Illinois Valley Times

Dixon Mayor Liandro Arellano believes in the power of the people.

But Arellano, who is running for the Illinois Senate from the 45th District, also says that when power is consolidated by one party and held onto through redistricting, the people become disenchanted.

“Rigged redistricting is a critical problem in Illinois,” Arellano told Illinois Valley Times. “It enables those legislators already in power to pick their voters instead of voters picking their legislators. Put more frankly, gerrymandering cripples the democratic process.

Liandro Arellano | Courtesy of Liandro Arellano

“The result has been to silence the voice of those, like myself, who fight for reform in Illinois.”

Much GOP criticism has been aimed at House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), whom they accuse of rigging legislative maps for decades to keep himself in power

Arellano has some plans to end what he sees as an unfair advantage.

“A better redistricting process would incorporate computer programs designed to create impartial maps and, as much as possible, keep communities intact along city and county lines,” Arellano said. “The results would be audited by an independent, nonpartisan commission to ensure fairness.”

Arellano also says that redistricting also would help voters distinguish truly dedicated candidates from those looking for a big paycheck. 

“With gerrymandering, so many seats have no competition at all, and therefore little effort to reach voters is needed," he said. "That can create lazy, unmotivated elected officials. New ideas need fresh voices, and those are far more rare when gerrymandering is in place to protect those in power.

“Elected officials should be serving the public, not merely securing their own power."

If elected, Arellano would replace Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon), who is retiring.

The 45th District includes all or parts of Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.