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BRUCE RAUNER SWORN IN AS ILLINOIS’ 42ND GOVERNOR
‘Business as usual is over’ Newcomers, veterans sworn in as statewide officeholders
Governor orders spending freeze
The ASSOCIATED PRESS SPRINGFIELD – Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner wasn’t the only state official sworn in Monday. Five other Illinois statewide officers – a mix of rookies and veterans, Republicans and Democrats – took the oath of office, including an appointment to fill the vacancy of late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Here’s a look at them:
By SARA BURNETT and KERRY LESTER The Associated Press SPRINGFIELD – Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner moved quickly to address Illinois’ budget mess Monday, taking the oath of office and then ordering state agencies to immediately freeze all nonessential spending. The wealthy businessman told those at his inauguration ceremony in Springfield that Illinois has become less competitive and that businesses and residents have fled the state because of high taxes and overregulation. He said addressing the multibillion-dollar budget hole and other problems will require sacrifice, but is the only way to turn Illinois around. “Each person here today and all those throughout the state will be called upon to share in the sacrifice so that one day we can again share in Illinois’ prosperity,” he said. “We all must shake up our old ways of thinking.” Democrats, who hold veto-proof majorities in the Illinois House and Senate, criticized Rauner’s speech as rhetoric that was short on specifics. They said the real test will come next month, when the new governor will have to propose a budget for
See RAUNER, page A4
COMPTROLLER
AP photo
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner waves to the crowd after delivering his inauguration address Monday in Springfield after being sworn in as Illinois’ 42nd governor.
Leslie Munger, 57, was sworn in for her first term as comptroller. Rauner last week named her to replace Topinka, who died after winning a second term in November. The Lincolnshire businesswoman told those at the inaugural Leslie Munger ceremony that she was inspired by Topinka’s model of “servant leadership.” She said she was “grateful and excited for the chance to address the most pressing issues of our state.” “We do have an opportunity to govern in her spirit,” Munger said of Topinka. “We can raise the bar of fiscal responsibility and find less expensive ways to get the job done.” A special election will be held in 2016 to fill the comptroller position.
See OFFICEHOLDERS, page A4
McHENRY COUNTY LAWMAKERS REACT TO ILLINOIS GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS Bruce Rauner has officially taken the reins as Illinois governor after his inauguration Monday in Springfield. McHenry County lawmakers share their thoughts on the Republican’s inauguration: “I came away extremely excited and encouraged about the future. I already see this as a new day in Illinois to return it to its former glory, and Rauner has already taken the first big step by freezing all [nonessential] spending at state agencies.” State Sen. Dan Duffy
“I think he set the right tone, the tone I would have set – our best days are ahead of us, we’re going to fix our problems and work together.” State Rep. Jack Franks D-Marengo, on hearing details he wanted to hear
“I think he made a good connection with what lies ahead and what needs to be done.” State Rep. Mike Tryon R-Crystal Lake, on his reaction to listening to part of the address. Tryon said Rauner said what needed to be said about tough decisions.
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren R-Winfield, on congratulating Rauner
R-Lake Barrington, who attended the inauguration
Voice your opinion:
“It’s time to put Illinois back on solid fiscal footing and restore its credibility among its neighbors. I look forward to our brighter future and offer Mr. Rauner my best wishes as he begins his term.”
What do you think will be Bruce Rauner’s greatest challenge as governor? Vote online at NWHerald.com.
Fox River Grove District 3 considering property tax abatement $100,000 in property taxes after increasing its levy by $85,000 as a way of being responsive to economic FOX RIVER GROVE – School Dis- hardships in the community. trict 3 again is looking at whether Last year’s abatement had the net to abate property taxes for property effect of freezing property taxes. owners. Abating the property taxes after Last year, the district abated increasing the levy by the maximum
By JOSEPH BUSTOS
jbustos@shawmedia.com
amount permitted under the law allows the district to increase its levy in future years without the lost revenue being compounded in subsequent years by limiting the tax rate. District 3 plans to look at different scenarios, including no abatement, having an abatement equal to
the levy increase, abating $100,000 and abating $100,000 plus half of the consumer price index increase. School board President Devin Bright said there is a general feeling on the board the community is heavily taxed and the district takes in more money than it needs to op-
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erate. “We don’t need to needlessly take the residents’ money,” Bright said. “We’re interested in maintaining a quality school district and take no more money than we need to.”
See ABATEMENT, page A2
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