Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) | Photo Courtesy of Martin McLaughlin
Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) | Photo Courtesy of Martin McLaughlin
Republican State Representative Martin McLaughlin expressed his opposition to the use of taxpayer funds on Jun. 7. McLaughlin doesn't want to see the funds used for the construction of a new Chicago Bears stadium, regardless of its proposed location.
“I am all for building a new Bears stadium outside of Chicago, in Arlington Heights, Naperville, or wherever… but to do so without using taxpayers’ money. In Illinois, the state flag should include the motto 'Quid Pro Quo,'" McLaughlin said.
"I mean, it is already likely that mayors, aldermen, representatives, senators, trustees and county commissioners are out there maneuvering to get something for 'their' communities from this project."
According to the Chicago Sun Times, discussions between the Bears and the city of Arlington Heights had progressed to the point where the team recently acquired property and began demolishing existing structures to make way for a potential stadium. However, the team has now expanded its negotiations to include the city of Naperville. Mayor Scott Wehrli of Naperville sent a letter to the team, expressing interest in exploring possible landing spots for the new stadium.
McLaughlin, in response to these developments, released a statement highlighting his perspective. He criticized the Democrats in the General Assembly for consistently emphasizing "equity" in their resolutions and proposals, suggesting that, as an investor and pension manager, he and his clients view equity in terms of ownership rather than as a concept of fairness.
"Over the last three years, General Assembly Democrats never missed an opportunity to inject – equity, equity, equity – into every resolution and proposal," McLaughlin said. "As an investor and pension manager, the word 'equity' means something very different to me and my clients – it means ownership."
Naperville, the fourth-largest city in Illinois, is located approximately 30 miles west of Chicago. With a population of around 150,000, according to the 2020 Census, the city spans both the DuPage and Will County areas.
As discussions continue between the Chicago Bears and potential host cities, the question of funding remains a contentious issue.
Alerts Sign-up