http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-919816.mp3
Macomb, IL – Illinois' Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor says state leaders are on the right track toward getting the state's finances in order... but they're not quite there yet.
Sheila Simon is running alongside incumbent Governor Pat Quinn this fall. She was among hundreds of people to apply for the position after Scott Lee Cohen, who won the Democratic primary in February, stepped down amid controversy surrounding criminal allegations.
The highest elected office she's ever held is on the Carbondale City Council. But she says her wide range of experience, including as a law professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, make her fit for the position.
She says Illinois should leave no stone unturned when looking for ways to save money. For example, Governor Quinn recently signed an executive order to review all state subscriptions, including those to newspapers and magazines. Simon says she got the idea from a capitol maintenance worker who said she was tired of cleaning up unread newspapers every day.
Simon says this is an example of little things that can be done to chip away at the budget, and it's also an example of how lawmakers should listen to voters.
To listen to the entire conversation with Sheila Simon, click "play" on the audio link above.