County Board Candidate - District 6

Questions & Answers

What is the importance of the County Board to your constituents in Champaign County?

The importance of the County Board to my constituents is “everything” because it is them who elect people into office as representatives/County Board members. Also some qualities that I have, which are: being honest, transparent, listen well, convey my voters’ thoughts at meetings, and a humble servant. I believe elected officials are servants and should possess the quality of humility, meaning to care dearly for people because we are all equal as human beings.

What is a key policy difference between you and your Opponent?

One of my key policy differences between me and my opponent is that I have 25 years of experience as a local union representative (SEIU local 73) and understand the importance of negotiation with unionized employees. Also once as an elected Staff Advisory Council Member, I represented all the University of Illinois Civil Service Employees; a very diverse group that included every demographic imaginable.

The County Board is responsible for a yearly budget of nearly $130 million. How would prioritize this money, and are there any parts of the current budget you would change?

As an educator and researcher, I am always into revising, reforming and prioritizing information to educate people to what’s current and better for them, which include budgetary issues. As for this budget, I would thoroughly look into what’s essential, what’s not, what’s necessary and what’s not, along with my constituents’ thoughts to how a budget should be managed and prioritized. One financial issue that I am concern and passionate about is, using tax dollars for “alcohol and drug rehab programs” for mental health services as opposed to building new jails so that more people, particularly of color can go to. We must guard against building jails as business models, but instead invest more into the lives of our citizens, which makes better business models.

Is there anything else you would like to say to an undecided voter in Champaign County?

Yes, I am interested in serving on the Champaign County Board in order to broaden the perspectives that are present. My studies at the University of Illinois receiving my Ph.D. in Political Education with a specialty in local government, prepared me for the work required to improve our democratic system. And once again, I believe in being humble and a committed servant to my constituents and their interests because of their faith in me.