Town Hall in Naperville

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The Ashbury Homeowners Association recently held a town hall featuring two state legislators.

State Senator Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) and State Representative Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) came out to the Ashbury Clubhouse to speak with residents about the need to take action to stop the budget crisis in Springfield.

“There’s culpability on both parties. But it’s going to take a 10-year financial plan to get us out of here,” said Wehrli. “What’s the one thing Illinois, quite honestly, has never had? Fiscal discipline. And that’s what it’s gonna take to get us at least to a, a break-even point. And it will be a long process.”

They cited statistics showing how Illinois is losing population at a much higher rate than neighboring states, and also trails behind in the number of manufacturing jobs – chalking both up to an uncertain financial climate, which makes Illinois less appealing. Both noted the need for reform in areas like property taxes, workers comp, pensions and term limits, as well as in the state-funding model for education.

The discussion was also opened up to the audience. One question brought up was the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana – one that Connelly is decidedly against. Wehrli didn’t commit either way, saying he feels more information is needed before he can make a solid choice.

Naperville News 17’s Kim Pirc reports.