Republican County Board Member Kathy Smith (R-Alton) launched a website in support of passing a concealed carry law in Illinois. The website exposes the facts about why concealed carry has not become law in Illinois.

For years, Chicago political bosses have refused to uphold our constitutional rights. Illinois is the only state in the nation that has no procedures in place for law-abiding citizens to apply for concealed carry permits.

“I support concealed carry and if elected I will sponsor legislation to legalize concealed carry for the citizens of Illinois,” said Kathy Smith. “Illinois citizens should be able to defend their families and friends from criminals who threaten their livelihoods. I support our Constitution and will always protect our right to bear arms.” Read the rest of this entry »

Shedding some light on wasteful government spending, Madison County Board member Kathy Smith (R-Alton) is calling on the legislature including State Rep. Dan Beiser to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on political mail pieces. Smith offered an alternative, “Use the funds towards paying off Illinois’ debt and provide tax relief for Illinois taxpayers.”

This week select voters in the 111th District are receiving two notices from their state government and politician. The first notice, a brochure mailed and paid for by the taxpayers touts Dan Beiser’s record in the Illinois legislature. The taxpayer funded brochure was mailed out to more than 29,018 residents and cost taxpayers an estimated $9,000. The second notification informs seniors that funds are no longer available for the property tax grant which provides tax relief for senior citizens who own their own homes. The property tax grant for seniors was eliminated by Dan Beiser and his colleagues under SB 2454.

“Using an estimated $9,000 in taxpayer dollars to benefit a politician running for re-election is appalling,” said Kathy Smith. “Especially when property tax grants for seniors have been eliminated. It’s simply robbing from our grandparent’s to help re-elect a politician. I urge our elected officials and Dan Beiser to put the taxpayer first and stop using our tax dollars to benefit his campaign.” Read the rest of this entry »

On Wednesday Republican County Board Member Kathy Smith (R-Alton) proposed a resolution to require all elected and appointed officials of Madison County to disclose whether or not their family members are employed by the taxpayers in Madison County government.

Smith’s resolution would require countywide elected and appointed officials in Madison County and members of the Madison County Board to disclose whether or not their family members are employed by the taxpayers in county government. Elected officials would be required to disclose the name(s) of their family member, salary and position held with the Madison County government.

“The taxpayers deserve to know who is employed by their Madison County government.” said Kathy Smith. “It concerns me that some elected officials don’t want the taxpayers to know whether or not their family member is employed by the county. What are they trying to hide? I think it’s a reasonable request by the taxpayers to require elected and appointed officials in Madison County to disclose whether or not their family member is being paid by the taxpayers.” Read the rest of this entry »

On Tuesday Republican County Board Member Kathy Smith (R-Alton) launched a petition drive to build awareness and support for her resolution to reduce the salary 20% for members of the Madison County Board.

“With families having to do with less due to higher taxes, now is not the time for a pay a raise,” said Kathy Smith. “Reducing spending and doing more with less is what the taxpayers should expect and deserve from our elected officials. People are paying more taxes and 11,368 people (8.3%) are unemployed in Madison County. It’s time for the Madison County Board to do with less and take a 20% pay cut instead of taking more from the taxpayers.” Read the rest of this entry »

On Wednesday Republican County Board Member Kathy Smith (R-Alton) voted against a pay increase for Madison County Board members. Smith proposed instead, that Board Members take a pay cut by as much as 20%. Kathy Smith stated “it’s time for a pay cut, not a pay hike for the Madison County Board.”

At Wednesday’s Madison County Board meeting, members approved a Resolution to increase the County Board Member’s salary by 8% or $1,079. The current salary range for members of the Madison County Board is $13,416-$14,495. The Resolution passed by the majority of the Board 16Y-13N and will set the annual salary for all 29 members of the board to be elected in November 2012 at $14,495.

“We are public servants who should be willing to make sacrifices,” said Kathy Smith. “An 8% pay raise for members of the Madison County Board is not in the best interest of the taxpayers, especially since the unemployment rate in Madison County is at 9.4%. It’s time for a pay cut, not an 8% pay hike.” Read the rest of this entry »