CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. –State Representative Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, issued the following statement regarding the indictment of the former-Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan:
“When I first heard the news about the indictments against Mike Madigan, it reaffirmed that I had made the right decision to vote no alongside 19 other Democrats as the former-Speaker sought to remain in his position.” Ness said.
Ness was elected in the fall of 2020 and was officially sworn-in as State Representative to Illinois’ House District 66 on January 13th, 2021. Being that Ness had not been sworn in as an elected official, she could not be recognized as a member of the 19 Democrats who voted for new leadership, though her no vote was recorded.
“When elected, I swore an oath to represent the people of District 66. I heard from constituents and colleagues who urged me to consider the value new leadership could bring to the chamber and to the State of Illinois,” said Ness.
As a result, she cast her vote in support of Speaker Welch.
“Those in elected office serve at the will of the people and therefore are held to a higher standard of ethical behavior. I ran for office because it’s important to have leaders who put the public interest above their own personal agendas. During my first year in office, I have been a strong voice for the people in District 66. I am committed to remaining their strongest advocate and ally as we move in the next year. Although we have more work to do regarding ethics reform, I am confident that under the new leadership we are on the right path.”
