Wait makes it official: He’s running for Boone County judge

October 13th, 2009 at 12:02pm Chuck Sweeny

BELVIDERE — State Rep. Ron Wait, R-69th, who has been in the House for all but two years since 1983, is stepping down from that job and will instead run for the newly-created position of Boone County judge.
Wait’s exit clears the field for a new representative in the district that takes in all of Boone County, a small part of DeKalb County and a wide swath of Winnebago County. Already, there are two Rockford-based candidates for the seat, Ald. Joe Sosnowski, R-1, and Michele Corirossi. No Democratic candidates have surfaced.
The district, which will be redrawn after the 2010 census, has been safe for most Republicans, although Democrat Barb Giolitto dethroned Wait in 1992 in what was widely interpreted as a reaction to Wait’s perceived inaction in the House. Wait took back the seat in 1994.
Wait, who made his campaign announcement at the Boone County Courthouse, said he welcomes the new challenge.
“As one great experience comes to an end, another opportunity arises. It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that I will not be seeking reelection to represent the people of the 69th Legislative District. Yet I am excited for the new horizon ahead and I know I can further serve the people by being their next judge,” Wait said.
Wait, 65, has been a teacher, lawyer, farmer, and accountant. In the House he served on the Criminal Law and Civil Law committees for over a decade.
“A vast majority of the types of laws a Circuit Judge would have to rule upon come through these two committees. Civil law deals with divorce, child support and custody, contracts, torts (accidents), and many other types of issues,” Wait’s campaign announcement said.
Wait said he believes in law and order, “as seen through my passage of laws isolating gang members. As judge, I will not let my personal feelings or past experiences sway my judgment. If a person breaks the law, then they will be punished accordingly. To me, this is just common sense and that is how I plan to rule if I was so honored to be elected as your Resident Circuit Judge of Boone County.”
Wait is the first announced candidate to enter the judge race.

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