SE Illinois News

Republican state House candidate David Friess worries that what he sees as Gov. J.B. Pritzker Chicago-driven policies in response to COVID-19 could have dire consequences for the state as a whole.

“If another shutdown order is imposed by the governor, I believe irreparable damage will be done to the state's economy,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “With the current restrictions, businesses are still not operating at 100%. If we lock down again, some businesses will not be able to survive and will be forced to close their doors forever.”

In the face of such rising concerns, the governor, citing increasing COVD-19 infection rates, recently warned that the state could soon be facing tougher restrictions as at least 11 counties are now at “warning levels” for the spread of the virus. 

Running against incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) in the 116th District, Friess argues it’s critical that the governor see the big picture.

“The rise in positivity rate and the continued spread of COVID-19 is, and should be, a concern,” he said. “However, I don't believe it merits the reimposition of tighter restrictions on businesses. There may be spikes in cases in certain areas, but the health professionals in those areas know the cause of the spikes and can address the cause of the spikes on an individual basis in their local communities.”

Friess said it perplexes him that the governor continues to act on his own to make decisions that have such widespread consequences.

“The governor should not be making far-reaching decisions unilaterally for the entire state,” he said. “Illinois is a large and diverse state and the governor should defer to local leaders, be they mayors or county commissions or local school superintendents. Local leaders know their respective communities and will make decisions in their communities' best interest.”