McHenry Times

Republican Senate candidate Craig Wilcox believes a self-serving political culture and failed state leadership are behind the state’s failing grade for its business climate.

A Thumbtack Small Business Friendliness Survey found that small-business owners give the state poor marks in taxes, regulations and government websites. The scores are based on responses from “7,500 entrepreneurs and small-business owners from across the nation,” the Illinois Policy Institute website states.

“Illinois politicians have created a burdensome regulatory climate with a high tax rate that keeps climbing,” Wilcox told the McHenry Times. “It really isn't a surprise that Illinois was 50th out of 50 (in the survey) and received this failure rating. That is exactly how I view our current business climate, too.”

Mary Mahady

Wilcox, a retired Air Force colonel, positioned his opponent, Democrat Mary Mahady, as part of the same system that has raised property taxes and driven businesses to neighboring states. Mahady has served for 13 years on the McHenry County Board of Review, which oversees property assessments.

“My opponent has been accused of miscalculating the assessments,” Wilcox said. “This is in-line with what the Illinois Democratic Party has been doing for decades now. With the Democrats running on another income tax hike, it is clear who the friend to small businesses is in this race.”

The National Federation of Independent Business recently endorsed Wilcox’s campaign.

“We are proponents of reducing the tax and regulatory burdens that harm small-business interests,” he said. “If elected, I will be focused on reforming our regulatory structure to give small businesses the necessary voice in the process.”

The 32nd Senate District covers parts of Lake and McHenry counties, including the cities of Crystal Lake, Harvard, Marengo, McHenry and Woodstock.