Lake County Gazette

Kenny Idstein looks at the damage gerrymandering has done to Illinois and says it’s time to bring business world principles to government.

“I would like to see the state institute a commission that could propose districts, then we would have a public comment period where the community could have their say,” Idstein told the Lake County Gazette. “I’ve been in the mortgage industry for 32 years, and that’s how it’s done.”

Idstein, who recently announced his 2018 Republican run in the 62nd House District, wonders why it took so long for 17 Illinois lawmakers and 50 more from seven other states to demand an end to the practice of redistricting for political advantage. The group has signed an amicus curiae brief in the Gill v. Whitford gerrymandering case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kenny Idstein

Illinois politicians on board are Reps. Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley), Scott Drury (D-Highwood), Michael Fortner (R-West Chicago), Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) and David Olsen (R-Downers Grove), as well as Sens. Michael Connelly (R-Naperville), Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles), William Brady (R-Bloomington), Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods), Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst), Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), Sue Rezin (R-Morris), Heather Steans (D-Chicago), Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria).

The Wisconsin case before the high court concerns a redistricting dispute in which a U.S. district court found that the state violated certain protections provided by the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

The other states involved in the action are Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Maryland.

Idstein says redistricting has gotten so out of control that voters are lost.

“The way it is, voters can find it difficult to even know who their representative is,” Idstein said. “The current process also creates a situation in favor of the party in power. The other side has to fight just to be heard.”

House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), who has been in power for 46 years and through four district remappings, has said he plans to remain in office beyond 2020 and take part in another redistricting.

“It’s sad, because we need to change something,” Idstein said.  “I agree with the idea that remapping should be more transparent and taken away from both parties. Here in Grayslake, we’re close to Wisconsin, and a lot of people are keeping the same job but moving there because of all the problems Illinois is having. It’s heartbreaking, but that's what's happening."

Though he has never held public office, Idstein insists he’s ready for the challenge of ultimately facing off against incumbent Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Round Lake Beach).

The 62nd District encompasses Grayslake, Round Lake and Round Lake Beach.