LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted October 13, 2018

Dear Editor:

In a recent letter to the editor, my opponent, Avery Bourne misled our constituents yet again when she stated that I would be backing out of the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce’s public forum. Bourne was paid 1.7 million dollars by Bruce Rauner to sell out our district and she has been misleading us ever since.

The fact of the matter is that on October 18th, I will be attending a different debate event for Working Families in Hillsboro IL. It just so happens that this debate fell on the exact same time and date as the Litchfield Chamber forum. It seems rather odd to me that my political opponent would feel the desperate need to compose such a misleading letter. It is worth noting that Avery herself will cowardly not show up to another debate this upcoming October 16th in Pana.

Funnily enough, she declined to include that piece of information in her letter. She falsely claims that I “play games” because I’m supposedly scared of debates. For a political opponent, she doesn’t know me well at all. I’m not the type of person to back down from a fight or engagement with constituents.

I look forward to meeting with folks to get their perspective on important issues. That is why I decided to throw my hat into the ring and run for State Representative for the 95th District. And that is exactly why I will be attending a great debate with Working Families on October 18th. Unlike my opponent, I care about our middle class and union families.

My opponent may feel a desperate need to tell tall tales, but I know who I am and I’m always ready for a debate.

Sincerely,

Dillon Clark

Democratic Candidate for 95th State Rep

Litchfield, IL

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted October 12, 2018

Dear Editor:

First, a brief lesson in recent history: Four years ago, voters in the 95th Legislative District re-elected Wayne Rosenthal, a Republican with a proven record of representing his district, as State Representative. Sensing that Rosenthal was too independent to reliably support his agenda, newly elected Governor Bruce Rauner elevated Rosenthal to a cabinet position shortly after Rauner was sworn in, thereby removing a potential obstacle.

There were numerous qualified contenders to replace Rosenthal, but when the new State Rep was named, it turned out to be an unknown 22-year-old college student whose main qualification for office was her willingness to support Rauner’s every whim. That’s how Avery Bourne replaced the State Representative that voters in the 95th had actually elected.

If carrying water for the Rauner administration is the standard for judging job performance, Bourne has done an exemplary job. She has consistently supported the Rauner agenda, voting to support his proposals or conveniently absenting herself from the chamber when called upon to vote on bills he opposed. It is not a stretch to say Bourne shares responsibility for the state languishing for three years without a budget because of Rauner’s recalcitrance.

That is only one reason I am supporting Dillon Clark in the race for State Representative. Dillon has a keen understanding of how Rauner’s fiscal policies (or lack thereof) have negatively impacted small businesses and middle class wage earners in the 95th district. As a member of the Montgomery County Board, he has been involved with making tough financial decisions to maintain services to constituents in the face of dwindling tax revenues.

Most important, he is committed to representing the citizens of his district rather than representing the governor.

Four years ago, the Governor removed the Representative we elected and replaced him with his own proxy. This year voters have an opportunity to correct that travesty by electing someone who will genuinely represent his constituents. After four years, it’s time for the 95th District to again have a representative in the statehouse.

Please join me in voting for Dillon Clark.

Sincerely,
Timothy L Fogle
Litchfield

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted October 9, 2018

Dear Editor:

Last election, the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum. It served as an important opportunity for voters to hear from local candidates on issues facing our communities and our state.  This forum was neutral, well-respected, well-attended, and aired on the radio. I attended the forum, not only as a candidate to share my point of view, but also as an interested voter of Montgomery County.

At the time, Dillon Clark, who is now my opponent, was running for County Board. He attended that forum too, recognizing the importance of sharing his perspective with voters.

In mid-August, the Litchfield Chamber asked me to save the date of October 18th for the forum this year.. I saved the date and am looking forward to attending. Voters should get the opportunity to hear from those of us who are asking to represent them. 

Unfortunately, Dillon Clark has decided to back out of this debate after confirming his participation weeks ago. What I find more curious is that, after our last debate at the State Journal Register, Clark and I personally discussed participating in this forum. All I can assume is that he doesn’t want a repeat of that debate, and I don’t blame him. 

These are the kind of games that voters despise. If you’re too afraid to debate the issues, and face voters both in person and live on the radio, then you aren’t fit to hold office. 

I challenge Clark - stop the games. Join the debate.

Avery Bourne

State Representative, 95th District