South Central Reporter

Illinois State Rep. Blaine Wilhour said he has had enough of the chronic absences of State Sen. Patricia Van Pelt and is calling for her resignation.

“This is just another example of the self-dealing that has become the calling card of Springfield politics,” Wilhour said in an interview with the South Central Reporter. “We are being led by some of the least compelling people on the planet. It also speaks to the apathy that exists among the electorate. The self-dealing and influence peddling is out in the open. No one is trying to hide it because they know they can get away with it. As long as the people allow themselves to be governed by mediocre, unserious people – nothing will change.”

Van Pelt (D-Chicago) reportedly collects pay and benefits to represent parts of Chicago's north and west sides. She has a state-funded district office and state taxpayer-paid staff members and is expected to represent her constituents in the General Assembly. But Van Pelt allegedly doesn’t participate in the legislative part of her job anymore. Nonetheless, sources tell Chicago City Wire, she refuses to resign so Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) can appoint a replacement.

Wilhour said it is time for Van Pelt to go. “She should resign. Period,” Wilhour said.

Sources say they didn’t see Van Pelt cast a single floor vote during the past legislative session. She didn’t participate in committee hearings, or vote on a single bill in any of them, either. Her 5th State Senate District includes many of the highest-income communities in the city, including parts of the West Loop and Fulton Market District, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, River West, Little Italy, University Village, Tri-Taylor and the Illinois Medical District.

Wilhour said it’s time for voters to pressure Van Pelt into resigning. “It is time for voters to finally take what is happening in Springfield seriously,” he said. “It is time for voters to demand accountability from their elected officials. When you have a legislator collecting a check and refusing to do the basic aspects of their job, we have a big problem on our hands. The only option for Illinois residents is to end their silence and get involved and elect serious leaders.”

Senate Democrats don’t seem concerned about Van Pelt’s chronic absences, because they hold a 40-19 majority and don’t miss her vote.

According to Chicago City Wire, Van Pelt actually announced her resignation on Facebook on Jan. 11, but never actually resigned.

"This is my final inauguration. I leave on January 31st," she said in a now deleted post.

Van Pelt, 65, first assumed office more than a decade ago in 2013 and rumors persist that she is unable to join her Senate colleagues in Springfield due to medical issues.  Meanwhile, she has continued to give speeches as a life coach under the name "Dr. Pat" where her theme centers on "soulmate attraction" and "regaining mastery over life and love."