Dear Editor,

I commend the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board for shedding some light on the state and congressional redistricting map process in a recent editorial “Legislature’s Challenge: Fix Bizarre Redistricting.”

As the Sun-Times pointed out, the redistricting process, which occurs every 10 years, is completely partisan, depending on which party wins the flip of a coin. The districts are carefully drawn based on how an area historically votes, therefore favoring one party over another.

For the last six years my Republican colleagues and I have sponsored 12 resolutions that would reform the redistricting process. Continue reading »

Dear Neighbor,

As your state representative of the 54th District, I am always looking for a means to reach out to you with news of what is going on in Springfield. I am happy to report that I am starting a new service in sending out a monthly electronic newsletter, The Bassi Beacon.

With the leadership changes and budget crisis this year, I thought it was now more important than ever to give you personal updates from Springfield.

Continue reading »