Welcome to Illinois - It's Not the Roadkill You Smell - It's Our Politics!

I guess I’ve just become apathetic over the years when it comes to politics in Illinois.  Living in Decatur, pretty much smack-dab in the middle of the state, way too far away from Chicago to matter, state government has never mattered much to me, mainly because - I’ve never mattered to it! I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but I voted for Gov. Blagojevich twice.  The first time because I thought he was a decent guy, and after Governor Ryan, I figured we’d already been there and done that – in terms of Governors headed for prison.  The second time I voted for Blagojevich was because of his AllKids health care program, which came in very handy when my husband changed jobs and was without health benefits for about six months.  We thought we could buy health insurance but quickly found out how difficult it is to obtain health coverage – even if you can afford it.  I was turned down for a preexisting condition, that only requires two visits to my doctor’s office twice a year for a prescription, and my husband because of his weight.  Serious reform is needed in the health care insurance industry but that’s another story.

Back to Illinois’ politics…The problem with Illinois isn’t too unique.  Chicago has the greater population, money and political clout.  The other 90% of Illinois, which is more rural, is largely ignored by the big political machinery residing in Chicago.  It doesn’t help that our governor resides there too, when the state capitol is in Springfield!  Road projects in downstate Illinois are always last on the list, if they even make the list at all.  Districts are drawn up to benefit one party over the other without regards to the residents living in those areas.  Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, where I live, is a perfect example of gerymandering.  So what are we supposed to do?  I guess we could become extremist and succeed from the state of Chicago and form our own state and call it, oh I don’t know, how about Illinois!  I don’t know what the answer is but some serious reform, redrawing of districts, and better checks and balances are needed to ensure ALL the state is represented and “pay to play” isn’t the state slogan.