North Cook News

A coordinated effort to boycott businesses following the election of Donald Trump has sparked debate over free speech and political expression, with Northfield Republican Committeeman T.J. Brown calling it a troubling abuse of power by elected officials. 

Brown criticized the use of public office to encourage people to avoid businesses based solely on political views, arguing that it undermines free speech and betrays a politician’s duty to serve all constituents.

“People do have the freedom of speech and the ability to choose whom they associate with, including businesses they patronize,” Brown told North Cook News. “However, I believe that organizing a boycott and using the platform of an elected office to discourage people from patronizing local businesses solely based on political views is troubling. It's a betrayal of a politician's duty to serve the entire community.” 

Brown’s comments follow a boycott campaign led by Geneva Alderman Martha Paschke and political operative Paula Merrington, which continues to stir controversy in the Fox Valley area. Many local conservatives have rallied to defend businesses targeted for supporting conservative causes.

The boycott, organized through the Fox Valley Activists Facebook group, lists businesses, restaurants, and charities deemed "problematic" due to their support for conservative figures like Donald Trump or their hosting of GOP events.

Brown emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding in the face of growing political division.

“In response to such ‘cancel culture’ efforts, we all need to foster dialogue and understanding with those who hold different perspectives,” he said. “Outrage and division are not productive. Voters should also hold their elected officials accountable for their actions and reject those who engage in divisive tactics.”

The boycott has led to a wave of support for the businesses targeted.

“It's heartening to see communities rally around businesses that have been targeted for their political speech such as Moveable Feast which saw a surge in business from conservatives or just proponents of free speech,” he said. “I hope this trend continues.”

Brown also raised concerns about the role of elected officials in organizing such campaigns. 

“As for holding elected officials accountable for using their influence to organize or endorse boycotts, public scrutiny and condemnation are essential,” he said. “I don't see a lot of legal remedies unless there's defamation mixed in as well. Regardless, such behavior from elected officials should be met with strong public disapproval.”

Additionally, Brown noted that the broader issue of political polarization and divisiveness is damaging to the community as a whole. 

“In the end, it's crucial to remember that while we have the right to choose whom we do business with, constantly using political leanings to guide our personal and business decisions is destructive -- mostly to yourself,” he said. “Politics is not religion, and all healthy religions encourage one to work with people of all beliefs!”

Other notables in the conservative sphere also condemned the boycott attempt.

Dan Proft, host of Chicago’s Morning Answer on WIND-AM 560, called the effort a function of the “Illinois Political Ruling Class’ goon squad.”

“The local Stasi in west suburban Chicago compiled a target list of local businesses, thanks to Gruppenführer Martha Paschke who is also an elected official in Geneva, to be eliminated with extreme prejudice for the thought and speech crimes of their owners and employees which have also been detailed,” Proft said on X.

Awake Illinois, a conservative advocacy group focused on local and state issues in Illinois, also weighed in on the controversy. 

“Martha Paschke-Geneva Alderwoman for 4th ward & Dir. of Innovation & Strategy at City of Aurora-admins the Facebook Fox Valley group that is actively discouraging patronage to the very businesses in her City,” Awake Illinois said on X.