East Central Reporter

Chris Miller sees himself as the face of the change he insists is desperately needed in Springfield.

“We're No. 1 in just about every category you don’t want to be No. 1. in,” Miller previously told the East Central Reporter of the state’s litany of struggles, which include an increasing debt load, spiraling property taxes and rising out-migration. “I think term limits should be one of the first things we put in place because that’s just sort of a common-sense kind of thing.”

Miller, an Oakland Republican who is running to replace retiring Rep. Reggie Phillips (R-Charleston) in the 110th District, trusts that voters will be wise and frustrated enough to do what he believes they must come  March 20 when he faces off against Terry Davis in the Republican primary.

Chris Miller

In his mind, that all ultimately starts with longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) and finally showing him the door. He argues no one in any other industry could have been as inept as he insists Madigan has been and still be able to remain in power.

“I’ve been a farmer now for more than 40 years; and if everything I had done with my farm over that time was considered a disaster, it would fall at my feet,” he previously told the East Central Reporter. “It’s the same thing with Springfield, and Madigan’s been there the whole time.”

As for dealing with the state’s out-migration issue, Miller said leaders should be even more concerned that many of those deciding to leave in search of greener pastures and more taxpayer-friendly venues are millennials, “our talented children and grandchildren” among them.

“If you could keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket or give it to Illinois government officials, which one would you choose,” Miller recently told the East Central Reporter. “Lowering property and income taxes would be a good start in incentivizing current residents to stay and those that have moved to return.”

The issue of out-migration has reigned as a major issue of the campaign after a recent Census Bureau study found Illinois has now slipped behind Pennsylvania and out of the top 5 largest states in the country.

Miller said it’s all the result of the dysfunctional government now in power in Springfield.

"State government isn't set up to serve ordinary people,” he recently posted on Facebook. “It is set up to enrich and protect the powerful. This was demonstrated again by the legislative inspector general's decision. I'm running to bring a culture shift to Springfield. To remind the elected officials that they work for us, and should be delivering results for us. It's far too common in this world. There is a different set of ethics for people with power and money."

The 110th District includes Cole County and all or parts of Edgar, Cumberland, Clark, Crawford and Lawrence counties.