Illinois Valley Times

Peru's Jerry Long, the Republican candidate for the District 76 state House seat, recently called for Springfield to revise its formula that unfairly funnels a disproportionate number of tax dollars into Chicago schools at other communities’ expense.

 

Calling it an injustice, the candidate said when the state begins to fund all schools appropriately — ending pro-rating for the sake of one city and abolishing micromanagement of educators — then all stakeholders can work together to revise the funding formula.

 

Long recently further illuminated his stand on education via his Facebook page, explaining in more detail that he believes in three main principles. First, he said, Illinois must boost its economy and pay its bills on time; secondly, “local districts know their children best,” and thirdly, districts must be fully funded.

 

"Our current education funding formula takes away money from local schools and sends it to Chicago,” Long stated, commenting that the proration process really “ought to be called ‘theft.’”

 

“That’s an injustice,” he said. “In order to pay for Chicago’s mismanagement, school districts in our area suffer a lack of state funding.”

 

He deftly outlined the solution: fully fund the schools at 100 percent of the 2010 levels of funding; end proration to Chicago; and abolish practices that tolerate rigidity, red tape and runaway administrative costs.

 

“Do those things, then let’s work together to look at the funding formula and pay special attention to how we can make funding work for all of our districts — not just Chicago," he said.

 

Long said he never envisioned himself as having political aspirations — and has previously vouched that he certainly does not wish to become a career politician. Over time, however, it became clear to him that he could make a difference; and for the sake of future generations, he decided to throw his hat into the ring.

 

Long, who grew up as a third-generation union worker with deep roots in Illinois, has been a Teamsters member for the same amount of time he has resided in Streator — 30 years. Additionally, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force. A self-described “average citizen,” he embraces family and community values while continuing to serve as a trucker even as he campaigns for office.

 

He believes that economic growth is the solution to the state’s financial troubles — not more taxation — and he’s willing to go to Springfield to work for it.

 

As well as holding a job demanding a strong work ethic, Long has demonstrated sharp communications skills. Not only has he served as a columnist for his local newspaper’s Write Team, but he has also pounded the pavement  in neighborhoods to engage with residents throughout his district — knocking on an estimated 30,000 doors and building a reputation as one of Illinois’ hardest-working contenders for office.

 

Long first ran in 2014 against then-incumbent Frank Mautino on a platform of decreasing government regulation to increase economic opportunity in what turned out to be a fateful election that eventually catalyzed Mautino’s nomination for — and subsequent appointment as — auditor general for the state of Illinois.

 

This time around, Long faces Democrat Andy Skoog, who was appointed to fill the position when Mautino was promoted. While Skoog ran unopposed in the March primary, Long achieved a preliminary victory with a decisive defeat of Jacob Bramel—winning with 7,442 votes to his opponent’s 4,497.

 

Having established himself as a conservative, boots-on-the-ground candidate of the people — as well as a man with a deep desire to improve Illinois’ status — Long enjoys golf, motor biking, sports, history and economics. He is a loyal Chicago Bears fan and belongs to the Starved Rock chapter of ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education) of Illinois, promoting motorcycle safety and acceptance.