Lake County Gazette

Mike Amrozowicz, Republican candidate for the District 31 State Senate seat, said this year will be a different year for Illinois come November.

The 21-year Navy veteran and former business owner has been seeing a change in the way voters are thinking.

Mike Amrozowicz | Contributed photo

 

“Our campaign continues to gain strength throughout the community,” Amrozowicz told the Lake County Gazette. “This is an anti-incumbent year, and everyone is looking for a change. People are sick and tired of the status quo and the career politicians that have been protecting it for so long. Voters are angry and rightfully so.”

 

Amrozowicz said the state faces some severe problems that have driven away residents and businesses.

 

“We have the lowest credit rating in the nation, the worst unfunded pension liability and one of the worst unemployment rates,” Amrozowicz said. “Jobs and families are being forced to leave by the crushing environment our failed government has created.”

 

Voters are especially discouraged after the Illinois Supreme Court voted to uphold Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Larsen’s ruling against Independent Maps, Amrozowicz said.

 

“Voters are extremely frustrated that the Supreme Court of Illinois sided with (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) against the people,” Amrozowicz said. “The citizens of Illinois deserve an opportunity to vote on a fair-maps amendment. As long as the system is rigged by career politicians for career politicians, too many people in Illinois will be denied a true voice in a truly competitive election.”

 

Amrozowicz expounded on the need for redistricting reform as one of the ways that residents can wrest control of the state from the status-quo politicians.

 

“We need unbiased map drawing to restore citizen control of government; it's the only way to hold politicians accountable to the will of the people,” Amrozowicz said. “Unfortunately, we have a bunch of career politicians who claim to support fair maps when they think it's good politics, but refuse to take action. I will fight for fair maps as state senator, and I will never be afraid to call out anyone who stands in the way.”

 

Amrozowicz said his focus will be and has been on representing the voters and providing them with a positive voice and an outlet for their frustration. Amrozowicz wished to instill hope for change.

 

One such hope for many troubled youths may be found in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s recent signing of two juvenile justice reform bills that lower mandatory probation time and allow juveniles to petition to expunge their dismissed offenses earlier than previously allowed. Amrozowicz supports such reforms for youths who can be rehabilitated.

 

“I support common-sense criminal justice reform that offers a chance for rehabilitation to those who deserve it, while still ensuring that dangerous criminals are kept off the streets,” Amrozowicz said. “Anyone can make a mistake, and I think the compassionate thing to do is to focus on programs that give people a second chance, where possible.”

 

Such reforms not only benefit these youths, but also the community and state as a whole, Amrozowicz said.

 

“As a side benefit, it's also the fiscally conservative thing to do,” Amrozowicz said. “Lower prison populations save taxpayer dollars, and rehabilitation for non-violent offenders can lead to more people working, which contributes to our communities.”

 

These are the types of kitchen-table ideas that Amrozowicz said he has always encouraged and believes the solutions for the state’s many problems are at hand.

 

“The answers to our problems are out there: We need meaningful economic reforms to attract businesses back to the state and make it easier for existing companies to create jobs," Amrozowicz said. "We need to reduce the property tax burden that is driving homeowners out of the state. We need to balance our budget by restoring common-sense fiscal responsibility. And we need political reforms to restore citizen control of government."

 

Amrozowicz said his message of change is resonating with voters, who are realizing that his opponent, State Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake,  has no such agenda to address these concerns. The positive feedback inspires him.

 

“The more we get our message out in the community, the more encouraged I am,” Amrozowicz said.