West Cook News

A push for ethics reform introduced by state Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) was dismissed by Michael Madigan. Durkin now says the house speaker being named at the center of an ongoing federal corruption investigation explains why.

“Earlier this week, I pushed to reform our broken political system in Illinois and once again, Speaker Madigan dismissed the need for ethics reform in Illinois. Today, we see why,” Durkin said.

“The announcement against ComEd and “Public Official A” and the ongoing investigation of Cook County property tax corruption are another sad commentary on the state of our state,” Durkin said. “The deep federal investigations into the highest members of the Democratic Party and their abuse of the Cook County property tax system is finally coming to light.”

Durkin is referring to a federal settlement last week with Commonwealth Edison, the state’s largest electric utility company, which agreed to pay $200 million and cooperate in an ongoing federal corruption probe, reported the Southern Illinoisan. The charges also include a “Public Official A” who is identified as the "Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives” with whom ComEd admitted to “seeking to influence and reward” the Southern Illinoisan reported.

Durkin said that Madigan has held too much power in the state.

“For too long, one man, Speaker Madigan, has held so much power, and the old axiom holds true: power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” said Durkin.

According to Durkin, the system in Illinois has been “rigged” to benefit the Democratic Party and the residents of Cook County and the state deserve much better.

“The chance for ethics reform this session has been blocked. Any hope for real property tax reform has been stalled,” Durkin said. “The system has been rigged to benefit those in power, and to keep the Democratic Party in control while the citizens of Cook County and Illinois suffer.”

Durkin blasted the Democratic Party for the state's financial woes and the long rein of Madigan.

"Today, I hope, is a day of awakening for citizens of Illinois," Durkin said. "We sit here in a bankrupt state, burdened by the actions, or in many cases inaction, of the Democratic Party of Illinois that through Speaker Madigan has held the reins of power for decades. The allegations presented today are troubling and downright depressing. Speaker Madigan needs to “speak” up on this issue, and if the allegations are true, he needs to resign immediately."

Durking says that just as importantly, members of the Democratic Party must have the courage to finally stand up and demand an explanation of their leader.

"The citizens of Illinois deserve so much better," said Durkin.