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Latest updates from the campaign:
Migrant Influx to Illinois being felt in downstate communities
Migrant influx to Illinois being felt in downstate communities | Illinois | thecentersquare.com
McLean County board member Chuck Erickson introduced a measure that would ban the use of county tax dollars to support migrants that may be dropped off in the central Illinois county.
“A lot of these sanctuary cities are starting to say enough, and other places are starting to say enough, because we don’t have the resources to take care of it all,” Erickson told The Center Square.
Get to know Chuck Erickson, Candidate for the 88th Statehouse District
My answers to questionnaire in the Piatt County newspaper as to why I am running. Get to know Chuck Erickson, candidate 88th statehouse district | News | journal-republican.com
McLean County Board Rejects Immigration Resolution
UPDATE: McLean County Board rejects immigration resolution (25newsnow.com)
The McLean County Board has rejected an effort to ban the use of county tax dollars to support migrants who would come to the community from the border.
The vote was 13-7 against GOP board member Chuck Erickson’s resolution, with three Republicans joining all 10 Democrats opposing Erickson’s measure. Board Chair Catherine Metsker, Randall Knapp, and Susan Schafer -all Republicans - voted with the majority.
“If nothing else, we raised awareness of an impending problem,” Erickson said in a statement provided to 25News after the meeting. “Chicago is like other cities where they are reaching maximum capacity and it won’t be long before it gets further downstate. I was disappointed that not one speaker offered to house migrants themselves. Not one.”
McLean County Administrator Cassy Taylor Presents Proposed $127 Million Budget
"Board member Chuck Erickson believes the county can do better. To propose a budget that would require no tax increase at all the proposed budget would only need to be cut by $47,010. He believes the board should easily be able to get to that number." Yes we can if the political will is there. Being I have never voted for a tax increase, and in doing so, always proposes ways to come up with the reasonable cuts, I will not support a tax increase. Erickson agrees with the salary adjustments.
Additionally, "He told Cities 92.9, “McLean County is going to have to become more competitive in what it pays people because we’ve got Rivian and everybody else that’s paying people more money. So McLean County government is going to have to pay some of its employees more money just to keep them.”
Finally, "Erickson agrees the states attorney’s office is short staffed and that they need more personnel. He also believes more personnel are needed in the Circuit Clerk’s office."
Defund The Police, Not Sitting Well with Board Members
I helped lead the charge on defeating Krystle Able. She advocates for abolishing the police. I was the member who asked for a roll call vote to put those who supported her on the record as having supported abolishing the police. Every Democrat on the board voted to put someone on the board who openly advocates for abolishing the police. Every Republican, including myself, voted not to put her on the board.
“The problem with this appointment is that Krystle Able has publicly said that she supports defunding the police,” said Chuck Erickson, McLean County Board member. “Krystle Able is not a good human being. The Democrats like to play definition games. She said she wanted to defund the police. She is one of the most partisan individuals in the world and they send her up. This is what Patrick Cortesi, the chair of the Democrat Party, they send to us one of the most partisan person in their caucus.”
Chuck Erickson said Able tried to change the definition of “defund” and she said she was for “training.”
“We’re not going to play your definition games,” said Erickson.
On social media, Able post “Roses are red, no lives are Blue, defund the police and abolish ICE too.”
Chuck Erickson Announces Reelection Campaign McLean County Board
“I’ve always stood for conservative values. I have never voted for a tax increase. I was one of the leaders on the county board trying to keep the county open,” said Erickson.
"Erickson was an early proponent of reopening businesses during strict coronavirus mitigation periods."
"Erickson plans to continue to be an advocate for funding for the Sheriff’s Department, common sense fiscal conservatism and keeping McLean County open during this pandemic. If re-elected, Erickson, as Chairman of the Justice Committee, will continue to be an advocate for law enforcement. Erickson also introduced the resolution for McLean County to join the Restore Heart of Illinois (HOI) plan in the Spring of 2000."
"During his tenure on the board, and as Chairman of the Land Use Committee, he has been instrumental in moving text amendments to county ordinances through county government. He was instrumental in moving through a text amendment for special agricultural use which allowed for businesses such as the Old Rugged Barn to conduct business in agricultural districts. He also has assisted in getting passed a special use for one petitioner for a boat repair facility in the county. It was Land Use Committee Chairman Erickson who proposed allowing elected officials on the Land Use Committee to propose text amendments to county zoning ordinances."
"Erickson said he worked with members of both parties to propose a text amendment to county wind farm ordinances."
“It was a bi-partisan approach to reach agreement where I saw both parties had agreement,” said Erickson.
Erickson running to retain McLean County Board District 10 seat
I plan to continue to be a common sense fiscal conservative who advocates for low taxes, I have never voted for a tax increase, and responsible government spending.
"Erickson said he plans to advocate for law enforcement and funding the McLean County Sheriff’s Department, and for “common sense fiscal conservatism and keeping McLean County open during this pandemic.”
“In addition to helping residents in McLean County, (Erickson) looks forward to continuing opportunities to reach across the aisle where the opportunity presents itself to get things done for the citizens of McLean County,” he said in his announcement, pointing to working with former Democratic board member Laurie Wollrab in 2020 to pass pandemic relief for businesses."
Did the County Board Jump the Gun?
I opposed a vaccine mandate for McLean County employees. Whether one gets the covid vaccine should be a choice, not a mandate. I did. But it was not something I was willing to impose on others. Only one other Republican joined me in that vote. I am an attorney. The day after the vote, OHSA suspended implementation of the mandate. The US Supreme Court ultimately stopped it.
My reasoning below:
“What we did pass was a mandate would come into effect if the 5th circuit or the federal courts lift the stay on the OSHA rules. Or if OSHA decides to go for it alone. Yesterday, interestingly enough OSHA came out and said ‘we are suspending implementation and enforcement of these rules.’ Therefore there is no mandate right now in place,” said county board member Chuck Erickson. “It’s if’s and when’s and maybe’s.”
"This “approval” of the Addendum allows the Chairman, John McIntyre, to have temporary authority to approve future changes to the policy as necessary to bring the County to compliance with the ETS designed by OSHA."
“Isn’t that what Republicans are complaining about in Springfield. Pritzker has unabashed power to do whatever he wants and he never consults the legislature. One of my arguments was, ‘Hey shouldn’t you consult with the county board before you make any changes to this?’ I was not happy with that. I don’t believe we needed to even pass this. We could’ve called an emergency meeting if we needed to do,” siad Erickson.
Who are McLean County Vaccine Holdouts?
Erickson was an early proponent of reopening businesses during strict coronavirus mitigation period. Read also article entitled "Did the County Board Jump the Gun" where I opposed a vaccine mandate.
McLean County Keeps Tax Rate Level in $104 Million Budget
I have never voted for a tax increase. I have led the fight to keep tax levies low as possible. Notwithstanding, the county board budget has gone up approximately $35 million dollars since 2011.
"The McLean County Board has approved keeping the property tax rate the same, as part of next year’s $104.5 million budget.
Board member Chuck Erickson requested the county drop the proposed tax levy $7,927 to $36,921,985 to allow the tax rate to remain equal to the current rate of 0.91375 per $100 equalized assessed valuation."
Erickson Announces Plan to Re-Open McLean County
“Families and small businesses in McLean County can’t afford to go much longer with little or no income,” said Erickson. “Our residents have acted responsibly. We have flattened the curve. Hospitalizations have been kept low. The time to act is now.”
“My top priority is doing what‘s right by McLean County residents,” said Erickson. “Since the HOI plan is already understood and has broad support, it likely has the best chance to pass the county board. My goal is to pass something and give small businesses in McLean County a fighting chance.”
Erickson Seeks To Revive Regional Reopening Plan for McLean County
“These businessmen have taken a whole lot more risks than some of these local politicians,” Erickson said. “They are business owners and they take risks every day and they’ve got to get back going.”
"Initially, Erickson proposed the county reopen much of its economy on May 23. The HOI plan would enable the county to open on May 29. The governor's plan could allow for a more modest reopening at that time."
McLean County Board Agrees to Aid Struggling Small Businesses, Taxpayers
Owners of small businesses in McLean County, struggling to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic are receiving some relief in the form of low-interest loans. (Actually, it was a no interest loan). One of the most conservative county board members, Republican Chuck Erickson praised the plan. To be clear, the county board has had approximately $600,000 in a special fund to promote economic development. Prior to the pandemic, I had advocated for returning the money to the taxpayers in the form of a reduced levy. This proposal was voted down. Yet, the county board can never come to a consensus as to what to do with the funds. So they sit there. Here, was an opportunity to use that money to help small businesses.
County Board's East Bloomington Candidates Hold Similar Positions
In 2018, when I ran for re-election, I campaigned as follows:
"Erickson called himself a voice for economic growth in the county, saying he never voted for a tax increase, and is an advocate for bringing in jobs. He said he is the better choice because he has a proven past of listening to his constituents. “I’ve had individuals come up to me and say, ‘Listen, I have this issue with county government, can you help me with it?’ Sometimes they’re not even in my district,” Erickson said. “And I’ve always done my level best to help anybody who came to me whether it be in my district or out of my district get the help they need from county government.” Erickson said that’s a tradition he is proud of, and one he wants to continue."
I want to continue to be an advocate for you, the taxpayer, the forgotten interest group. And I will assist people whether they agree with me or are in my district.
McLean County Board Approves $92 Million Budget, Property Tax Hike
I opposed the tax hike. I proposed a plan to drop the tax hike. We lost by one vote. McLean County has reserve funds but treats them like they can never be touched. Ever. For any reason, ever. My proposal was small and nine Republicans voted with me. "McLean County has approved its first tax levy increase in five years. By a 12-6 vote, board members okayed a 2016 fiscal budget of $92 million, funded in part by a property tax hike that pumps in about $400,000 in new revenue. The approval came after member Chuck Erickson proposed shifting that amount from various reserve funds in exchange for dropping the levy hike. Erickson's proposal fell by a 10-9 vote..."