While applauding Galesburg’s response to reports of lead in drinking water, the Democratic and Republican candidates for the Illinois’ 74th District seat say they want to see state and federal aid to address the problem.
Democrat Bill Butts tells WGIL the state has an obligation to support the city.
“This is what the state is here for,” he says, “to promote the public health and welfare of its citizens, to strive for the public good. And I cannot think of a greater public good than the safety of our children.”
Butts is referring to last month’s Associated Press investigation that revealed high lead levels in Knox County children under the age of six. He says state grants should be looked at, but money could flow directly from the Illinois Department of Public Health if a budget were in place.
Republican Dan Swanson says addressing lead in houses, whether it be from service lines, paint or other aspects of the home environment, will take time.
“It’s going to take a joint effort by homeowners, residents, the city and some other funding,” Swanson says.
He says funding could come from federal sources, but was uncertain about state dollars.
Swanson says Domocratic Congresswoman Cheri Bustos brought the local lead issue to the attention of lawmakers who can aid Galesburg, but at the same time painted the city in a negative light that has impacted businesses.
