Rock Island Today

Mike Thoms, the Republican mayor of Rock Island, is running to represent Illinois' 36th district in the state Senate. 

He said in an interview with Rock Island Today that he aspires to create better economic opportunities in Illinois to make the state more competitive. 

Thoms was elected mayor of Rock Island in 2017, according to his website. He was re-elected for a second term in 2021. 

"During my tenure, Rock Island has seen increases in economic development projects coming into the city and the creation of a police and community relations committee," Thoms told Rock Island Today.

Thoms worked for his family business, Thoms-Proestler Company, prior to serving in elected office. He told Rock Island Today he was a third-shift dock worker when he started. He "learned every aspect of the business" throughout his 30 years at the company, his website noted. Thoms worked his way up to hold the position of chief operating officer. He began developing residential and commercial properties, including the Fyre Lake Golf Club, after retiring.

The redrawn 36th district covers portions of five counties across western Illinois. Included are the Illinois side of the Quad Cities, Galesburg, Monmouth, and Macomb, "along with numerous other towns and villages full of hard-working people," Thoms said. "The district includes many large agricultural, manufacturing, and health care industry jobs, along with local small businesses, reflecting the diversity of our economy here in western Illinois. From John Deere, IMEG, and BNSF to Unity Point, OSF HealthCare, and our numerous universities, the 36th District represents hard-working Illinoisans who see growth in our bordering states and want the same for their home."

Why are you running for office? 

"As mayor, I have taken notice of issues at the state level that burden local governments and often make our communities uncompetitive with our neighboring states," Thoms said. "Creating additional jobs and economic opportunities in cities like Rock Island was a main reason I decided to run. Additionally, I've watched politicians in Springfield pass egregious legislation that harms taxpayers and especially makes it more difficult for our police officers to do their job."

If elected, what would be your priority in Springfield?

"Our state needs to more deliberately focus on increasing economic development across our state," Thoms said. "Policy coming out of Springfield continues to put too many regulations and restrictions on our businesses to grow and for cities to attract new employers. We must incentivize companies to put roots down in Illinois, and taxing our current companies at too high of a level will stop them from expanding or simply cause them to leave. Outside of incentives, we need financial stability through balanced budgets and sound planning to show Illinois is a great place for businesses both large and small to operate. When you have more businesses showing up, there is a demand for more jobs and more people will come here because the jobs are here. You can grow rooftops and population if you have businesses growing and new businesses coming. That's the domino effect.”

How would you describe your political ideology?

“During my time as a private citizen, and as the mayor of a diverse city, I’ve prided myself on the ability to negotiate and find compromise," Thoms said. "Politics too often gets in the way of simply producing results for those you serve. While there are many core beliefs I will never betray, I am dedicated to working with all parties who want to see our communities in western Illinois thrive."

What are the biggest threats facing Illinoisans?

“This election provides voters the chance to have their voice restored at the Capitol," Thoms said. "For too long, Illinois has continued to see its residents and businesses flee the communities we call home due to disastrous state policies. We can restore common-sense solutions and the right for local communities to control their destiny instead of dealing with statewide mandates handed down for out-of-touch leaders."

What do you think of your opponent? 

“My opponent, Mike Halpin, is the current state representative for the 72nd district and the chairman of the Rock Island County Democrats," Thoms said. "He has voted for numerous tax increases, including doubling the gas tax in 2019 that we continue to deal with today, and supporting Pritzker's progressive income tax proposal that voters resoundingly rejected. Further, he voted for the misguided SAFE-T Act, which ended cash bail and put numerous burdens on our local police officers. We can change the 'politics as usual' culture in Springfield we have become accustomed to by electing someone who hasn't served a political party and its leaders for years and instead electing a common-sense executive with a record of producing results."

Can you describe your family life?

“I am a life-long resident of Rock Island and the fourth generation of my family to live here. I have been married to my loving wife Sara for 42 years and have three adult children and 11 grandchildren.” 

Are you involved in any meaningful organizations or charities in your community?

"I am a longtime community volunteer, focusing on youth services," Thoms said. "I currently serve on the boards of directors for Junior Achievement, HAVlife Foundation, the Putnam Museum, [and] the YMCA and the YWCA [of] Quad Cities. I also serve on the facilities committee for the Rock Island-Milan School District and used to sit on the board of directors for Bethany for Families and Children and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, in my role as mayor, I serve on the Bi-State Regional Commission, an intergovernmental planning and project development organization."