention , he said Biden “ has pledged a $ 4 trillion tax hike on almost all American families , which would totally collapse our rapidly improving economy , and once again record stock markets that we have right now will also collapse .
That means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means all of the stocks that you have.
” Many people are apt to discount Trump ’ s broadsides , but lingering doubts are natural .
What does history say about stock performance during Democratic or Republican administrations ?
Can Biden ’ s agenda be dangerous when the economy is so sickly ?
Read on for a couple surprises .
As in prior election years , investment analysts are putting out commentaries on the subject .
Of these , I find inspiration in one posted Aug. 25 by Jim McDonald , chief investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not unique to him , but I give him and his team props for being thorough and dispassionate .
I also like quoting someone from a Chicago company who ’ s not in an East Coast bubble .
Going back to 1946 , the analysis finds little meaningful correlation in stock returns and party control of the White House .
Democrats will point out that during their presidencies , the average return of the S & P 500 has been 10.5 % vs. 6.5 % for the Republicans .
But a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican performance was hurt by negative returns during the times of George W. Bush , whose terms were bracketed by 9/11 and the Great Recession , and Richard Nixon , whose enemies list left off himself .
McDonald looked deeper to consider the power-sharing between the president and Congress .
By this measure , Republicans did best , with an average S & P return of 15.7 % , when they had the White House and at least some control in Congress .
Democratic presidents had their best returns when at least one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The reality is that none of these combinations have been frequent enough to be statistically reliable , ” McDonald wrote .
Wall Street gets a bad rap for being too focused on quarterly profits .
It ’ s a flawed human endeavor , going too crazy on the ups and downs , but stocks for the most part reflect a consensus about the near future .
When new information comes in , markets change course , sometimes drastically .
Investors read the polls that are in the news , so McDonald said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Biden victory .
But control of the Senate is in doubt .
and McDonald reminds us that Hillary Clinton had a similar polling lead four years ago .
As to the Biden tax plan and its $ 4 trillion price tag , McDonald is serene .
He wrote that because of the virus , our economy ’ s problem is demand , not supply .
You solve that by encouraging consumption , which Biden would do by adding $ 7 trillion to federal spending to pump out a stimulus .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in today ’ s crisis and in today ’ s Washington .
“ The increased debt levels are likely only going to be a problem should interest rates jump , which we do not see over the next five years , ” McDonald wrote .
“ In summary , worries that higher taxes , as currently proposed , would clobber economic growth may be overdone.
” If you still wonder about the election and investments , McDonald suggests sectors that a Biden win might help or hurt .
His winners include utilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losers including energy , the big banks and big pharma .
But this becomes a guessing game .
Brett Arends , writing at MarketWatch , said tech stocks , the kind the president likes to bash , have been gainers in the Trump years .
The biggest loser ?
Coal .
Who ’ d a thunk it ?
So maybe like TV ratings and crowd sizes , 401 ( k ) balances ought to take a back seat to other concerns .
You know , things like injustice , environmental harm , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together and my guess is the result is something that ’ s not a bull market .

We as Americans have a lot on our minds with the approaching election. Who will get the economy going again? Who has the best plans for health care and for controlling COVID-19?
What’s going to happen to my 401(k)?
There’s climate change and immigration and general urban unrest.
And, really, what will happen to my 401(k)? Asking here for all fortunate enough to have one.
It’s important, which we know because President Trump talks about it all the time. “You want to raise taxes? This whole thing — your 401(k)s will drop down to nothing, and your stock market will drop down to nothing,” he said July 2. Four days later, he tweeted that Joe Biden would make your 401(k)s “disintegrate and disappear.” At the Republican convention, he said Biden “has pledged a $4 trillion tax hike on almost all American families, which would totally collapse our rapidly improving economy, and once again record stock markets that we have right now will also collapse. That means your 401(k)s. That means all of the stocks that you have.”
Many people are apt to discount Trump’s broadsides, but lingering doubts are natural. What does history say about stock performance during Democratic or Republican administrations? Can Biden’s agenda be dangerous when the economy is so sickly? Read on for a couple surprises.
Chicago Enterprise bug Chicago Enterprise
Northern Trust election report Read the report
As in prior election years, investment analysts are putting out commentaries on the subject. Of these, I find inspiration in one posted Aug. 25 by Jim McDonald, chief investment strategist at Northern Trust. The conclusions are not unique to him, but I give him and his team props for being thorough and dispassionate. I also like quoting someone from a Chicago company who’s not in an East Coast bubble.
Going back to 1946, the analysis finds little meaningful correlation in stock returns and party control of the White House. Democrats will point out that during their presidencies, the average return of the S&P 500 has been 10.5% vs. 6.5% for the Republicans. But a small set of data limits the conclusions and Republican performance was hurt by negative returns during the times of George W. Bush, whose terms were bracketed by 9/11 and the Great Recession, and Richard Nixon, whose enemies list left off himself.
McDonald looked deeper to consider the power-sharing between the president and Congress. By this measure, Republicans did best, with an average S&P return of 15.7%, when they had the White House and at least some control in Congress. Democratic presidents had their best returns when at least one congressional chamber was ruled by Republicans.
“The reality is that none of these combinations have been frequent enough to be statistically reliable,” McDonald wrote.
Wall Street gets a bad rap for being too focused on quarterly profits. It’s a flawed human endeavor, going too crazy on the ups and downs, but stocks for the most part reflect a consensus about the near future. When new information comes in, markets change course, sometimes drastically. Investors read the polls that are in the news, so McDonald said they are factoring in good odds for a Biden victory. But control of the Senate is in doubt, and McDonald reminds us that Hillary Clinton had a similar polling lead four years ago.
As to the Biden tax plan and its $4 trillion price tag, McDonald is serene. He wrote that because of the virus, our economy’s problem is demand, not supply. You solve that by encouraging consumption, which Biden would do by adding $7 trillion to federal spending to pump out a stimulus. There is no such thing as a deficit hawk in today’s crisis and in today’s Washington. “The increased debt levels are likely only going to be a problem should interest rates jump, which we do not see over the next five years,” McDonald wrote. “In summary, worries that higher taxes, as currently proposed, would clobber economic growth may be overdone.”
If you still wonder about the election and investments, McDonald suggests sectors that a Biden win might help or hurt. His winners include utilities, health care and information technology, with losers including energy, the big banks and big pharma.
But this becomes a guessing game. Brett Arends, writing at MarketWatch, said tech stocks, the kind the president likes to bash, have been gainers in the Trump years. The biggest loser? Coal. Who’d a thunk it?
So maybe like TV ratings and crowd sizes, 401(k) balances ought to take a back seat to other concerns. You know, things like injustice, environmental harm, a nation slouching toward autocracy. Add those together and my guess is the result is something that’s not a bull market.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-07--Harry Benton, Illinois House 97th District Democratic nominee profile

Political/civic background : Trustee in the Village of Plainfield ; Labor Caucus Director , Young Democrats of Illinois ; Veteran ’ s Outreach of Illinois Board of Directors ; Political Director , Young Democrats of Will County .
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the Illinois House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing the state of Illinois and their districts .
Harry Benton submitted the following responses : 1 .
The COVID-19 pandemic has hammered the finances of Illinois .
The state is staring at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiscal year .
What should be done ?
Please be specific .
This is an unprecedented moment in not only Illinois , but the nation as a whole .
We have done so much as a state to fight against the pandemic , but as we go forward , we have many different challenges that we need to meet head on .
Our main fiscal concern needs to be ensuring that we are spending where it is needed and cutting where it is not .
Testing , schools , those who lost their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be at the forefront of our priorities , working to offset the massive losses they have all been dealt to ensure that as we safely reopen everyone is taken care of .
The budget needs to be pulled apart word by word to ensure that the priorities of our constituents are being met .
While we reorganize our priorities , the federal government needs to step up and support frontline states to ensure that the COVID-19 response is fully covered .
President Trump and the Republicans have decided not to do that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What grade — “ A ” to “ F ” — would you give Gov .
J.B. Pritzker for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic ?
Please explain .
What , if anything , should he have done differently ?
I think Gov .
Pritzker has played the best hand with what he has been dealt .
The way that the Republicans in the State and Federal government have decided that partisanship is more important than science makes Gov .
Pritzker ’ s response all the much more impressive .
We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we have lost more than 8,000 members of our community and the threat is still there to continue to lose more .
I want to prioritize resources for all those affected by the pandemic , whether that be ensuring our front line workers are never worried about when they will get a new mask , or the small business owner in Plainfield that is working so hard to ensure that they are being safe , while still taking care of their workers .
Gov .
Pritzker has done well in a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and when I am elected , I will ensure that we are following the experts in all fields to make sure that Illinois comes away from this stronger .
3 .
In the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , legislatures in some states have taken up the issue of police reform .
Should Illinois do the same ?
If so , what would that look like ?
The senseless murder of George Floyd has brought to light how so many people in our communities feel under the thumb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must take is listening to those affected and ensure that their needs are being heard .
Developing change that is best for all members of our community comes by bringing everyone to the table and ensuring true change is being made .
4 .
Should the Legislature pass a law requiring all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras ?
Why or why not ?
Yes , I voted for body cameras in the Village of Plainfield to ensure not only the safety of our public , but also the safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line every day .
5 .
Federal prosecutors have revealed a comprehensive scheme of bribery , ghost jobs and favoritism in subcontracting by ComEd to influence the actions of House Speaker Michael Madigan .
Who ’ s to blame ?
What ethics reforms should follow ?
Should Madigan resign ?
Comprehensive ethics and campaign finance reform are necessary to ensure that we don ’ t have the corruption in Springfield .
We need to stop the rotating doors between the State House and lobbying , a moratorium between being a legislator and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that change .
Politicians that are convicted of wrongdoing while in office need to pay back every dime they have received from taxpayer ’ s for violating their trust and support .
The red-light camera schemes that have been rampant in our state need to end by the definitive banning of red-light camera ’ s in the state of Illinois .
6 .
Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years , whether it ’ s legislation you have sponsored or work you have done in other ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first hit , I handed out more than 1000 surgical and cloth masks to small businesses and restaurants in the Village to make sure that they had the proper PPE to run successfully and not have any job loss .
I ’ ve spent the past 12 years working with Dads Day ( Dollars Against Diabetes ) raising funds to combat juvenile diabetes .
Within the last two years as the Vice President of our homeowner ’ s association , I have taken on ComEd to move a manual switch that would affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community .
As a board member of Veteran ’ s Outreach of Illinois , I have worked diligently to help create a tiny home transitional community for homeless and transitioning Veterans .
7 .
Please list three concerns that are specific to your district , such as a project that should be undertaken or a state policy related to an important local issue that should be revised .
a .
First , we need to focus on representing the District to bring back our fair share of funds for infrastructure and programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area , and relief to middle class families .
b .
Second , we need to shift focus for some students to Trade and Vocational programs .
As a Union Ironworker I know how important the trades are , and there are so many students that would benefit from a trade or vocational program rather than a four-year institution .
c. We need to ensure that the seniors in our communities are taken care of .
There are too many that want to strip our seniors of resources after they have worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any attempt to tax retirement savings .
I will fight to get property tax exemptions for seniors and ensure that medical costs and prescription drugs are affordable for all seniors .
8 .
What are your other top legislative priorities ?
a .
Ethics reform should be at the forefront of all legislators .
Corruption , as stated above , needs to be addressed with a heavy hand .
The communities in our state need to trust the government and rooting out and getting rid of corrupt politicians needs to be a top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare and prescription costs for all members of the community , but especially the seniors , needs to be addressed .
No one should have to ration medicine , especially during a global pandemic , so lowering the costs needs to happen .
c. Property taxes need to be reduced for families in our community .
My opponent voted against freezing property taxes 13 times during his time in the Legislature , and I want to make sure that I can bring relief by giving seniors exemptions and supporting the Property Tax Relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 .
What is your position on Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s proposed graduated income tax ?
Please explain .
While I ’ ve been out talking to families in our community , I hear time and time again outcry for tax relief from the State .
The Fair Tax being on the ballot in November places the power in the hands of the citizens of Illinois , not politicians .
When I ’ m elected , I will continue to work to ensure middle-class families see the relief they so desperately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle financially , with a backlog of unpaid bills .
In addition to a progressive state income tax — or in lieu of such a tax — what should the state do to pay its bills , meet its pension obligations and fund core services such as higher education ?
COVID-19 has thrown a curve ball to all state and local municipalities .
As a Trustee in the Village I have brought up concerns for the budget and the impacts of COVID not only for our municipality , but for our small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns are going to have long term effects on personal budgets , so our government budget needs to be looked at with the same rigor as our household budgets .
We need to reassess and audit government waste in our state .
We need to prioritize healthcare costs , Seniors , and our children ’ s safety in our schools to ensure we bounce back from these trying times .
11 .
Should Illinois consider taxing the retirement incomes of its very wealthiest residents , as most states do ?
And your argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support taxing retirement incomes .
Our residents have been taxed their entire life , and as they enter a fixed income situation , we should not be attacking our vulnerable populations .
12 .
What can Illinois do to improve its elementary and high schools ?
During these unprecedented times , we need to ensure that we are giving our Students proper education while keeping them safe , as well as focusing on their emotional needs .
Social workers and counselors need to be available to all children to ensure their needs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially in early childhood ages ) .
We need to expand high speed internet access to all homes , especially in these times when so many students are working remotely .
13 .
Mass shootings and gun violence plague America .
What can or should the Legislature do , if anything , to address this problem in Illinois ?
I am a responsible gun owner , and I fully support for commonsense gun reforms across the state .
Where I want to focus is hands on educational programs for gun owners , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save the gun owner , family , and anyone in the community through training and proper handling of firearms .
Universal background checks , and proper vetting of anyone wanting to buy a gun should be adopted ASAP .
14 .
Do you favor or oppose term limits for any elected official in Illinois ?
Please explain .
While I ’ m open to the debate , we must look at responsible government to ensure that it stays out of the hands of lobbyist and insider control .
There are too many questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether I support of defend term limits .
15 .
Everybody says gerrymandering is bad , but the party in power in every state — Democrats in Illinois — resist doing anything about it .
Or do we have that wrong ?
What should be done ?
Truly fair maps need to happen at the federal level , all states need to be held to the same standard across the board .
We can not have a fair map anywhere when the Census is woefully underfunded and cut , and Republican controlled states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters out of the process .
Redistricting needs to be transparent , and part of overall expansion of participation in our elections .
My opponent states he is for fair redistricting , but voted against expansion for Vote by Mail , actively trying to keep people from voting in the 2020 election .
16 .
The U.S. attorney ’ s office in Chicago is investigating possible official corruption by state and local officials .
This prompted the Legislature to pass an ethics reform measure to amend the Lobbyist Registration Act ( SB 1639 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December .
What ’ s your take on this and what more should be done ?
The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform has put forth steps that I think are a good start .
Politicians that are convicted of abusing their office should be required to pay every dime they have received from taxpayers back .
Lobbyist registration and ending the revolving door need to be priorities going forward .
17 .
When people use the internet and wireless devices , companies collect data about us .
Oftentimes , the information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can use it to track our movements or invade our privacy in other ways .
When companies share this data , we also face a greater risk of identity theft .
What should the Legislature do , if anything ?
I support banning the sale of our data to third party entities , this would ensure that our data remained safe and out of the hands of bad actors .
Companies need to be held financially accountable when they have data breaches that put our personal information at risk .
18 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who enroll in out-of-state universities continues to climb .
What can Illinois do to make its state universities more attractive to Illinois high school students ?
I want to bring back trade and vocational programs into our High Schools to help transition our youth into good paying jobs instead of six-figure student loans .
We must also be more competitive with in-state tuition to further our economic development and job placement programs to diversify our tax base to get our budgets back on track .
Tuition assistance must be diversified through internships , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer services to communities that are lacking in critical infrastructure .
Lastly , we need to invest in community colleges to ensure all Students can continue their education even if their universities are not opening during these uncertain times .
19 .
What is your top legislative priority with respect to the environment ?
Expansion of green energy projects across the state need to be emphases .
Creating Green Energy work not only to protect the environment but creates good paying jobs across IL .
We must also protect our green spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) to create free opportunities for our families to destress and enjoy the outdoors while not taking on a financial burden .
I want to create grant funding for phosphorous removal in the DuPage River to protect the ecosystem contained within it .
I also want to integrate hydroelectric energy projects on the DuPage River to lower our dependance on fossil fuels .
20 .
What historical figure from Illinois , other than Abraham Lincoln ( because everybody ’ s big on Abe ) , do you most admire or draw inspiration from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical figure , the person that has influenced and shaped me the most was my Father .
He was a man who was selfless and would give anything to anybody .
He pulled me out of school to work in soup kitchens to learn life lessons .
He brought homeless people off the street to eat with us .
He took technology courses so he could volunteer at my school to teach .
He was a man of faith , family , community and a man that is a historical figure .
21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , streaming or web-based show of all time ?
Why ?
While we used to watch The Office and Seinfeld , now that we have a two year old girl and 3 week old boy , most of my time is spent watching cartoons and Disney Classics .

Candidate profile
Harry Benton
Running for: Representative House District 97
Political party affiliation:Democrat
Political/civic background: Trustee in the Village of Plainfield; Labor Caucus Director, Young Democrats of Illinois; Veteran’s Outreach of Illinois Board of Directors; Political Director, Young Democrats of Will County.
Occupation: Union Ironworker (Local 444)
Campaign website:harrybenton.com
Facebook: facebook.com/bentonforrep
Twitter: twitter.com/bentonforrep
Instagram: instagram.com/bentonforrep
Election Guide - Full Guide 2020 Election Voting Guide This article is part of our Illinois 2020 election voting guide. Click here to see more.
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the Illinois House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing the state of Illinois and their districts. Harry Benton submitted the following responses:
1. The COVID-19 pandemic has hammered the finances of Illinois. The state is staring at a $6.2 billion budget shortfall in this fiscal year. What should be done? Please be specific.
This is an unprecedented moment in not only Illinois, but the nation as a whole. We have done so much as a state to fight against the pandemic, but as we go forward, we have many different challenges that we need to meet head on. Our main fiscal concern needs to be ensuring that we are spending where it is needed and cutting where it is not. Testing, schools, those who lost their jobs, and small businesses need to be at the forefront of our priorities, working to offset the massive losses they have all been dealt to ensure that as we safely reopen everyone is taken care of. The budget needs to be pulled apart word by word to ensure that the priorities of our constituents are being met. While we reorganize our priorities, the federal government needs to step up and support frontline states to ensure that the COVID-19 response is fully covered. President Trump and the Republicans have decided not to do that, choosing partisanship over relief.
2. What grade — “A” to “F” — would you give Gov. J.B. Pritzker for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Please explain. What, if anything, should he have done differently?
I think Gov. Pritzker has played the best hand with what he has been dealt. The way that the Republicans in the State and Federal government have decided that partisanship is more important than science makes Gov. Pritzker’s response all the much more impressive. We need to not forget while “grading” performance that we have lost more than 8,000 members of our community and the threat is still there to continue to lose more. I want to prioritize resources for all those affected by the pandemic, whether that be ensuring our front line workers are never worried about when they will get a new mask, or the small business owner in Plainfield that is working so hard to ensure that they are being safe, while still taking care of their workers. Gov. Pritzker has done well in a situation that no one had a blueprint for, and when I am elected, I will ensure that we are following the experts in all fields to make sure that Illinois comes away from this stronger.
3. In the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, legislatures in some states have taken up the issue of police reform. Should Illinois do the same? If so, what would that look like?
The senseless murder of George Floyd has brought to light how so many people in our communities feel under the thumb of the system. The first step we must take is listening to those affected and ensure that their needs are being heard. Developing change that is best for all members of our community comes by bringing everyone to the table and ensuring true change is being made.
4. Should the Legislature pass a law requiring all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras? Why or why not?
Yes, I voted for body cameras in the Village of Plainfield to ensure not only the safety of our public, but also the safety of our officers that put their lives on the line every day.
5. Federal prosecutors have revealed a comprehensive scheme of bribery, ghost jobs and favoritism in subcontracting by ComEd to influence the actions of House Speaker Michael Madigan. Who’s to blame? What ethics reforms should follow? Should Madigan resign?
Comprehensive ethics and campaign finance reform are necessary to ensure that we don’t have the corruption in Springfield. We need to stop the rotating doors between the State House and lobbying, a moratorium between being a legislator and a lobbyist is a good start to that change. Politicians that are convicted of wrongdoing while in office need to pay back every dime they have received from taxpayer’s for violating their trust and support. The red-light camera schemes that have been rampant in our state need to end by the definitive banning of red-light camera’s in the state of Illinois.
6. Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years, whether it’s legislation you have sponsored or work you have done in other ways to improve your community.
When the pandemic first hit, I handed out more than 1000 surgical and cloth masks to small businesses and restaurants in the Village to make sure that they had the proper PPE to run successfully and not have any job loss. I’ve spent the past 12 years working with Dads Day (Dollars Against Diabetes) raising funds to combat juvenile diabetes. Within the last two years as the Vice President of our homeowner’s association, I have taken on ComEd to move a manual switch that would affect more than 40 homes by storms in our community. As a board member of Veteran’s Outreach of Illinois, I have worked diligently to help create a tiny home transitional community for homeless and transitioning Veterans.
7. Please list three concerns that are specific to your district, such as a project that should be undertaken or a state policy related to an important local issue that should be revised.
a. First, we need to focus on representing the District to bring back our fair share of funds for infrastructure and programs that would bring further economic development to the area, and relief to middle class families.
b. Second, we need to shift focus for some students to Trade and Vocational programs. As a Union Ironworker I know how important the trades are, and there are so many students that would benefit from a trade or vocational program rather than a four-year institution.
c. We need to ensure that the seniors in our communities are taken care of. There are too many that want to strip our seniors of resources after they have worked their entire lives. I will oppose any attempt to tax retirement savings. I will fight to get property tax exemptions for seniors and ensure that medical costs and prescription drugs are affordable for all seniors.
8. What are your other top legislative priorities?
a. Ethics reform should be at the forefront of all legislators. Corruption, as stated above, needs to be addressed with a heavy hand. The communities in our state need to trust the government and rooting out and getting rid of corrupt politicians needs to be a top priority for everyone.
b. Lowering healthcare and prescription costs for all members of the community, but especially the seniors, needs to be addressed. No one should have to ration medicine, especially during a global pandemic, so lowering the costs needs to happen.
c. Property taxes need to be reduced for families in our community. My opponent voted against freezing property taxes 13 times during his time in the Legislature, and I want to make sure that I can bring relief by giving seniors exemptions and supporting the Property Tax Relief Fund to provide relief to homeowners.
9. What is your position on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed graduated income tax? Please explain.
While I’ve been out talking to families in our community, I hear time and time again outcry for tax relief from the State. The Fair Tax being on the ballot in November places the power in the hands of the citizens of Illinois, not politicians. When I’m elected, I will continue to work to ensure middle-class families see the relief they so desperately deserve.
10. Illinois continues to struggle financially, with a backlog of unpaid bills. In addition to a progressive state income tax — or in lieu of such a tax — what should the state do to pay its bills, meet its pension obligations and fund core services such as higher education?
COVID-19 has thrown a curve ball to all state and local municipalities. As a Trustee in the Village I have brought up concerns for the budget and the impacts of COVID not only for our municipality, but for our small businesses and residents as well. The financial concerns are going to have long term effects on personal budgets, so our government budget needs to be looked at with the same rigor as our household budgets. We need to reassess and audit government waste in our state. We need to prioritize healthcare costs, Seniors, and our children’s safety in our schools to ensure we bounce back from these trying times.
11. Should Illinois consider taxing the retirement incomes of its very wealthiest residents, as most states do? And your argument is?
No, I do not support taxing retirement incomes. Our residents have been taxed their entire life, and as they enter a fixed income situation, we should not be attacking our vulnerable populations.
12. What can Illinois do to improve its elementary and high schools?
During these unprecedented times, we need to ensure that we are giving our Students proper education while keeping them safe, as well as focusing on their emotional needs. Social workers and counselors need to be available to all children to ensure their needs are being met in regard to socialization (especially in early childhood ages). We need to expand high speed internet access to all homes, especially in these times when so many students are working remotely.
13. Mass shootings and gun violence plague America. What can or should the Legislature do, if anything, to address this problem in Illinois?
I am a responsible gun owner, and I fully support for commonsense gun reforms across the state. Where I want to focus is hands on educational programs for gun owners, which Illinois does not have. Education could save the gun owner, family, and anyone in the community through training and proper handling of firearms. Universal background checks, and proper vetting of anyone wanting to buy a gun should be adopted ASAP.
14. Do you favor or oppose term limits for any elected official in Illinois? Please explain.
While I’m open to the debate, we must look at responsible government to ensure that it stays out of the hands of lobbyist and insider control. There are too many questions without an actual proposal to say definitively whether I support of defend term limits.
15. Everybody says gerrymandering is bad, but the party in power in every state — Democrats in Illinois — resist doing anything about it. Or do we have that wrong? What should be done?
Truly fair maps need to happen at the federal level, all states need to be held to the same standard across the board. We cannot have a fair map anywhere when the Census is woefully underfunded and cut, and Republican controlled states can continue to cut Black and Latino voters out of the process. Redistricting needs to be transparent, and part of overall expansion of participation in our elections. My opponent states he is for fair redistricting, but voted against expansion for Vote by Mail, actively trying to keep people from voting in the 2020 election.
16. The U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago is investigating possible official corruption by state and local officials. This prompted the Legislature to pass an ethics reform measure to amend the Lobbyist Registration Act (SB 1639). It was signed into law in December. What’s your take on this and what more should be done?
The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform has put forth steps that I think are a good start. Politicians that are convicted of abusing their office should be required to pay every dime they have received from taxpayers back. Lobbyist registration and ending the revolving door need to be priorities going forward.
17. When people use the internet and wireless devices, companies collect data about us. Oftentimes, the information is sold to other companies, which can use it to track our movements or invade our privacy in other ways. When companies share this data, we also face a greater risk of identity theft. What should the Legislature do, if anything?
I support banning the sale of our data to third party entities, this would ensure that our data remained safe and out of the hands of bad actors. Companies need to be held financially accountable when they have data breaches that put our personal information at risk.
18. The number of Illinois public high school graduates who enroll in out-of-state universities continues to climb. What can Illinois do to make its state universities more attractive to Illinois high school students?
I want to bring back trade and vocational programs into our High Schools to help transition our youth into good paying jobs instead of six-figure student loans. We must also be more competitive with in-state tuition to further our economic development and job placement programs to diversify our tax base to get our budgets back on track. Tuition assistance must be diversified through internships, job placement, and other unique programs to offer services to communities that are lacking in critical infrastructure. Lastly, we need to invest in community colleges to ensure all Students can continue their education even if their universities are not opening during these uncertain times.
19. What is your top legislative priority with respect to the environment?
Expansion of green energy projects across the state need to be emphases. Creating Green Energy work not only to protect the environment but creates good paying jobs across IL. We must also protect our green spaces (parks, forest preserves, wetlands) to create free opportunities for our families to destress and enjoy the outdoors while not taking on a financial burden. I want to create grant funding for phosphorous removal in the DuPage River to protect the ecosystem contained within it. I also want to integrate hydroelectric energy projects on the DuPage River to lower our dependance on fossil fuels.
20. What historical figure from Illinois, other than Abraham Lincoln (because everybody’s big on Abe), do you most admire or draw inspiration from? Please explain.
While not a historical figure, the person that has influenced and shaped me the most was my Father. He was a man who was selfless and would give anything to anybody. He pulled me out of school to work in soup kitchens to learn life lessons. He brought homeless people off the street to eat with us. He took technology courses so he could volunteer at my school to teach. He was a man of faith, family, community and a man that is a historical figure.
21. What’s your favorite TV, streaming or web-based show of all time? Why?
While we used to watch The Office and Seinfeld, now that we have a two year old girl and 3 week old boy, most of my time is spent watching cartoons and Disney Classics.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-07--Mark Batinick, Illinois House 97th District Republican nominee profile

The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the Illinois House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing the state of Illinois and their districts .
Mark Batinick submitted the following responses : The COVID-19 pandemic has hammered the finances of Illinois .
The state is staring at a $ 6.2 billion budget shortfall in this fiscal year .
What should be done ?
Please be specific .
There needs to be a multi-prong approach to this issue .
The federal government has given the state billions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes with significant strings attached to it .
Some of the necessary response costs are covered while others are not .
Giving the states more flexibility in spending the money will incentivize efficiency while also helping to deal with the shortfall related to COVID .
Secondly , a budget shortfall is not a new problem for Illinois .
We have to stop the cycle of over-spending and over-taxing , which leads to a net-out migration of higher-income earners .
This type of policy-making only places a further burden on the budget .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or inefficient .
Previously , I have passed legislation changing things as small as mandates on certain types of ink usage required in printing to outdated maintenance schedules on state vehicles .
I ’ ve also addressed larger issues by introducing legislation that led to the lump-sum optional pension buyout .
This program has been over-subscribed and can be expanded .
What grade — “ A ” to “ F ” — would you give Gov .
J.B. Pritzker for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic ?
Please explain .
What , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Solid B .
The Governor acted relatively quickly to halt the spread of the pandemic .
Decisions made hastily aren ’ t usually perfect but in this instance there was definitely more good than bad .
The Governor certainly listened to some of my suggestions .
I was the first elected state official to push for the use of face coverings indoors .
I started a local campaign and gave away PPE to help make that happen .
He acknowledged my efforts publicly several times .
Being a Republican pushing early for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much easier for him to implement their use statewide .
People forget that early in the Pandemic there was a lot of pushback against the face covering requirement .
It is always helpful for significant policy decisions to have bi-partisan support .
My initial conversations to him about this were the end of March with an open letter mid-April .
The requirement was put in place at the beginning of May .
I wish it has been put in place even sooner .
Big box stores were allowed to stay open and sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling the same items were not .
Not only was this not fair it put more people in fewer places .
That is harmful not helpful .
The picking of winners and losers should not have been allowed .
I have filed legislation to eliminate this practice .
But the issues at Illinois Department of Employment Security alone make it impossible to give him and “ A ” .
The calls to my office for people waiting months to receive benefits during this difficult time was massive .
That is completely unacceptable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ office over fraudulent use of their names to receive benefits .
People who didn ’ t deserve benefits were getting them while people who were desperate did not .
In the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , legislatures in some states have taken up the issue of police reform .
Should Illinois do the same ?
If so , what would that look like ?
I had several people send me information on the national “ 8 can ’ t wait ” campaign .
Illinois recently passed police reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I supported the legislation .
Two additional concepts I would like to see addressed are the removal of “ bad ” officers and other support services .
As in any profession , there needs to be a way to remove the bad actors .
The police that I speak with agree on this issue .
Our police are pulled in many directions .
An individual capable of breaking up a bar fight or dealing with a riot may not have the capabilities also to de-escalate a domestic violence situation .
One of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iowa that has social workers ride along with police officers .
The purpose of the program was to help deal with personal situations where police officers may not have sufficient training to properly address .
The program was considered a success and deserves a discussion to expand elsewhere .
Of course , this sort of approach requires additional funding , not de-funding .
I believe it is a better and more productive approach .
Should the Legislature pass a law requiring all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras ?
Why or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed legislation addressing police reform , which allowed for and outlined the guidelines for police body cameras .
Local municipalities can choose to use them .
At this time , I believe the local governments should decide on the most appropriate route for them to take .
Federal prosecutors have revealed a comprehensive scheme of bribery , ghost jobs and favoritism in subcontracting by ComEd to influence the actions of House Speaker Michael Madigan .
Who ’ s to blame ?
What ethics reforms should follow ?
Should Madigan resign ?
The culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been in charge for four decades , and he is responsible for the culture at the Capitol .
Last December , I was the first sitting State Representative to call for his resignation .
Speaker Madigan has lost the trust of the people and he must resign .
Because of my fight against corruption , Speaker Madigan has spent millions on my opponents trying to defeat me – something I fully expect to happen again this year .
My opponent , Harry Benton , has chosen not to call for Madigan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , which is likely to be in the multi-millions , and stands fully behind the Speaker .
Illinois needs significant ethics reform measures from strengthening the statement of economic interest requirements to banning legislators from serving as lobbyists .
While ultimately some will break the law , we must also implement term limits for all elected state officials .
Not only do I support term limits , but I also introduced legislation for retro-active term limits .
Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years , whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work you have done in other ways to improve your community .
In the early dates of the COVID outbreak , I recognized the severe threat to our vulnerable population .
I called my parents to let them know that my brother and I would get their necessities and that they needed to self-isolate immediately .
When I hung up the phone , I realized that there was no agency responsible for helping seniors self-isolate , so I decided to activate my district office .
We shot a Facebook video asking for volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they would not see a need to leave their homes .
The response was tremendous .
Countless volunteers and I spent several weeks buying groceries , getting prescriptions , and other items for the vulnerable .
We volunteered at senior centers , meal on wheels , and sponsored mobile food pantries .
As we learned more about the pandemic , we took steps to buy and deliver PPE to nursing homes , restaurants , and people who needed it .
We set up phone banking for seniors .
I texted every senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone number I was able to procure .
I even had a senior citizen reach out to me via text that required medical assistance .
We were thankfully able to get her the help she needed .
It was great to see the outpouring of support to help our fellow members of the community while also showing the type of constituent services a legislator can provide in times of need .
Please list three concerns that are specific to your district , such as a project that should be undertaken or a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that should be revised .
Property taxes is the most persistent issue in my district .
While I supported the school funding formula change , we still have not done enough to lower the tax rate in most districts .
The property tax appeals scheme in Cook County hurts the funding for suburban and downstate districts .
When connected property owners get massive breaks , it artificially lowers their “ local capacity , ” and diverts state money to those districts and away from other school districts .
The practice is unfair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly intersections in need of traffic signals .
While those projects are scheduled , they never seem to come fast enough .
I have a very high population of families with college-age students in my district .
Many students are leaving the state for more prosperous opportunities .
As one of the highest funded states for higher education on a per-student basis , students still feel the need to leave .
To put Illinois on a pathway that restores faith in the state government , we must enact reforms that end corruption and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourages people to stay and relocate to Illinois .
What are your other top legislative priorities ?
Ending corruption .
Enacting term limits .
Putting the state on a stable budget path .
Eliminating wasteful or unnecessary programs .
Passing Stephanie ’ s Law which would make it harder for sex offenders to plea their way off of the sex offenders list .
What is your position on Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s proposed graduated income tax ?
Please explain .
I voted against putting the question on the ballot .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liability .
Yet only 5 % , $ 200M , of the predicted revenue will be added to the pension payment .
Adding $ 200M to the pension payment may seem like a large amount , but when you consider that our unfunded liability is closer to $ 137B , you realize that it is not a serious step toward reducing unfunded pension liabilities .
It is the equivalent of adding an extra $ 1.67 per month to a credit card with a $ 13,700 balance .
My concern is that this will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have severe negative consequences long term .
College graduates are leaving the state , and families flee to neighboring states to improve their economic opportunities .
My daughter is one of them .
We can not allow this exodus to continue and expect things to be fixed .
The solution is not more taxes and spending .
Illinois continues to struggle financially , with a backlog of unpaid bills .
In addition to a progressive state income tax — or in lieu of such a tax — what should the state do to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations and fund core services such as higher education ?
As I mentioned earlier we actually fund higher education at one of the highest rates in the nation !
We just are getting the results we deserve .
We have an extremely inefficient and corrupt system in Illinois .
If legislators or candidates do not have the ability to call for Speaker Madigan to resign when the corruption is so blatantly exposed why should they be surprised when the citizens don ’ t want to send more money to Springfield ?
Other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corrupt and more job friendly I do not support other new revenue .
Should Illinois consider taxing the retirement incomes of its very wealthiest residents , as most states do ?
And your argument is ?
No .
The flat tax and the lack of a retirement tax are two of the few economic reasons people choose to stay in Illinois .
What can Illinois do to improve its elementary and high schools ?
Continue to more adequately and evenly fund K-12 education .
While or average funding per student is well above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant disparities by district .
We have a very wide range of funding levels per student .
Mass shootings and gun violence plague America .
What can or should the Legislature do , if anything , to address this problem in Illinois ?
We have passed a significant amount of legislation recently regarding this issue .
What we have not done is address the social reasons for the spike .
The breakup of the family and high amount of fatherless homes have exacerbated the issue .
These tangential causes need to be addressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system will play a big part in that but the school can not be responsible for all of it .
Do you favor or oppose term limits for any elected official in Illinois ?
Please explain .
Everybody says gerrymandering is bad , but the party in power in every state — Democrats in Illinois — resist doing anything about it .
Or do we have that wrong ?
What should be done ?
You have it right .
It is also true that some Republican-held states tend to gerrymander because they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a national model that is used for both state and federal districts .
I have also offered the possibility to have Illinois partner with a similar sized Republican held state to create a compact so that the balance of power at the Congressional level is not affected by a state during the right things .
The Iowa model seems to work well .
I also like the “ splitting algorithm ” model .
It is very important to address because all of these highly partisan districts have created extremism governing .
Elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base .
That is unfortunate .
The U.S. attorney ’ s office in Chicago is investigating possible official corruption by state and local officials .
This prompted the Legislature to pass an ethics reform measure to amend the Lobbyist Registration Act ( SB 1639 ) .
It was signed into law in December .
What ’ s your take on this and what more should be done ?
It is sad that in the wake of all of the exposed corruption that was all we were able to pass .
The reality is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected position – creates an environment for corruption .
It is excessive in both state and local governments here .
There is much to be done , but nothing would be as powerful as term-limits .
When people use the internet and wireless devices , companies collect data about us .
Oftentimes , the information is sold to other companies , which can use it to track our movements or invade our privacy in other ways .
When companies share this data , we also face a greater risk of identity theft .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything ?
Identify theft is an important and growing threat .
I know several people who faced issues with their identities being stolen .
I am willing to act at the state level .
While states can act , our jurisdiction stops at the stateline .
It is a role that I hope the federal government takes more seriously by enacting nationwide measures to combat data collection and identify theft .
The number of Illinois public high school graduates who enroll in out-of-state universities continues to climb .
What can Illinois do to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois high school students ?
As mentioned earlier we actually fund higher education at one of the highest levels in the nation .
The same things that make it more expensive to run a business in Illinois also make it more expensive to run government .
We also put more mandates on top of that to universities .
This drives up cost .
The rich can afford to attend Illinois school and the poor often get significant grants .
The middle class is left behind .
Despite being a University of Illinois graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for school .
I have a 3rd that is a senior that is only looking out of state .
Too many of these students leave the state permanently .
That is a significant brain drain .
We need to give the universities more ability to run how they see fit .
We can concentrate on the large issues like graduation rate , number of in state students , etc .
We need to let them concentrate on how to get there .
What is your top legislative priority with respect to the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water .
I believe it is one of the most under-reported environmental issues today .
There are many legislators looking at other issues but not too many concerned about this one .
Therefore , I will be focused here .
What historical figure from Illinois , other than Abraham Lincoln ( because everybody ’ s big on Abe ) , do you most admire or draw inspiration from ?
Please explain .
Ronald Reagan .
He was someone that had an uncanny ability to disarm people and make us all laugh .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while making people smile at the same time .
Politics used to have more levity .
Things are too visceral today .
What ’ s your favorite TV , streaming or web-based show of all time .
Why ?
The Simpsons .
They were able to make fun of just about everyone .
It is important to laugh but also be able to laugh at yourself .
I found myself doing that often .

Candidate profile
Mark Batinick
Running for: 97th District IL House
Political party affiliation: Republican
Occupation:Commercial Real Estate Agent
Education: Business Education 1992 University of Illinois
Campaign website:MarkBatinick.com
Facebook: Mark Batinick campaign, State Representative Mark Batinick official
Twitter: @mbatinick
Election Guide - Full Guide 2020 Election Voting Guide This article is part of our Illinois 2020 election voting guide. Click here to see more.
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board sent nominees for the Illinois House of Representatives a list of questions to find out their views on a range of important issues facing the state of Illinois and their districts. Mark Batinick submitted the following responses:
The COVID-19 pandemic has hammered the finances of Illinois. The state is staring at a $6.2 billion budget shortfall in this fiscal year. What should be done? Please be specific.
There needs to be a multi-prong approach to this issue. The federal government has given the state billions of dollars in assistance. Unfortunately, the assistance comes with significant strings attached to it. Some of the necessary response costs are covered while others are not. Giving the states more flexibility in spending the money will incentivize efficiency while also helping to deal with the shortfall related to COVID.
Secondly, a budget shortfall is not a new problem for Illinois. We have to stop the cycle of over-spending and over-taxing, which leads to a net-out migration of higher-income earners. This type of policy-making only places a further burden on the budget. We cannot fund projects that are ineffective or inefficient. Previously, I have passed legislation changing things as small as mandates on certain types of ink usage required in printing to outdated maintenance schedules on state vehicles. I’ve also addressed larger issues by introducing legislation that led to the lump-sum optional pension buyout. This program has been over-subscribed and can be expanded.
What grade — “A” to “F” — would you give Gov. J.B. Pritzker for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Please explain. What, if anything, should he have done differently?
Solid B. The Governor acted relatively quickly to halt the spread of the pandemic. Decisions made hastily aren’t usually perfect but in this instance there was definitely more good than bad. The Governor certainly listened to some of my suggestions. I was the first elected state official to push for the use of face coverings indoors. I started a local campaign and gave away PPE to help make that happen. He acknowledged my efforts publicly several times. Being a Republican pushing early for the use of masks also made it much easier for him to implement their use statewide. People forget that early in the Pandemic there was a lot of pushback against the face covering requirement. It is always helpful for significant policy decisions to have bi-partisan support. My initial conversations to him about this were the end of March with an open letter mid-April. The requirement was put in place at the beginning of May. I wish it has been put in place even sooner.
Big box stores were allowed to stay open and sell all of their items while small businesses selling the same items were not. Not only was this not fair it put more people in fewer places. That is harmful not helpful. The picking of winners and losers should not have been allowed. I have filed legislation to eliminate this practice.
But the issues at Illinois Department of Employment Security alone make it impossible to give him and “A”. The calls to my office for people waiting months to receive benefits during this difficult time was massive. That is completely unacceptable. There were also many calls to my office over fraudulent use of their names to receive benefits. People who didn’t deserve benefits were getting them while people who were desperate did not.
In the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, legislatures in some states have taken up the issue of police reform. Should Illinois do the same? If so, what would that look like?
I had several people send me information on the national “8 can’t wait” campaign. Illinois recently passed police reform that included many of these items. I supported the legislation.
Two additional concepts I would like to see addressed are the removal of “bad” officers and other support services. As in any profession, there needs to be a way to remove the bad actors. The police that I speak with agree on this issue.
Our police are pulled in many directions. An individual capable of breaking up a bar fight or dealing with a riot may not have the capabilities also to de-escalate a domestic violence situation. One of my constituents was involved in a pilot program in Iowa that has social workers ride along with police officers. The purpose of the program was to help deal with personal situations where police officers may not have sufficient training to properly address. The program was considered a success and deserves a discussion to expand elsewhere. Of course, this sort of approach requires additional funding, not de-funding. I believe it is a better and more productive approach.
Should the Legislature pass a law requiring all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras? Why or why not?
The General Assembly recently passed legislation addressing police reform, which allowed for and outlined the guidelines for police body cameras. Local municipalities can choose to use them. At this time, I believe the local governments should decide on the most appropriate route for them to take.
Federal prosecutors have revealed a comprehensive scheme of bribery, ghost jobs and favoritism in subcontracting by ComEd to influence the actions of House Speaker Michael Madigan. Who’s to blame? What ethics reforms should follow? Should Madigan resign?
The culture starts at the top. Speaker Madigan has been in charge for four decades, and he is responsible for the culture at the Capitol. Last December, I was the first sitting State Representative to call for his resignation. Speaker Madigan has lost the trust of the people and he must resign. Because of my fight against corruption, Speaker Madigan has spent millions on my opponents trying to defeat me – something I fully expect to happen again this year. My opponent, Harry Benton, has chosen not to call for Madigan’s resignation, take full funding from him, which is likely to be in the multi-millions, and stands fully behind the Speaker.
Illinois needs significant ethics reform measures from strengthening the statement of economic interest requirements to banning legislators from serving as lobbyists. While ultimately some will break the law, we must also implement term limits for all elected state officials. Not only do I support term limits, but I also introduced legislation for retro-active term limits.
Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years, whether it’s legislation you have sponsored or work you have done in other ways to improve your community.
In the early dates of the COVID outbreak, I recognized the severe threat to our vulnerable population. I called my parents to let them know that my brother and I would get their necessities and that they needed to self-isolate immediately. When I hung up the phone, I realized that there was no agency responsible for helping seniors self-isolate, so I decided to activate my district office. We shot a Facebook video asking for volunteers to run errands on behalf of seniors so they would not see a need to leave their homes. The response was tremendous. Countless volunteers and I spent several weeks buying groceries, getting prescriptions, and other items for the vulnerable. We volunteered at senior centers, meal on wheels, and sponsored mobile food pantries.
As we learned more about the pandemic, we took steps to buy and deliver PPE to nursing homes, restaurants, and people who needed it. We set up phone banking for seniors. I texted every senior citizen in my district that had a phone number I was able to procure. I even had a senior citizen reach out to me via text that required medical assistance. We were thankfully able to get her the help she needed. It was great to see the outpouring of support to help our fellow members of the community while also showing the type of constituent services a legislator can provide in times of need.
Please list three concerns that are specific to your district, such as a project that should be undertaken or a state policy related to an important local issue that should be revised.
Property taxes is the most persistent issue in my district. While I supported the school funding formula change, we still have not done enough to lower the tax rate in most districts. The property tax appeals scheme in Cook County hurts the funding for suburban and downstate districts. When connected property owners get massive breaks, it artificially lowers their “local capacity,” and diverts state money to those districts and away from other school districts. The practice is unfair and must stop.
We have a few deadly intersections in need of traffic signals. While those projects are scheduled, they never seem to come fast enough.
I have a very high population of families with college-age students in my district. Many students are leaving the state for more prosperous opportunities. As one of the highest funded states for higher education on a per-student basis, students still feel the need to leave. To put Illinois on a pathway that restores faith in the state government, we must enact reforms that end corruption and builds an economy for the future that encourages people to stay and relocate to Illinois.
What are your other top legislative priorities?
Ending corruption. Enacting term limits. Putting the state on a stable budget path. Eliminating wasteful or unnecessary programs. Passing Stephanie’s Law which would make it harder for sex offenders to plea their way off of the sex offenders list.
What is your position on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed graduated income tax? Please explain.
I voted against putting the question on the ballot. Our biggest debt issue is our unfunded pension liability. Yet only 5%, $200M, of the predicted revenue will be added to the pension payment. Adding $200M to the pension payment may seem like a large amount, but when you consider that our unfunded liability is closer to $137B, you realize that it is not a serious step toward reducing unfunded pension liabilities. It is the equivalent of adding an extra $1.67 per month to a credit card with a $13,700 balance. My concern is that this will create a short-term increase in revenue but have severe negative consequences long term. College graduates are leaving the state, and families flee to neighboring states to improve their economic opportunities. My daughter is one of them. We cannot allow this exodus to continue and expect things to be fixed. The solution is not more taxes and spending.
Illinois continues to struggle financially, with a backlog of unpaid bills. In addition to a progressive state income tax — or in lieu of such a tax — what should the state do to pay its bills, meet its pension obligations and fund core services such as higher education?
As I mentioned earlier we actually fund higher education at one of the highest rates in the nation! We just are getting the results we deserve. We have an extremely inefficient and corrupt system in Illinois. If legislators or candidates do not have the ability to call for Speaker Madigan to resign when the corruption is so blatantly exposed why should they be surprised when the citizens don’t want to send more money to Springfield?
Other than growing the economy through making Illinois less corrupt and more job friendly I do not support other new revenue.
Should Illinois consider taxing the retirement incomes of its very wealthiest residents, as most states do? And your argument is?
No. The flat tax and the lack of a retirement tax are two of the few economic reasons people choose to stay in Illinois.
What can Illinois do to improve its elementary and high schools?
Continue to more adequately and evenly fund K-12 education. While or average funding per student is well above the national average, there are still significant disparities by district. We have a very wide range of funding levels per student.
Mass shootings and gun violence plague America. What can or should the Legislature do, if anything, to address this problem in Illinois?
We have passed a significant amount of legislation recently regarding this issue. What we have not done is address the social reasons for the spike. The breakup of the family and high amount of fatherless homes have exacerbated the issue. These tangential causes need to be addressed too. A stronger, fairer educational system will play a big part in that but the school cannot be responsible for all of it.
Do you favor or oppose term limits for any elected official in Illinois? Please explain.
I strongly support term limits for all state officials.
Everybody says gerrymandering is bad, but the party in power in every state — Democrats in Illinois — resist doing anything about it. Or do we have that wrong? What should be done?
You have it right. It is also true that some Republican-held states tend to gerrymander because they are in power. I would like to see a national model that is used for both state and federal districts. I have also offered the possibility to have Illinois partner with a similar sized Republican held state to create a compact so that the balance of power at the Congressional level is not affected by a state during the right things. The Iowa model seems to work well. I also like the “splitting algorithm” model. It is very important to address because all of these highly partisan districts have created extremism governing. Elected officials are usually just playing to their base. That is unfortunate.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago is investigating possible official corruption by state and local officials. This prompted the Legislature to pass an ethics reform measure to amend the Lobbyist Registration Act (SB 1639). It was signed into law in December. What’s your take on this and what more should be done?
It is sad that in the wake of all of the exposed corruption that was all we were able to pass. The reality is that long-term power – at nearly any elected position – creates an environment for corruption. It is excessive in both state and local governments here. There is much to be done, but nothing would be as powerful as term-limits.
When people use the internet and wireless devices, companies collect data about us. Oftentimes, the information is sold to other companies, which can use it to track our movements or invade our privacy in other ways. When companies share this data, we also face a greater risk of identity theft. What should the Legislature do, if anything?
Identify theft is an important and growing threat. I know several people who faced issues with their identities being stolen. I am willing to act at the state level. While states can act, our jurisdiction stops at the stateline. It is a role that I hope the federal government takes more seriously by enacting nationwide measures to combat data collection and identify theft.
The number of Illinois public high school graduates who enroll in out-of-state universities continues to climb. What can Illinois do to make its state universities more attractive to Illinois high school students?
As mentioned earlier we actually fund higher education at one of the highest levels in the nation. The same things that make it more expensive to run a business in Illinois also make it more expensive to run government. We also put more mandates on top of that to universities. This drives up cost. The rich can afford to attend Illinois school and the poor often get significant grants. The middle class is left behind. Despite being a University of Illinois graduate my first two children left the state for school. I have a 3rd that is a senior that is only looking out of state. Too many of these students leave the state permanently. That is a significant brain drain. We need to give the universities more ability to run how they see fit. We can concentrate on the large issues like graduation rate, number of in state students, etc. We need to let them concentrate on how to get there.
What is your top legislative priority with respect to the environment?
I passed legislation regarding micro-plastics in water. I believe it is one of the most under-reported environmental issues today. There are many legislators looking at other issues but not too many concerned about this one. Therefore, I will be focused here.
What historical figure from Illinois, other than Abraham Lincoln (because everybody’s big on Abe), do you most admire or draw inspiration from? Please explain.
Ronald Reagan. He was someone that had an uncanny ability to disarm people and make us all laugh. He was able to be a strong leader while making people smile at the same time. Politics used to have more levity. Things are too visceral today.
What’s your favorite TV, streaming or web-based show of all time. Why?
The Simpsons. They were able to make fun of just about everyone. It is important to laugh but also be able to laugh at yourself. I found myself doing that often.