Over the past few weeks, the question I’ve gotten more than any other is “why are you doing this?” It’s an honest question and, trust me, I’ve asked myself this question more than a few times.
I wanted to share with you what I’ve come up with.
I’ve been closely watching politics in this state since I was a kid. Over the past few years – and more pointedly in the last few months – I have grown infuriated with how dysfunctional our system has become. In fact, I’ve become embarrassed.
Talking with friends and strangers across this state, I realized I wasn’t alone. People are frustrated and disenchanted with politics in this state. They are working hard, paying their taxes, and tightening their belts trying to get by in increasingly difficult economic times. But they don’t feel like their elected officials are doing the same. Taxes are going up, but state services aren’t getting any better – in fact, they’re getting cut. And, you can’t open a newspaper without hearing about another scandal involving a member of the political elite in this state.
The political system in this state is broken and there is a deep hunger across this state to begin a new chapter in Illinois politics. The problem is that the same group of politically connected individuals who have been running this state into the ground for the past decades are the ones proposing to clean it up. It’s crazy to think that the same people that have created the mess we are in will clean it up.
As Albert Einstein said, Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
When I realized my party was about to send the same folks with the same ideas to do the same things in Springfield again, I knew I had to step up and try to force a change.
I am entering this race, quite frankly, because I’m disgusted by my party in this state. The system of government – the sole function of which is to serve the people – is broken. And, I simply don’t believe the same people who are benefitting from this system can – or will - fix it.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think Pat Quinn or Dan Hynes are bad guys. In fact, I think they are smart and honest politicians, as are the overwhelming majority of public servants in this state. But I also think they are deeply a part of a system that hasn’t been able to deliver progress in this state for decades.
I don’t think I have all the answers on how we put our state back together. But, I do know that the people of the state of Illinois need a governor coming from the outside with no ties to the political elites and special interests in this state who can reform the system to benefit the vast majority of people in this state; a governor who will listen to new ideas and not be tied to old cronies.
There are so many challenges facing our state government, but unless we promptly address the issues of campaign finance reform and pension reform, the regrettable history of political corruption and financial irresponsibility will continue. That’s where I’ll start.
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Ed Scanlan
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... I agree that the voters of Illinois need to hear an open debate about the issues facing our state! Governor Quinn is proposing a capital spending bill that we simply can't pay for. It's obvious that we need jobs in this state. However, Governor Quinn is proposing that we have the taxpayers foot the bill. What I propose is the opposite. We need to offer an income tax holiday to new corporations in Illinois that create jobs. Creating jobs in the private sector means that these new employees are a source of revenue, not an additional cost burden to the taxpayers of Illinois. Thanks for your support! |
alexifan
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... hope you challenge quinn to a debate on the issues, and ask him about our non budget! there is no capital bill jobs to speak of. are you in favor of a tax cuts to create jobs in illinois to spur growth?! go get 'em ed! |
Ed Scanlan
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... Thanks for this post. Your questions are the same ones I had when I decided to enter this race. I was tired of the clichés and tired of hearing things that didn’t seem to square. I am in the process of developing a series of position papers that will further explain what I am proposing, but I wanted to respond now. I have been saying two things in this campaign that seem to contradict. On the one hand, I have been saying that the people of Illinois cannot afford to have their taxes raised. On the other hand I have been saying that the state Illinois cannot afford not to address is financial mess. So, how do you do both. Politicians will usually tell you that either you need to raise taxes OR you need to cut services. I don’t want to do either but recognize our state is facing some tough decisions. Before we make the decision about what to raise and what to cut, I am proposing we deal with the pernicious political culture in this state that benefits the politically connected at the expense of the rest of us. We need to end the pay-to-play system of politics in this state by enacting comprehensive campaign finance reform with strict reporting requirements and regulations. The second thing we need to do is to abandon our antiquated pension system for new public employees to be replaced with a 401(K). Far too often our elected officials are making decisions based on deals negotiated with special interests. The taxpayer is then stuck with the bill. We need to run this state more like a private enterprise. I don’t pretend that fixing the pension system and the influence of money in politics alone will solve our state’s economic crisis. But I think it is an important start. Both of my opponents recognize that this state is heading for a financial meltdown and we can no longer afford to ignore it. However, I am the only candidate with the independence to be able to make the tough calls and really get us back on track. Stay tuned for more details on my plans over the next few weeks. |
Mary Sullivan
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... I'm looking for somebody with a new approach, and with new ideas. But to be honest, in or out of the government, all I'm seeing here so far is typical political jargon. The format is stereotypical, the cliches are all the same. What's new? I also don't understand what you're saying about taxes going up and services being cut. Clue me in: when are taxes going up? Personally, I wouldn't be opposed to paying my fair share for government services. The whole "vote for me and pay less tax" strategy is predictable and unproductive. If I'm missing something here please tell me: I would love to be shown something of substance. |
Marisa Wetmore
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... You have my support! Like you, I am tired of the same people, good intentions some of them, with no good results! I heard about you, and I believe you are an honest and well intentioned person with integrity. That's what we need in Illinois! Sincerely, A citizen |
Marilynn Hannon
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... Ed, I'm soooooo proud of you, your spirit, brilliance and courage in taking this enormous step. The citizens of Illinois should be dancing a "gratitude jig" today! You are the man and always have been. Thunderous applause for this most selfless act. I may have to leave California and come home to Illinois because the quality of life will certainly be increasing a hundred fold for everyone. No doubt, you will restore honor to the Office of Governor, and I'll do anything from this end possible to support you -- Always a HUGE fan, mahoo |
Dee Bailey
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... Ed, this is great. You can do it. You're bright, energetic and you SHOULD be involved. Gutsy is the word that comes to mind and that's one that people who listen to you can respect. Uplifting is another word that comes to mind. Your positive attitude will come through, I'm sure. Your grandsons will be proud some day to know you took a stand. Dee Bailey |
