101st State Representative Candidate

Questions & Answers

What is the importance of an Illinois State Representative to your constituents in Champaign County?

Quite simply, both sides in Springfield have dug their heels in and refused to act like grown-ups. It’s one of the reasons so many people in Illinois are angry about government, and it’s one of the reasons that led me to run for this seat. It’s a shared problem, Democrats and Republicans, Mike Madigan and Bruce Rauner. It’s time for leadership.

Why are you qualified to be the Illinois State Representative for the 101st District?

I’m proud to say I have experience getting things done in Piatt County. I have a real track record, not just rhetoric. In Piatt County, we've balanced the budget every year while protecting services and taxpayer dollars. Our County Nursing Home is solvent, unlike others in the area. I've shown that I won't just draw a line in the sand and vote a certian way because a donor told me to or an organization that endorses me wants me to. Everybody gets a fair shake with me. I'll consider every opinion and make the best decision I can for the people of this district. We need fewer people on the extremes and more people willing to get to work.

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

We need more people in Springfield who aren’t going to say “no” anytime someone on the other side opens their mouth. That’s why I’m running. I don’t think both sides are actually that far apart from finding some agreement, but we need people who are actually willing to bridge the divide and get things done. I get things done. I've balanced budgets and protected county taxpayers. And I don't care who has the best idea as long as we get it done. I'll never put politics in front of people.

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

We need to put Illinois back to work. I agree with Governor Rauner’s call to freeze property taxes. I also believe in incentivizing job creation and helping lure business into the state through opportunity for growth, but without corporate welfare. It’s also going to take an effort to “sell” the value of Illinois, instead of politicians trashing the state because of what one party or one Governor has done. We all love our state, so we should act like it.

The News-Gazette has also done a questionnaire with all Republican candidates running for 101st State Representative.

You can find that questionnaire: here.