South Central Reporter

Madison County Board member Don Moore is accusing Gov. J.B. Pritzker of resorting to criminal actions in order to enforce his will on Illinois businesses.

“I’ve always believed he had only 30 days to impose his shutdown order and anything beyond that is illegal,” Moore told the South Central Reporter.  “Now, here we are again with him threatening to overstep his authority.”

Citing rising cornonavirus infection rates, Pritzker recently warned tougher restrictions could be looming as at least 11 counties are now at “warning levels” for the spread of the virus. Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White counties are all now considered potential hotspots.

“I’m extremely worried because I know the longer these extensions go on to keep businesses closed or limited the greater chance many of them will never come back,” Moore added. “It really makes no sense because small businesses are the backbone of every state and Illinois is no different than the rest. These businesses will go someplace else and it will impact other businesses wanting to come to the state. So at the same time we’re forcing all these businesses to close, we’re putting up entrance barriers for others that may have an interest in coming. That combination doesn’t bode well for any state.”

Moore recently branded Springfield a political swamp in the midst of the ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd that has ensnared longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan as a central figure.

To date, no charges have been filed against the state’s longest-serving lawmaker, but prosecutors have not been shy in asserting that the utility giant sought to “influence and reward” Madigan by providing financial benefits to those directly tied to him.