An Illinois 91st House District debate between Democrat Sharon Chung and Republican Scott Preston was held Tuesday evening at Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center in the Prairie Room.
Normal Town Councilmember Scott Preston announced he was running for the seat in January. Preston is on the boards of McLean County United Way and the Illinois State University (ISU) Alumni Association.
Sharon Chung, a McLean County Board member announced her run for the 91st district seat in February. She has served on the boards Health Committee and the Justice Committee.
When it comes to the state government’s handling of financial issues and the state economy, the two candidates appear to be living in two different worlds.
While answering a question on budget priorities Chung praised state government saying, “”We have now passed balanced budgets under Governor Pritzker. We have been paying down the debts on the bill debt log.”
Responding to a question on helping small businesses Preston said, “While we are an, what I term it as, an “in spite of” community, here in McLean County, we have a thriving, vibrant, diverse local economy “in spite of” the fact that we are in the State of Illinois. State government has not been helping that at all. Our taxes are too high. Our regulations are too burdensome.”
Chung responded, “I have to say that sometimes I am a bit baffled by my opponent saying ‘Illinois as we know it is a very burdensome state’ and yet we have been successful inviting businesses here locally. It’s something I am not sure how I can wrap my brain around it. You know it’s something that I am proud of here that we have seen that happening.”
Preston retorted, “To my opponents confusion, if you ask small businesses, if you ask the EDC, (Economic Development Council) or the Chamber (of Commerce), or any stakeholders in this process, the answer will become clear to you.”
Chung was clear on her position on abortion while Preston’s response was couched.
Chung responded, “I am a woman. I am pro choice 100%. I support a woman’s right to choose unequivocally.”
Preston’s response was essentially, “I fully respect that every woman’s journey to starting a family is unique. That’s something that all of us should respect and I certainly do.”
The two candidates differ on gun control. Chung believes we need to figure out how to ban assault weapons while Preston supports the 2nd amendment and enforcing laws already on the books.
