Lake County Gazette

Illinois state Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) recently criticized newly elected Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's vision for the state's economy.

In a press release from Wilcox's office, the senator warns that Johnson's progressive policies will only serve to drive more businesses and residents out of the state, adding, "Here in McHenry and Western Lake County, we support our businesses and recognize their value in our communities. We do everything we can to help our job creators grow and thrive while always keeping an eye on the overall tax burden."

“Today the mayor-elect outlined an economic agenda that includes historic new costs, but gave no hint of how he will pay for it," Wilcox said in the press release. "I have no doubt he will implement his radical social agenda on the backs of businesses. At a time when we should be welcoming businesses to come to the city, Johnson’s proposals will have the opposite effect and will drive businesses and their employees out. Instead of thinking of new ways to hurt employers, the mayor-elect would be better off directing his attention on real solutions to the crime problem facing Chicago."

The Center Square reported that in his first speech before the full chamber in Springfield, Johnson, who defeated challenger Paul Vallas in April, said he hopes to have a partnership with the rest of the state, adding, "I want to take a moment to lay out in a very specific way, in front of all of you, my vision for how Chicago and Springfield can work together to deliver for the people of Illinois."

Johnson is set to replace Mayor Lori Lightfoot at a time when total crime has risen 75%, according to Chicago Police statistics. With questions already percolating about him being too soft on crime, Johnson recently drew the ire of many based on comments he made following a weekend gathering of teenagers in the city that ended with two people being shot and untold property damaged.