Ives Offers Cynicism Not Substance

As a candidate for Wheaton City Council in 2011, Jeanne Ives
vowed to end no-bid contracts at the City. 

Her website listed it as one of her “Top 10” reasons for running. The message was clear:  she lived by a higher moral code than the insiders at City Hall and would put a stop to their political cronyism and special interests. Curiously, she never offered any specifics. She simply played upon – and perpetuated – the widespread cynicism that many voters harbor towards government today. And with great success. Since her election, however, Ms. Ives’ record has not matched her rhetoric. In her 10 months on the Council, Ms. Ives has voted for 10-out-of-10 no-bid contracts totaling more than $4.5 million.

This leaves Ms. Ives with a conundrum: either she demagogued the issue of no-bid contracts as a candidate or she rewards her cronies with no-bid contracts as a councilwoman. Which is it?

As a candidate for State Representative, Ms. Ives now offers the same sanctimony and cynicism.  Her recent campaign mailer states that “Illinois Needs Ethical, Principled Leadership” and that she will “put an end to political cronyism…[and]…special interests.”  Once again, Ms. Ives gives no specifics. 

Voters should be alarmed by this pattern of politicking, even though we have seen it many times before.  Candidates who piously attack the integrity of others, with no basis, only to fall from the moral high ground upon which they stand.   Candidates who ride the wave of cynicism to election, only to find themselves pulled down by the undertow once in office.   Candidates who distract voters from their positions on important issues, only to deprive us of real leaders who can
address them.  We have seen this campaign and this candidate before.  

Please don’t confuse cynicism with substance.