Dupage Policy Journal

Republican state House candidate Laura Hois worries if supporters of the growing defund the police movement get their way, they will only bring about more of the chaos and separation they proclaim to abhor.

“The radical calls to defund the police and abolish law enforcement services actually divide our country and make our communities less safe,” Hois, now running against incumbent state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Naperville) in the 81st District, told the DuPage Policy Journal. “I view the movement as an opportunity to share factual information and address any instances of misconduct by hosting community-based conversations.”

The great debate stems from the recent Memorial Day death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, sparking protests and violence across the country. Minneapolis City Council members were among the first to raise the prospect of permanently dismantling their city's Police Department, and the idea quickly gained the support of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) and leaders of the Chicago Public Schools.

Hois, a Downers Grove resident, said she’s not slamming the door on the need for reform, but argues it’s just as important that they be sensible and practical.

“I think Illinoisans can certainly take a fresh look at the scope of work police are asked to do in each community and determine what changes would increase local-area satisfaction, safety and security,” she said. “Ideally, members of the community would unite around the improvements for everyone’s well-being and security.”

Finally, Hois hints that she views acts like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot throwing their support behind a proposal that would require all officers to be licensed as political grandstanding.

“Adding a costly, state-wide licensing requirement in addition to academy training would not bring about positive change,” she said. “Community dialogue that leads to localized, common-sense responses to the issues raised would be better for the people and for the highly trained police officers who serve them.”