South Cook News

Christine Shanahan McGovern, a candidate for Illinois State House District 36, expressed her concerns about crime and education in the state. She emphasized, "Nothing will change until there are consequences with the criminals." McGovern, set to face Democrat Rick Ryan in the general election, suggested that "everyone who believes the SAFE T Act is positive and making positive change needs to go have a sleepover on this block."

"Nothing will change until there are consequences with the criminals," said Shanahan McGovern, according to Facebook. "Every person who believes the Safe T Act is positive and making positive change needs to go have a sleepover on this block. The most horrific part of this scene is the innocent people living in these homes."

In a May 14 Facebook post, she voiced her support for the 2nd Amendment rights but criticized what she sees as lack of accountability among criminals. She wrote, "This however is criminal and certainly not a regulated militia but people who have no value in the lives of others. How do we change this? It starts with accountability and stopping this real life game of Monopoly where criminals pass go and get a 'Get Out Of Jail Free Card'."

Screenshot of Christine Shanahan McGovern's May 14 Facebook post | Christine Shanahan McGovern for IL State Representative District 36 Facebook page

The SAFE-T Act has sparked controversy since its inception due to the changes it brings to the pretrial detention system. According to the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority, the act abolished cash bail and defined pretrial release eligibility. It also introduced new standards for use of force and mandated reporting of use of force incidents to the FBI National Use of Force Database. Furthermore, it created a decertification process for officers subject to complaints and misconduct while requiring officers to issue citations instead of arresting individuals for certain low-level offenses.

With regards to pretrial release procedures under the Act, it "prevents the results of a risk assessment from being the sole basis for a detention decision and informs the accused person of the tool." The Act also allows for revocation of pretrial release under specific circumstances.

McGovern also touched upon education issues in her May 14 Facebook post. She argued that "it starts with taking the CTU political agenda out of schools. Make the shift back on education forging critical thinkers not kids who have a forced upon and created gender identity crisis. Celebrate the accomplishments of students who have excelled in the education path. When a change.org petition needs to be started to acknowledge the academic achievements at Taft HS there is a major disconnect."

McGovern, the Republican candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives District 36, ran an uncontested race in the Republican primary in March. She identifies herself as a mother and business owner on her campaign website, stating she is "committed to my community where I have lived in almost 29 years." McGovern also owns a small business.