Boland Blog

The Beacon News published an article following Mike Boland's visit to Aurora in support of election reform. Aurora voters will have the chance to vote on an advisory referendum in favor the Clean Elections Act, which creates a voluntary system for public financing of campaigns.

The article states:

Boland said the legislation has been stymied, and it is up to the electorate to "shake the system" by sending a message with their votes.

"We know Illinois is the laughingstock of the country (due to the impeachment, removal and indictment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich). We have to do something if we want to change that," Boland said.

Mike Boland recently issued this press release.

Midwest Generation, a top campaign donor to both Rod Blagojevich and Terry Link, seeks weaker environmental standards

Chicago, IL - Representative Mike Boland, Democratic candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor , called on Terry Link to return donations from Midwest Generation, which has been a frequent target of community groups and EPA lawsuits. The company's six aging coal-fired power plants, including the Waukegan Station in Link's Senate district, are some of the worst contributors to air pollution in the Chicago area. Midwest Generation and its parent company are a top career donor to Link, giving his campaigns over $30,000.

A report by the Chicago Tribune in August, 2009 suggests politics played a role in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's failure to take action against Midwest Generation under Rod Blagojevich, even while thousands of environmental violations were recorded at their plants.
Midwest Generation is one of Blagojevich's top donors, giving over $100,000 to his campaign. Two of his top political aides were hired as lobbyists for the company, including a former chief of staff. Another served simultaneously as re-election campaign spokesperson and a Midwest Generation lobbyist.

With Blagojevich out of office, the Illinois Attorney General and U.S. Department of Justice recently sued Midwest Generation for frequent violations at their Chicago area plants. A coalition of environmental organizations filed a supporting suit focusing on soot (particulate matter) and other pollutants. Pollution from the plant is linked to increased rates of asthma attacks, respiratory disease, heart disease, and early deaths in the Chicago area.

"Bringing green jobs to Illinois while we move toward a new energy future will be my top priority as Lieutenant Governor," said Boland. "State office holders should fight for public health interests without regard to big money special interests. Democratic candidates must make it clear to voters that the Blagojevich era of pay-to-play politics and special favors is over. It's time for Terry Link to come clean and return those donations."