Jim Oberweis Answers Patch Candidate Survey

ILLINOIS — Local entrepreneur Jim Oberweis is looking to unseat Rep. Lauren Underwood in Illinois Disrict 14 of the U.S. House of Representatives in the November 3 general election. Below, you'll find Oberweis's responses to Patch's candidate survey.

Jim Oberweis

Age (as of Election Day)

74

Town/City of Residence

Sugar Grove

Office Sought

U.S. House

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Jenni Roberts – 51
Trish Oberweis – 49
Jim Oberweis – 46
Julie Oberweis – 43
Joe Oberweis - 40

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I graduated from Marmion Military Academy before going on to earn a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and, later, an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

Occupation

Chairman of Oberweis Dairy

Campaign website

www.jim2020.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Senator - 25th District

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue facing the 14th District is the economy. We had a robust economy with record low unemployment going into the pandemic and now we are facing the harsh reality that many of our businesses may not be coming back.

We need leaders in Congress who understand what it takes to create jobs and can help craft policies that will lead to job growth. I have extensive experience as a small business owner in creating jobs. I have received the NFIB endorsement because I have a 100 percent voting record on the issues small business owners care about. Democrats love to talk about spending money on one government program after another, but if more Americans had good paying jobs and more discretionary income – we could solve a lot of problems without creating yet another government program that takes money out of the economy.

Some specific economic proposals are:
· Create a public/private partnership between manufacturers and community colleges (grants etc.) to teach pharmaceutical manufacturing and begin moving pharmaceutical production back to the United States
· Reduce regulatory hurdles to encourage investment in start-up companies and more domestic manufacturing
· Make the Trump tax cuts permanent

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?

There is no question that black lives DO matter. I actively support efforts to eradicate racism in our society.

But Black Lives Matter as an organization is a radical group committed to untenable policies like defunding the police and raising money for Democrat candidates. We need thoughtful, practical solutions not the radicalism Black Lives Matter as an organization offers.

I strongly support the right of people to peacefully protest. I have done so myself. But what we are seeing with the rioting and looting, and violence is not peaceful protesting. They are destroying businesses and jobs, putting people out of work. Some of those businesses will never come back. And it is not just on North Michigan Avenue. Grocery stores and pharmacies in Woodlawn, Englewood and other neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago were also looted and closed. The violence is wrong and needs to stop.

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

Racial discrimination is wrong and has clearly happened at times in our country. We need to take steps to heal this nation and address racial discrimination, but we do not need to adopt radical policies like “defunding” the police. We need to enable our police to keep our communities safe. I would support measures to improve training for police officers and to make it easier for departments to weed out bad actors who abuse their positions. Lack of support and confidence in our police can lead to vigilantes taking control and that would be the worst possible outcome.

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?

The most frustrating part of confronting COVID-19 has been the politicization of this virus. From the very beginning of the pandemic we lost valuable time in terms of responding to the virus because of the misinformation coming out of China. Had China been more forthcoming with good information about the disease, we could have been more informed in terms of how to respond.
Our initial view of the virus was shaped by the information coming from China. At the beginning of the outbreak, health officials told the public that there was nothing to fear about the virus. Dr. Fauci did numerous interviews in which he said COVID-19 was not something Americans should be concerned about.

Once the virus took hold in our country, it became as much a political story as it was a medical story. The President was criticized for “overreacting” when he banned travel from China. Nancy Pelosi made a spectacle of going to a Chinese restaurant at the same time. Democrat governors took to the podium every day to blast the President and then the President spent a great deal of time in his press briefings defending his decisions and pushing back against the political attacks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has cost the lives of too many Americans and our response to the virus has cost millions of Americans their livelihood. Entire industries have come to a complete halt because of this disease. If ever there was a time for America to be united – it should be a time like this.

Unfortunately, because of the politicization of this disease, we are more divided than ever. Are there things the federal government could have and should have done better in responding to this virus? Absolutely. We should, when the pandemic is behind us, thoroughly examine what actions were successful and what actions need improvement. This should not be done as a finger pointing exercise but rather as a good faith effort to learn how to better prepare for future pandemics.
On the state level, I think the Governor is engaging in an overreach with his lockdowns. I am troubled by his unwillingness to allow schools to determine the appropriateness of fall sports at their own schools. If colleges and pro sports can find ways to safely play – shouldn’t we at least allow schools to decide what is right for them?

I was an early supporter of allowing restaurants to allow outdoor seating for families with tables at least six feet apart and I told him so in no uncertain terms.

Finally, while wearing masks when indoors in close contact with others for a prolonged period of time can clearly help reduce the spread of the virus, I oppose a nationwide mask mandate. We should encourage people to wear masks and educate everyone as to when it is appropriate or required. But one rule for the entire country makes no sense and would likely be ignored by many communities.

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

The main difference between Lauren Underwood and me is her extreme radical socialist voting record and her undying support for Nancy Pelosi. Underwood has voted with Nancy Pelosi 100 percent of the time this entire year.

She is ranked one of the most partisan legislators in Congress. The McCourt School Bipartisan Index House Scores for 116th Congress First Session (2019) from the Lugar Center ranks Lauren Underwood 344th out of 437 members for bipartisanship. I will work with both Democrats and Republicans as a member of Congress.

Lauren Underwood has never worked in the private sector, had to balance a budget or paid a real estate tax bill in Illinois. She believes that the Madigan-backed tax hikes are OK. I don’t.
Finally, we have all witnessed some horrific mistakes by a few police officers, but such mistakes do not mean we should “defund the police”. I believe we all have the right to protest wrongs we see. I have done so myself. But when we see people destroying businesses, rioting, and looting to protest wrongs, that is absolutely unacceptable. Yet my opponent called the rioting and looting an example of beautiful protests. No one should be allowed to serve in Congress with those beliefs.
Condemning violence should be bipartisan but sadly it is not. We should be working together as Republicans and Democrats to protect our citizens and our businesses from the violent actions of a few extremists. We cannot heal and come together as a nation while our cities are under siege. We must stand together against this lawlessness.

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

Lauren Underwood and Nancy Pelosi voted for H.R. 6800, which among other things, would have allowed illegal immigrants to receive up to $1,200 in stimulus payments and up to $6,000 for some families. This kind of radicalism is not in keeping with the values of this district. Available funds should be used to help citizens first.

Additionally, Lauren Underwood and Nancy Pelosi Co-sponsored and voted for H.R.1, which would allow millions of dollars in public funding for candidates running for Congress. H.R. 1 would create a program to match certain qualifying campaign contributions with federal funds for House candidates who comply with the program’s requirements.

Finally, Lauren Underwood and Nancy Pelosi voted for H.R. 7120, which would change qualified immunity, removing certain protections for police officers. This radical approach would make it all but impossible for police officers to do their jobs.

The people of the 14th District don’t want radical bills to federally fund the election of people to Congress. They don’t want tax dollars to go to illegal immigrants. They don’t want to make it impossible for police officers to do their jobs. They want to defend not “defund the police.” They do not want the radicalism that my opponent routinely supports.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Some of the issues I am focused on are taxes, healthcare, and jobs.

One of the reasons I am running for Congress is the fact that I do not want Illinois to become the example for the rest of the nation. Illinois is an example of the tremendous damage out-of-control spending and high taxes can do. We have thousands of people leaving Illinois each year because of the high taxes and outrageous spending. Illinois should serve as a reminder that sound fiscal policies and fair – not punitive – taxation is the best way to improve our economy.
People want access to affordable, quality healthcare. There are free market solutions that will enable us to achieve these goals. We can lower costs, increase access all while protecting pre-existing conditions. Allowing more competition, increasing price transparency, and allowing portability of healthcare coverage are just some of the ways we can improve healthcare.
When it comes to jobs, I have been a job creator for decades. I have built and run three successful businesses. I have an MBA from the University of Chicago. I understand economics and I have created thousands of jobs in the last 10 years.

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

Thirty years ago, I purchased the family business after my brother had a stroke and was unable to continue running the business. Since then, Oberweis Dairy has grown from a small home delivery company with one ice cream store and 50 employees to 44 ice cream stores and restaurants with more than 1,300 employees.

And today, Oberweis Dairy is more than just ice cream stores – it is also burgers and pizza. In 2012, we opened the first “That Burger Joint” and later we purchased the Woodgrain Pizzeria chain.

I have not always been a part of the Dairy business. After graduating from the University of Illinois, I was a math and science teacher at Waldo Junior High School in Aurora. Then, I launched a career in the financial services industry. Today, Oberweis Asset Management manages approximately $3 billion in growth stock assets, including the Oberweis Family of Mutual Funds which I started.

I have been successful throughout most of my life (with a few failures mixed in) and I recognize that with that success comes a responsibility to give back to the community. More than two decades ago, I established the Oberweis Foundation as a charitable trust created to help children and adults in difficult economic circumstances, such as those served by Hesed House and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. I also have been an active supporter of Project H.O.O.D. in Chicago, which is working to keep kids out of gangs and off drugs and to reduce the street violence in Chicago.

In 2012, I ran and won a seat in the Illinois State Senate. One of my accomplishments is passing bipartisan legislation raising the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph after four other senators had failed to pass similar legislation. I greatly enjoy the opportunity to serve my constituents in the Illinois Senate.

Finally, I am blessed to have 24 grandchildren. I enjoy every moment I have with them.

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

One of the first things I will do as an elected member of Congress will be to cast a vote AGAINST Nancy Pelosi and FOR a responsible leader of Congress. My opponent, Lauren Underwood, has betrayed the trust of her constituents by casting her vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. I don’t believe 14th District residents would say Nancy Pelosi is looking out for their interests.
I really want to focus on taxes, term limits and healthcare as my legislative priorities. Obamacare has hurt healthcare in this country. We need free market solutions to healthcare. We need to allow insurance companies to offer plans that cross state lines. We need to allow workers to keep the healthcare plans they like – even when they change jobs. We also need meaningful tort reform to reduce the cost of medical liability. We need healthcare solutions that actually lower the cost of healthcare. The only “solution” Underwood offered is to simply change who pays for it by shifting costs to taxpayers. Nothing she has offered will reduce the cost of healthcare.
So, one of my top priorities will be to push for real solutions to healthcare.

Why should voters trust you?

The residents of the 14th District know exactly who I am and where I stand. I have a spent decades building businesses and building a brand that people know and trust, and in my political life, I have been honest with the voters throughout my tenure as a State Senator.

My opponent told the City Club of Chicago that it was probably in her best interest not to talk about presidential candidates in the Democrat party. She recognizes that the 14th Congressional District is not anywhere near as radical as so many in her party (Underwood included) seem to be. Underwood cannot be honest with her constituents about her positions on the issues because she knows they are not in line with the majority of people in the 14th. I can and will be honest with the people of this district because that kind of honesty and integrity is what voters need and deserve.

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

I plan to be a budget hawk as a member of Congress. We need to get government spending under control. The debt we are creating is generational theft and it is wrong. I believe we need to return to a true budget process. No more continuing resolutions that get rammed through at the last minute and are negotiated in secret. The recent CR was more than 2,300 pages. No one read it. No one truly knows what is in it. The current budget process needs to change.
Specifically, we need to:
• Substantially reduce discretionary spending;
• Reduce entitlement spending through structural market-based reforms;
• Enact a federal Balanced Budget Amendment;
• Give the President the ability to use the line item to veto appropriations bills like most governors can do in the states.
I have signed the balanced budget amendment pledge and I will be a strong advocate for getting our spending under control as a member of Congress.

As a member of the Illinois Senate, I have returned tens of thousands of dollars from my district budget allowance to the state. Most members find ways to spend their full budget by doing more mailings. I treat taxpayer dollars as if they were my own. I share a legislative aide in Springfield with another senator which saves an additional $50,000 per year. If every senator did the same, we would save taxpayers an additional $1,000,000 per year.

I will also propose term limits for members of Congress, though I know that will be a very tough challenge. But someone has to lead the way and I will.

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

No. I have every intention of fulfilling my term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Ronald Reagan’s advice to the effect that it is amazing how much you can get done when you don’t care who gets the credit. I believe my friend Pastor Corey Brooks is a terrific example of someone who lives that advice every day.

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

I support term limits. Not only will I support term limits legislation, but I also will sponsor a term limits bill.

Additionally, I have consistently supported the repatriation of drugs from Canada which would lower the cost of prescription medication considerably for seniors. I think what the President is trying to accomplish here is the right thing to do.

Finally, I am a strong proponent of immigration and a fierce opponent of illegal immigration. As a matter of policy, we should not hold children responsible for the actions of their parents. I believe there must be a reasonable path for citizenship for children of illegal immigrants who have grown up in the United States, but I would not provide a path to citizenship for the parents who broke the law. They could be granted a non-immigrant visa which would allow them to stay and work but not provide a path to citizenship. If they want to become citizens, they would have to follow the same path as any other applicant. Trump’s attempt to end DACA is a great negotiating tool to bring true reform, which in my mind involves a compromise for dreamers while providing strong border security and ending birth right citizenship for those born here to parents who are here illegally. I believe this is a reasonable compromise and should be the approach we take to bring about meaningful immigration reform.

I think there is and should be a bipartisan solution to immigration. I have a history of working with Democrats to address big issues. My opponent is one of the least bipartisan members of Congress. She has no interest in working with Republicans. If we want to make progress on big issues like immigration – it won’t happen with people like Lauren Underwood in Congress.