Lake County Gazette

Martin McLaughlin, a state representative from Illinois, said decades of Democratic policies have failed Chicago neighborhoods and emphasized that safety should be considered a basic right. He made the remarks on X.

"If Democrats policies work. Why aren't they working," said Martin J. McLaughlin. "They haven't worked in 25 years in Chicago especially in under resourced and under protected neighborhoods. Enough. Safety is a fundamental right. For All! Make Crime Illegal Again."

Chicago's Democratic leaders have implemented public safety policies focusing on violence prevention programs, data-driven policing, and bail reform. According to officials, these measures aim to reduce crime in the long term. However, critics argue that some neighborhoods remain vulnerable under these policies. The University of Chicago Crime Lab reported declines in shootings and homicides in 2024, while the city's Violence Reduction Dashboard indicates that violence continues to be concentrated in specific communities.

Violent crime remains disproportionately high in under-resourced neighborhoods. City data shows that between 2018 and 2020, 63% of homicides and non-fatal shootings occurred in just 15 community areas, which represent only 24% of Chicago's population. This concentration underscores the enduring impact of poverty and disinvestment.

Over the past 25 years under Democratic mayors, Chicago has experienced significant fluctuations in crime rates. Homicides were recorded at 453 in 2004, peaked at 805 in 2021, and declined again to 581 in 2024. The Chicago Police Department's review for 2024 also noted an 8% drop in homicides and a 7% decrease in shootings compared to the previous year.

McLaughlin represents Illinois' 52nd District as a Republican since 2021. He is a small business owner and served as Village President of Barrington Hills from 2013 to 2021. His legislative priorities include pension reform, fiscal responsibility, and tax relief, reflecting his background in financial management.