Rock Island Today

Jeffrey Orton's former history students should be proud.

The 64-year-old retired teacher and Henry County Board District 1 member was the leading vote getter Tuesday in the Henry County Board elections. 

Eight Republican incumbents and one Democrat incumbent were re-elected to the Henry County Board.

“The responsibility of giving something back is a job every citizen should have,” Orton told Rock Island Today.  “I’m trying to leave things in a better position than when I came on board.”

Over the years, Orton always stressed to his students that he feels in a democratic society every citizen has an obligation to public service

Orton made the state’s dwindling population, fledgling economy and excessive regulations the hot-button issues of his campaign

“We have to have less regulations if we’re going to attract more businesses,” he said. “That’s the only way we can grow our tax base.”

Orton said much of the state’s troubles trace back to longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and policies he has put forth, which Orton believes are behind an out-migration. 

He worries that Democratic Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker will cause more hardship for the state, particularly if his proposals for a progressive tax or a mileage tax are enacted.

“No matter what you stand for politically, there’s no reason taxes should have to be raised in this state,” he said. “I’ve never been a Madigan fan and feel he is responsible for a lot of the problems we’re now facing.”

Orton said the state would greatly benefit from fewer regulations and more outreach aimed at attracting and keeping families and businesses.

Other incumbents earning another term on the board include Kippy Breeden, Jill Darin, Loren Rathjen, Bill Preston, Marshall Jones, Kelli Parsons, Lynn Sutton and Jan May.