Hug: Run For Bertino's Senate Seat 'Probable'

JOLIET, IL — In April's non-partisan Joliet City Council elections, incumbent Larry Hug captured 65 percent of the vote in his race against challenger Marc Ragusa. Hug's was the largest margin of victory of the five contested council races. On Monday evening, Hug confirmed to Joliet Patch he "is about 95 percent sure" he will run for the seat of State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

Bertino-Tarrant is the Shorewood Democrat who has already announced she is running for Will County Executive. She is hoping to replace Elwood Democrat Larry Walsh Sr., who will not seek a fifth term of county government office in 2020.

Joliet Patch contacted Hug after several sources indicated Hug was contemplating a run for state senate. Hug confirmed he has obtained the candidate nomination petitions, that he has talked with his wife and two college-aged children about running for state office, and he is now in the process of establishing a committee of campaign volunteers.

Hug said he would run as a Democrat. Hug works in the insurance industry. His wife is a special education teacher in the Plainfield School District. Hug grew up in the Lincoln Way area. His Joliet City Council district represents the Plainfield area.

Hug was first elected to the city council in 2011.

He said his constituents know him for being "outspoken," plus his strong support of open government and transparency.

"I'm known for being a financial hawk. I'm fiscally responsible," Hug told Patch.

Hug told Patch that elected officials should spend the money collected from the taxpayers "as little as possible."

Hug told Patch he absolutely does not support Governor J.B. Pritzker's decision to raise the Illinois gasoline taxes by 19 cents per gallon, back in July.

Hug also said he is the only Joliet City Council who has his personal cell phone number published on the video monitor during council meetings.

Hug said if people want to call him to talk about issues facing the State Senate's 49th District, they are encouraged to call his cell phone at 815-325-0875.

Hug said one of the biggest accomplishments for the Joliet City Council is the fact that the council has not raised the city's property tax rate of Joliet residents for several years.

Hug said that's due to the significant economic growth the city of Joliet has experienced in recent years.

On the council, Hug chairs the economic development committee. He is also chairman of the public service committee, which oversees city streets and public utilities.

Since June, Joliet's City Council has been embroiled in controversy.

One faction is led by recently re-elected City Councilman Pat Mudron, who leads the Mudron 5. Hug, however, is not part of Mudron's coaliton. The council's other group has been dubbed by Joliet community activist Mary Beth Gannon as being "The Fiscal Four."

That four consists of: Mayor Bob O'Dekirk, councilman Terry Morris, councilwoman Jan Quillman and Hug.

When the Mudron 5 recently approved a six-month interim city manager's contract for Steve Jones, Hug ripped the agreement, informing his cohorts: "This is double-dipping on steroids."

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