Above / The interior of the dome that tops the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield features scenes from Illinois history and stained glass windows, overlooking the Illinois houses of the executive and legislative branches of government. It’s a beauty! Looking up to the top of dome, perhaps Illinois residents will be able to find hope in Springfield as times change.

Wednesday afternoon, March 2, news spread on the airwaves and via the internet about a 106-page federal indictment with charges of racketeering, bribery, and extortion against Michael Madigan, age 79, the former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.

This week he has been accused of 22 counts of illegal activity by federal investigators.

Recognized as the longest-serving Speaker, Madigan was first inaugurated as a State Representative in 1971. After he was reelected in the most recent election in November 2020, he sought to win a 19th term as speaker in January 2021; yet, he was unable to assemble the 60 votes needed.

After Madigan lost his power to run the 118-member House, a leadership role he first won in 1983, he resigned in the legislature in February 2021. He also resigned as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

Already volumes have been written in local media and beyond. This post will be very brief with a focus on local as much as possible.

That said, early today, one of the first emails in our inbox arrived via our online subscription from longtime Chicago columnist John Kass, now also a podcaster. Kass is certain to have more to say both in the written word and on his recently launched podcast, “Chicago Way.”

Readers are reminded that these charges are accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a criminal court of law. Presumption of innocence is recognized as one of the most basic requirements of a fair trial.

Local lawmakers who serve Naperville react 

Early in the evening on March 2, 2022, statements also were received via email from State Senator John Curran and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit.  Complete statements (200 words or less) from elected officials who serve portions of Naperville in Springfield are/will be published below as received.

March 2, 2022 / Senator John Curran Reacts to 22-Count Indictment Against Former House Speaker Mike Madigan  

CHICAGO— On Wednesday, a federal grand jury returned a 22-count indictment against former Speaker of the Illinois House Mike Madigan that includes charges of racketeering, bribery, and extortion.

Following the issuance of the 106-page indictment, State Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove) issued the following statement:

“Today is an important reminder that no elected official is considered above the law and that State government should belong to the people and it should not be for sale. Those who would betray the public trust have no place in public service at any level. This lengthy indictment is a good step, but there is a great deal of work that still needs to be done. 

“We must empower our State and Local Law Enforcement Officials with the same investigative tools that Federal Authorities possess, to further root out public corruption in all forms and at all levels of government in this State.  Only then will we be on a path to regaining the public trust that has been eroded through years of self-dealing and self-interest.”    

Editor’s Note: Senator John Curran serves Senate District 41, including the southeast portion of Naperville. Senate District 41 touches DuPage, Will, and suburban Cook, including portions of Naperville, Lemont, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, Western Springs, Homer Glen, Burr Ridge, Darien, Downers Grove, Lisle, Willowbrook, Woodridge and Bolingbrook.

March 2, 2022 / State Representative Kifowit Statement on Madigan Indictment

Springfield, IL – Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) has released the following statement on the federal indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan:

“The federal indictment of corruption charges against former House Speaker Michael Madigan is disturbing but proof that justice will be served if wrongdoing by elected officials is uncovered.

“In June 2020, I was one of the first House Democrats to demand that then Speaker Madigan resign after he was implicated in the ComEd scandal as Public Official A.  

“It was clear to me that the former speaker did not hold the same values that I did, and still do, of what the public expects from a public official.

“In October of 2020 I stepped up to be the only person to challenge the former Speaker for the Speakership of the Illinois House at that time. Following that announcement, I was honored to be joined by 18 additional House members who sought change in the Leadership of the Illinois House and in total 22 members voted for a change in leadership.

“In calling for former Speaker Madigan’s resignation I said ‘there will never be another Mike Madigan.’  Considering today’s news I believe that more than ever as we have seen that elected public officials have a hold themselves to a high standard.

“Under the Speakership of Emmanuel ‘Chris’ Welch, we have been able to restore the public trust in the Illinois General Assembly. I was proud to cast my vote for Speaker Welch. 

“I can say that things have changed for the better in Springfield. I am proud that I helped start the ball rolling for change by calling for the resignation of former Speaker Madigan and challenging him to give members in the Illinois House a choice for change. The atmosphere in the General Assembly has improved greatly and I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved from comprehensive ethics reform, including term limits for the Speaker of the House, truly balanced budgets, a bill backlog reduced to normal operating levels, two credit upgrades which is the first in 20 years, in addition to comprehensive climate change legislation.  I think the people of Illinois can be proud of their state and the future progress that can be achieved under the leadership of Speaker Welch.”

Editor’s Note: State Representative Stephanie Kifowit serves District 84 that touches southwest Naperville also including Aurora, Oswego and Montgomery.

Read the full 106-page indictment via a click here.

Naperville is served in Springfield by Democrat State Sen. Linda Holmes (Dist. 42), Democrat State Sen. Laura Ellman (Dist. 21) and Republican State Sen. John Curran (Dist. 41).

In the House, Naperville is represented by Democrat State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (Dist. 84), Democrat State Rep. Janet Yang-Rohr (Dist. 41), Republican State Rep. Amy Grant (Dist. 42), and Democrat State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (Dist. 81).

For a look at the District Maps for the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House, visit www.illinoispolicy.org/maps/

Again, readers are reminded that these charges are accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.