Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois State Senate 23rd District candidate Ryan Steele is calling for an end to the former projects of indicted House Speaker Michael Madigan after Gov. J.B. Pritzker released funds related to the former speaker’s pet projects.

“The people of Illinois deserve answers,” Steele said in a Facebook post. “They deserve a full independent review of all those involved in these deals, TO INCLUDE ELECTED OFFICIALS IN SPRINGFIELD! WE must end the 'business as usual' and return the voice of the people to Springfield.”

The Better Government Association reported that Pritzker lifted the freeze on funding for Madigan’s projects over the objections of nine Illinois Democrats. Madigan has been indicted on 22 counts of public corruption, noting that he used his position of influence to help well-connected friends.

Some Democrats suggested the funds and their origination under Madigan be investigated further.

"The massive 22-count indictment of Madigan calls into question the legitimacy of these projects and whether they inured to the benefit of the community and the taxpayers or whether they were advanced at the behest of Madigan on behalf of or to benefit his private law clients or other politically-connected individuals or entities," the legislators’ letter to the governor reads.

The Better Government Association previously posted projects worth $4 billion that were created by Madigan and others as part of the $45 billion "Rebuild Illinois" project. Madigan was a key player in selecting projects included in the program, adding $144 million in projects alone.

Steele is an Illinois native who lives in Hinsdale. He is a veteran who runs a real estate business. Passionate in serving the community, Steele has also performed several roles on different boards including voluntary works and serving charitable organizations, his website reported.

The new 23rd State Senate District is comprised of the communities of Villa Park, Glendale Heights, Bloomingdale’s, Carol Stream, Roselle and Bartlett.