Map of the 2022 Illinois 14th Congressional District

 Map of the boundaries of the Illinois 14th Congressional District for the November 2022 election:

The Illinois 14th Congressional District is currently represented by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.

Rachel Ventura, "Green New Deal Democrat" to Challenge Bill Foster in Illinois 11th Congressional

Will County Board Member Rachel Ventura has announced her candidacy for the Democratic Nomination in the Illinois 11th Congressional District.

Ventura has stated she is a "Green New Deal Democrat" who supports Medicare for All.

Here is a map of the Illinois 11th Congressional District: 

Illinois 11th Congressional District

Here is a video of Ventura's campaign announcement in downtown Joliet:

O'Dekirk Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Joliet

Standing on the steps of the Joliet Police Station, Bob O'Dekirk announced his candidacy for Mayor of Joliet:


O'Dekirk then took questions from the small group of citizens, supporters, and reporters gathered.  One citizen asked what we can do about low voter turnout in local elections.  O'Dekirk said he hopes Joliet residents who saw four new taxes and are seeing crime increasing in Joliet will take ownership and vote.

O'Dekirk said during his 10 years as a police officer in the City of Joliet he developed deep ties to the community and that those ties would help him forge the gap between the community and city hall.

In regards to Joliet's economic situation, O'Dekirk said promoting a 5 Guys Restaurant coming to Joliet is not an economic plan.  O'Dekirk said Joliet needs a plan for economic development and that if Bolingbrook can do it, so can Joliet.

Naperville Congressional District Maps 2014

After the 2010 Census, the Illinois State House redrew the Illinois Congressional Districts.  Here are the maps of the Congressional Districts in effect going forward:

Map of Realigned Illinois 11th Congressional District, including the towns of Joliet, parts of New Lenox,  Bolingbrook, Naperville, Woodridge, and Aurora

Map of Realigned Illinois 14th Congressional District

Maps of all Illinois Congressional Districts 

Senator Pat McGuire: Quinn Does Not Need to Close IYC-Joliet to Balance State Budget

Press Release from State Senator Pat McGuire on Governor Quinn's decision to close Illinois Youth Center-Joliet:

"Joliet, IL – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) is expressing dismay over Governor Pat Quinn’s decision, leaked late Tuesday to close Illinois Youth Center (IYC) Joliet, despite the General Assembly having passed a balanced budget which includes funds to keep the facility open.

“My colleagues and I in the General Assembly believe keeping IYC Joliet open is a priority,” McGuire said.  “The governor claims that he needs to close IYC Joliet to balance the budget. Truth is, the budget adopted by the legislature is balanced. Furthermore, the funds appropriated for IYC Joliet can’t be spent on anything but corrections without the legislature’s permission. ”

IYC Joliet is the state’s only maximum-security facility for young male offenders, most of whom come from the Chicago area. “We need IYC Joliet to keep the public safe. The staff provides young men the services needed to turn away from a life of crime.  Proximity to Chicago makes trips to court and family visits feasible. The governor’s move to close IYC Joliet is risky, and it threatens hundreds of local residents’ jobs.” McGuire said.

Governor Quinn first proposed closing IYC Joliet in his February budget address.  Dozens of area elected leaders and community residents testified against the closing at an April 4 hearing in Joliet, and a bipartisan legislative commission later voted to keep the facility open. The General Assembly on the final day of its spring session passed a budget with money specifically earmarked to fund IYC Joliet for another year. 

The Quinn administration became embroiled in controversy when it violated state law by spending state money on closing IYC Joliet before the legislative commission’s vote.  The latest twist came June 19 when the governor’s Department of Corrections head sent out a memo announcing that Quinn intended to ignore the General Assembly and proceed with closing IYC Joliet, along with several other adult and youth correctional facilities.  That memo was later obtained by legislators and members of the press.

“I encourage the governor to visit IYC Joliet and the other facilities he wishes to close,” McGuire said. “The view from the governor’s office on the second floor of the State Capitol can be limiting. The governor needs to meet the staff and the families of the residents of these facilities and reconsider his decision to thwart the will of the General Assembly and the affected communities.”

McGuire Helps Kill Controversial Illinois Legislative Scholarship Program

Springfield, IL- State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) today joined his colleagues in the Illinois Senate and voted to end the controversial legislative scholarship program.  McGuire, in office for two months, chose not to participate in the scandal-ridden program and has vocally supported its abolition.

"Programs that aren't on the up-and-up have to go," McGuire said.  "Getting rid of legislative scholarships is an important step toward restoring confidence in Illinois government."

The Legislative Tuition Waiver Program allows each member of the General Assembly to send residents of their districts to Illinois' public universities for only the cost of room and board.   Although often referred to as a scholarship program, state universities actually receive no extra funding to cover the cost of students who receive these waivers.

The tuition waiver program has faced criticism over the past several years.  Legislators have allegedly awarded scholarships to elected officials' family members, personal friends, campaign donors, and even students who reside outside of their districts.

"The State of Illinois has better ways to spend its money than on legislative scholarships, and the General Assembly has more important issues to address," McGuire said.  "We must work on making higher education affordable for everyone.  We also must make sure students graduate and are ready to work and make our state great again."

McGuire Pleased with IYC Joliet Decision

Springfield- A bipartisan, bicameral legislative commission this morning refused to endorse Governor Pat Quinn's proposal to close Illinois Youth Center (IYC) Joliet, the state's only maximum security facility for young men.

"The commission agreed with us that closing the state's only maximum security youth center doesn't make sense when it comes to public safety or savings," said State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet).  "This is a victory for the Joliet area.  IYC employs 219 people, indirectly supports almost 100 more jobs, contributes more than $30 million to our local economy, and provides youthful offenders one last chance to go straight."

The legislative panel-the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CoGFA)-was created to provide the General Assembly with a reliable, accurate source of budget-related information.  Analyzing governors' proposals to close state facilities is one of CoGFA's most important duties.  Though CoGFA's recommendations are not legally binding, no governor has ever closed a state facility over CoGFA's objections.

"We must make some tough budget decisions this year, and I respect the governor's good intentions," McGuire continued, "but closing IYC Joliet would result in mixing older, more dangerous youth with younger, more vulnerable youth, increasing safety risks to both residents and staff. It also threatens to thwart the younger offenders' rehabilitation as they are diverted from corrective behaviors by the older offenders."

IYC Joliet's final fate won't be decided until after the state passes a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.  McGuire vowed to work with legislators and the governor's office to guarantee funding.

"I urge the governor to heed the voices of elected officials, law enforcement, and religious leaders and to abide by today's bipartisan decision," McGuire said.  "No other state facility has the skilled staff IYC does, nor the location and recent capital improvements."

McGuire Tours Joliet Illinois Youth Center, Urges Governor to Reconsider Closing

Joliet - State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) this afternoon toured the Illinois Youth Center (IYC) Joliet.  He was joined by a number of his colleagues, including State Senator Sue Rezin; State Representatives Jack McGuire, Emily McAsey, and Renée Kosel; Will County Executive Larry Walsh; and a representative from House Minority Leader Tom Cross' office.  After talking to Youth Center workers and discussing the likely consequences of closing the facility, Senator McGuire is urging the governor to reconsider his plan to close the juvenile detention center.

"The Illinois Youth Center Joliet is the state's only maximum security facility for young men," McGuire said.  "The Quinn administration's reasoning for closing it is that it is the 'most like an adult prison.'  But, the young men at IYC are behind bars for a reason.  They need to pay their debt to society, be held securely, and receive services to turn them away from a life of crime."

Governor Quinn included IYC Joliet in a list of dozens of facility closings in his budget proposal last month.  The governor's administration contends that closing the Joliet facility will save the state approximately $17 million per year.  The closing also would result in up to 235 area residents losing their jobs.

"There's no question we must cut spending this year," continued McGuire, who reduced his office's spending by approximately 10% when he served as Will County Treasurer.  "The question is are we making smart cuts?  Are we setting the right priorities?  Before we consider closing facilities, we need a firm plan to deal with the consequences.  I haven't yet received any such plan.  I have, however, spoken with IYC staff, whose skill and dedication impress me.  Both IYC staff and members of the public have told me that they worry about what closing IYC Joliet will do to community safety."

McGuire believes that the full General Assembly should have meaningful impact on the closure process, which is not currently the case.

"I am co-sponsoring legislation that will allow the General Assembly to vote on facility closures," McGuire said.  "The General Assembly currently has no substantive authority over closing multi-million dollar state facilities that employ hundreds of people."

Under current law, the governor proposes facility closures.  Then, the 12-member, bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CoGFA) makes a non-binding recommendation to accept or reject the governor's plan.  This recommendation is the only official input the General Assembly is allowed to make on facility closures.  The legislation McGuire is sponsoring, Senate Bill 3564, requires the General Assembly to approve or deny CoGFA's recommendation.  The General Assembly's decision would be final.

Pat McGuire to Replace AJ Wilhelmi as 43rd District State Senator

Pat McGuire has been chosen to replace AJ Wilhelmi as the State Senator for the Illinois 43rd State Senate District.  McGuire is the current Braidwood City Clerk and former Will County Treasurer.

Wilhelmi won the 43rd State Senate Seat 37,876 to 24, 276 over Republican Challenger Cedra Crenshaw in the 2010 election.

Here is a map of the current 43rd District, including which precinct went Democrat or Republican in 2010:

Map of 43rd State Senate District and 2010 election results by precinct

After the 2010 Census, the Illinois 43rd State Senate District was realigned and will look like this for the 2012 election:

Ron Paul Sign in Joliet

A few Ron Paul signs have sprouted up in Will County, including this sign in Joliet on Route 59 and Caton Farm Road:

Ron Paul sign at the corner of Route 59 and Caton Farm Road in Joliet, Illinois

Foreclosure Memorial Rally at Bank of America in Joliet

Members of South Suburban Moveon.org organized a rally outside the Bank of America branch on Jefferson Street in Joliet today.  People gathered around a large sign with the words "Foreclosure Memorial, Bank of America."  Others held signs saying, "We are the 99%" and "Why aren't the Wall Street bankers in jail?"

Here is a video of the event outside the Bank of America in Joliet, Illinois:

State Senator AJ Wilhelmi Hosts Umemployment Workshop for Local Businesses

JOLIET - On September 28, 2011 State Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) hosted a workshop on unemployment insurance and the services offered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) at Joliet Junior College. "I am committed to working with local business leaders to improve our state's business climate and help them create good-paying jobs," Wilhelmi said.  "Unemployment insurance is an important partnership between businesses, the State, and workers.  The purpose of this workshop is to help employers learn the ins and outs of the unemployment system." More than 40 business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs attended the workshop, where a representative from IDES answered questions and explained some of the services the department offers to Illinois companies.  He explained how businesses can file unemployment insurance complaints, detailed various state incentives for hiring new workers, shared Illinois labor market information, and demonstrated the Illinois Skills Match Exchange System, an online tool that helps employers find workers with the skills they need. "The Department of Employment Security does more than just manage the unemployment insurance system," Wilhelmi explained.  "It works with job creators and other state agencies to make sure state government is helping our economy grow and producing jobs.  It is important for local businesses to be aware of the tools the State of Illinois has developed to help them succeed." Wilhelmi emphasized that he wants to work with local businesses to improve the Will County economy and strengthen Illinois' place in the global economy. "I encourage any business owner or manager who has a question or concern about state rules and regulations to contact my office," he added.  "I also welcome ideas about how state government can help develop our local and state economy.  My door is always open."

Representative Adam Kinzinger to Discuss Debt Ceiling Debate and Unemployment

On Monday, July 11th, Illinois 11th Congressional District Congressman Adam Kinzinger will join the following programs to discuss the looming debt ceiling debate and the nation-wide 9.2 percent unemployment rate for June.

• At 6:05 am CST - Greg Jarrett on WGN radio.  Tune-in to 720 AM or stream live here.
   
• At 7:15 am CST  -  Good Day Chicago on Fox Chicago.  Watch on WFLD - Fox Chicago.

• At 7:40 am CST - Jon Gauger on Moody Radio Chicago.  Tune-in to AM 1110 WMBI or stream live here.

• At 9:00 am CST - Cisco Cotto on WLS radio.  Tune-in to AM 890 or stream live here.

Recently, Kinzinger stated, with regard to the debt ceiling debate,  "we have a spending problem in this country, we don't have a revenue problem in this country.  We have a problem with how much money we're spending."


Kinzinger also made a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives regarding jobs.  Kinzinger stated: "It is absolutely time for us to get deadly serious about reducing the size of the federal government, cutting spending, and getting Americans back to work."  Also, Kinzinger remarked: "The Democrats believe that government creates jobs.  You hear that all the time in what they say, listen closely.  They say we just need a jobs bill, we need 800 billion in more spending, we need this program. What you're gonna hear tonight is the Republican view.  The federal government doesn't create jobs.  The federal government can make jobs. We can take tax money, put it through a bureaucracy and spit out a paycheck.  Jobs are created in the free market.  We can create an environment for job creation, and that's what our freshman class came here to do."

Congressman Adam Kinzinger discusses Joliet on the floor of the House of Representatives

Illinois 11th Congressional Congressman Adam Kinzinger discussed the size of the federal government, getting Americans back to work, and Joliet on the House floor.

"I hail from Illinois.  Illinois is the President's home state. Illinois has a huge problem with people looking for work that can't find it.  Illinois used to be a manufacturing economic power house of the United States.  It's not hard to drive around and see abandoned warehouses or abandoned factories.  Joliet, Illinois, a city in my district knows that all too well."

Watch the rest of  Kinzinger's speech on the floor of the House of Representatives:

Signs of the political times in Joliet

Sign on Broadway in Joliet expressing the view that the Republicans--and Congresswoman Judy Biggert in particular--are the "party of no"

Sign along Broadway in Joliet asking "Is America in Distress?  Do Our Politicians Even Care?"

South Suburban Council of Moveon.org holds rally on Jefferson Street in Joliet

April 18, 2011

The South Suburban Council of Moveon.org held a rally today in front of the Bank of America branch on West Jefferson Street and Stryker.

According to Sue Myers of the South Suburban Council of Moveon.org, "We are here to protest a tax code we think is unfair."  Referring to the recent budget passed by the House, Myers said, "their best answer to balance the budget is to cut food for infants."  Instead of budget cuts, Myers and those in attendance at the rally spoke out for increasing taxes on corporations like Bank of America.  Myers and others at the rally said corporations pay too little tax and even get refunds.

Protest outside Bank of America on West Jefferson Street in Joliet, Illinois.  Submitted photo by Susan Myers.

Protest outside Bank of America on West Jefferson Street in Joliet, Illinois.  Submitted photo by Susan Myers.

Protest outside Bank of America on West Jefferson Street in Joliet, Illinois.  Submitted photo by Susan Myers.

Protest outside Bank of America on West Jefferson Street in Joliet, Illinois.  Submitted photo by Susan Myers.

Bob O'Dekirk unseats Timothy Brophy in the Joliet City Council District 2 race

Bob O'Dekirk will be the new Joliet City Councilman representing Joliet's 2nd District.

O'Dekirk won with 1,  873 votes.
1, 496 people voted for incumbent Brophy.
1, 219 people voted for Brian Baltz
392 people voted for John Gurka

Larry Hug wins(unofficial until April 26) Joliet City Council District One Election

The Will County Clerk's election results webpage shows that Larry Hug is the unofficial winner in the District 1 City Council race, with 528 votes.  The next highest vote-getter was IIona Vaughn, who received 506 votes.

Check out two Will County New articles on Larry Hug's ideas for Joliet:

Joliet City Council District 1 Candidate Larry Hug wants companies to pay local resource use fee for each container that goes through local intermodals

and

Joliet City Council District 1 Candidate Larry Hug Tired of Career Politicians

Again, these results are unofficial, per the Will County Clerk: "UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

On Election Night, as precincts are reporting, you will see the results being tabulated. These results will not include the Absentee by mail, Servicemen or Early Voting results. We will upload these results at the very end of the evening after all 445 precincts have been checked in.

Election results will not be official until Tuesday, April 26, when canvassing of votes is completed and after absentee ballots postmarked by midnight, April 4, and provisional and grace period ballots are counted on April 19."

Joliet Mayor's Race Results

On April 5, 2011 the citizens of Joliet will elect a new mayor.  There are nine candidates for mayor of Joliet:

Jan Quillman

Kevin Hegarty

Warren Dorris

Andy Mihelich

Diane Harris

Dale Vollmer

Michael Marconi

Dr. Brown

Tom Giarrante

To find out who won the Joliet mayoral race, go to the Will County Clerk's election results page.  Results will be posted as precincts report after the polls close at 7p.m. on April 5th, 2011.

Joliet City Council District 1 Candidate Steve Cammack

There are six candidates challenging current Joliet City Councilman Joe Shetina, they are:

IIona Vaughn
Larry E. Hug
Vanessa Romeo
James Lipinski
Donald C. West Jr.
Steve Cammack

Will County News spoke with Candidate Steve Cammack at the recent Informate/Get Informed Candidates Forum.  Cammack said he is running because "we need new leadership in District 1." Cammack said many people living in District 1 have moved to the area in the past 10 years and do not know much about the City Council.

Cammack said "when the City decided to put more rooftops in the West" the city should have planned more to provide more services to that area.  Cammack said the sewer lines serving District 1 are too small and the police and fire response times are too long.   Cammack said he is concerned that there are not enough police patrols in District One.

Cammack said he will take a different approach than the current District One City Councilman; Cammack said he will bring meetings to the district instead of expecting District 1 residents to drive downtown.

Cammack would also work to put the City of Joliet's checkbook online so that anyone could go online and see where the City's money was going.  In his current role as a Plainfield Township Trustee, Cammack said Plainfield Township's checkbook is already online for citizens' review.

Cammack said that if elected he would be accessible to all residents.  He said residents would be able to call him on his cell phone, and while he may not be able to solve residents' problems by the end of the night, Cammack said: "I will call them back by the end of the night."