South Cook News

In the wake of escalating safety issues surrounding controversial homeless encampments in Chicago, Patricia Bonk, a candidate for Illinois' House District 30 Representative, has criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson for purportedly undermining the state's safety. 

“It is the duty of our Government to keep citizens safe. Pritzker and Brandon Johnson are making our State less safe. Remember this at election time,” Bonk said on Facebook.

Bonk's criticism follows the recent arrest of 19-year-old Tailon Dshawn Appleton near a West Loop homeless encampment.  

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, Appleton was apprehended following a drug transaction with an undercover officer which led to the discovery of a loaded Glock 19 handgun, liquid codeine and approximately $60,000 worth of drugs in his backpack at 514 W. Lake St., one of several locations under downtown viaducts that have drawn attention due to safety concerns associated with tented residences. Despite facing five felonies related to drug and gun possession, Appleton was released on electronic monitoring by Judge Maryam Ahmad.

This incident has fueled political tension between Alderman Bill Conway and Mayor Johnson over how best to address these encampments. Conway has been advocating for their removal but met resistance from Jason Lee, an advisor to Johnson who allegedly tied support for Conway's request to his votes on progressive policies - leading to allegations of quid pro quo.

Appleton’s release came after the SAFE-T Act went into effect on Sept. 18. The controversial law disallows bail and allows individuals accused of crimes back onto the streets rather than being detained before trial.

Amidst this ongoing controversy, Chicago voters are set to decide in March on the “Bring Chicago Home” ordinance, granting the City Council the authority to increase taxes on sales of million-dollar properties to fund homelessness initiatives. The proposed ordinance, aimed at generating $100 million annually, features a tiered system for real estate transfer taxes. Critics argue that the plan lacks specificity on fund allocation and may have adverse effects on the real estate market, potentially increasing rents and hindering development.

Illinois’ House District 30 is comprised of the communities of Dolton, South Holland, Harvey, Markham, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Homewood as well as part of Tinley Park and Olympia Fields. The district is currently represented by State Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood).