Latest News from Chicago City Wire

Center for Equal Opportunity president thinks felons should be allowed to vote -- in some cases

By Justin Stoltzfus | Apr 12, 2018

A bill in the General Assembly would expand access to vote for people in jail awaiting trial, which one think tank executive says would be appropriate as long as they aren't yet convicted.

From North Cook News

Kessem stunned by donation to Silverstein campaign

By Justin Stoltzfus | 6 years ago

Ammie Kessem, a Chicago police officer running in the GOP Primary in the 19th House District for the seat held by Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), sees a contradiction in the party’s backing of Sen Ira Silverstein after he was stripped of his Senate leadership position, with some asking him to resign.

Biela blasts Democratic Party for continuing to support Silverstein

By Justin Stoltzfus | Mar 1, 2018

“I think it's sad and disgusting that the Democratic Party keeps supporting Ira Silverstein,” Amanda Biela, who is running unopposed in the GOP primary in the 15th House District, which is part of Silverstein's 8th Senate District, told Chicago City Wire.

From East Central Reporter

Miller: Voters say they want Madigan to resign

By Justin Stoltzfus | 7 years ago

In the wake of misconduct accusations against another of House Speaker Mike Madigan’s staffers, many in the Illinois political arena are calling on Madigan to resign and address the issue of sexual harassment that has been inflaming communities around the country.

Biela join chorus calling for Madigan to step down

By Justin Stoltzfus | Feb 23, 2018

In the wake of a sexual harassment complaint against a top aide to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), a growing chorus from both sides of the aisle is calling for the longtime speaker to resign.

Kessem challenges Martwick to join her in demanding Madigan step down

By Justin Stoltzfus | Feb 21, 2018

Ammie Kessem, a Chicago police officer running in the GOP primary for the seat held by Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) in the 19th District, has been talking about the issue of ethics violations and how they are dealt with at the state level.

Biela gains police group's backing

By Justin Stoltzfus | Feb 12, 2018

Amanda Biela, a Chicago Republican running in the 15th House District, is getting some support from a state police group.

Biela calls Springfield culture 'putrid' regarding harassment complaints

By Justin Stoltzfus | Feb 1, 2018

Amanda Biela, a Chicago educator running in the GOP primary in the 15th District for the seat held by Rep, John D'Amico (D-Chicago), weighs in on harassment allegations made against Sen. Ira Silverstein.

Voters deserve a Rauner-Ives debate, Kessem says

By Justin Stoltzfus | Jan 31, 2018

Gov. Bruce Rauner is being challenged in the GOP primary by Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), and some reports allege Rauner is unwilling to debate Ives.

Biela speaks out about short spring legislative session

By Justin Stoltzfus | Jan 30, 2018

Amanda Biela, a former Chicago schoolteacher, is taking on establishment politics in her GOP primary bid for the seat held by longtime Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) with a platform that includes tax relief for Illinois families.

Biela calls for cap to curb rising property taxes

By Justin Stoltzfus | Jan 29, 2018

A study by Illinois Policy shows that in the seven years after the financial crisis of 2008, property taxes for Illinois residents rose, on average, six times faster than household incomes. That fact is not lost on Amanda Biela, a Chicago schoolteacher who is running in the GOP primary for the seat held by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) in the 15th House District.

Kessem says rising property taxes show the need for a tax cap

By Justin Stoltzfus | Jan 26, 2018

Ammie Kessem, a Chicago police officer and Republican candidate seeking the 19th House District seat held by Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), is weighing in on some of the unfortunate realities that have many residents shaking their heads over high taxes.

Kessem website's facts page focuses on Martwick

By Justin Stoltzfus | Jan 19, 2018

Chicago police officer Ammie Kessem is running in the Republican primary in the 19th House District, and she has some pointed things to say about the Democrat incumbent, Rep. Robert Martwick, she is hoping to unseat.

Biela traces problem of Illinois' exodus to Springfield

By Justin Stoltzfus | Jan 15, 2018

Amanda Biela, a former Chicago schoolteacher running in the Republican primary for the House seat in the 15th District held by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago), is taking aim at a practice she calls "establishment politics" within the state and policies that she feels burden taxpayers.