North Cook News

Illinois House of Representatives District 51 candidate Tosi Ufodike said that a series of billboards critical of the policies under Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago's mayor Brandon Johnson "reflect broader failures in their governance."  

Ufodike’s comments follow controversy over the billboards placed on routes leading to the Democratic National Convention held Aug. 19-22 at the United Center. 

The billboards challenging the current administration’s policies feature provocative messages like "Welcome to America's murder capital" and "Welcome to the unemployment capital of the Midwest" were designed to alert DNC attendees to Pritzker and Johnson’s handling of crime, unemployment, immigration and other issues.

“The ads highlighting Pritzker and Johnson's shortcomings on crime, unemployment, immigration, and Israel support reflect broader failures in their governance,” she said. “Illinois' one-party rule has led to significant policy lapses. The recent departure of Morton Salt to Kansas City, driven by high taxes, crime, and lack of business support, exemplifies these issues.” 

Morton Salt began in Chicago almost 180 years ago and has since become the largest salt producer in North America. The relocation of its headquarters to Overland Park, Kansas, is just the latest in a growing list of major companies leaving Chicago and Illinois. 

This move follows high-profile exits by Citadel, Boeing and other corporations, exacerbating concerns about Illinois’ business environment.

Meanwhile, downtown Chicago's office vacancy rate recently hit a record 25.1% as Illinois faces the nation's highest tax burden.

In addition, Chicago’s crime rate has skyrocketed in recent years. 

Ufodike condemned the current state of Illinois governance. 

“Pritzker and Johnson’s approach to public safety and quality of life has been inadequate, failing Illinois residents,” she said. “Their policies, shaped by a lack of diverse thinking, have created an environment unfavorable to businesses and citizens alike.”

In 2023, Chicago topped the U.S. in homicides for the 12th year in a row with 617 murders, despite a 13% decrease from 2022, according to Wirepoints 

Chicago has been led by a Democrat mayor since 1931 while Illinois General Assembly last saw a Republican majority in the Senate in 2002 and in the House in 1996. Both houses of the General Assembly currently hold veto-proof super-majorities.

The city's murder rate remains five times higher than New York City's and is only surpassed by Philadelphia among major cities. Homicides in Chicago were 23% higher than pre-COVID 2019 levels, and overall major crimes increased by 16%.

Also, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, at 5.2% Illinois has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation.

Ufodike further explained the role of the controversial billboards. 

“These ads serve a crucial purpose: to draw attention to these failures and motivate voters,” she said. “The hope is that they will not only spark discussion but also drive people to take action at the ballot box, potentially bringing much-needed change to Illinois' political landscape.”

Ufodike also highlighted the influence of money on media and its impact on public perception.

Pritzker notably not only controls a $3.5 personal fortune inherited from his father, but also massive campaign and state advertising funds  

“Money's influence on media is undeniable,” Ufodike said. “Mainstream outlets often show bias towards their controlling interests, undermining fair coverage. This is why grassroots campaigns are vital—they prioritize the will of the people over powerful interests. The current state of news is a far cry from when reporting was straightforward and unbiased. Today, many stories seem manufactured to align with those in power, a practice that's both disgraceful and unfair to Illinois residents.”

According to Dan Proft of the People Who Play by the Rules PAC—the group responsible for placing the ads—billboard companies JCDecaux and Clear Channel refused to display their original messaging, a move Proft views as part of a broader trend of media control by powerful interests.

“With Pritzker putting up his own billboards that are full of the beautiful lies that he likes to tell… Illinois Democrats balanced budgets, record job growth, I just thought even if you can't convince the locals of the truth and the city and state, maybe you can convince some of the outside world that Pritzker and Johnson are just a couple of propagandists by providing some counter messaging to what they're trying to sell,” Proft, who also hosts daily talk show The Morning Answer on the city’s WIND-AM 560, told Chicago City Wire for an earlier story. 

Ufodike emphasized the need for diverse viewpoints in the media. 

“The lack of diverse viewpoints in reporting is a disservice to our state's citizens, who deserve unbiased information to make informed decisions,” she said. “Grassroots efforts remain crucial in countering this trend, offering a voice to the people that's often missing in mainstream narratives.”

Ufodike also addressed troubling statistics about Chicago’s economic and social climate. 

“The numbers paint a stark picture of Chicago's decline,” she said. “Unemployment has risen to 7.1%, up from 5.3% in June 2023. Nearly 11,400 fewer Chicagoans are employed compared to last year. Average rent has surged almost 50% in the past decade. Unchecked immigration exacerbates these issues, with non-citizens often receiving more benefits than Americans. This mirrors the problems seen in Europe and Africa, where uncontrolled immigration and weak border policies have led to significant social and economic strain.”

Ufodike called for immediate reform in the city and state. 

“These statistics highlight a worrying trend for Chicago, suggesting current policies are failing to address key economic and social challenges,” she said. “The combination of rising unemployment, soaring living costs, and poorly managed immigration creates a volatile situation that demands immediate attention and reform.”

Ufodike is facing incumbent State Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) in the Nov. 5 election. 

The 51st House District, located in Chicago's north suburbs, includes all or parts of Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Kildeer, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.