Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker for prioritizing a state flag redesign over addressing pressing issues in Illinois. Swidler said to the Lake County Gazette on February 4 that the governor is focusing more on political theater than real leadership.

"Governor Pritzker is squandering taxpayer dollars on a useless state flag redesign while Illinois is plagued by crime, homelessness, and economic disaster," said Swidler. "Instead of tackling the real problems hurting everyday people, he's busy pushing pointless vanity projects. Families are suffering, businesses are shutting down, and streets are becoming more dangerous—yet he chooses to focus on a flag no one asked for. Illinois doesn't need a new flag; it needs a leader who actually puts citizens first."

According to CBS News, Illinois residents are currently able to vote on one of ten finalists for the state flag redesign. Over 5,000 designs were submitted, and the Illinois Flag Commission narrowed them down to ten options, including the flags from 1918 and 1968. The current flag features the state seal on a white background. Voters also have the option to retain the existing flag. The commission will present its findings to lawmakers by April 1, who will then decide on the final outcome. Voting remains open until February 14, allowing all Illinois citizens to participate.

In an August 7, 2023 press release, the Office of Governor JB Pritzker announced that "Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1818," which establishes the Illinois Flag Commission with the purpose of exploring new state flag designs. The commission is tasked with making recommendations to the General Assembly regarding whether or not to replace the current state flag. By September 2024, it will select no more than ten potential flags and submit a report by December 2024.

Swidler, a resident of Buffalo Grove and elected chairman of Vernon Township Republicans in 2024, focuses on increasing Republican voter turnout and growing party membership according to their website.