In two previous runs for Illinois House, we have consistently found former Barrington Hills Village President Martin McLaughlin a steadfast voice for controlled spending with an independent mentality that can help him work effectively in the Democratically controlled chamber. We see much of the same as he seeks his third term in the race for Illinois House Dist. 52.
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In this campaign, we are particularly impressed with his detailed position on ethics reforms for lawmakers that remain to be addressed. He says lawmakers should lose their state insurance and pension plans if they are found guilty of a crime, and he wants stronger controls on what he calls “the special interest contributing class.” He also wants tighter rules regarding legislators who transition to lobbying, possibly including restricting them or their staffs from lobbying the same government entity they previously worked for.
We also appreciate his resolute stance on controlled government spending, especially as the state gets set to enter a period of complex challenges.
We are not in lockstep with him on certain other positions, notably his fairly permissive position on gun control and his call for the repeal of the SAFE-T Act, but we have always found him open to the kinds of discussion that promote the kind of reasonable debate needed to best advance issues in a legislative setting.
Not that his challenger doesn’t exhibit similar qualities from a Democratic perspective. Maria Peterson, of North Barrington, speaks with authority and compassion on the key issues facing the state. She is a staunch activist for gun control and recognizes both the value and the shortcomings in the state’s year-old criminal justice legislation. She, too, sees the need for more work on ethics policies for elected state officials.
But the super-majority-controlled Democratic House needs checks from responsible Republican voices that do not shrink from upholding contrary values or mounting challenges in the interest of controlling expenses while knowing how to operate in a way that influences outcomes and benefits the district and the state. McLaughlin is such a candidate, and we recommend him for a third term in Illinois House Dist. 52.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is warning residents of a “new surge” in scam texts claiming to be from the DMV and demanding money.
According to a press release from Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, residents are receiving text messages falsely claiming to either be from his office or a DMV, threatening suspension of license and vehicle registration if “fines” are not paid.
The messages often include links that can be used to steal residents’ information, and Giannoulias’ office is reminding residents to use vigilance and caution when receiving such messages.
“These text messages look legitimate and are designed to frighten people into acting quickly before they have time to think,” Giannoulias said. “Our office will never send a text message demanding payment or threatening to suspend someone’s license. If you receive a message like this, remember it’s a scam – plain and simple. Do not click the link and please report the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov.”
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According to his office, the messages often reference fake regulations or deadlines, and cite an upcoming enforcement date to add an air of urgency to the texts.
“These schemes are designed to create panic and trick individuals into surrendering money or personal information,” the Secretary of State’s Office said.
If a motorist receives a text, they are urged:
-NEVER to click a link
-Do not reply
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-Do not provide personal information
-Forward the message to the SOS’ scam alert email.
The only legitimate text messages the Secretary of State’s Office sends are to remind motorists of upcoming appointments at DMV facilities.
The No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (25-8) take on the No. 11 seed VCU Rams (28-7) with a Sweet 16 spot on the line on Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
How to watch VCU Rams vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Stats to know
Illinois has a +501 scoring differential, topping opponents by 15.2 points per game. It is putting up 85.0 points per game to rank 17th in college basketball and is allowing 69.8 per outing to rank 67th in college basketball.
Illinois knocks down 11.0 three-pointers per game (eighth-most in college basketball), 2.6 more than its opponents (8.4). It is shooting 34.9% from deep (126th in college basketball) while allowing opponents to shoot 31.3%.
VCU has a +347 scoring differential, topping opponents by 9.9 points per game. It is putting up 81.6 points per game, 55th in college basketball, and is giving up 71.7 per outing to rank 116th in college basketball.
VCU knocks down 9.4 three-pointers per game (60th in college basketball) at a 36.9% rate (31st in college basketball), compared to the 6.8 per game its opponents make, at a 32.9% rate.
This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
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Photo: Patrick Smith, Andy Lyons, Steph Chambers, Jamie Squire / Getty Images
