Why I am running for Illinois State Senate (9th District)

After several years of mounting frustration with our State government’s lack of fiscal discipline and on-going corruption, I decided the best way to make a difference was to get involved in the process.  I was asked by the Republican Party in May to fill a vacancy on the 9th Senate District ticket for this fall’s election, and accepted the challenge to represent the constituents of my District.  The 9th District includes all (or parts) of the following cities: Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Skokie and Evanston. 

If you have paid any attention to what has been happening in Springfield for the last decade, you know that Illinois is in deep financial trouble.  With billions of dollars in deficit spending and a mounting debt load, Illinois' political leaders have proven they are incapable of managing our tax dollars.   Their inability to make tough decisions and continuing incompetence is limiting our survival options.   When compared to the other states, Illinois ranks close to the bottom in nearly every meaningful economic category.  We have lost over 800,000 taxpayers in the last fifteen years (1 taxpayer every 10 minutes), while our neighbors to the north and east have clearly declared their states are open for business.   With our economic future in jeopardy, my campaign will focus on the three biggest issues facing our state:

• Politicians – No lasting reform is possible without serious change (and penalties) to our political class in Illinois.  There are 118 Representatives, 59 Senators and 1 Governor.   All together, 12 million plus citizens in Illinois can thank less than 200 people for the overwhelming problems we have incurred in this state. 

• Pensions – The pension mess in Illinois is nothing short of political malfeasance.  The empty promises, backroom dealing and financial mismanagement have put public workers retirement plans in jeopardy.  Only serious and lasting reform will save the public worker plans while not soaking the taxpayers.

• Medicaid – While saving the Pension funds will be difficult, it will be even more challenging to find a solution to our Medicaid issues.  Billions of unpaid bill have already been rolled into this year’s budget, with no end to the deficit in sight.  The Supreme Court ruling upholding Obamacare, which will add hundreds of thousands more enrollees to Medicaid, will further undermine the State’s budget. 

To find out more about my positions and solutions to these and other issues, please visit my website at www.farkas4illinois.com.