Lake County Gazette

Will you revolt or bolt? For GOP state House candidate Ken Idstein, that is the question.

“Too many of the families and businesses I talk to are facing that choice,” Idstein, who running against Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) in the 62nd District, told the Lake County Gazette in the wake of new U.S. Census Bureau data showing that Chicago saw a drop in population for a third consecutive year.

“People are leaving because they can’t afford to stay,” Idstein added. “I’m not going to leave. I am staying to fight for our future and for our state. Join with us to kick the lifelong politicians out of Springfield and ensure that families like ours can stay.”

In all, Chicago lost 3,825 residents in 2017, continuing a downward spiral that has some wondering just how much longer the city can lay claim to its distinction as the third largest city over Houston, which grew by 8,235 residents over the same period.

Chicago is the only one of the country’s five largest cities that saw a decrease in population in 2017.

“The politicians in Springfield say they are working for us, but the results show they are working against us,” Idstein added. “Population decline goes hand-in-hand with poor economic growth and poor policies. Families are fleeing Illinois because the political class is making it impossible to stay here... Illinois ranked 42nd in the nation and last among our neighboring states for job growth in 2017.”

Idstein points at Yingling as being part of the problem.

“This new census data shows that that the only people benefiting from my opponent’s policies are the special interests and career politicians while families flee,” he said. “I am fighting for the working families like yours who want to stay. If you are tired of being pushed around by the same old politicians, join our movement to change the state.”

Idstein added that the differences between him and Yingling are quite stark.

“Unlike my opponent, I have a plan to reverse the Illinois exodus,” he said. “Reducing cost drivers—such as property taxes and workers’ compensation costs—would help businesses grow and create a better environment for new investment and economic growth.”