North Cook News

Michele Hunter, Republican candidate for state representative of House District 54, is among many Republicans opposing the SAFE-T Act, which goes into effect in less than four months.

Opponents say the state's criminal justice system overhaul contains criminal-friendly policies at a time when crime rates are at an all-time high.

"The people I talk to in the 54th district deserve and expect political leaders to deliver basic public safety measures,” Hunter said. “They want to live peacefully, raise their families, and operate their businesses without the threat of violence and harm to themselves and their families."

The law requires courts to expedite the processing of those who are awaiting trial. Opponents say if the legislation is carried out as planned, those accused of serious crimes, such as robbery, abduction, arson, second-degree murder, harassment, aggravated assault, aggravated DUI, aggravated flight, drug-related homicide, and threatening a public official, will be freed.

"The Illinois Legislature passed the so-called Safe-T Act that will be fully implemented statewide on January 1, 2023," Hunter said. “The Cook County Jail, and jails across the state will be emptied out because of this law. The law frees criminals and handcuffs police."

Hunter's campaign recently received a boost with the endorsement of Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge).

“Michele Hunter is the type of person desperately needed in Springfield to stand up against the far left agendas set by the Illinois Democrat," Durkin said. "She will never turn her back to law enforcement, safe neighborhoods and the rights of parents and [their] children. Send her to Springfield as your next Representative.”

"I will call for the repeal of this law and co-sponsor legislation to allow for the recall of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx," Hunter said about the act that 100 of Illinois' state attorneys are in favor of repealing.

A lawyer herself, Hunter noted that "these actions are critical to our public safety. My opponent has been silent on the soft-on-crime policies that are harming our communities, and that must be because her campaign is funded by politicians that put these reckless policies in place.”

Hunter will be facing Mary Beth Canty (D) in the Nov. 8 election. House District 54 includes Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights.