Governor Candidate

Questions & Answers

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

The citizens of Champaign County are a composite of citizens throughout the state. Champaign-Urbana represents what is best about city living and entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. Champaign County encompasses a broad swath of rural, suburban and farming communities, diverse in economic interests and demographics. Therefore, the people of Champaign County need a Governor of integrity, compassion and ethical political sensibilities in whom the people can trust to do what is best for the state’s current difficult situation and for the people going forward. The major issues which impact our people would be best served with a balanced budget, properly funded schools and universities, and safety nets for the most vulnerable citizens as well as those in agriculture and industry who form the backbone of the Illinois economy.

The contribution of the University of Illinois U-C cannot be over state as it is a leader in agriculture and research in our nation and the world. Not only is it the largest employer (13,857) in Champaign County but it is responsible for preparing 40,000 student for actualization of the American Dream through their participation as teachers, technicians, researchers, economists, farmers, programmers, healthcare workers, etc.

The Governor of Illinois needs to appreciate all the education institutions and support them as leverage to attract businesses and create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. This requires a reorganization of the higher education system to reduce and eliminate wasteful redundancies and to insure adequate funding and an affordable tuition.

Why are you qualified to be Governor?

The most important qualification for governor at this time is integrity and ethical politics. I provide the citizens of Illinois with a choice between bully politics and cooperative, collegial leadership. I have proven my abilities to work with all stakeholders, looking for the best result rather than the best political advantage. I am the only candidate who has hands on experience across a broad range of constituencies trusted with uplifting their communities by including all stakeholders in developing a compelling, effective response to gun violence. In fact, I am the only candidate who has hands on experience in reducing gun violence.

I also ran in 2014 where I secured 28.1 percent of the vote and winning 30 counties downstate. I intend to be the “People’s Governor,” putting their needs first and responding with a balanced approach regarding our fiscal situation and the overwhelming need to get Illinois on the right track.

Background: I was born and raised in Chicago by my grandparents in the Avalon Park community where I attended St. Felicitas Catholic School. After I graduated from Northwestern University with a Master’s degree in Inner City Studies, I worked as a community organizer, as Director of Ceasefire, and served on many community boards, working with the Illinois State Police to Project Safe Neighborhoods with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

My vast experience working on the ground, in cities all across our state (in some of the toughest communities) has allowed me to work with thousands of people from all walks of life. I have seen firsthand how the budget debacle has impacted peoples’ lives as well as businesses and our cherished institutions throughout the state. I have lived experiences that makes me best candidate to move Illinois forward.

What is a key policy difference between you and your Primary Opponent[s]?

One of my key issues will be reforming the criminal justice system and reducing the murder rate in Illinois. Illinois spends more than $1.7 billion a year to operate our prison system, about $70,000 per prisoner. Prison spending has few economic benefits since it does not produce much value to society and, therefore, is a drag on the economy. Building off of the recommendations from the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform Report December 2016 I intend to work with both parties in melding together the best solutions for reducing crime, reforming the criminal justice system (arrest/sentencing) and improve prison operations and effectiveness at reducing recidivism.

Another is my leadership style of cooperation and collegiality where all inputs will be sought and decisions made for the best outcomes not the most politically advantageous short-term benefit.

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

My running mate and I are running as the underdogs in this campaign, and although we are coming up against extreme odds, we are willing to fight for the working class and poor people of Illinois. People are sick and tired of politics as usual and bully politics with no end game in sight.

I am not a career politician and I will lead with integrity. I will not stray away from the values we all hold in common. My running mate, Patricia Avery and I are a part of the 99% and we will work for the common good. We offer the people an opportunity to choose a candidate worthy of their vote and their contributions of time, talent and treasure.

Because we are not mega-financed, we are working harder than any of the other candidates to reach out and earn the support of our citizens.

Patricia Avery was born and raised in Champaign County. For the first time you will have a Lieutenant Governor that will be the voice for Champaign County. Ms. Avery has a long career in service to Champaign County. As President of the County Board, Ms. Avery maintained e budget and was first to institute a “living wage” for county employees. Among other reforms and programs, Ms. Avery is the Executive Director of Champaign Urbana Area Project which has been working to prevent juvenile delinquency, institute restorative justice training and programs, and end gun violence.

NBC5 from Chicago hosted a Televised debate with all Democrat candidates running for Governor.

You can watch the full debate: here.