Rep. Ron Sandack Endorsed By Illinois Observer, Touts His Bright Future

The Illinois Observer has endorsed State Representative Ron Sandack in his re-election bid pointing out his leadership and how's he's 'mastered the art of compromise'.  Also...they hint that if things go right for Sandack he might end up running for Illinois Governor one day...

State Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove represents the future of the Republican Party in Illinois – if the GOP is desires a future in this Democratic state. A former mayor of Downers Grove and an attorney, Sandack has mastered the art of compromise in the legislature and has moored his ideology in competent conservatism. He has repeatedly backed and robustly defended painful pension changes even amid harsh opposition. 

...He has the leadership qualities that could land him in Governor’s Mansion one day. Sandack is enthusiastically endorsed.

Go read the whole thing at the Illinois Observer.

Daily Herald Endorses Ron Sandack For State Representative

The Daily Herald comes out this morning endorsing Ron Sandack for re-election as State Representative and points out that he's a rising star within his party.

Sandack, who fought off a unfortunate primary battle with Keith Matune, has come out the other end stronger - both in his district AND in the caucus - is poised for even bigger things in the future.

In his first term in the Illinois House, Rep. Ron Sandack has risen quickly within the Republican House leadership. A big presence on social media, Sandack, a resident of Downers Grove, can come on strong at times. 

But you can't argue with his contention that he has "zealously" represented the 81st District -- from his opposition to a proposed school funding shift that would hurt the suburbs to his stand against making permanent what was sold to Illinois residents as a temporary income tax increase. He has turned down the pension for state legislators and put forth a bill that would eliminate pensions for future lawmakers. 

Sandack has also shown a willingness to break from his party. He was one of the first Republicans to support gay marriage -- a risky but admirable change of heart that nearly cost him the primary.

His opponent in the House District 81 race, Democrat Elizabeth Chaplin, describes herself as a "person of conviction," a committed advocate for causes she embraces. We believe that, but we are concerned about her support for extending the income tax increase. And, ultimately, we believe Sandack is better equipped to handle the state's serious fiscal challenges. He gets our endorsement.

Say "No" To SB 16 And To Cuts To Suburban School Funding

State Representative Ron Sandack and the House Republicans down in Springfield have launched a petition that urges taxpayers all across Illinois to stand up and join them in fighting back against Senator Andy Manar's SB16 and the devastating cuts it would make to schools in the suburbs.

You can sign the petition here.

In May of 2014 the Illinois Senate approved a bill that would divert millions in General State Aid for Education away from hundreds of Illinois school districts and toward other districts. SB16 does not fix problems with the current funding formula for school aid; it simply redistributes money and creates a new list of “winners” and “losers.” 

We think education funding reform should be comprehensive, thoughtful, bipartisan and done with all stakeholders at the table. We also think that all Illinois children deserve an opportunity for optimal success post high school. 

If you agree, please add your name to the petition below, and take the added step of sharing it with your friends.

 Let’s get SB16 off the table and have a true and meaningful discussion for how state education dollars should be spent.

Live In Western Suburbs? Get a Ron Sandack Yard Sign

We have to support good candidates, folks. If you live in the 81st House District - which includes portions of Bolingbrook, Darien, Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, Westmont and Woodridge, get one of these signs today to help support Ron Sandack in his re-election efforts.

Here's the details:

Come by the office for coffee 'n' donuts and grab your sign!

 Office Location: 4949 Forest Ave, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515

This weekend pick-up times: Saturday 8am - 10am Sunday 9am - 11am 

If you can't make it this weekend, email or call us to schedule. 

Email: signs@ron4illinois.com Phone: 630-442-0081

Sandack Stands Up For Suburbs On Education Funding Bill

State Representative Ron Sandack again finds himself on the front lines of a battle down in Springfield.  This time, it is about education funding - specifically SB16 - and he's fighting to make sure folks don't short-change the suburbs.  Good on him.

“During his remarks, Senator Manar himself admitted that SB16 still needs work. Why would any legislator knowingly approve a bad bill? This ‘pass it now and we’ll fix it later’ mentality is dangerous and it’s how bad bills end up becoming bad laws in our state. 

“The Senator certainly looked agitated and bothered as he was taking his personal shots at me and my House Resolution this morning. But we suburban legislators are taking all of this very personally. He is taking aim at our schools and defunding them. 

“Had he read HR1276, Senator Manar would have seen clear language promoting a thoughtful and thorough process for complete education funding reform. My public statements regarding the dangers of SB16 have always included references to the need for comprehensive reforms so that all students across the state can be college and career ready. 

“The Senator spoke at length about the bipartisan process that led to the creation of the Education Funding Advisory Committee’s report. But activity over the summer has been completely partisan. Republicans only learned of the SB16 meetings from education advocacy groups who alerted us to the fact that the meetings were taking place. Senator Manar’s claims that the process remains bipartisan are completely false. 

“During his remarks, Senator Manar, a Democrat, said that school funding proration has been devastating to Illinois schools, yet he takes no responsibility for the fact that the Democrats are the ones who have created budgets that have cut education spending by more than $600 million since 2009. Simply making wise financial decisions that start with funding education at 100% would go far in addressing many schools’ struggles. 

“I invite Senator Manar to dispense with the angry partisan bickering and secret Democrats-only meetings and engage in a full and open discussion about education funding reform. We need to bring all stakeholders to the table and talk outside of the parameters of SB 16, which directly threatens suburban schools.”

Tonight: Ron Sandack Hosting Tele-Town Hall On Proposed Education Funding Cuts

Those of you who live in and around the suburbs and have school-aged kids have probably heard murmurs and whispers about something called "Senate Bill 16".

Senate Bill 16 would significantly rewrite the school funding formula in a manner that would devastate schools in much of the suburbs of Chicago.

State Representative Ron Sandack has taken on the bill and is working to actively 'sink' it (as the Illinois Observer put it) and that's good news for those of you who live in DuPage, Will, Kendall, Lake Counties.  

“In its current form, SB16 strips the districts in this area of most of their general state aid dollars and channels most of the money to the Chicago Public School System,” Sandack said. “While I support full, fair, comprehensive reforms to the school funding formula, I cannot and will not support an initiative that would cripple the school districts in DuPage and other suburban counties.” 

According to Sandack, SB16 would redirect $140 million in general state aid dollars away from DuPage County. “That’s $140 million in hard-earned taxpayer dollars taken from people who live in District 81 and the other DuPage County legislative districts,” said Sandack. “It is an unfair reallocation of limited state aid, and it is an unacceptable short-cut solution to Illinois’ school funding issue.” 

SB16 passed in the Illinois Senate during the final days of the Spring legislative session but was not called for a vote in the House of Representatives. It is possible that a revised version of the bill will emerge during the General Assembly’s November veto session.  

And...State Representative Ron Sandack isn't doing this alone.  He wants you - the voter - to get involved.

That's why he's hosting a Tele-town Hall meeting TONIGHT from 7:15 to 8:15 on SB 16.

You can join by calling 888-987-3602 at 7:15 or email him at Ron4Illinois@gmail.com with questions ahead of time.

State Rep Ron Sandack Announces "Fall Fling" Fundraiser For October 9th

Our State government in Illinois is only as good as the people we decide to send down to Springfield to represent us.  One of the 'good guys' is Ron Sandack.  He's the State Representative from out in Downers Grove in Illinois.

Unfortunately, today, in politics...money talks.  And...in order to continue to fight for the right things in Springfield and clean up the mess, we - as voters - need to decide to support candidates with our wallets.  That's the only way we have a say in the mess.

That's why, we here at the Truth Team are asking you to step up and support Ron Sandack at his "Fall Fling".

Representative Sandack lays it out:

Dear Friends,

Raising money for elections is not fun; at all. But it is a reality. Good candidates need yard signs, mail pieces, bumper stickers, etc. And that takes money. 

I have tried mightily to be a good representative by being accessible, by informing constituents of what's going on in Springfield, and by being accountable. 

If you agree, I am hoping you'll mark your calendars and tell your friends to accompany you to my event on October 9th.

Best regards- Ron

Details:

Where:  VFW Post 503, 5101 Belmont Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515
When: Thursday, October 9 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us for a great evening of family fun as we countdown the final 30 days to Election Day.

Tickets $25 per person

Sponsorship Available

$100 Friends
$250 Supporter
$350 Harvester
$500 Founder 

Checks Payable to: Citizens to Elect Ron SandackMail to: 1202N 75th Street #113, Downers Grove, IL 60516
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Van Holt at ElizabethVanHolt@gmail.com or 765-532-6607

Solid Advice: No Capes For Politicians (Along With The Sensible 'No-Sash Rule')

Over on Twitter, we had this little nugget brought to our attention by State Representative Ron Sandack:  seems like a good rule for politicians:  no capes.

As overheard this morning as even the campaign manager is embarrassed by the sash.

Truth Team: "Why is Mike Frerichs wearing a sash?"

ZK:  "Well...it *is* good sash weather.  Cool.  Breezy."

TT: "Why a sash?  Besides European Royalty, who wears a sash? ...Where do you even get a sash?"

ZK:  "You're right.  It is strange.  In fact...let's cross to the other side of the street.  Cover me."

Candidate Facebook Weekend: Bellock, Bost, Topinka, Rauner, Sandack, Schimpf

Monday morning means a recap of candidate events and appearances from the weekend.  Without any delay, let's see what the candidates were up to this weekend in Illinois:

State Representative Patti Bellock hung out with Secretary of State Jesse White in the suburbs at a charity walk:

Congressional candidate Mike Bost was the Grand Marshall at the Apple Festival Parade in Murphysboro.  And..in Southern Illinois fashion, he was driving a tractor?!?

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka was out at the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago and met lots of folks:

Governor's candidate Bruce Rauner attended the Southwest Cook County Republican Picnic and fired up the troops:

State Representative Ron Sandack was marshalling the DuPage County faithful at his newly opened campaign headquarters.  In attendance were Bruce Rauner and his running mate Evelyn Sanguinetti, former State Senator Kirk Dillard and State Senator Mike Connelly:

Illinois Attorney General candidate Paul Schimpf went with the Illinois Federation of Republican Women Bus Tour at stops in Kankakee, Moline, Peoria, Murphysboro, Champaign and Naperville:

Over 70% of DuPage County Voters Want To Roll Back 67% "Temporary" Income Tax Increase

From State Representative Ron Sandack's 2014 Legislative Constituent Survey comes this overwhelming response from voters to push back the 1.5% income tax increase that Governor Pat Quinn, Treasurer Candidate Mike Frerichs, and the rest of the mopes down in Springfield foisted on all of us.

From the survey:

The survey asked three multiple choice questions and also provided people with an opportunity to list the three top issues that were most important to them. For the first question, which was “Do you support rolling back the 67% temporary income tax increase, even if it means a reduction in some state services?,” 71.47% of the respondents answered “yes.” For that question, 24.86% of the respondents said “no” and 3.67% said they were undecided.

Another Data Point As To Why Bruce Rauner Is Calling For A Property Tax Freeze

It polls pretty well, even in an unscientific legislative survey.   2/3rds of voters are all over it.  Just 1 out of 5 voters are against it.

This, from out in DuPage County as State Representative Ron Sandack publishes the results from his 2014 Constituent Survey:

The final survey question read “As property taxes continue to increase even while property values decrease or remain stagnant, do you support putting additional taxpayer protections in place that would freeze property taxes even if those freezes would create a hardship for schools and other service providers?” According to the results, 65.82% of the respondents said “yes” to the need for additional property tax protections, while 22.32% answered “no” and 11.86% answered that they were not sure.

DuPage County Voters Overwhelmingly Say "NO" To Taxpayer Funding of Obama Library

We just posted the full results of State Representative Ron Sandack's 2014 legislative survey for his district out in DuPage County.  You can see them here.

We wanted to take a moment to break down a few of them, starting with the responses on taxpayer dollars being spent to build the Barack Obama Presidential Library.

The survey data:

The second question posed to residents was “Do you support the use of $100 million in IL taxpayer dollars to help build the Obama Presidential Library in Chicago, IL?” Only 9.3% of the respondents supported using taxpayer funds to offset the cost of the library, while an overwhelming 85.63% of respondents answered “no” to using taxpayer funds for the Obama library. For this question 5.07% of those who responded said they were undecided.

86% of respondents - and we all know that people who fill out legislative surveys are HARD-CORE folks - say no to taxpayer dollars?  That's about as strong as a message as a legislator can get, no?

Survey Says: DuPage Voters Want To Roll Back Tax Increases, Oppose Tax Dollars for Obama Library

State Representative Ron Sandack continues to be the bright, shiny example of what a good public servant can look like in terms of collecting input from constituents and sharing the results.  That way, everyone is on the same page in terms of what the priorities are of the district.

In his latest post, Sandack releases the results of his annual constituent survey and there are three big data points that he highlights:

State Representative Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) has released the results of his 2014 Legislative Survey. 

In July, Sandack mailed the survey to approximately 36,000 District 81 households as part of his 2014 End of Session Report. An online version of the survey was also posted on his web site. 

“The results of the survey fell right in line with the types of comments I hear every day from the people I represent,” said Sandack. “They are fed up with the Democrat leaders’ tax-and-spend policies and want the state to quit spending money it doesn’t have and start living within its means.”

Here's the results to the three questions:

State Representative Ron Sandack Launches Veterans Photo Contest

State Representative Ron Sandack is inviting families to submit their favorite photos, with or without captions, of veteran or active service members to his 'Veterans Online Photo Contest'. 

Details from Sandack:

As a tribute to veterans and active service members, State Representative Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) is giving proud families an opportunity to show off their favorite photos of loved ones from the military. 

Between now and the end of the day October 22nd, residents from the 81stlegislative House District are invited to submit a photo and caption of a veteran or active service member to Sandack’s office email at repsandack@gmail.com. Photos will be posted on the Sandack web site (www.ronsandack.org) beginning October 27, and residents can vote for their favorite photo via email at repsandack@gmail.com through the end of the day on November 9th. Voting directions will be provided on the web site. 

“This is a great way for us to honor our heroes,” said Sandack. “These are the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy and they deserve to be recognized for that commitment.” 

Cash prizes will be awarded to the three photos that receive the most on-line votes. Winners will be announced on November 11, and $250 will be awarded for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country merits our deepest respect, and I look forward to showcasing the photos that families want to share.”

Candidate Facebook (Labor Day) Weekend: Anthony, Davis, Sandack, Schimpf, Senger, Rutherford

It isn't Monday, but since this is the first day of the week that the editorial team is back in the saddle here at the Truth Team, we still wanted to run through the weekend on Facebook.  Labor Day is a time for parades and a time to formally kick-off the campaign season!  Let's get after it.

State Representative John Anthony had a big crowd at the Lisbon Labor Day Parade.

Congressman Rodney Davis continues to hit the parade circuit hard, this time in Pana for their Labor Day Parade.

State Representative and rising star Ron Sandack put together a nice crew (in the rain!) for Naperville's Last Fling parade.  Nice orange!  Glad to see Senator Mark Kirk out at the parade, too!

GOP AG candidate Paul Schimpf continues to barnstorm the state with his team.  They look like they put together a nice showing in Millstadt.

Congressional Candidate Darlene Senger knows where the voters are:  they're at the critical JCA vs. Providence football game.  Pretty smart move to be there, in our opinion.

Finally, we're excited to see Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford back in the political saddle:  this time in his hometown parade.

State Rep Ron Sandack Seeking Interns (Thankfully NOT Fellows!)

Know a young, eager, smart political operator who is looking to roll their sleeves and get involved in a couple of campaigns?

Then look no further than the opening the Ron Sandack for State Representative Campaign has posted on their site.

Thankfully...they're not calling it a "Fellowship"!

We are looking for energized students to intern with our important election. Your help will be critical to the re-election of Ron Sandack, Illinois State Representative. 

Interns will work in cooperation with Bruce Rauner’s campaign for Illinois Governor and will have the opportunity to become familiar with the different components of a state campaign, while building upon important skills that will transition to their desired career.

Intern Candidates should be:

• High school or college students 

• Able to work 25 flexible hours a week at $10 an hour 

• Must provide personal smart phone or tablet for data collection

You can apply here on Sandack's site.  Sounds like a great opportunity to work closely with one of the State of Illinois and the Illinois Republican Party's rising stars.

Rep. Ron Sandack Shines Light On DuPage Forest Preserve Sham

Good on Illinois State Representative Ron Sandack for taking the lead and shining some much needed light on the situation in the DuPage Forest Preserve District where the Executive Director lasted only seven months after finding him in a nationwide search.  In those short seven months, he pushed through an Early Retirement Program which he quickly jumped at himself.

From Sandack's Facebook Wall:

We think he says it well and we're glad to see him take a leadership position on this mess:

This is far more than merely bad optics; this is very bad practice which furthers the divide between taxpayers and their government. Hopefully, lessons are learned and some protections will be put into place for the go-forward.

Congrats To Newest Edgar Fellow: IL State Representative Ron Sandack

Via Rep. Ron Sandack's Week in Review: 

Last week I returned to my alma mater for the Edgar Fellows Program at the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs. It was an honor to have been selected as one of 40 emerging leaders from a highly competitive pool of statewide nominees for participation in this prestigious, bipartisan program. 

The Edgar Fellows program focuses on developing leadership and governing capacity in Illinois while emphasizing the need to forthrightly address major policy issues without permitting partisan, ethnic and regional rivalries to trump statesmanship. 

Together, my colleagues and I participated in an intense, four-day executive leadership training program hosted by former Governor Jim Edgar, and staffed by an impressive list of researchers and scholars from the public arena. It was truly an honor to have been selected, and the knowledge I gained will serve me well in my role as a legislator in the General Assembly.

Congrats, Representative Sandack!  Can't wait to see what else you can do to right the ship that is the State of Illinois.  

2nd Annual Ron Sandack State Representative BBQ Fundraiser @ Q BBQ in LaGrange

Get out and support State Representative Ron Sandack on Tuesday, August 12th at Q BBQ in LaGrange.  (Get the sausage and the burnt ends.  Trust us.)

The details:

Tuesday, August 12, 20146:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tickets: $50 per person, Kids under 18 eat free!Sponsorship Available 

Hosted by:
House Minority Leader, Representative Jim DurkinSenate Minority Leader, Senator Christine RadognoJohn Rot, Hortons Home LightingMichael LaPidus, Q-BBQ 

Click the link to purchase tickets online or mail your information to:
Citizens to Elect Ron Sandack1202N 75th Street, #113Downers Grove, IL 60516
Make Checks Payable to: Citizens to Elect Ron Sandack
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Van Holt at elizabethvanholt@gmail.com

Sandack, Durkin and Radogno Hosting Property Tax Appeals Seminars

Three hard-working elected officials are bringing to bear some resources for residents of their district who want to demystify the property tax appeals process.  State Representative Ron Sandack, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno are hosting two seminars this week in Lisle and Darien.

Do you wonder if you are paying too much in property taxes? Area state lawmakers Christine Radogno, Jim Durkin and Ron Sandack will be hosting a couple of FREE seminars on July 31, 2014 to help Lisle and Darien residents to better understand their tax bill and how to appeal a property tax over assessment.

“If you went into sticker shock when you opened your property tax bill, and feel your property is being over assessed – this is the seminar for you,” said Durkin. “This seminar is very informative as we reveal the mystery behind the process of how your property tax bill is determined and how to appeal if you believe your assessment is too high.” 

The first seminar will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Lisle Township Tax Assessors Office, 4721 Indiana in Lisle. There will be a presentation explaining how taxes are assessed and how property owners can seek an appeal. Lisle Assessor John Trowbridge will assist in the presentation.

Darien residents are encouraged to attend the second seminar at 6:00 p.m. at the Darien Police Department, 1710 Plainfield Road in Darien. Theresa Cockrell, the Downers Grove Tax Assessor will assist with the Darien presentation. The Darien location is limited to 43 participants, so if you are interested in attending you will have to RSVP by calling Rep. Ron Sandack’s district office at 630-737-0504; or Jim Durkin’s District office at 630-325-2028 or Senator Christine Radogno’s Office at 630-243-0800.

“My office receives calls regularly from constituents who believe their property assessments are too high,” said Sandack. “I would encourage any resident who is concerned with their tax bill to attend one of these informational sessions so they can learn how assessments are determined and how they may appeal those assessments if they believe they are too high.”