Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) | Craig Wilcox/Facebook
Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) | Craig Wilcox/Facebook
Illinois Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-Woodstock) recently blasted Democratic Senate colleague Patricia Van Pelt after Van Pelt has been largely missing from Springfield.
Since Van Pelt no longer takes part in the legislative process but has refused to resign from office, Senate Majority Leader Don Harmon can't appoint a replacement for the District 5 seat and its more than 218,000 residents. According to a report by the Chicago City Wire, sources claim they didn’t see Van Pelt cast a single floor vote or take part in any committee hearings during the legislative session. Critics say Democrats haven't pushed for the seat to be filled, since with their 40-19 supermajority, they don't need Van Pelt's vote.
"I’d like to see the Senate leader have a talk with the minority leader about what is happening and what needs to happen to make sure the people have proper representation," Wilcox told the Lake County Gazette.
While sources insist they didn’t see Van Pelt cast a single floor vote during the past legislative session or take part in any committee hearings or even vote on any bills, sources added Democrats have remained mum about the issue because with their 40-19 supermajority they don't need Van Pelt's vote to muscle through much of their preferred legislation.
According to reports, Van Pelt has been unable to join her Senate colleagues in Springfield due to medical issues, though she continued to give speeches as a life coach under the name "Dr. Pat."
Wilcox said the people should be in charge, "the voters," he said. "Her party and the Senate as a whole should have the authority to make appropriate changes. If she is unable to serve for whatever reason, her constituents have the right to know because they are not getting the representation that they deserve."
Van Pelt's term runs through 2027. The District includes many of the city's highest-income neighborhoods, such as parts of the West Loop and Fulton Market District, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, River West, Little Italy, University Village, Tri-Taylor and the Illinois Medical District.
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