North Cook News

Charles Hutchinson, who is vying for the 18th District State Representative position, has voiced his concerns about the severe pension crisis in Illinois. Using data from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, Hutchinson underscored the significant pension liability of the General Assembly Retirement System.

“#Illinois has a pension crisis. The General Assembly Retirement System had nearly $375 million of pension liability in fiscal year 2019, according to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability,” Hutchinson said on Facebook. “Most republicans choose not to add to the problem. The vast majority of Democrats are more concerned with themselves than the economic health of Illinois.”

“When you elect Charles Hutchinson to the Illinois House, 37 #republicans will have no pension, and 97 #democrats will have a pension.”

According to a report on the pension status of the Illinois 103rd General Assembly, nearly one-third of Illinois lawmakers have chosen to reject public pensions. The data reveals that out of 177 legislators, 56 have declined a pension. Among them are 36 Republicans and 20 Democrats while 98 Democrats and 23 Republicans accepted a pension.

Hutchinson is not just a candidate but also a Wilmette lawyer who has cemented his ties with the community through various roles. He has served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission. Additionally, he is a Board member for the Wilmette Theatre. As outlined on his website, his candidacy is driven by a shared objective of strengthening community bonds and advocating key issues such as parental rights, education, neighborhood safety, and tax reduction.

The 18th District encompasses north Cook County communities including Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka and Glencoe. The incumbent is Robyn Gabel (R-Evanston), who assumed office in 2010 and is nearing the end of her current term, due to conclude on Jan. 8, 2025. Gabel is seeking re-election to continue representing the district in the Illinois House of Representatives, as reported by Ballotpedia.