Lake County Gazette

Ela Township Trustee Tosi Ufodike is calling for comprehensive reforms in Illinois following the conviction of former House Speaker Michael Madigan on 10 counts of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud related to corrupt schemes involving the state’s largest utility, ComEd.

Madigan, who served as House Speaker for 36 years and was the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was convicted on Feb. 12, marking a significant moment in Illinois political history.

“The conviction of Illinois' longest-serving House Speaker on multiple corruption charges stands as a stark reminder that power without oversight breeds abuse,” Ufodike told Lake County Gazette. “To prevent future corruption, Illinois must implement robust internal controls, establish independent oversight mechanisms, and enact meaningful ethics reforms that include strict limits on legislative authority, transparent budget processes, and strong whistleblower protections.”

Ufodike, who is up for re-election on April 1 in Ela Township, emphasized that the cost of Madigan’s reign has been enormous.

“The cost of unchecked power – from deteriorating pension systems to economic decline – is too high to allow history to repeat itself,” she said. “The time for comprehensive reform is now, while the wounds of corruption are fresh and the public demand for change is strong.”

Madigan’s trial, which included extensive wiretap evidence, revealed how he used his political power for personal gain, securing favorable deals for his allies while harming Illinois taxpayers. 

One such scheme involved Madigan arranging a job for former state representative Eddie Acevedo in exchange for AT&T’s support on legislation.

Illinois has a history of corruption. The state has averaged more than one corruption conviction per week from 1983 to 2023. Over this 40-year period, there have been 2,168 convictions, with Madigan's influence shaping much of the state’s political landscape until his departure in 2021. 

Even after Madigan’s tenure, Illinois recorded 59 corruption convictions in 2023, many of which stemmed from the Northern District, which includes Chicago.

According to Illinois Policy, Madigan’s tenure as House Speaker was marked by fiscal mismanagement, rising state debt, and a growing pension crisis. 

Madigan’s control over the state’s budget and pension system led to the nation’s worst pension crisis and a near-junk credit rating for Illinois. 

Additionally, Madigan’s dominance of the legislative process allowed him to push through policies that resulted in high taxes, ballooning debt, and the exodus of residents from the state.