West Central Reporter

Joshua Griffith, who is challenging Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) for a seat in the 93rd District, spoke out earlier this month about a lack of transparency and other issues related to how Illinois politics works.

"Four weeks ago I released a statement regarding the newly appointed Legislative Inspector General after the role was kept vacant for over 2 years," Griffith wrote in a statement. "There were dozens of complaints during that period of time that were never addressed. I called for more transparency within the office by releasing the details of those complaints. Unfortunately that information has still not been provided to the public. I still believe that these complaints must be investigated immediately and released to the public to ensure action and transparency on reversing the culture of corruption in Springfield."

Griffith wrote that part of the problem is that some state officials feel they are "above the law."

"The families and individuals of the 93rd district continue to live up to the letter of the law and yet all we get is more taxes including a 32% tax increase supported by our current state representative Norine Hammond," he wrote. "Meanwhile the politicians and political insiders use their power to make things better for themselves while making life harder for us. This behavior needs to stop immediately. We need new leadership to make this happen. I am calling for the investigation to be timely and transparent and for those who are involved to be held accountable. It’s time to change the culture in Springfield by sending principled leaders and public servants in the place of career politicians."