South Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour sees the state government’s failing grade from small-business owners as a sign of toxic politics.

“The current political culture is largely self-serving and our state is suffering as a result,” Wilhour told the South Central Reporter. “Career politicians are only concerned about winning elections, and they are all too happy to assist (only) the people, companies and organizations that help them continue winning elections.”

The Republican candidate for Illinois’ 107th House District was responding to a Thumbtack survey of several thousand businesspeople that ranked the state last in business-friendly climate.

Dave Seiler

The Illinois Policy Institute recently reported the survey found the state is lacking in the areas of taxes, labor and licensure. Its highest grade was a B when it comes to finding new workers to fill open positions.

“Unfortunately, the political class is more concerned with protecting the status quo for the anti-reform special interests than they are in promoting economic growth,” Wilhour said. “We need a level, fair playing field, and that can't happen with the current political climate.”

Wilhour blames special interest groups for funding — and influencing — policymaking that opposes reforms that could help the state build a friendlier economic climate.

“Reforms that would be good for the taxpayer, the worker and our economy is not in their short-term best interests,” he said.

Wilhour offered three remedies to turn conditions around: limiting spending and government expansion; making adjustments to worker’s compensation, property taxes and pensions; and increasing trade school programs in secondary schools that train youth for high-demand jobs.

“Agriculture and the trades are the lifeblood of our local economy,” he said. “We need to support and promote the high school, community college and trades programs currently working on attracting young people to these professions.”

In contrast, Wilhour said Democrats advocate big-government solutions and higher taxes as solutions to the state’s anemic economic situation.  

“The fact that Illinois gets a failing grade in business friendliness is not something they seem particularly concerned about,” he said. “Our approaches could not be more different. I want to get the government out of the way and empower individuals to maximize their opportunities.”

Wilhour is running against Democrat Dave Seiler and Libertarian Thadeus Freed in November.

The 107th District encompasses Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette and Marion counties in east-central Illinois.