News
OUR VIEW: Strong legislative team give reason for hope
In Washington and Springfield, the region’s representatives are gaining respect and power New leaders have been sworn into their offices in Washington and Springfield. For all but the most jaded and cynical, there is hope that a new governor and fresh legislative sessions can bring needed changes. One reason for optimism in Springfield is the……
Tony McCombie Sworn into 101st General Assembly, Nominates Jim Durkin for Speaker
State Representative Tony McCombie (IL-71st) was sworn into a second term, and nominated Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) to be speaker Wednesday at a ceremony held at the University of Illinois at Springfield’s Sangamon Auditorium. The House of Representatives of the new 101st General Assembly includes 36 freshman members, and McCombie will represent approximately 110,000 residents……
Tony McCombie joins Jim Mertens on ‘The Cities’ to talk about the upcoming spring session
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Editorial: How bad does the ‘Illinois Exodus’ have to get?
When he takes office in January, Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker will have fewer constituents than he might have expected. Unfortunately he’ll also have fewer constituents working and paying taxes to support Illinois’ state and local governments. Every time a worker departs, the tax burden on those of us who remain grows. The release on Wednesday of……
Savanna museum makes Christmas merry and bright
Traditional trees meet the paranormal, KISS and more SAVANNA – So many sponsors decorated trees for the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center’s Festival of Trees, organizers had to open a second room to show them all. Event coordinators Penny Brown and Julane Bowman said community sponsors decorated almost 60 trees for display. A part……
Democrat Halpin & Republican McCombie hopeful about new dynamic in Springfield
New dynamic So the Democrats in Illinois got what they wanted. That’s total control. McCombie and Halpin talked about what they expect the dynamic to be in Springfield and if Republican voices will be shut out of the process. They also discussed how much this changes what they do to influence the policies important to……
McCombie handles challenge from Padilla
Second term will focus on fiscal responsibility State Rep. Tony McCombie will return to Springfield for a second term in Illinois’ 71st House District after defeating Sterling Democrat Joan Padilla. With all precincts reporting, McCombie won 58.72 percent of the vote and Padilla 41.28 percent, or 23,810 votes to 16,736. Quickly labeled as a hard……
Your Voice, Your Vote with Jim Mertens
MOLINE, Illinois – The two candidates seeking to serve the Illinois 71st House District have differing views on how the state should raise revenues, whether marijuana should be legalized, and Illinois gun laws. The 71st District includes eastern Rock Island county and parts of Henry, Whiteside, and Carroll counties in Illinois.…
McCombie Endorsed by The Chicago Tribune
House Republicans in 2016 picked up this district that runs along the Mississippi River west of Sterling. Tony McCombie, the former Savanna mayor, has proved to be independent. She voted against the Democrat-led 32 percent income tax hike in 2017, yet she sided with Democrats on several votes supporting townships, a layer of government we……