Western Springs Politico Condemns 'Massive Corruption'

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — State Rep. Jim Durkin, a Western Springs Republican, has spent most of the last quarter century in the Legislature. He announced Monday he wanted to remain there.

In a campaign news release, Durkin, the state House's GOP leader since 2013, said he would seek re-election this year.

"The people of the 82nd District and across Illinois are waking up to the failed leadership of Illinois Democrats," Durkin said in the release. "Every day I hear from constituents who are fed up with soaring crime rates, high taxes and massive corruption in the Democratic Party. I am committed to fighting for the critical reforms our state so desperately needs, alongside great candidates for the House from all corners of the state."

The campaign statement said Durkin created the special investigative committee that led to the downfall of former House Speaker Michael Madigan after ComEd admitted to attempting to bribe Madigan.

The statement also said Durkin "worked tirelessly" to close the Sterigenics plant in Willowbrook. The company was accused of emitting cancer-causing pollutants.

Durkin is also a critic of the Lyons Township Treasurer's Office, which handles the finances for a number of school districts in the area.

Last summer, he told Patch that Sen. Steven Landek, D-Bridgeview, controlled everything in the treasurer's office.

"This is old Democrat politics providing jobs and contracts to friends and family," Durkin said in an interview. "There is some value that Landek and his cronies get from it."

Landek did not comment.