South West Illinois News

Dr. Paul Jacobs is a candidate in the 115th District against Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) and taking his message of tax reform to the voters, canvassing and knocking on doors.

Speaking to SW Illinois News, Jacobs was asked about the response to new sexual harassment allegations against one of House Speaker Mike Madigan's political staffers.

Will voters in his district call for Madigan's (D-Chicago) resignation?

“I think they will always call for Mike Madigan to resign,” Jacobs said, citing a general record of bad leadership and “establishment politics” that has put a financial burden on taxpayers.

As for the drama around those in Madigan's staff, Jacobs concurred with the idea that the buck stops at Madigan's desk, although the facts are being sorted.

“Madigan is the boss,” Jacobs said, while adding that the new accusations need time to be examined. “I'm a firm believer in letting the law do its thing -- not jumping to conclusions -- we have a justice system.”

However, he said, harassment does seem to be rampant in Illinois politics, and without an inspector general, the state had a pretty poor record when it comes to investigating ethical problems with legislators.

Jacobs said after the inspector general position went vacant for years, politicians had to put in place a new statute of limitations to be able to investigate dozens of old claims.

“They had to go back and pass a bill,” Jacobs said.

Of the sexual harassment case, Jacobs said it needs to be looked at. He also suggested looking into why an ethics commission that didn't work for several years was still being funded to the tune of $1.6 million. That kind of financial waste, he said, is very much on the minds of voters who have to struggle with high property tax and income tax bills, while watching those in the legislature squander tax dollars on inefficient systems.