North Cook News

Jon Luers, candidate for Illinois State Senate District 10, has voiced his concerns over the dismissal of the 'Parents Matter' petition. Luers said, "The 'Parents Matter' petition that got hundreds of thousands of signatures was denied a place on the ballot by pushing three meaningless questions ahead of it." He accused the General Assembly of executing a bait and switch to eliminate the slating process.

"THIS IS THE YEAR," said Luers, according to Facebook. "Illinois Democrats are running scared! The General Assembly has pulled a bait & switch to kill the "slating" process and deny you Republican candidates after the primary! The "Parents Matter" petition that got hundreds of thousands of signatures was denied a place on the ballot by pushing 3 meaningless questions ahead of it."

Luers further shared a press release from the Parents Matter Coalition concerning their measure's absence from the ballot. The press release highlighted how changes to Senate Bill 2412 obstructed the advisory initiative. Jeanne Ives, co-founder of the organization, commented on this change initiated by Democrats in the press release, stating it was "pointed and intentional."

Screenshot of Jon Luers for IL 10th Senate District May 4 Facebook post | Jon Luers for IL Senate Facebook page

According to the news release, Senate Bill 2412 will now introduce three advisory questions chosen by Democrats. These three will be exclusively featured on the ballot due to state code limitations permitting only three advisory questions.

Initially designed to amend the Children and Family Services Act, Senate Bill 2412 underwent significant changes. An amendment from the House floor altered its focus to amend election codes instead. The bill now includes modifications to filing dates for various nominations and petitions. It also addresses procedures for nominating candidates to replace those who withdraw or decline their nomination before general elections. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon signing with provisions for new acts starting January 1, 2025.

A software engineer with four decades of experience, Luers is contesting for Illinois' 10th District Senate seat. Discontented with Democratic leadership at both state and national levels, he believes an increasing number of people are recognizing their lack of genuine concern for welfare and are ready for significant change. On his website, Luers criticizes his opponent State Sen. Robert Martwick as profiting from a property tax appeals business amidst rising taxes while mimicking Mike Madigan's style. He also expressed concerns about the state of public schools in Illinois, which he considers "ridiculously expensive and ineffective," attributing these issues to teachers' unions and the adverse effects of Covid lockdowns on education.

The 10th District, currently represented by Martwick, encompasses Chicago’s northwest side and North Cook County communities including Norridge, Schiller Park, Rosemont, Park Ridge, and Niles. Martwick is an attorney and former criminal prosecutor according to his website.