Chicago City Wire

Republican political strategist Chris Robling is longing for the day when a new Gov. J.B. Pritzker emerges in Springfield.

“I await the day when Gov. Pritzker treats Illinoisans as adults who can understand the circumstances of the virus and take appropriate actions to protect themselves and others from the virus,” Robling told Chicago City Wire. “So far, the governor acts like he is running a preschool and it is really insulting to the grownups that make Illinois.”

Even as Pritzker recently allowed the state to move into Phase 4 of his five-part Restore Illinois plan, Robling is hoping it’s not too little, too late when it comes to all the damage that's now being done.

Back in June, he openly applauded when small business owners across the state began opening up their businesses despite the governor’s stay-at-home decree ordering that they stay shuttered remained in place.

“They see the governor’s plan and feel it’s too slow, too complicated and too insensitive to the needs of average people and their families,” he said. “What he’s proposing means more stagnation, more economic decline and more outmigration for this state.”

Under Phase 4 guidelines, more businesses can open with fewer restrictions. Gatherings of up to 50 people and restricted indoor dining at restaurants are now also permitted. In addition, movie theaters, performing arts center, zoos and museums can reopen on a limited basis.

As an indication of where many voters stand on the issue, Robling points to a recent Illinois Policy Institute survey that concluded 75% of all residents are convinced it’s time for small businesses to get back to work.

“The governor shouldn’t be making all these decisions alone, especially when you look at how bad some of his choices have been,” he said. “I never thought he would do some of the things he has, like holding the primary that caused the number of coronavirus cases to skyrocket, but here we are.”

Pritzker has already gone on record with his vow not to move to Phase 5 until there is a “vaccine or an effective treatment.”