Kendall County Times

Scott Gryder, Kendall County Board member, said in an interview with Kendall County Times that while he is keen on improving Kendall County, “a change in leadership at the state level is a step in the right direction for Illinois.” This comes in the aftermath of former Speaker Mike Madigan's resignation from his seat in the Legislature and as Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

Madigan was proud to have stated in a speech that “under my leadership, we increased transparency of state and local government by creating the Freedom of Information Act and protecting it from attempts to water it down, impeached Rod Blagojevich and repeatedly strengthened the state’s ethics and campaign finance laws,” the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Despite these achievements stated by Madigan, Republicans believe that Madigan could have done better.

“It’s no secret that I have been the target of vicious attacks by people who sought to diminish my many achievements lifting up the working people of Illinois,” Madigan continued. “The fact is, my motivation for holding elected office has never wavered. I have been resolute in my dedication to public service and integrity, always acting in the interest of the people of Illinois.”

“In January, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) was installed as his replacement,” as the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, “becoming the first black person in Illinois history to hold the position,” the SE Illinois News reported.