South Cook News

State House candidate Dr. Eric Wallace sees what he considers to be an ironclad reason for feeling that the ethic reform proposals now being advanced by Democrats in Springfield will never see the light of day.

“They're never going to pass because they’ve got to come through (House Speaker) Mike Madigan first,” Wallace told the South Cook News. “I give them kudos for trying, but the reality is he still controls everything.”

With Madigan (D-Chicago) now embroiled in a still developing federal corruption probe involving utility giant ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme, some Democrat lawmakers are pushing an array of reform measures they tout as ways to change the culture in Springfield. Topping the list of proposals are measures that would ban legislators from becoming lobbyists, require greater financial disclosures, establish a censure process, make the legislative inspector general more independent, and institute term limits.

Running to replace Toi Hutchinson in the 40th District, Wallace argues the rot in Springfield now runs so deep it’s possible that the sudden reform push could be just part of a bigger ploy.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a just setup to try to make some people look good just before a big election,” he said. “Think about it, they could have Madigan’s blessing to do this because he knows he’s not in danger of losing power because Republicans don’t have the numbers to make it happen and he’s already said he’s not stepping down.”

Wallace also notes many of the same reform measures have been raised by Republicans before.

“In those times, none of this went anywhere,” he said. “We have to get rid of Mike Madigan. He’s the virus that Illinois has had for years now and the whole state is suffering because of it.”