A longtime southern Illinois school administrator is running for state senate as a democrat.
Steve Webb is superintendent of the Goreville school district. He wants to challenge incumbent republican Dale Fowler.
The former president of the Illinois Association of School Administrators has been vocal over the years that the state must budget more money for K through 12 schools. Webb says the senate needs someone like him who will have children's needs as a priority.
"They haven't increased our funding since 2011. I don't know how many people are truly aware of that. But, they've reduced by about 11 percent over that time. This is 2018, that's extremely unacceptable."
Webb says he couldn't turn down the opportunity to try to make a difference.
"I think it's incumbent upon all of us - if we've got the opportunity to step up to the plate - I think we should do it. That's what I'm doing now. I see a need. Some people have convinced me I could adequately fill that need and possibly help southern Illinois at the same time."
To make it on to the November ballot, he must collect one thousand valid signatures in the 59th district by June 4th.
