Candidate pledges energy and new ideas
By:
Monday, November 03, 2008
Since I have been running for state representative, I have spoken with thousands of residents throughout Champaign-Urbana. Whether it is at their doorstop or in the line at the grocery store, people have a lot to say about their state, and unfortunately, none of it is praise.
One lady recently told me at her Champaign home that she was outright "ashamed" of the state of Illinois because of its accepted culture of corruption and incompetence. She has a right to be ashamed. Illinois has its previous governor in prison and its current governor is being federally investigated. Also, Gov. Blagojevich, with the help of state Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, jeopardized her state pension.
And to top off her frustration, her favorite weekend getaway, Kickapoo State Park, is scheduled to close next month.
I plan to bring honest, responsible government back to Springfield. I want to support the University of Illinois; we should be opening class buildings, not closing them, as in the case of Lincoln Hall. I want to fix and properly fund our state pension system. Furthermore, I also pledge to only support balanced budgets, unlike my opponent, to prevent sudden budget cuts that have affected Kickapoo Park, our social services and our university.
I am also proud to announce that the Chicago Tribune has endorsed me for state representative.
If you believe that our state needs new energy with fresh ideas, then I believe I am the right candidate for you.
FRANK CALABRESE
Champaign