"Although the verdict isn't the result most people anticipated, I'd like to commend the jury for their service and deliberation on these complicated charges. As a former prosecutor, I'm fully aware of the sacrifice involved in jury duty and these jurists worked under particularly difficult circumstances."

Rod Blagojevich remains an embarrassment to our state and his sideshow antics over the last 18 months only highlight the unprofessional manner in which he conducted the serious affairs of Illinois. Had he been less concerned with the future of his political career and more concerned with the future of Illinois taxpayers, perhaps we wouldn't now be burdened with the worst fiscal crisis in memory."

As this case moves to the next step, I'm hopeful that the public's best interest will be served and careful consideration given to which charges to pursue in a retrial. The people of Illinois are eager for an end to this spectacle and a speedy retrial will get us nearer to closing the book on the reckless, selfish career of Rod Blagojevich."

- State Sen. Dan Cronin

Economy too uncertain to support long-term borrow costs

August 11, 2010 (Lombard, IL) – Citing an uncertain economy and significant cost, DuPage County Board Chairman candidate Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst) today announced his opposition to a $70 million borrowing plan to fund nearly two dozen capital projects in the county.

“We’ve seen this movie before in Washington and Springfield; make promises now and save the pain for later,” Cronin said. “I cannot support a borrowing plan that will jeopardize the future fiscal health of DuPage County and cost more and more each year. Under this proposal, taxpayers will spend $124 million to borrow $70 million. With the amount of debt taxpayers already owe thanks to a reckless Congress and state legislature, I oppose any effort to significantly add to that burden.”

DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom unveiled the capital plan, which seeks to finance 22 projects throughout the county. Only five projects will fund road improvements and more than half of the total amount - $38 million – will pay for various needs at the County government campus. “Upgrading county buildings will not improve our infrastructure or help the economy,” Cronin said. “While some of these projects may be desirable, we must make due under these strenuous economic circumstances. For example, this is not the time to borrow $1 million to pay for shrub and tree replanting along the Illinois Prairie Path.”

Cronin acknowledged that while some capital projects will require attention in the near future, the county should prioritize based on urgency and benefit to the county’s infrastructure and economy. “The county budget is already suffering due to low sales tax revenues and the state’s fiscal crisis,” Cronin said. “The last two county budgets have been based on an economic recovery that has yet to occur. We must deal with today’s reality and delay marginal projects until we can safely pay the bill without adding to the tax burden of DuPage families and businesses.”

During the primary, Cronin discussed the need for a long-term capital improvement plan. “Taxpayers need a very clear picture of our infrastructure needs, the total cost and the ability to pay for the investment,” Cronin said. “The process should be open and transparent without occurring in the waning days of an outgoing administration.”