Tonia Khouri joined in a press conference on June 11, 2018, with other reform-minded legislators and candidates calling for a change in Springfield’s culture. 

You can read her statement below.

Good afternoon. My name is Tonia Khouri, State Representative Candidate for the 49^th District. I’m here today because, besides property tax relief and governmental reforms, my main concern is accountability in Springfield. We need to start holding our elected officials accountable for their actions or, frankly, their inactions.

The latest accusations against members of the Democratic Party (5 accusations in the last 7 months) tell a long history of harassment, bullying, and abuse of power by people under the leadership of Mike Madigan. These instances are more proof that the culture in Springfield needs to change. It’s time for it to stop.

Every person has the right to go to work, do their job, and feel safe. When they don’t feel safe, they have the right to come forward and tell their story to an unbiased, non-political tribunal. This unbiased, non-political tribunal (based on credibility and evidence) should determine the results and sanctions.

This is currently not happening under the leadership of Mike Madigan. Instead, we hear about a long history of dismissiveness, retaliation, and just inaction to these women’s complaints.

What if Sherri Garret was your wife or your mother? What if Kelly Cassidy was your sister or your friend? Or Alaina Hampton your daughter? Then would you stand up and say something? How many more women need to come forward before my colleagues on the other side of the aisle ban together and have the courage to stand up and speak out to demand their leader, Michael Madigan, step down.

The culture in Springfield needs to change. It’s time for it to stop.

The best way to change the culture in Springfield? Change the people in Springfield.

“I’M GOING TO SPRINGFIELD TO DEFEND OUR HOMES, REPRESENT THE PEOPLE’S INTERESTS AND STOP THE RAISING OF PROPERTY TAXES.”

Illinois is Worth Fighting For (Video)

For more information: Read about Tonia Khouri, her experience, leadership, stand on the issues and her endorsements.