Story by Kevin Woodard
A host committee featuring several known local business people and politicians hosted a reception at Destihl Brewery in Normal for State Representative Candidate Scott Preston. Preston is running for the open house seat in the newly redrawn 91st District. Among others in attendance were hosts Judy Buchanan, Bob and Julie Dobski, Chuck Erickson, John McIntyre, and Jon Sandage.
Preston said, “Everyday life is being impacted most by what we are seeing going on in Illinois, and across the country to some extent. The cost of living, with inflation, you can’t even go into a grocery store without either they don’t have what you are looking for, or the price is up 20, 30, 40 or even 50 percent from what it was not that long ago. You know I was driving here tonight, and gas was like $4.79 or $4.89. Issues like that impact our families and impact people in a very real way every single day. That’s the stuff that matters first and foremost is having a state government that is focused on controlling costs, reducing taxes, and cutting regulation so that the burden can be taken off our families here in central Illinois and around the state.”
Chuck Erickson, Republican County Chair Emeritus, stated, “I am supporting Scott Preston for State Representative in the 91st District. I would ask that you would give him your support.”
Kathleen Lorenz, who serves on the Normal Town Council with Preston, said she is supporting Preston 1000% and went on to say, “I am supporting Scott because I have worked with him on Normal Council for seven years and he is smart. He is very sharp and a critical thinker. And as much as I will miss him on town council, I know he has a fantastic temperament to be in Springfield and to sort through the issues. So, I support him wholeheartedly.”
Preston’s opponent in the Republican primary is Jim Fisher. Cities 92.9 asked Fisher about his thoughts about inflation and specifically gas prices.
Fisher said, “We need to lower our taxes. Illinois has some of the highest gas taxes and the worst roads. So where is the money going? It needs to go to the roads.”
Democrats running in the Democrat primary are Sharon Chung and Karla Bailey-Smith.
On Wednesday Chung announced she received an endorsement from Stand for Children Illinois. Stand for Children lauded Chung as an “education champion.” Chung works as a teacher and musician.
Also, on Wednesday Bailey-Smith held a Get Out The Vote event at the Bistro. The event included games and a drag performance.
On Monday Bailey Smith appeared at a Bloomington City Council Committee of the whole meeting held to discuss options for spending American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Bailey-Smith attended with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America who is asking the city council to initiate a gun violence study in our community. She is endorsed by Gun Violence Prevention Illinois.
According to Illinois Campaign Cash funding indicates Preston and Chung will win their primaries. Preston currently has $23,500 on hand and Chung has $87,550.
Looking toward the general election in the fall Erickson referred to the probable Chung versus Preston matchup saying, “Let’s see what we can do to help him defeat Sharon Chung who I serve with on the McLean County Board. And I like Sharon as a person but Sharon, her views are way too far left for that district, way way too far left for any district in my mind, and she needs to be defeated.”
