Governor Bruce Rauner in the historic courthouse in Pontiac on Monday/Photo by WJEZ staff
Governor Bruce Rauner spent some time in friendly territory Monday as he paid a visit to strongly-Republican Livingston County. The governor continued to address the state’s most pressing problems, including pension reform and the need to grow the Illinois economy. Rich Burbridge, CEO of the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce, said he agrees with much of what the governor’s been saying, but he wished the governor had addressed worker’s compensation. Burbridge says when businesses look at Illinois’s high insurance costs, it’s easy to understand why they locate in neighboring states. “From a business standpoint, that’s a no-brainer,” Burbridge said after the speech, “and we really have to do more to get the state more competitive.”
State Representative Tom Bennett was on hand for the governor’s appearance, as well. Like Rauner, he’s a newcomer to Springfield, and he says he’s optimistic that the governor can make good things happen for the state. “We need to find a way to bring the revenues and the expenses together,” Bennett said. “We need to be concerned about our individuals. We need to make sure that those who need help do get help.” Bennett represents the 106th Legislative District, which includes Livingston, Woodford, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties.
Livingston County Board Chair Marty Fannin played a key role in bringing the governor to the area. When asked if he thinks Rauner can institute policies that will help less populated areas of the state like Livingston County, Fannin says there’s a logic that should be working in Illinois state government. He says there’s no doubt that poor leadership has had a detrimental effect on the area, so the opposite should be true, too. “Anytime that we have better government up top,” Fannin says, “that always trickles down and should affect us in a positive manner.”
State Senator Jason Barickman was on hand for the governor’s appearance. He says it’s exciting to see the governor engaging in the political process and taking clear stands on issues. “While I understand and respect the fact that there are going to be some controversial ideas that he puts forward,” Barickman says, “I love the notion that he’s putting them there.” Barickman says the governor’s success or failure will depend on the willingness of the Democrats in Springfield to work toward bi-partisan solut
