Thomas Wilda, Congressional Candidate: 2020 Election

Green Party candidate Thomas Wilda of Chicago faces two opponents in the Nov. 3 election — Democratic incumbent Mike Quigley and Republican Tom Hanson. The 5th Congressional District includes all or parts of Elmhurst, Hinsdale or La Grange Park. Here are the answers to a questionnaire that Patch submitted to Wilda:

Age (as of Election Day):

69

Town/City of Residence:

Chicago

Office sought:

U.S. House

Party affiliation:

Green

Family:

None

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Ph.D

Occupation:

Social worker

Campaign website:

tomforthefifth.com

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

No

The single most pressing issue facing our district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it:

Medicare for All and Universal Basic Income due to pandemic

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Absolutely, African Americans have been oppressed for 400 years. They deserve respect and dignity. Police have become depraved in their use off force.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

Police should be defunded and refunded. Officers may reapply for jobs and go through a rigorous training in non-violent techniques and cultural/ ethical competency. They need to be licensed with the requirement of yearly continuing education. Police need to become peace officers and not a military under siege.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

Terrible. I favor the restrictions that are in place to protect the people.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponents do not support Medicare for All, Universal Basic Income, Student Debt Forgiveness, Green New Deal, getting money out off politics, Just Foreign Policy, Getting Out of the 7 Wars the US is in.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency):

Present representative is told how to vote by his party elders, and he votes that way.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Ending covert intervention in other countries, community based police reform, cutting the military budget

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Community organizing for 40 years in the US and Latin America. Development of homeless shelters, preschool programs, medical clinics, soup kitchens. Work in Community Health

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Medicare for All, $3,000 Universal Basic Income for every American monthly, student debt forgiveness, Green New Deal/Climate Change

Why should voters trust you?

I don't take PAC money or other corporate money. Limit individual donations to less that $100. At age 69, I am not a political climber, only a concerned citizen that wants to help save the country from complete corruption and the dominance of corporations.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I am for Monetary Reform which is to eliminate the Federal Reserve and create a sovereign money issued without debt from the Department of Treasury. I do not believe in a scarcity of money. There needs to be enough money to provide for the welfare of the people.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Know oneself, be honest, love

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

To ask me a question visit tomforthefifth.com. Leave me a message. I will answer.