People across Northwest Illinois are fed up with government that works for insiders, not citizens. They’re tired of backroom deals, political favoritism, and career politicians who use public office as a stepping stone—not a place of service.

For too long, Springfield has been run by those who protect the powerful, silence the critics, and reward loyalty over honesty. Voters deserve better.

The Problem: Corruption, Cronyism, and Careerism

• Insiders and donors receive special treatment while everyday citizens get ignored

• Political families pass power among themselves with no transparency or accountability

• Ethics rules are weak—and rarely enforced

• Local voices are drowned out by lobbyists and connected law firms

• Misuse of tax dollars is common—and consequences are rare

Illinois has earned a reputation for corruption. Career politicians like Andrew Chesney and those he’s aligned with—including ex-Senator Brian Stewart—have made a career out of pretending to fight for us while quietly protecting their own.

Atkinson’s Plan: Clean House and Build a Government Worth Trusting

1. Enact Real Ethics Reform

Require full financial disclosures, close lobbyist loopholes, and strengthen conflict-of-interest rules. Sunshine is the best disinfectant.

2. Ban Nepotism and Pay-to-Play Appointments

No more hiring or appointing friends and family to cushy jobs. No more deals for donors. Josh will end the culture of favoritism.

3. Support Term Limits for Legislators

Politicians aren’t supposed to build careers in office—they’re supposed to serve and step aside. Atkinson will push for strict term limits.

4. Empower Whistleblowers and Oversight

Create protections and incentives for whistleblowers to report corruption without fear. Expand watchdog authority to investigate government waste.

5. Return Power to the People

Atkinson will advocate for reforms that give voters—not party bosses—more say in elections, budgets, and decision-making.

A Leader Who’s Walked Away from Power

“I’ve never run for office to get rich or retire with a pension. I’ve walked away from power when I saw it misused—and I’ll do it again if that’s what it takes to do the right thing. We need leaders who don’t just preach accountability—they live it.”

— Joshua T. Atkinson

Time for a Clean Break

Northwest Illinois deserves leaders who are honest, transparent, and unafraid to take on the political machine. Joshua T. Atkinson is running to restore integrity, break the cycle of corruption, and build a government that finally serves the people—not the insiders.

Let’s fire the career politicians and rebuild trust in Springfield—starting right here in District 45.