Dupage Policy Journal

January 23, 2023 - This afternoon, Congressman Sean Casten held a press conference calling on DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick to step down over his refusal to enforce an unconstitutional gun ban that was passed by the state legislature. Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau issued the following statement in response: 

“Whether it’s supporting the unsafe SAFE-T Act, the “Anti-Inflation” bill that raised the cost of living, or sticking with the furthest on the Left to oppose recognizing the efforts of our border patrol agents, Sean Casten never misses an opportunity to play politics. His press conference today was no different. 

“Whether the Congressman likes it or not, Americans have certain rights that are protected in the Constitution of the United States. One of those rights is that of law-abiding citizens to bear arms. In fact, this new law has already been blocked in court. Sean Casten doesn’t have the right to suspend the Constitution. 

“His demands for Sheriff Mendrick’s resignation are absolutely ludicrous. Unlike the numerous gun laws already on Illinois’ books, Jim Mendrick has actually protected the people he is charged with protecting. DuPage County is one of the safest counties in the state because of its law and order Sheriff, which is why he was resoundingly re-elected by the people of DuPage. Sean Casten, of course, doesn’t care about the wishes of voters if they stand in the way of his ideology. 

“The bottom line is: A government that tramples all over defined rights and freedoms is one that is out of control. Today, Sean Casten re-emphasized his ambition to scrap your rights in favor of his agenda. I hope it serves as a wake up call for the people of IL-06.”