by Brian Costin, Illinois Policy Institute

On October 12th the Illinois Turnaround Tour made a stop in DuPage County.

Over 50 people packed the Birch Room in the Lisle/Naperville Hilton Hotel to hear about the Illinois Turnaround Plan of lower taxes; responsible spending; transparent, accountable government; and a business friendly environment that empowers entrepreneurs, investors and workers.

John O’Hara, Vice President of External Relations, presented the Illinois Turnaround Plan, showed a three-minute documentary video about the first leg of the tour, and shared surprising Illinois Statewide Survey Polling Results. The survey showed that 76% of Illinois voters believe the State of Illinois is on the wrong path, and over 50% of voters across party lines support amending the Illinois state constitution to place a limit on state spending growth.

Following the presentation from O’Hara, Kristina Rasmussen led a candidates forum of 4 candidates running for state house and senate seats.

Joining us were: Representative Darlene Senger (R): 96th House District, Representative Mike Fortner (R): 95th House District, Representative Michael Connelly(R): 48th House District, and Representative Sandra Pihos (R): 42nd House District. All of the registered candidates in the above mentioned districts were invited to attend the event.

A highlight of the night was when Rep. Connelly and Rep. Pihos signed the Illinois Honest Taxation Pledge.

The pledge asks incumbents pledge to oppose and vote against all tax hikes through the start of the 97th Session of the General Assembly in 2011. Previously, David Vaught the Illinois Budget Director was quoted as saying, “We’re going to pass a tax increase in January. We expect it is going to be substantial.” in a Bloomberg News report.

Rep. Darlene Senger signed the pledge previously.

So far 20 elected officials, including ones from both the Democratic and Republican Parties, have signed the pledge.

A number of local groups attended the event and set up promotional tables including: DuPage Conservatives, DuPage Tea Party, and the Tri-Count-Teas.