McHenry Times

Steve Reick of Woodstock, Republican candidate for House District 63, said recently the National Rifle Association (NRA) has endorsed his campaign.

"I’m pleased to announce that I just received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association in my run for Representative in District 63," Reick said Sept 21. "The NRA has placed its support with me because they know I’ll be a strong advocate for the Second Amendment."

The NRA gave Reick a grade of A- for his positions on gun-related and Second Amendment issues. He is considered a solidly pro-gun candidate for supporting the Second Amendment. Reick's opponent, Democratic John Bartman, did not respond to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and was not graded on his gun-rights position. When a candidate fails or refuses to respond to the questionnaire, he is assumed to be indifferent or hostile to the issues that concern gun owners and sportsmen.

Reick has been an outspoken advocate of gun rights and concealed-carry laws. During his first run for the Illinois House in 2014, he posted a statement regarding the passage of the concealed-carry law on his campaign website.

"I support concealed-carry," Reick said. "After all, criminals have practiced concealed-carry since before the days of Al Capone. Honest citizens must have the same rights. States with concealed-carry have consistently seen a decrease in gun violence. This is not a coincidence, and there’s every reason to believe the same will hold true in Illinois. As the new law recently passed over the governor’s veto is implemented, its implementation needs to be monitored so as to protect every citizen’s right to self-defense. There will be efforts to backslide on the new law; those who wish to erode gun rights will not rest. It will be my job to see that those rights are maintained and strengthened."

The 2014 law was clear that only those in possession of a State Firearms Owner ID card could apply for a concealed-carry permit. Illinois uses a combination of federal and state laws to regulate the sale and use of guns. State law requires a 72-hour waiting period for purchasers. It also prohibits machine guns, stun guns, Tasers, silencers and shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches long. Convicted felons may not own firearms of any kind. In addition, firearms are not permitted on or near school grounds.

Reick also holds conservative positions on education, social issues and taxes. Primary areas of concern in his 2016 campaign are education, property taxes and pension reform. He said that education and pensions make up approximately 60 percent of property tax bills in McHenry County. He places responsibility for paying for education on the state, per Article X, Section 1 of the Illinois Constitution.

Reick supports pension reform in order to put the state's financial house in order. He is opposed to the state's current situation with underfunded pension plans, which adds to the state's unbalanced budget. He said he would not be taking a legislative pension; elected officials should not be eligible for public pensions.

In addition to the NRA endorsement, Reick also received endorsements from such business associations as the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business and the Illinois Association of Realtors. Manufacturing organizations that have endorsed Reick include the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Technology and Manufacturing Association and the Underground Contractors Association. A variety of other organizations are backing Reick, such as the Health Care Council of Illinois, Illinois State Medical Society, Illinois State Dental Society and the Midwest Truckers Association.

"These endorsements reinforce the message that I’ll also be strong advocate for businesses and job growth in McHenry County," Reick said. "I’m grateful for their support, and humbly ask for yours."