News Local/State

Election 2014: Democratic Treasurer Candidate Mike Frerichs

 
Mike Frerichs

State Sen. Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) officially announces his candidacy for state treasurer in Champaign, Ill. on Jan. 22, 2014. (Sean Powers/WILL)

The treasurer's office oversees Illinois' investments and provides several services, including college savings plans for residents and a loan program for farmers. Senator Mike Frerichs is challenging Tom Cross for the office.

In a series of candidate conversations we’re featuring up to the election, Frerichs (D-Champaign) joined Illinois Public Radio’s Jamey Dunn to talk about the campaign.

"I believe that if we make greater investments in our workers, in our entrepeneurs, and also, in our agriculture, our largest industry in the state, we can improve this state, and get it moving in the right direction," he said.  "With agriculture being the largest industry in the state, we're looking to invest more in agriculture, and to help farmers make that transition to more sustainable farming."

There's a refererence in this interview to an unpaid property tax bill involving the Senator's legislative office in Champaign.

Since this interview was recorded, Frerichs won an appeal from the state on the property tax issue he addressed.

Frerichs faces former House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), who was also interviewed by Dunn, in the November election.