Ventura Responds to Mattson Smear Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022

JOLIET, IL – VENTURA CALLS MATTSON'S FIRST ATTACK A BOLD-FACED LIE AND DEEPLY HYPOCRITICAL

Rachel Ventura responded to Eric Mattson's first round of attack ads with an e-mail and a social media campaign titled, "Fighting Fire with the Truth." Ventura released the following statement:

"Can voters trust Eric Mattson? One minute he promises not to get dirty and the next minute he attacks me with blatant lies.

The Truth: The pay increase that I voted on would have taken effect in 2023, long after my term as a Will County Board Member would be over. It gave the next board a pay raise, not me. Secondly, the pay increase was revenue neutral and would not raise taxes as it used realized savings from the reduction in board members to cover the cost of the pay increase. The Will County Board, during redistricting, reduced the number of districts by four. The majority of board members voted down the raise, and voted to reduce the number of districts. The taxpayers did not see a tax cut.

The Hypocrisy: As president of the firefighters’ union Eric Mattson was constantly pushing for taxpayer-funded pay raises for firemen, and last year he earned $175,000 per year. According to a March 26th candidates' forum, he plans on being a full-time fireman and being a part-time State Senator even though his salary in the Illinois Senate is $69,000 per year. Furthermore, Mattson became an official pension double-dipper when he was anointed by the Will County Democratic Party Chairman, who also happens to be a fireman.

The Math: Mattson is now earning two government paychecks. One as a Joliet firefighter for $175,000 per year and a second job as an appointed state senator that pays $69,000 per year for a combined total of $244,000 per year. He is also eligible for two taxpayer-funded pensions.

As a Will County Board Member, I earn $23,000 per year ($11/hour). Prior to June 3, 2022 I also earned $53,000 year working for Joliet Township. Both are government jobs with a combined income of $76,000 per year. I departed the Township position on June 3rd to campaign full-time. Now, I only have one job as a Will County Board Member.
This isn’t Eric’s first lie. I watched him perjure himself under oath during the Illinois State Board of Elections Hearing. Furthermore, on March 26th he said that he would run a clean race. In the following video, at minute marker 16:24 Mattson says, "I told you then and I'll tell you now. I won't get dirty, so as much as it's gonna be, I would not do that. And, like I said, I'll swear on Nana's grave that was not me." He was responding to a question about negative campaigning while knocking on doors.

If elected, I will be a full-time Senator with one job, honestly serving the people of the 43rd District. My opponent has not said the same."