The 114th House District includes East St. Louis, south to Millstadt, Smithton and Freeburg and up to Shiloh in the eastern part of the district. Incumbent LaToya Greenwood was first elected in 2018, having defeated Republican Jason Madlock by a margin of 58-42 - a difference of 6,157 votes.
The Record asked Greenwood and Barnes to answer the following in a Q&A format. Greenwood has not responded to the request. Barnes answered.
What is your professional background?
Barnes: I've been in the insurance business since 1979, owning my independent agency since 1985
What elected or appointed public offices have you held?
Barnes: St. Clair Township trustee - four years; St. Clair Township Supervisor - seven and a half years.
What are the greatest challenges facing Illinois? Please explain your positions on how you would tackle those challenges.
Barnes: Growing pension crisis and business flight to other states. Hard decisions are going to have to be made by elected officials who want to do what's right for the state and not be worried about getting re-elected.
What is your position on the governor's progressive income tax proposal?
Barnes: I'm 100% against it
How important is pension reform to resolving the state's fiscal problems?
Barnes: Very.
Why are you a better qualified candidate than your opponent?
Barnes: I believe in reducing taxes, allowing individuals and businesses to keep more of their money, whereas my opponent shows by her past voting record that she believes in raising taxes, taking more of your money and driving people and businesses to our neighboring states.
Since federal prosecutors announced a scheme by Commonwealth Edison to bribe House Speaker Michael Madigan for passage of legislation that funneled billions of dollars the electric utility's way, several of his own House Democrats have called for him to step down. Where do you stand on Madigan?
Barnes: At the very minimum, Madigan should step down until the investigation is completed.