McHenry Times

Republican Steven Reick won the 63rd House District seat, which has been a Democratic stronghold for almost two decades, after garnering 56.7 percent of the vote over Democrat John Bartman’s 43.3 percent.

The win came as early polling returns indicated that House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) would lose his Democratic supermajority.

Reick, a tax attorney, ran a campaign based on consistent conservative platforms that focused on changing the way education is funded, property taxes, pension reform and gun rights.

The GOP’s road to success for this House seat began when state Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo), who held the seat for 18 years, withdrew from the race to run for chairman of the McHenry County Board. Bartman, a fifth-generation farmer from Marengo, was chosen to replace on the ballot.

Reick, a Woodstock resident, ran unsuccessfully against Franks in 2014.

This time around, Reick touted endorsements from the Chicago Tribune, Northwest Herald and the National Rifle Association (NRA) in his campaign.

A strong pro-gun and Second Amendment supporter, the NRA gave Reick a score of A- for his positions on gun-related issues. He is a supporter of concealed carry.

In his 2014 campaign, he reiterated the fact that states with concealed-carry laws have seen a decrease in gun violence. In 2014, an Illinois law was established that only residents possessing a state Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card could apply for a concealed-carry permit. Illinois currently follows a combination of state and federal laws to regulate the sale and use of guns.

Reick supported many of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s initiatives including the Turnaround Agenda that opposes further tax increases and alters workers' compensation, wage and tort laws. Illinois has the second-highest property taxes in the country, which Reick said is because of education funding and public pensions.

On education reform, Reick hopes to model innovative programs from states like Arizona and Florida, focusing on putting the power back in the hands of the parents by giving them a voice in budget allocations. Citing Article 10, Section 1 of the Illinois Constitution, Reick said he believes that funding for education should come from the state. Currently education is largely funded by local property taxes.

Reick also said that Education Savings Accounts, like those used in Nevada, can help move the Illinois education system from a one-choice system.

Pensions are another reason for high property taxes, Reick said in his platform. He said that next year, approximately 24 percent of the general revenue will pay for pensions. He also suggests that pension underfunding should be handled as a capital project financed by a revenue-neutral source. It is heavily funded with property taxes.

Reick has said that he will not take a legislative pension and that elected officials should not be eligible for public pensions.

Examining property tax rates between various municipalities is also something Reick supports. He has said that the property tax rate in McHenry is up to twice the level as the same-value house in Chicago.

Reick has a strong background in taxes, working as a tax and real estate attorney in his own firm since 1982.

Reick was born and raised in Illinois and has a bachelor's’degree in accounting from University of Illinois and a law degree and masters degree in taxation from the University of Georgia.

Reick received endorsements from the National Federation of Independent Business, the Illinois Association of Realtors, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Technology and Manufacturing Association, Underground Contractors Association, the Health Care Council of Illinois, Illinois State Medical Society, Illinois State Dental Society and the Midwest Truckers Association.