Jonas Petty thinks the voters of Illinois would be the big winners in debates between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), who is challenging Rauner for the governor's seat.
“Jeanne Ives is really the only choice our state needs right now,” Petty told the West Central Reporter of why he would like to see the two on the stage together prior to the March 20 Republican primary showdown. “Jeanne needs to have her chance.”
As the primary draws closer, more people seem to be expressing the same sentiment, even though much of it continues to fall on deaf ears to those it is much directed to.
Jonas Petty
The Telegraph newspaper recently blasted Rauner as being "a coward" for thus far refusing to debate Ives. The website added the University of Illinois at Springfield tried to organize a GOP debate for some time in February, but Rauner steadfastly refused to take part.
“I think there should be a few debates,” Petty added. “This is a critical time for Illinois.”
Petty also sees himself as being part of the solution, challenging Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) in the Republican primary in the 100th House District.
“I’m getting out, spreading my message and letting people know what I stand for,” Petty said, listing issues like welfare reform and greater economic creation as some of his top platform issues.
“These are key issues,” he said. “We need to keep people from thinking government should being doing everything for them.”
Petty is already on record in asserting that state lawmakers also need to address what he calls “foundational issues,” such as tax reform and term limits, in order to get the state back on track.
“We need people in Springfield that are willing to make the tough decisions and that truly have the best interests of the people at heart,” he said.
The 100th House District includes all or parts of Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon and Scott.
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