This election is a rematch of the 2016 contest between Republican State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and Democratic challenger John Curtis of Macomb. Hammond won the 2016 election, 55% - 45%. Now Curtis is making another bid for the seat.
About
John Curtis runs the Barefoot Gardens CSA just west of Macomb. He’s also taught at Western Illinois University. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary in March, 2018.
Why Running
Curtis said the problems he saw in the district when he ran two years ago have only gotten worse. “I think there needs to be a sense of urgency about getting some new people in who can start to turn things around.”
Curtis said the area’s population is declining faster than other parts of the state. He believes that as a state lawmaker he could create an environment that makes it easier to open a business. And he said the state must adequately fund its job creators, such as Western Illinois University.
Top Priority
Curtis said he supports a graduated income tax, which he believes will help generate the revenue needed to properly fund public higher education and rural school districts. He said it could also help the state pay down some of its debt. The change to the income tax structure would require a change to the state constitution, and Curtis acknowledged it won’t be a quick or easy fix for the state’s woes.
“These problems need to be looked at as long-term problems. And long-term problems require long-term solutions. So probably for the next couple of years we’re going to need to continue to tighten our belts but hopefully we get revenue. And if we can continue to grow our local economy, that will help too because then there will be more tax revenue.”
He said as state representative, he could help connect resources such as the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs with local governments to develop ideas for growing local economies.
Curtis said he would love to serve on the Higher Education Working Committee if he’s elected. Hammond already serves on the committee but Curtis believes the region has not benefited from that.
The District
Illinois House District 93 includes all or portions of Brown, Cass, Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Schuyler, and Warren Counties.
