Dupage Policy Journal

Naperville City Councilman Kevin Coyne hopes with Mike Madigan out as a legislator, it will create a "sound government" for residents.

"Hopefully, it leads to the residents of this state finally being able to enjoy good, sound government," Coyne told the DuPage Policy Journal. "I would say that's something we haven't had since Madigan took over in Springfield."

After nearly 40 years of calling the shots in the House, Madigan recently resigned from his 22nd District House seat and as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party as controversy about his alleged association in a pay-for-play scheme involving ComEd boiled over.

Naperville City Councilman Kevin M. Coyne | facebook.com/CoyneForCouncil

Just days before tendering his resignations, the Chicago Democrat and state's longest tendered lawmaker was replaced as House speaker by Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) after a growing number of fellow Democrats took a hardline stance not to support his reelection efforts.

While Madigan has not been charged with any crime and maintains his innocence, ComEd agreed to pay a $200 million fine. At least four individuals with known ties to him, including longtime confidante Mike McClain, have been indicted as the probe continues to progress.

Coyne said he hopes Welch means some of the things he's said since taking over.

"He's said some things about working toward creating fair maps and bringing about bipartisanship that would really be positive," he said. "But really, you just have to wait and see. I know he supported the new House crime bill that makes no sense and is really unsettling. If you look, almost everyone in law enforcement has spoken out against the measure and said it will only exacerbate crime."