Click on the Flag for More Information
|
Andrzejewski States His Case at Lake Carroll ClubhouseBy Tom Kocal
LAKE CARROLL For the second time in less than 3 months, Adam Andrzejewski, running for Governor of Illinois in 2010, paid a visit to Carroll County. He addressed the Carroll County Republican Central Committee on May 21 at the Carroll County Courthouse. On Wednesday, May 12, he addressed an audience during a "coffee" at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse. "The only way to change the climate in Springfield is to elect non-professional politicians," Adam said. We need fresh voices, new ideas, and new people to lead Illinois that can rekindle the true spirit of public service. That's why I'm running for Governor." Adam is from the small, rural community of Hersher, Illinois, "where there are no stop lights, and nothing but cornfields lining the roads for 13 miles in each direction." He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, and currently resides with his wife and three girls in Hinsdale. A successful entrepreneur, he sold his business interest several years ago and founded ForTheGoodOfIllinois.org, an organization designed to empower the people of Illinois, and promote transparency in government. "I can show the people of Illinois that by being creative and innovative, we can solve our problems. Illinois is ready for change, and I'm a real Republican reformer. "I come from a family that stands for good government," Adam continued. "My dad, who is honorary chairman of my campaign, ran against Gov. George Ryan as a fiscal conservative, just like me. My vision for Illinois stems from my work ethic and experience in a rural Illinois community." The theme of Adam's campaign is addressed in his campaign slogan that if elected, he will mandate by executive order: - Every Dime. Online. In Real Time; - A complete, forensic audit of state spending. "We don't have good numbers on state government and the programs that are funded," he stated. "Private sector businesses do, but not Springfield. Illinois government needs 100% financial transparency"; - Illinois will pay their bills on time. "$3 billion of service providers' bills are currently paid 7 months late, yet the legislators pushed through a $31 billion, pork-ridden capital bill." He said that the capital bill will be funded by income from added video poker outlets throughout the state. "We're already 3rd in the nation in gambling revenue. I don't see the need to expand gambling, and the problems that go with it." He also said that sales tax increases on some items at places like convenience stores will also fund the capital bill. He is proposing real reform, but is practicing what he preaches. "To other politicians and candidates, prove you're a 'clean' conservative. My web site shows my sources of personal income, and I post my tax return. None of my competitors will." Adam was asked, tongue-in-cheek, if he planned to live in the Governor's Mansion in Springfield if elected. "Yes, I will, and I'll save the State of Illinois $5800 a day in commuting costs that were incurred by former Gov. Blagojevich."
"While all the other Republican candidates are giving their stump speeches, I am giving my vision to the Illinois Republican Party," Adam said." 'Every Dime. Online. In Real Time.' is a workable policy. We will require every new program to be fully funded and measurable, in terms of success. Our approach to fixing the budget will be based upon putting as much money as possible under citizen control, where money follows people, not bureaucrats. Illinois has seen enough of never-ending tax increases to fund knee-jerk spending increases for every real and perceived ill." He said his plan to balance the budget and eliminate the $10 million deficit is on his web site, and includes "shifting pork in the capital bill to pay our bills." Adam was asked how he would encourage business growth and job creation. "I am an entrepreneur. I know what businesses want: a level playing field. In Illinois, we're just not making the case compared to Iowa, Wisconsin, and other neighboring states. Right now, if some businesses have a choice, they'll move." The Illinois Dept. of Corrections was discussed as well, and the status of the Thomson Correctional Center. The $61 million overtime budget for the Illinois Dept. of Corrections was addressed, in particular its relation to alleged inadequate funds available to open the TCC. "It is good policy to trim back on overtime for the other facilities and open the ones that we've built. Plus, a sausage company I recently spoke with said the IDOC spends 10-times more on sausage than they have to. More sunshine on state contracts would save us billions every year. "But new ideas require new people and that requires execution and hard work, since 40% of precinct committeeman positions are vacant.The party has a choice, Status Quo Patronage vs. Real Republican Reform. I've told the Committee that the people are saying they want reform. "This is where we begin," he told the crowd. "With intelligent, grass-roots people like you. Does Illinois want reform, or business-as-usual? With your help, we're going to win it on the ground." For more information on the Adam Andrzejewski for Governor campaign, visit www.AdamForIllinois.com, or call 630-899-9191.
|
