North Cook News

Members of the Republicans United for the Taxpayer slate expressed their gratitude to voters after earning a spot on the Palatine Township Board.

“We, Republicans United for Taxpayers, are so incredibly grateful for all that you have done during this hard-fought campaign,” the group posted on its Facebook page April 8. “We cannot thank you enough. We are thrilled to declare victory for our entire state.”

Described on its Facebook page as “a slate of eight fiscally conservative Republicans” with a pledge to “freeze taxes for our four-year term and act respectfully in all Township matters,” the members said. “Palatine Township will continue to be governed by solid principles, providing outstanding services and programs in a fiscal manner that respects the taxpayer.”

During its campaign, the group earned the endorsement of veteran Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), who asserted, “local government is a huge driver of property taxes and every single day it affects our quality of life. Especially here in Cook County, we need proven, competent professionals, to represent us.”

A former small-business owner, grade-school teacher and radio newscaster, Morrison has served as the face of the 54th District for more than a decade. He won reelection in November against Democrat Maggie Trevor with nearly 52% of the vote.

Morrison also holds the distinction of being the first Illinois lawmaker to entirely opt-out of the state’s cash-strapped pension systems. Since he took his stance, over 60 other Illinois lawmakers have followed suit.